Page 5 - 2019 AMA Summer

PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD
It is with deep regret that we mourn the passing of Lt Col (Retd) Tony Streather OBE who sadly passed away last November
In case you were not aware, Tony was our Honorary President, which is the most prestigious appointment for previous
serving members in our Association. A most spirited and true adventurer, Tony somehow manage to combine this with a very successful military career. Having had the privilege to meet Tony several times, I wasalwaysstruckbyhisxxxxx.Ifyouread nothing else in this Journal, I urge you to read the obituary by one of our Honorary Colonels, Lt Col (Retd) Meryon Bridges; a reflection of a life time of achievements and personal qualities which many of us can only admire and aspire to live in some small part. Bringing together both the past and present elements of the AMA, for example, through events such as the AGM and PresidentsDinnerremainimportanttothe culture of our amazing Association.
Whilst reflecting the accomplishments of Tony, it is also hugely positive to see an article from Hazel Findlay who is currently
one of the UK’s most accomplished female rock climbers. Her many achieve- ments include being the first British climber to climb a route graded E9. Also a mind coach, this serves to remind us of the importance that sports climbing and mountaineering (alongside all other sorts of Adventurous training and sport) contributes to the Army’s operational effectiveness through our own mental and physical resilience.
It is therefore appropriate to continue to observe the range of activities and opportunities organised from within our Association. By the time you are reading this, our ski mountaineering expedition to Baffin Island, arranged by WO2 Will Brandt (Brains), will have
returned which I look forward to hearing all about. We will have run the
Army Festival of Climbing and various other weekend Meets and Sports Climbing competitions. Continue to live life to the full, take inspiration from the achievements of others, and don’t forget everyone’s mountains, be they psycholog- ical or physical, are different but may well be of equal importance and magnitude.
Ivan Hooper
MEMBERSHIP
SECRETARY
FOREWORD
After the delivery of each journal edition I receive phone calls and emails from members who have not received their copy. This is usually due to members’ details not being correct in our database. Unfortunately a member calling the office is the only way I am able to update such information and so I rely on you letting me know. If I am informed I can make any changes necessary to the details we hold such as your address, e-mail and bank details etc; all you need to do is drop me an e-mail to the address below.
If you have any questions, concerns or anything at all please contact me on 01248 718364 or Mil 95581 7964 or by e-mail to secretary@armymountaineer.org. uk. The office hours are Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 15.45pm.
Emma Pritchard
EDITOR’S FOREWORD
Summer 19. Wow, and what a winter. With the weather being as varied as this edition proves to be what more could you want? T-shirt weather in February followed by deep snow, it’s certainly provided ample opportunity to top up your log book.
In this edition we’ve got something for all of you, whether you’re a pro climber, an aspiring summer mountain leader or just looking for inspiration and a look forward to the future, it’s all here. We have the privilege of having not one but two guest articles. The first from one of Britain’s premier female climbers, Hazel Findlay, and a second from flora and fauna uber-boffin, Mike Raine on his perspective for ‘enthusing and inspiring’ the future generation. Great stuff!
As always, if you’ve got an idea for an article, have been somewhere or have done something unusual, even if you want to contribute but don’t know how, regardless of rank, send me an email at Journal@ArmyMountaineer.org.uk.
Al Topping
ARMY MOUNTAINEER / 5