Page 5 - 2018 AMA Winter

CHAIRMAN’S
FOREWORD
Thank you to two long standing committee members!
Up front I would like to say a very public thank you to both Tarquin Shipley and Tommo Thompson
who have stood down as very long standing members of the AMA committee.
Their behind the scenes work as treasurer and benefits member have given the membership significant freedom and rewards over the years and their commitment and services will be missed. We continue to look for volunteers to help run the AMA so if you are interested please get in touch with any of the current committee for an insight into the roles.
With 2019 right round the corner and the winter season upon us, it is once again the time for duvet jackets, goretex and ice axes. Memories of the hottest summer for a generation are fading fast but what a summer it was. No one could complain about the opportunities it brought to get
out and about on the hill or the crag. The only people who lost out were climbing wall owners - even the most hardened of boulderers dragged themselves away from the plastic!
The climbers’ dream of long hot summers and harsh cold winters could become more of a reality in the future. Skiing in Scotland, winter routes in condition in Snowdonia and the Lakes, even Kinder Downfall climbable are the things we all long for. The prospect of a hot and sunny Army Festival of Climbing in North Wales next year is enough to start making plans for 2019. And all of that on the home bank.
On the far bank there are still even bigger dreams to be had next year and further out. With a fair wind the AMA exploratory ski mountaineering expedition to Baffin Island will go ahead,
our now annual hot rock trip to Spain will head off for some bolt clipping action and individual members will take part in unit activity across Europe and the globe. Preparations and team selection are also in-train for the Joint Services expedition to Broad Peak in 2020 led by the RAF.
Army climbing continues to offer oppor- tunities to those who choose to give it a go and are prepared to step up, volunteer and chase their dreams. As ever this edition of the journal shows what our members have been up to, from success at the Inter Services’ Climbing Cham- pionships, a successful AGM weekend and expeditions to Nepal and the Alps to name a few. It could be your article that we all read with a touch of envy next year.
Pete Skinsley
MEMBERSHIP
SECRETARY
FOREWORD
Currently we have over 2500 members. It is very important that I am informed of any changes to members details such as address, e-mail, 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
Another 6 months have flown by and what fun we’ve all been having. Exped reports have been arriving thick and fast, which means two things: you’ve been out and about and our Memorial Fund has been taking a hammering! Good on you!
Winter 18 showcases our finest expedition reports from the last 6 months. Our guest writer is Tom Livingston who has recently come back from making the first ascent of Latok 1 and our Chairman poses the question: ‘what is there left to explore’? We have reviews of approach shoes and one member’s view on the perfect alpine daysack.
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