Chris’s Blog
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2022
From Friday 27 May until Friday 3 June @vertebrate_publishing are discounting a selection of their climbing and mountaineering narratives and guides to encourage summer reading and provide holiday inspiration. Some fantastic books to choose from!
Here is a link to the sale: bit.ly/BigClimbingBooksClearanceSale
1 month ago
Before the team headed out to Nepal, Liam received a telephone call from Sir Chris Bonington! This was arranged through his connections and work with Community Action Nepal, which is one of the amazing charities being supported during this expedition.
During the call he wished the team well and said he is proud of what we have done and what we are planning to do having prepared the right way and for the right reasons. He told us to enjoy every step of the mountain but to also remember that a successful summit of Everest is largely down to the luck of weather and circumstances being in the right place at the right time and that sometimes this isn’t to be and we need to be sensible with our decisions.
He wished the team all the best of luck and looks forward to meeting us all upon our return from Nepal. He admires our team spirt which has been a huge part of our success so far and is always a major part of everything we do.
His parting words were come back safe and enjoy every step.
What a lovely guy.
Liam expressed our thanks to him and the inspiration we have gained from him and Doug Scott & Paul Braithwaite.
3 months ago
Delighted to be back home in sunny Cumbria on the fells with my favourite walking friends. Community Action Nepal Berghaus
3 months ago
Here's a new film from @OutwardBoundUK... It follows 10 women on #outwardbound's 10 week Women's Outdoor Leadership Course. #IWD2022 is a great opportunity to look at what is being done to redress the gender balance in the outdoor sector.
youtu.be/lUNhixu9U5k #BreakTheBias
4 months ago
We have watched with deep sadness the events unfolding in Ukraine. Our thoughts are with our Ukrainian friends, colleagues, and partners, and all those affected by the conflict.
Alongside a financial donation to the UNHCR, we’ll also be taking action to support the humanitarian efforts with donations of apparel and backpacks for those displaced by the conflict.
If you also wish to make a donation to the UNHCR please head to the link below for more information.
www.unhcr.org/
4 months ago
action4diabetes.org/2021/12/03/type-1-diabetes-cycle-challenge-2022-the-italian-express-a4d/
4 months ago
Reading stories of the impact @OutwardBoundUK is having on the lives of young people through @thetimes charity appeal has been a joy. Donations to the appeal close on Monday and I hope you will join me showing your support for this wonderful charity. Thank you.
www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-stars-align-final-push-charities-hkrmq353g?shareToken=9685bbdeebb5...
5 months ago
There is an exciting job opportunity at Community Action Nepal, a charity founded by my good friend, Doug Scott; and for which I’m honoured to be a Patron.
CAN is currently recruiting for a Director of Fundraising. The successful candidate will be CAN’s most senior member of staff and will be responsible for the overall management of the UK office operations. They are looking for someone who will co-ordinate, drive forward and implement an effective fundraising strategy and be responsible for securing funding from a range of sources including individual donors, supporters, institutional funders, Trusts and Foundations, legacies and businesses. To apply for this position, visit www.canepal.org.uk/jobs and download an application form. Applications close on January 28th 2022.
5 months ago
2021
If you are looking for a last minute Christmas present idea, orders of dvd's or signed books need to be placed by 5pm on Monday 20th December for delivery before Christmas from -
www.bonington.com/shop/
Or www.charlesbonington.com/ for my brothers book Captive Islands
Thank you 🎅
6 months ago
46 years ago today I was leading an expedition on Everest, with a team that included Doug Scott and Dougal Haston.
It was on this day, 24th September 1975, that the expedition made history when Doug and Dougal became the first Brits to stand on the summit of Everest, having made the first ascent of the mountain via the south west face.
9 months ago
My Brother has just published a book about our Father and Grandfather's life on the remote Andaman Islands.
It is a fascinating and beautiful story about places still unknown, hostile tribes, a convict workforce and dense tropical forests. Once you start, you'll not be able to put it down and a book you will never forget.
To buy a copy, go to www.charlesbonington.com
9 months ago
As you know, I’m a Patron for the charity Community Action Nepal, founded by my great friend, Doug Scott, some twenty years ago. One of our fantastic supporters, Andrew Elliman, is swimming the English Channel this week, in honour of Doug, and to raise money for the charity. What makes this remarkable is that Andrew couldn’t even swim three years ago. Now he’s about to embark on a twenty mile journey across jellyfish infested waters. Please join me in showing your support for him, and if you can afford a few pounds, please donate via the link below. Good luck Andrew, and fair winds!
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/andrewellimanenglishchannelswim20-21?fbclid=IwAR2hYwhhsxKwlQaScLXt...
9 months ago
As you will no doubt be aware, we lost Doug Scott to cancer in December last year. To pay tribute to my great friend who inspired so many people around the world, I would like to invite you to join me for a very special evening at The Royal Geographical Society on Thursday November 25th 2021. I will be joined on stage for this wonderful evening by fellow legendary mountaineers, Paul ’Tut’ Braithwaite, Stephen Venables and Leo Houlding, as well as one of Doug’s closest friends, Dr. Rob Lorge. The conversations will be led by the wonderful Julie Summers. There will also be a special video message from Reinhold Messner.
This will be a truly special evening, full of laughter and tears, as well journey through Doug’s remarkable life both on and off the mountains. There will also be an auction of exclusive items and memorabilia - with all proceeds from the evening going to Doug’s charity, Community Action Nepal. www.canepal.org.uk
The event will also be screening lived on YouTube for those unable to attend in person. Please visit the EventBrite page for more details and to buy your tickets now! They’re are selling out very quickly!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/doug-scott-never-had-a-proper-job-an-evening-of-celebration-tickets-141123...
I look forward to seeing you there on November 25th.
—
10 months ago
Had a wonderful 87 birthday 🎉 with family and some very close friends, celebrated in Cumbria.
11 months ago
News of death of HRH Duke of Edinburgh reminded me of what a superb chairman of a meeting he was and a great leader. I was a trustee of Outward Bound of which he was Patron. It had got into deep financial trouble under the existing leadership. He stepped in, sacked the leaders, baled OB out from funds from D of E Award and took over the Chair. He was the best chair I have ever served under. Let people have their say but the moment they went off the point he’d firmly rein them in, was brilliant at summarising clear cut conclusions and always had a wonderful dry if not always politically correct sense of humour. He also had phenomenal memory for names and faces. Outward Bound The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
1 years ago
Amazing achievement.
1 years ago
Photos from The Alpine Club's post
1 years ago
2020
Thank you to Fran Sheridan for raising £130 for Community Action Nepal, in return for me signing this ice axe.
Fran raised the money by selling some climbing gear.
Fran said "My plan for the axe is to keep it, I like collectables and memorabilia so it's going on display for sure. It's been in a tub for years and I just thought with it being from a Himalayan Chris Bonington Expedition it is cool. As you know Scott Muir gave me it in 2003 who was on Chris's 1998 Sepu Kangri team. Back in 2003/4/5, I was climbing and training with Scott a lot. I remember Scott telling me how he got stuck in a snow hole not far from the summit with the axe and that it was on tv."
2 years ago
Some photos of my dear friend Doug Scott who passed away yesterday. Doug and I shared many great expeditions together and remained good friends.
Take a look at the life changing work that Doug has done with his charity Community Action Nepal, the work with CAN will continue.
www.canepal.org.uk
2 years ago
Doug Scott, my dear friend of fifty years, with whom I shared some of the greatest adventures of my life, passed away peacefully at his home in Cumbria with his family around him after a brief but intense mortal illness this morning, 7 December.
Beside his outstanding mountaineering achievements, the charity he founded, Community Action Nepal has enriched the lives of a huge number of people in the foothills of the Himalaya in Nepal.
2 years ago
Crazy Craig sets dates for postponed Everest Challenge
By now Revd. Craig Bentley should have completed his 500 climbs up Natland church tower to a total height exceeding that of Mount Everest.
Regrettably, lockdown2 brought all plans to an abrupt halt and Craig has been marooned at base camp.
Despite the postponement of the climb donations already exceed £1,400.00 to be shared between St Mark’s Church and the International Nepal Fellowship. Both organisations are very grateful for these generous donations and Craig is delighted to know that so many people have already offered support by donating to his Just giving page.
Inspired by this generosity Craig is determined to complete the challenge and has set a new date of 18th January 2021 to start his ascent. Watch this space for more news of Craig’s preparations as he forgoes a second helping of Christmas pud and concentrates on his strict training regime.
www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thecrazyclimbingcurate
2 years ago
Hamish Macinnes, my oldest friend, aged 90, died peacefully at his home in Glen Coe after an amazing life and career. I first met him when still a school boy back in 1952 when he took me for my first winter climb to make the first winter ascent on Raven’s Gully, then probably the hardest winter climb in Scotland. A few years later in 1957, as a Lieutenant in the army station in Germany, I wrote to him suggesting we could meet up in the Alps for a climb. A post card came back, “Meet me in Grindlewald we’ll go for the North Wall of the Eiger.” At that time it had not had a British Ascent. The face was in terrible condition so we turned back for me to finally make it in 1962 with Ian Clough. We went on to do many new routes together in Scotland. He was my equipment organiser on the South West Face of Everest in 1972 and got high on the mountain and in 1975 for our successful ascent he was deputy leader, organised the oxygen and designed much of our revolutionary box tents. I am so glad we called in to see him at his home at the end of September when he was as full of plans and positive as ever.
2 years ago
So inspired by acceptance speeches by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in their acceptance speeches US Election.
2 years ago
Mel of Due North has completed her Wainwrights challenge in 13 days and 12 hours. She picked up injuries early on which slowed her down but continued each day to ensure she completed all 214 Wainwrights consecutively. Mel still has 200 miles to do to complete the total the length of Nepal 546 miles , which she is doing for 2 charities. Community Action Nepal and Women's Aid. If you would like to donate please see the link 👉 gf.me/u/ynmjjz
Berghaus SportsShoes
2 years ago
My PA Mel has started her fundraising challenge, Run/Hike the length of Nepal (without leaving the UK) here she is on the 40 mile Lake District race on Saturday raising money for 2 charities, Community Action Nepal and Women's Aid. The next stage of Mel's challenge is to take on all 214 Wainwrights over 320 miles starting on 10th September. To read more about her challenge and to make a donation please see the link - gf.me/u/yphg5h
Berghaus
2 years ago
Legendary Mountaineer, Reinhold Messner taking part in the Community Action Nepal Everest Stair Challenge.
Please be inspired, for more info on the Everest Challenge take a look at canapal.org.uk
Thank You
2 years ago
Tremendous effort from the young team here.
You can still take part in the Community Action Nepal Everest Challenge , see www.canepal.org.uk for details
2 years ago
Thank you Pertemba SherpaToday’s summit is from a very, very special climber! This is Pertemba Sherpa, or PT, as he’s affectionately known. PT was the head Sirdar (lead Sherpa) on Chris Bonington’s original 1975 Everest expedition.
He was only 29 back then, and he helped lead the team to their historic summit. He also summited in the second summit team behind Dougal and Doug.
He has been a supporter of Community Action Nepal for years now, and has worked closely with them on developing a Sherpa Heritage Home - a memorial and museum for all of the mountain Sherpa’s. It was heavily damaged during the 2015 earthquake, but has been restored to its original glory.
It’s great to see PT climbing his stairs for this challenge!! We thank you so much for getting involved!!
There’s an exclusive interview with Pertemba to be released once we collectively climb to base camp at 5,600m. I’ll be announcing our position later on today!!! 🙌🏻🙏🏻🧗🏻♀️🏔#everestchallenge2020 #climb4can
2 years ago
Who is going to take part in the Community Action Nepal Everest Challenge over the weekend? Www.canepal.org.uk
2 years ago
2019
and the reverse has images of the mountains which meant most to Joss in his long climbing career. The one at the bottom
is ”The Little Sugar Loaf”. which can be seen from Black Rock just. south of Dublin and was the first mountain I ever climbed on my own as a school boy of 15. This makes this award even more treasured by my self. @mountaineeringireland #mountainawards2019 Berghaus
3 years ago
I received my medal from the grandson in the presence of other members of the Lynam family at the end of the lecture.
It’s a beautifully crafted medal in high grade silver @mountaineeringireland #mountainawards2019 Berghaus
3 years ago
I gave my “Life and Times” lecture. Always a challenge cramming 70 years of climbing into 75 minutes!! @mountaineeringireland Berghaus #mountainawards2019
3 years ago
We had a full house of 450 participants for the lecture, a lively question time and I was then taking to one of the many fabulous Dublin pubs @mountainingireland Berghaus #mountainawards2019
3 years ago
"Mountaineering Ireland” holds the Joss Lynam Memorial lecture every year to honour a mountaineer for his contribution to our sport and he gives a lecture. Amongst my predecessors were Mick Fowler and Stephen Venables.
Joss Lynam, whom I’d known and climbed with over the years contributed to Irish mountaineering in so many different ways and was a warm, giving character. @mountaineeringireland Berghaus #mountainawards2019
3 years ago
And I’m standing outside Weir and Sons Dublin’s oldest jewellers who made my medal @weirandsons #mountaineering #dublin Berghaus @mountaineeringireland
3 years ago
The Christmas lights are fantastic @mountaineeringireland #dublin #christmaslights Berghaus
3 years ago
You feel you in the country in the middle of Dublin @mountaineeringireland Berghaus
3 years ago
It’s a really beautiful compact city. My hotel, “Stauntons on the Green” opposite St Stephens Green Park is delightful Berghaus #mountaineeringireland @stauntonsonthegreen
3 years ago
I’m in Dublin to receive the Lynam Memorial Medal Berghaus @mountaineeringireland #dublin
3 years ago
Had a great morning yesterday with QuoLux, an amazing organisation and business which councils and develops leaders in the Cheltenham Gloucester area taking some of them up to the MBA level but helping people in business or the non profit sector to work and live more effectively.
I am hugely impressed by the work they do and have worked with them over a period of years with a workshop on leadership. Using my leadership of the 1975 Everest South West Face Expedition and getting an audience of over a hundred very bright minds to help me lead our expedition to success, by telling them the story illustrated by slides and video sequences taken on the climb to immerse them on the challenges of leadership and decision, making which in principle are the same in running any organisation. It was great to see how previous delegates had developed over the years.
www.quolux.co.uk/lead/ #inspirebelief #leADalumni Berghaus
3 years ago
And sold many books Berghaus @speakersfromtheedge Vertebrate Publishing Simon & Schuster Bonington: Mountaineer
3 years ago
Great audience @speakersfromtheedge Berghaus Vertebrate Publishing #stirling
3 years ago
Last lecture of the series in Stirling in the same hall I lectured in 7 years ago Berghaus Speakers from the Edge Vertebrate Publishing Simon & Schuster Books UK #mountaineer @bonington:mountaineer
3 years ago
The lecture at Aberdeen Music Hall a huge success with audience of 740. Very special for me having the family of my old friend Tom Patey one of Scotland’s greatest pioneering climbers with whom I did some of the best climbs of my life attending the lecture and having a few drinks together and talking about old times Berghaus #aberdeen #speakersfromtheedge
3 years ago
I'm supporting @BendriggTrust in the #ChristmasChallenge19. Make a donation, see it doubled and enable people with disabilities to achieve through adventure bit.ly/BigGiveCC20 #OnTheDouble Berghaus Lorna Hargreaves @speakersfromtgeedge
3 years ago
It was a great match. West Ham, the under dogs won, but what an experience. We’ll be back. Berghaus Chelsea Football Club
3 years ago
It was Chelsea v West Ham, the first time we’d been to a football match. It was fantastic, exceeding all our expectations - the atmosphere, roar of the crowd and the sheer skill of the players. We were totally hooked! Berghaus Chelsea Football Club
3 years ago
My nephew, James Bonington, Company Secretary of Chelsea, invited us to the Directors Box for a match Berghaus Chelsea Football Club
3 years ago
I’m coming to Scotland 😃😃See you in Aberdeen at Music Hall tomorrow (Wednesday)and the Albert Halls in Stirling on Thursday Berghaus @speakersfromtheedge Vertebrate Publishing Simon & Schuster Books UK for more info www.bonington.com/events
3 years ago
2018
More Christmas stock just arrived, Ascent by Chris Bonington to order www.bonington.com Bonington: Mountaineer Simon & Schuster Speakers from the Edge Berghaus
4 years ago
Signing books at a packed house in Chelmsford Speakers from the Edge Berghaus Bonington: Mountaineer Simon Ashton
4 years ago
Full house in Chelmsford Speakers from the Edge Berghaus Bonington: Mountaineer Simon & Schuster
4 years ago
The last of Chris Life andTimes lecture circuit of 2018 (Newtown, Powys 12th Jan 19) took place in Birmingham in the beautiful and historical Town Hall Building to packed theatre and enthusiastic audience Berghaus Speakers from the Edge Simon & Schuster
4 years ago
Less than 24hours left to give the gift of adventure this Christmas. Donate to Bendrigg Trust before 12pm Tues 4th Dec & not only will you help people with disabilities to achieve through adventure but your donation will be DOUBLED bit.ly/Bendrigg @chrisbonington Berghaus Simon & Schuster
4 years ago
Great nights at High Wycombe with audience of 500 and 400 at Horsham. Thank you everyone! @TheRealBerghaus #mountaineer @SpeakersEdge @ChrisBonington @simonschusterUK
4 years ago
Caldbeck - a special part of Lakeland
Books are on sale in shops in Caldbeck and elsewhere in Cumbria at £15. Copies may be obtained by post. Contact the author Tony Vaux on vauxt@aol.com
4 years ago
It's #GivingTuesday and #donations to @BendriggTrust are being #DoubleD today! Please join me in helping them raise vital funds to enable disabled people to achieve through adventure. Donate here: bit.ly/Bendrigg
4 years ago
“ I have lived at Nether Row for over forty years and have come to love its gentle hills and the villages of Caldbeck and Hesket Newmarket with a real passion. To focus on Caldbeck it has everything a village should have, a Church, a school, a village hall, green and duck pond, a pub, a shop, a post office and so much more - a warm, friendly communal spirit that has led to a cricket, bowling and tennis and Amateur dramatics club with quite a few more thrown in. It has such a rich history both industrial and rural that goes back to Roman times,and whose traces can be traced to the present day in the diversity of its architecture and society, the successful blending of different waves of incomers. ~This is truly a unique and very special village society in so many ways.”
This is a 300-page history of Caldbeck titled 'Caldbeck -A Special Part of Lakeland'.Launch event Saturday 17th November in the Parish Hall at 11am for further details contact Tony vauxt@aol.com
4 years ago
Please sign our petition to save our climbing wall in Carlisle. www.change.org/p/carlisle-council-save-carlisle-climbing-wall/w?source_location=petition_show
This wall is used by young and old alike and gives so much to its climbers.
4 years ago
It’s a wonderful, exuberant festival that packed 2000 happy people into the Award ceremony. #23FG #ladekmtnfest Simon & Schuster Mountain Heritage Trust Speakers from the Edge #chrisbonington Keith Partridge Brian Hall Bonington: Mountaineer
4 years ago
All the prize winners with Andre Stremelj, the brilliant Slovenian mountaineer, winner of the 2018 Life Time Achievement in the centre Sir Chris Bonington Keith Partridge Brian Hall Simon & Schuster Ladek Mountain Festival @23FG Bonington: Mountaineer
4 years ago
I had the great pleasure of presenting Frédéric Degoulet, Niçois Benjamin Guigonnet and Hélias Millerioux the Piolet d’Or for their superb Alpine Style Ascent of a new route on the South Face of Nuptse, of which I made the first ascent in 1961. #ladekmtnfest #23FG Bonington: Mountaineer Keith Partridge Brian Hall #berghaus Simon & Schuster Speakers from the Edge
4 years ago
Here I am, somewhat battered from tripping over in a walk in Little Langdale and landing on my head, just before coming out to Ladek. Brian Hall on my left, who with Keith Partridge produced his autobiographical film Mountaineer, Victor Saunders, Alpine Club and Joanna Croston, Program Director Banff Mountain Festival. Some great. socialising!! #23FG #ladekmtnfest #chrisbonington Brian Hall Keith Partridge Berghaus Simon & Schuster Vertebrate Publishing Bonington: Mountaineer
4 years ago
Tickets available Kendal Mountain Festival www.mountainfest.co.uk/programme/event/the-great-gift
4 years ago
bit.ly/2N4AI0b
Please help support MND and share this video #takeovermnd MND Association @mndvipteam MND Scotland @chrisbonington @berghaus Simon & Schuster Speakers from the Edge
4 years ago
Photos from Berghaus's post
4 years ago
2017
Beautifully shot, produced by Ben Ayers in the mountains of Nepal, using the character of Mauli Dhan Rai telling his story in his own nepalese dialect, 'The Last Honey Hunter’ was made with the support of National Geographic and has already deservedly won many prizes, including BANFF and Kendal Film Festivals. It makes me determined to visit that magical valley, a recommended film.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL-0TAw5rjg
5 years ago
I'm very proud of my son and my two grand daughters. What a terrific, inspiring and very important message about getting the right balance.
5 years ago
Film available from today to buy DVD www.bonington.com and download #boningtonmountaineer #berghaus
5 years ago
Collecting donations with the local Mountain Rescue Team at Kendal Mountain Festival. #mountainrescue #KMF17 #chrisbonington #ascent #boningtonmountaineer #berghaus #simonandschuster #vertebrate #climbing #mountains
5 years ago
Here I am with some of the Kendal Mountain Film Festival organisers. Thank you for a wonderful festival. #kendal17 #berghaus #ascent #chrisbonington #boningtonmountaineer
5 years ago
Book signing at the Berghaus stand #kendal17 #berghaus #ascent #simonandschuster #vertebrate
5 years ago
We had a wonderful night at the UK Premiere of Bonington: Mountaineer at #kendalmountainfestival On stage with #eddouglas and #keithpartridge DVD is for sale at the festival this weekend, and out on www.bonington.com from 20th November #berghaus #chrislines
5 years ago
Have a look at this great book, published today written by Jo Woolf @sandstonepress @TheHazelTreeUK #greathorizon @rkbookpublicist @RoyalScotGeoSoc
5 years ago
The Future - Sir Chris Bonington - My Life Story Interviews
5 years ago
Take a look at this film, for Hospice at Home 20th Anniversary. With gratitude, Chris.
5 years ago
Bridport Literary Festival 10th Nov, gave a wonderful climax to busy series of literary festivals with an on stage interview with fellow climber Luke Huhes in the packed and atmospheric Electric Palace Theatre.
#ascent #mountaineering #bridportliteraryfestival
5 years ago
Little-known fact: 20,000 lovers of all things mountain-related will be descending on Banff for the next #nineepicdays. We had a whopping 382 films submitted from 36 countries and whittled them down to 82 finalists. For book enthusiasts, we had 171 books from 11 countries and managed to pick the top 28 articles and books now in competition for the grand prize.
There are tons of free events to take in now until November 5th👌Head here to check 'em all out → goo.gl/5wJjEv
5 years ago
Honoured to be at the 42 BANFF Mountain Film Festival, for the world premiere of ‘Bonington: Mountaineer’ , a documentary made by Keith Partridge and Brian Hall. Followed by on stage Q&A by Geoff Powter in front of an audience of over 900, hugely privileged and touched to have a standing ovation. #BANFF #MountainFilmFestival #BoningtonMountaineering #Ascent #Canada #Mountaineering
5 years ago
A big thanks to THE HOW TO ACADEMY; my on stage interviewer, @HannahMacIness, and Kate Alvarez for bringing my old friend Al Alvarez to the lecture. #howtoacademy #hannahmaciness #alalvarez #ascent #simonandschuster
5 years ago
Finally a relaxing day with the family, exploring Hampstead Heath my childhood playground, walking up to Kenwood House.
#hampstead #kenwoodhouse #henrymoore #chrisbonington
5 years ago
Many thanks to my fellow climbers, family & friends, Simon & Schuster my publisher and The Groucho Club, where we held the successful launch! The book is now officially available. bonington.com/shop/
#Ascent #Mountaineering #SimonAndSchuster #GrouchoClub
5 years ago
5 years ago
2016
Come and meet Sir Chris Bonington at Kendal Mountain Festival this weekend.
Life & Times Lecture Saturday 19th November
in Kendal Town Hall 12noon - 1.30pm
Book Signings - Chris's revised edition of Mountaineer published November 2016 with five new chapters!
Berghaus Stall at the Brewery Arts Centre - Saturday 19th November 4.30pm - 6pm
Vertebrate Stall at The Brewery Arts Centre - Sunday 20th November 12noon - 1pm
Q & A at Basecamp Brewery Arts Centre - Sunday 20th November
1.00pm - 2.00pm
6 years ago
Mel Nicholls - Wheelchair Racer, many thanks for these wonderful kind words about my lecture at Brecon. Meeting you, after the lecture was every bit as inspiring for me. What you have achieved since those strokes you had, matches climbing six Everests or more.
Your courage in adversity, your determination to reach the top in your chosen Paralympic sport which led to your amazing success in the London Olympics, but you know, to me the most impressive of all is the way you handled being forced by illness to drop out of the finals in the Rio Paralympics. When we met after my lecture at Brecon, you radiated a wonderful positiveness and warmth or spirit that I know you have given to so many people. You truly are an inspiration and I do hope our paths cross in the future.I knew I would thoroughly enjoy and be inspired by my trip to Theatr Brycheiniog to see Sir Chris Bonington talk his 'Life and Times', but I was not prepared for an emotionally raw, spell binding journey that hit me hard to the point of tears and has left me moved and inspired by a man, a father, a husband, a grandfather and Britain's greatest ever mountaineer.
His accounts of first ascents of the North Wall of the Eiger, the South Face of Annapurna and being the First Briton to summit Everest from the SouthWest face were humble and real, the true bravery and danger taken by the climbers and the perilous mountains so often shown, comrades and close friends taken time and time again, this was very real and emotional and I found myself asking in my head "why does he keep going back to the mountains?" But as Chris continued to tell his story, he tells of his wife who became ill and after 52 years of marriage he lost to Motor Neurone Disease in 2014. My eyes could not hold back a tear and it was at that point I'd answered my own question. I knew every mountaineer, returning to the mountains, I knew that was what they loved, their passion and their dreams and that as awful as losing someone to the mountain, perhaps it was better doing what you love than to a cruel disease that breaks lives and takes dreams.
I wish I had the vocabulary to express just how incredible Sir Chis Bonington and his Life and Times is, I have never been moved to tears by a speaker before, and he himself also became visibly emotional.
He is now 82 years young, and shares the same mindset as myself, speaking on film from his recent climb of The Old Man of Hoy. He knows age is no barrier, he talks about by keeping going then there's no reason you can't keep doing it, this climb, at the age of 80, 48 years after his first ascent, Chris talks about wanting most, to make every single day of his eighties mean something. A long way from my eighties yet but no lesser truth in these words, about making every day count, making every day mean something. His next words rang true as they may for many no matter what age.. "Don't give up, just go for it, it's making life as rich and exciting as you can that keeps you going and gives you hope".
I was very fortunate to speak to Chris afterwards. Those that know me know my love for adventure and my love of mountains, Everest was always a dream growing up, and to me now the highest point on earth signifies so much to me personally. Something I was told while in hospital always stuck with me, the stroke rehab team telling me to take one step at a time and not try and climb the whole mountain in one, again, those that know me know I have never listened to their advice.
We spoke about my strokes and the games and how I was moved by his own story of London 2012 and what it meant to him to carry the torch up Snowdon where he first began his love for the mountains and would return with his whole family with the torch before his wife passed away.
He really was wonderful to talk to. To shake the hand of a first British ascent of the worlds highest mountain was something very special to me and his words back to me will stay with me for my lifetime. He smiled and said "well, you've climbed your own Everest", I smiled back. Because I know I have only just begun.
A truly wonderful evening and if anyone gets the chance to see him, do.
6 years ago
2015
Yesterday took part in an amazing mountain film festival - Cine Montagne in Grenoble, which lasts over a week and last night had an audience of 4000!!!
I was taking part in an International Conference on Mountains and Climate which was collecting signatures to support a better environmental approach in all mountain areas to be submitted to the climate change conference in Paris in December.
7 years ago
Picture from our #climbforcan Everest Ice Wall Challenge fund raising event for Community Action Nepal.
If you like what we've done you can still donate at www.justgiving.com/climbforcanClimbing the height of Everest in 24 hours for Community Action Nepal
Please tag photos and share album...
www.climbforCAN.org
www.justgiving.com/climbforCAN
Supported by:
Berghaus King Kong Climbing Centre Mountain Fuel - Peak Performance Nutrition Dodd Accountants Slug & Bull Right Lines Communications H&H Reeds Printers EventbriteUK Eden Lighthouse Keswick Mountain Festival Keswick the lake district Trail magazine Petzl Salewa Black Diamond Wanderlust travel magazine
7 years ago
Thank you to everyone who's helped and donated so far... however it's not over yet - Nepal still needs our help and in the coming weeks I'll be launching a new campaign that everyone can get involved in where ever you are and who ever you are...
In the meantime, visit Climb for CAN, like the page, see our story so far and if you are inspired donate a little to www.justgiving.com/climbforcan
7 years ago
#ClimbforCANEverest Ice Climb Challenge for #ClimbforCAN
Find out why we are doing this challenge www.climbforcan.org & donate direct to www.justgiving.com/climbforcan
Supported by:
King Kong Climbing Centre www.mountainfuel.co.uk - Peak Performance Nutrition Dodd Accountants Slug & Bull Right Lines Communications H&H Reeds Printers EventbriteUK Eden Lighthouse Keswick Mountain Festival Keswick the lake district
7 years ago
Please read this and then if you can join or support Doug and I in our challenge to raise money for Community Action Nepal - goo.gl/Ya6v9L
7 years ago
While we are enjoying Spring weather in the West it has started snowing in parts of Nepal. Families, including sick and injured, old and disabled are living outside, barely sheltered... Please spare a thought and if you can a penny... www.justgiving.com/Climbforcan
Or join us in our fund raising challenge, 240 climbers needed (any ability) - www.ClimbforCan.org
7 years ago
Please help us in our bid to raise funds for Nepal through www.ClimbForCan.org - this is why we are doing this... the people of Nepal are living in fear, terrified to re-enter what is left of their homes in case of another earth quake, men, women, children, people with injuries, disabilities... the list goes on.
In the west we really can not fathom how they must feel, watch this video and think for a moment and then donate to www.justgiving.com/ClimbforCan or go to www.ClimbForCan.org to see how you can get involved in some unique fund raising events for Nepal.
www.facebook.com/DhulikhelHospital/videos/1029493293728268/
7 years ago
7 years ago
Please help, join in, like and share the following. This is an event my son Rupert has organised to help us raise much needed funds for Community Action Nepal's earthquake appeal....
Next month, Sir Chris Bonington and Doug Scott will lead an ‘expedition’ to scale the height of Everest (8,848m) on the ice wall at King Kong Climbing Centre in Keswick and are inviting up to 240 members of the public to join the climb. To complete the expedition, the team will need to climb the wall 1,000 times within 24 hours, starting on Friday 12 June. This special event will also commemorate the 40th anniversary of the first British ascent of Mount Everest in 1975, which was led by Bonington and put Scott on the summit. All funds raised by the project will go directly to the Community Action Nepal (CAN) Earthquake Appeal.
Please share this post, like the ClimbForCan facebook page for updates - www.facebook.com/climbforcan - and if you can
Follow us on Twitter.com/ClimbForCan
Please visit www.ClimbForCan.org for more information on how to sign up up become a corporate sponsor.l along with KIng Kong Climbing Centre are proud to support two living legends of mountaineering, Sir Chris Bonington and Doug Scott in their bid to raise money for earth quake stricken Nepal.
Next month, they will lead an ‘expedition’ to scale the height of Everest (8,848m) on the ice wall at King Kong Climbing Centre in Keswick and are inviting up to 240 members of the public to join the climb. To complete the expedition, the team will need to climb the wall 1,000 times within 24 hours, starting on Friday 12 June. This special event will also commemorate the 40th anniversary of the first British ascent of Mount Everest in 1975, which was led by Bonington and put Scott on the summit. All funds raised by the project will go directly to the Community Action Nepal (CAN) Earthquake Appeal.
Please share this post, like the Climb for CAN facebook page for updates
Follow us on Twitter.com/ClimbForCan or Tweet @ClimbForCan
Please visit www.ClimbForCan.org for more information on how to sign up up become a corporate sponsor.Re-uniting two legends of the mountaineering world to raise funds for Community Action Nepal Earth quake fund.
www.climbforcan.org
www.justgiving.com/climbforCAN
Text CCAN75
Followed by £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10
To 70070
7 years ago
Last night I was presented with my Les Piolets D'or Lifetime Achievement award which was a great honour and a very emotional evening. Thank you to all involved and everyone who has supported me over the years.
Chris
7 years ago
I'm currently in Chamonix, France to receive the very prestigious Piolets D'or Lifetime achievement award of which I am incredibly honored.
The first few days have involved meeting up with lots of old friends, getting out in the snow and interviews.
The group pic is of the first ceremony with my fellow climbers.
Then we have the Friday morning before the Piolet D’or ceremony Eric Vola, ( middle) one of my oldest friends who was witness at my wedding back in May 1952 and is now look after me taking me snow shoeing above Les Houches with Clarrie, Jeff Lowe’s partner and Carer who is in Cham to show his film, Metanoia at the ceremony, and Estha on right, Eric’s wife.
Followed by the view from above Les Houches where we were snow shoeing with the West side of the Mont Blanc in background.
7 years ago
Yesterday I had a lovely gentle walk from Friar Row, Caldbeck along the banks of the Caldew and the Cumbrian Way towards Sebergham. With the gorse just beginning to bloom and new born lambs Spring is definitely here! In the background is my local and favorite fell, High Pike on the sky line.
7 years ago
Referring to my earlier post this is young Paul Ross on left with Hamish right just after he had been hit on the head with a stone. It was 1958 so Paul was just 22 at a time and I was a youthful 24. Nobody bothered to take a picture of me!
7 years ago
My regular walk with old friend Paul Ross, striding up the side of Scrope Beck in Newlands, still getting over the disc I slipped doing the Old Man of Hoy last summer.
We made the first British ascent of the South West Pillar of the Dru, Chamonix together in 1958 and have done a heck of lot since. Accompanying us on our walks are his wife Marea and Jack Russell's Bess and Nettle.
7 years ago
Ben Nevis via Minus 2 Gully V and NE Butrress IV powered by MountTim Millen, Jenny Wright and Ian Armstrong
7 years ago
Timeline photosOur next Film/Lecture evening!
Sir Chris Bonington will be in with his brand new talk "Life & Times" which features his astounding ascent of the Old Man of Hoy, at the age of 80!
12th May, at the usual start time of 7pm at £12 per ticket.
7 years ago
