OK, snapshot of current and recent work;
Access
Maintained access to the crags and mountains through a team of area access reps, staff and advisors. Secured much improved access to Range West, fought for access to Stanage during the bird breeding season against strong opposition from conservationists. Represented climbers rights under the CRoW act. Encouraging research into bird disturbance by climbers and hill walkers. Researching into the contribution of climbers and hill walkers into rural economies and have started projects to maximise the value of climbers and hill walkers to rural areas.
Training
Organise the Student Safety and Good Practice Seminar for University Clubs, an essential way of helping these clubs to run safely and fight excessive restrictions from Student Unions. This years event hosted 100 delegates from 58 different colleges and universities.
Administer the Jonathon Conville Memorial Trust courses, providing subsidised training for young people. In 2003 190 young people undertook training courses in Scotland, the Lake District, and the Alps.
Run the annual Alpine and Winter Skills lecture Series. This years winter series hosted by IFMGA Guide Andy Perkins and Mountain Instructor Helen Teasdale starts on 4 November and has lectures in London, Cardiff, Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle and Manchester. Tickets still available. The Alpine series to run in March will be hosted by two of the top names in British Alpinism, Rich Cross and Al Powell.
Run a series of High Performance and coaching seminars.
Ran the equity exchange visits for youths, advised clubs on Child Protection Issues and ran National Workshops on Disability Awareness.
Technical
Organise the Technical Conference on equipment standards and failures. This years event takes place at Plas y Brenin on Sunday 9 November and includes sessions on crack detection in winter climbing equipment, recent developments in helmet design, and stress corrosion cracking in bolts and much more. Places still available.
Undertake investigations and research into climbing equipment failures and EU standards. Work closely with manufacturers, and have been instrumental in several major recalls in recent years. Organise testing of equipment as and when required, for example the extensive Helmet testing reported in Summit a year ago. Maintain a library of technical reports into equipment failures and incidents for future research
Publications
Produce a range of publications, all discounted or free to members; A brief history of mountaineering, The Mountain Travellers Handbook, plus skills and training booklets and videos such as; New Climbers Booklet, New Hill walkers booklet, and the technical series; knots, ropes, care and maintenance of equipment etc. Also now a member’s handbook with information and further contacts for every aspect of BMC work and the benefits of membership. Arranged a package of membership benefits including discounts at retailers and travel service providers.
Produced the new Stanage guide, reprinted On Peak Rock, work continues on a strong guidebook range.
Expeditions
Allocate over £40K of expedition grants thanks to UK sport, supporting British ascents worldwide. Maintain a library of expedition reports for researching destinations for future expeditions. Organised and ran the International Meets at North Wales, and Scotland, and involved in exchanges with South Africa, China, Czech Republic, and Slovenia.
Competitions
Run the British Indoor Climbing Competitions (BICC), the British Bouldering Series (BBC), the British Regional Youth Climbing Series (BRYCS). Ran the popular Climb 97 / 99 / 01, now run in conjunction with the Outdoor Show. Manage the British Climbing teams, sending and supporting junior and senior competitors to international events.
Advice
Participate in legal research into risk and liability
Advised walls on HSE issues, design and management, and conducting research into accidents and insurance premiums. Produced the Climbing Wall Manual, the definitive guide to building, running, and managing a climbing wall.
Represent the interest of the sport and those involved in Instruction to lobby against the EU Working at Heights Directive which the HSE has proposals to implement. If this goes ahead it will have massive implications for all those who work in the outdoors.
Huts
Run the Huts Seminar.
Own, and look after the Whillans Hut at the Roaches.
General
Answer daily general enquiries from members of the public on matters ranging from access, conservation, training, equipment advice, foreign travel and expeditions, high altitude and medical issues, climbing wall design and use, insurance, legal issues. Produce Summit magazine.
