In reply to TobyA:
I can think of another reason not to bother; based on my experience of listening to his Everest talk in Bristol earlier this year, he's not a very good storyteller. The talk that I went to was, despite the terrific tale involved, just not told very well. I had wondered why, given his exploits, Doug Scott didn't have a list of best-selling books to his name as long as that of some others of his generation. Listening to him speak made the reason plain.
Don't get me wrong, I have nothing but absolute respect and admiration for what Doug Scott has achieved as a mountaineer and for the people of Nepal. I hope that through the extended programme of talks he's given this year that he's improved beyond recognition as a public speaker and that mypyrex has an enjoyable and fulfilling evening. But it would help a great deal if he was familiar with the story before he heard the talk.
T.