75th anniversary
Autumn Gathering and AGM

by Diana Rayner, Chairman

Our first big event at Glenmore Lodge, the Scottish national outdoor training centre, was even more exciting than I'd expected.

Nestled amongst the Cairngorms, in a sun-kissed open area surrounded by woodland, Glenmore is a special spot for catching up with fellow mountain-lovers over a pint, or a second helping of bacon and eggs. This venue is so much more than it sounds. Between going out in groups to get fit and tired, muddy and exhilarated, our members relaxed in the comfortable and spacious bar, and the cheerful dining room with an endless supply of tea and coffee, with beautiful views towards Cairngorm itself. The Lodge can feed, water and entertain almost 100 club members, and dry their boots too. And apart from a few in camper vans and the nearby hostel, we all had cosy beds and hot showers in the main building. A first dinner of rather good Cajun chicken and baked sweet potato set the tone, though I noted a need to go easy on the puddings!

Old friends were delighted to see each other, but many new faces were welcomed too, especially from Scotland and the north of England. One commented, "At last, an annual mass gathering of the UK branch of the AAC amongst the biggest UK mountains. Haste ye back!" Was it the draw of the magical Munros and Corbetts, or was it the especially varied programme of activities which attracted everyone? It was definitely something, because all the places were taken within a week and a half of booking opening. They were certainly not disappointed. Not only were the hills beckoning, but all the evening jollifications too, including the grand dinner with a raffle held, amidst great hilarity, in German. Also, Kevin Thomas had organised a ceilidh with live music by Cairngorm Music on Sunday night, an event given a particular frisson by the floods by that time blocking the entrance to the Glenmore valley. In fact it's the fun of the dancing which people have mentioned the most since returning home, and there are calls for this to be an annual feature.

Of course, no-one was to be found after 10am each day. We'd all requested spaces for big walks, moderate walks, orienteering, mountain navigation, alpine skills, scrambling, rock climbing, and biking. And for those who wanted watery pursuits, there was white water kayaking and paddle boarding. Even that wasn't enough, as the wild swimming nearby was particularly tempting (for some!) Two end-of-day yoga sessions were full, and much enjoyed for easing aching muscles. The first aid course is always popular, three-year renewal being mandatory for leaders. This year, with four full days, we were able to run the two-day course twice. We were never in any doubt as to what we'd booked up for because our groups were clearly listed on colourful laminated notices in the well-lit access corridor. As one member said afterwards, "The challenge for me was deciding what to select from the wide range of interesting activities on offer:' It really was very well organised by a combination of the Glenmore Lodge staff, and our own excellent ladies from the AAC(UK) office - Cat, Jessica and Emily. They cheerfully worked hard all weekend to make sure everything ran like clockwork.

Thursday night saw an interesting lecture by Dr Pip Gullett of Cairngorms Connect, with the strapline "a wild landscape in the making''. It's a partnership, formed in 2014, of land managers who are committed to a 200-year programme of habitat restoration in the Cairngorms National Park. Work includes re-wetting peatland and bog woodland, improving forested areas by removing non-native trees, leaving dead wood to encourage wildlife, planting willows and dwarf birches and - most importantly - managing the deer population. The project is underpinned by scientific research and monitoring in collaboration with other scientific bodies. They hope that by 2065 the landscape will be self-restoring.

We held the AGM in the lecture theatre on Friday evening after supper. All AGMs I've attended in other clubs seem to struggle to find a quorum. Not the AAC(UK)! With 90 members in the room, we had to budge up to fill every space, and use all the extra padded boxes as seats. Four also attended online. After we quietly remembered members who had died in the last year, the formal business was conducted in an atmosphere of patient good humour. Two new directors were elected, Michael Prowse and Matteo Maino, as well as new Secretary Clive Vardakis. The Chairman was re-elected as a director for another three years, and Jacky Brown was confirmed as President. Jacky spoke warmly about her husband Peter, who she lost this year, and his 50-year membership badge was presented to her in his honour. In addition to a shout-out to the Club's many volunteers, special thanks were expressed to three who have given years of dedication and hard work: Janet Britnell, Tony Cooper and Jacky Brown. They were awarded Honorary Life Membership, joining Don Anderson, Mike Garrett, Allan Hartley, Diana Penny Sherpani, Robert Chambers, and Jim and Jane Whittle in that special group. We celebrated the fantastic increase in membership to 14,500+ (from 7,000 in 2020), as well as the second Family Bergfest held in August, and the amazing efforts of the Activities Team and all our skilled and caring tour leaders to arrange a full programme of winter and summer tours.

After the meeting we all watched the annual Photo Competition presentation, expertly put together by Jessica Peer. Somehow, the awe the photos inspire is a very special part of the AGM gathering, as if they're reminding us what it's all about The contrast between physical activity and a more cerebral moment emphasises how fortunate we are to have good health and the freedom to go and do whatever we want to in the company of friends. As one new volunteer put it, the gathering was a fabulous opportunity to meet so many inspirational people, and to be part of a wonderful family.

Return to the top of this page or to this Archive's Index