Filming winter skills DVD

In a joint project between the MCofS, BMC, MLTE and the Jonathan Conville Trust, extensive filming took place in Glen Coe during what was probably the best week of weather and conditions throughout the winter. In a week of stunning weather during February, a team of five volunteers planned, prepared, walked, climbed, descended, navigated, belayed, cramponed, assessed conditions and made decisions - all under the ever-watchful eye of the camera. Several hours of footage were recorded, which now have to be edited into a DVD which will follow the journey taken by two groups - walkers and climbers. The skills needed at each stage of the journey will be shown as they become relevant and the DVD will also have separate chapters which deal with specific topics in greater depth. Thanks very much to the five walkers and climbers who gave up their time: Tim Hogan, George Manley, Miranda Meilleur, Alastair Mitchell, Louisa Wilkinson.

The Winter Skills DVD will be launched in the autumn in time for next winter.

THE CATHERINE SMITH MEMORIAL TRUST

The Catherine Smith Memorial Trust invites applications from groups or individuals for financial assistance for Scottish based projects and/or research related to mountain safety. The Trust was established from funds bequeathed by a Scottish solicitor in memory of his daughter whose death was caused by mountain sickness while she was on honeymoon in the Himalayas. The Trust benefits from an association with Glenmore Lodge, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.

The Trust will finance projects that cannot otherwise be readily financed and which will promote some aspect of mountain safety. The Trust is unlikely to assist any project for which funding should be wholly available from some other source, but it may be interested in larger projects which might involve funding from a number of sources.

The Trustees have an entirely open mind in relation to the type of projects or research which may be assisted. The Trust most values projects which have elements of skills training, improving knowledge of mountain hazards and how to assess them, leadership development and some interface with young adults.

There is no fixed limit to the amount of assistance for which application may be made. The Trustees expect to consider applications half yearly but this will not prevent applications being considered at any time.

Applications should be made directly to the Secretary of the Trust:
Peter McFarlane, P.C.McFarlane & CO., Solicitors, Law House, Fairbairn Place, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 6TN.

The applicant should describe fully his or her own personal and mountain background, the project for which assistance is sought, the amount of assistance applied for, what other funds are available or are being sought from other sources and the mountain safety benefit which the applicant expects the project to achieve.

The Catherine Smith Memorial Trust is a recognised Scottish Charity - Number SC 35528

Breakthrough in Work at Height

By Roger Wild

Ministers have now instructed that the Work at Height Regulations, which were created for the construction industry, will not apply to mountain leaders, instructors and guides working in the adventure activity sector. This successful outcome is the result of years of work by a wide range of individuals and organisations, primarily spearheaded by Mountain Leader Training UK. John Cousins, secretary to MLTUK said,
“It is fantastic to see that common sense has won through in the end but only thanks to the efforts of a great many people across the entire climbing, caving and adventure activity sector. It is also good to see that politicians and the public do recognise the value of what we do and we are grateful for the support of so many politicians and the public at large.”

Legislation specifically dedicated to adventure activities will be created in due course which will be entitled the Work at Height (Adventure Activities) Regulations and which will be tailored to climbing and mountaineering and will recognise the uniqueness of work within the adventure activities sector.

The MCofS would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank all those who worked so hard to bring about this successful conclusion to what has been a very lengthy fight.

First Aid Course
For Hillwalkers and Climbers
1st & 2nd October 2005

Based at Mill Cottage, Feshiebridge, the MCofS is running a two-day outdoor first aid course for members. The course will be run by Alan Crichton who is a qualified first aid instructor and director of “First Aid Matters”. The cost is £75 per person and this includes two nights self-catering accommodation at Mill Cottage. It does not include your food. You need a sleeping bag.

Accommodation is available at Mill Cottage on the nights of Friday 30th September and Saturday 1st October. The course starts at 9am on Saturday and finishes at 5pm on Sunday.

To book your place, please complete the form below and send it to the MCofS Office with a £75 cheque made payable to MCofS (further copies can be obtained from the MCofS Office). Places are issued on a “first come – first served” basis.

Navigation Courses
September 2005

• Increase your confidence in finding your way on the hill
• Learn the skills of map reading and compass bearings
• Pick up handy hints and techniques to locate yourself on the hill in poor visibility

A one-day MCofS navigation course will give you a gentle introduction to the theory followed by a practical session on the hill. Ratios are 1:6 and there are spaces for 12 people per course (the minimum age is 18 years). The courses aim to introduce or refresh essential navigation skills. You will need to be equipped for a day out on the hill with food and drink, boots, gaiters, waterproof jacket and overtrousers, warm hat and gloves or mitts and a map case or clear poly bag. Maps and compasses will be provided.

The courses are based near Glasgow and Edinburgh. Pre-booking is essential. The course costs £25 per person and the dates are as follows:-
September
Saturday 10th - Glasgow
Sunday 11th - Edinburgh
Saturday 17th - Edinburgh
Sunday 18th - Glasgow

More information is available on the MCofS website.