British Broadcasting Corporation
BBC Scotland Press Office 40 Pacific Quay, Glasgow, G51 1DA
BBC SCOTLAND SCALES NEW HEIGHTS OF LIVE BROADCASTING WITH THE GREAT CLIMBThe spectacular and remote crags of Cairngorms National Park will provide the venue for a series of breathtaking live ascents this summer in a world first for Scottish broadcasting.Featuring an A-list of the world’s top climbers in six hours of television programming in full High Definition from the stunning Loch Avon basin, The Great Climb is one of the most ambitious productions ever undertaken by BBC Scotland and is produced by Triple Echo.
Using the imposing Shelterstone and Hell’s Lum crags on the RSPB’s Abernethy Nature Reserve, the programme will also set new standards for filming in wilderness environments because of the extreme sensitivity and fragility of the mountain location.Surrounded by towering cliffs of alpine magnitude and containing some of the most precious upland habitats in Europe the area is like nowhere else in Britain – a little bit of the Arctic surviving deep in the Scottish Highlands.
Four teams of two climbers will make the ascents, including at least one daunting new route during the marathon show, which will transmit from 1.00 to 7.00 pm on August 18 on BBC TWO Scotland. BBC Two network and the BBC HD channel will also transmit an hour of coverage from 4.55 to 5.55 pm, and up to 15 hours will be available live on the web.Working closely with conservation agencies, The Great Climb is being produced for BBC Scotland by Triple Echo, who are experienced at working in remote and sensitive habitats.Permission for the ground-breaking programme was granted on the basis that the producers agree a leave-no-trace commitment to protect the fragile local environment, with much equipment being flown in to prevent any erosion to the mountain trails and rare plant communities that live on them.

The programme also marks something of an anniversary for the BBC – it is 40 years since Chris Bonington and fellow climbers of the day were filmed making their legendary ascent of the Old Man of Hoy and millions of viewers tuned in over three days to watch the epic climb.
Scotland’s own Dave MacLeod - who recently put up the hardest traditional rock climb in the world - will take on the daring new route for 2007’s The Great Climb. Other climbers who will be filmed on the dramatic and risky ascents include some of the world's greatest climbers. They comprise Dave ‘Cubby’ Cuthbertson - the leading Scottish climber of his generation - the South African, Ed February and Canada's leading Alpinist, Barry Blanchard. They'll be joined by Graham Ettle, Duncan McCallum and the Spanish model and climber who featured in the Everest IMAX movie, Araceli Segarra.
David Harron, Editor, TV Sport at BBC Scotland, said: “This is the most exciting project we have commissioned for a long time and promises to offer a unique mix of physical drama, spectacular scenery, cutting edge technical innovation and narratives about the local landscape.“We are hugely energised about what will be a landmark programme and a genuine world first for BBC Scotland.”
Richard Else, producer Triple Echo, said: “Living in the shadows of Cairngorms National Park I know at first hand what an incredibly special and precious environment this is. To be able to offer a world class broadcast of leading edge climbing from right in the heart of the Park is an enormous privilege.”Jeremy Roberts, site manager at the RSPB’s Abernethy nature reserve, said: “This is a fabulously exciting project which we believe celebrates the value of Cairngorms National Park for its stunning wildlife, habitats, walks and climbs.“Triple Echo and the BBC have worked incredibly hard to meet our very strict conditions to leave no trace of their activities and therefore we have been happy to help this project proceed. The bold ascents will take place on crags that lie within RSPB’s Abernethy nature reserve - a site that is of huge importance to our one million members across the UK for its iconic Highland wildlife and breathtaking scenery.“For the same reasons it is also of massive value to people all over the UK who come to walk and climb in the beautiful surroundings of the Park. We were keen to bring these two interests together whilst at the same time ensuring that there was no threat to this sensitive and vulnerable environment."
David Green, Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “We are delighted that the Cairngorms National Park has been chosen to host the Great Climb. The Park offers some of the most challenging yet rewarding climbing in Britain and the public will be able to experience that thanks to this exciting programme.“The team has chosen a fantastic location – the area around Loch Avon is popular with climbers, both for its views and the quality of its routes. It will be particularly interesting to see ascents of both classic and new routes.“The Great Climb will also help to raise awareness and understanding of the Park. The team’s commitment to ‘leave-no-trace’ will help viewers appreciate that the Park is an important area that can be enjoyed, but in a responsible manner.“We wish everyone involved in this project every success and hope that it encourages the public to experience their own adventures.”

Just to let you know that this event is based at Glenmore Lodge. It will include footage of the work of the Lodge today and our contribution to the development of Outdoor sport over the past ( almost 60 years )
Hope you enjoy it.

posted by glenmore @ 5:32 pm  0 comments

Top climbers to tackle Blackpool towers in British championships
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Who? Britain’s top lead climbers
What? British Lead Climbing Championships - some of Britain’s top climbers will show their awe-inspiring climbing skills on the 20m high Blackpool climbing towers
When? Saturday 28 July (senior event) and Sunday 29 July (junior event). The competitions start at 9.30am and the finals will take place from 1pm, presentations at 4pm
Where? Climbing towers, George Bancroft Park, Blackpool
The British climbing event of the year is set to take place in Blackpool on the weekend of 28-29 July. Britain’s top lead climbers will battle it out on the Blackpool Climbing Towers for the national title.
The British Lead Climbing Championships (BLCC 07) is organised by the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) in conjunction with Blackpool Council. This is the first time that the event has been held at an outdoor climbing wall, giving the public a chance to watch top British climbers in action for free.
The senior championships will take place on Saturday 28 July and the junior competition will be held on Sunday 29 July. Current senior champions are Gareth Parry (senior male) and Lucy Creamer (senior female). Gaz Parry is fresh from his win at the British Bouldering Championships in Sheffield last weekend (Sat 14 July).
Dave Turnbull, BMC CEO, said “The BMC is delighted to be holding British Lead Climbing Championships on Blackpool’s awesome climbing towers. It’s the first time we’ve held the competition as a single event rather than a series so spectators will witness all the action and excitement in one go. Prepare to be inspired by Britain’s top climbers.”
Lucy Creamer said: "I'm really looking forward the British championships on the new Blackpool wall. It’s a really steep wall steep and this will make the routes impressive and exciting. Also, the fact that we’ll be at an outside venue and that the public can come and watch is cool. It helps me to climb well when there is an enthusiastic crowd cheering us on - it might even help me retain my title for the 7th time."
Cllr Tony Williams, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Culture and Communities, said: “This is the first time Blackpool has held the Climbing Championships. We are delighted to be hosting this event and to welcome competitors from all over the UK. I am sure that spectators will also enjoy the competition and marvel at the skills of some of the country’s top climbers. It’s also a testament to the quality and challenge of Blackpool’s climbing towers to be chosen for such a demanding and highly skilled competition.”
The senior event will take place on Saturday 28 July and the junior event on Sunday 29 July. On both days the qualifying rounds will start at 9.30am and the finals will take place in the afternoon. On the Saturday evening Gaz Parry will give a talk on his recent climbing trip to Madagascar at Blackpool Sports Centre as part of an after-competition social. Tickets cost £5 and can be booked by contacting the Blackpool Sports Centre on 01253 478470.
The BMC will be available throughout the weekend to talk to people who want to find out more about climbing, hill walking and mountaineering. You can find out more about the British Lead Climbing Championships or download an entry form at www.thebmc.co.uk. There will also be the opportunity for people who have previous climbing experience to test some of the latest climbing gear with various well-known manufacturers and find out about the latest equipment.
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posted by glenmore @ 5:30 pm  0 comments

Since 1974, Marmot has focused on the great mountain regions of the world: providing financial assistance, clothing and aid to preserve cultural populations and endangered animals in these remote areas. This effort has taken the company from wild river projects in California to a Canadian marmot preserve to establishing enforceable labor standards in contract sewing factories in China. However, no cause has received as much time and effort or is as important to the people of Marmot, as the dZi Foundation.
The dZi Foundation develops sustainable programs that positively impact individuals and communities within the Himalayan region. Their work is focused in the areas of education, health and welfare. These programs are designed to serve within the existing social framework, maintaining particular sensitivity to local culture and tradition.
For more information on the dZi Foundation visit http://www.dzifoundation.org/ “

posted by glenmore @ 2:18 pm  0 comments

Steve English from Mountain Spirit won last night at the OCC Awards in Harrogate. He had to be nominated by somebody outside his business so it is an even bigger compliment as it is not just because he is the bosses pet.

Steve is very popular with the team here at the Lodge. Partly due to his manner and all round knowledge of kit but particualry because he is good at offering coffee and having a chat. We never complain about the lack of biscuits.

CONGRATUALTIONS to STEVE from the Lodge family. You deserve it.

posted by glenmore @ 9:42 am  0 comments