Mountaineer swings by to mark today's Everest anniversary

More than 65 people turned up for the recent dinner and talk, celebrating ‘60 years of Mount Everest’ and hosted by villager and mountaineer Lee Farmer, who gave a first-hand account of how he summited Mount Everest in 2008, becoming the 180th Briton to do so.
St Thomas’ Church hall was packed with diners tucking into a dinner supplied by Deependra Gurung of the Ghurka Chef restaurant in Newbury.
Mr Gurung, who added various dishes free of charge to the set-price three- or four-course meal, said: “I am delighted to support the charity and promote the country of Nepal”.
In recounting his own story about climbing Mount Everest, Lee Farmer explained how tactics, equipment, food and clothing had changed since the first successful attempt, on May 29, 1953.
“I was delighted to give the talk and pleased so many people attended to support our community and the charity.
“I think everyone enjoyed the food and the talk and I would like to thank the other members of the charity who worked so tirelessly during the evening, making it such a success,” said Mr Farmer.
The evening raised more than £1,300 for the village charity Living Stones, which brings together two projects: the extension and refurbishment of St Thomas’ Church hall and the updating and re-ordering of the church.
For more information about the charity and Living Stones project, visit www.livingstonesproject.co.uk