Newbury Mountain Club reaches new heights

Milestone quarter of a century Uffington celebrations

NEWBURY Mountain Club reached new heights at its recent 25th anniversary celebrations.

The club marked its milestone quarter-of-a century with a barbecue at Britchcombe Farm Campsite in Uffington.

More than 80 past and present members attended, including three who were at the original meeting in 1991.

A welcome speech was given by current president Maggie Russell and awards were presented to five past presidents to acknowledge their commitment and contributions towards the club.

This was followed by a walk up to the White Horse for a group photo.

Ms Russell said: “This year we are also setting ourselves the challenge to climb a million metres of mountain (MMM) by totalling all the mountains and peaks climbed by members over the year.”

“We have so far achieved approximately 500,000m and, as we are now over halfway through the year, the challenge is on.”

Over the years, the 40-strong club has seen members climb Everest, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc, Mount Toubkal in Morocco and Aconcagua in Argentina.

Activities range from coastal path walks, to winter mountaineering in Scotland, the Alps and beyond; from hiking to scrambling, to cycling and last year the club hosted trips to Scotland, Wales and Bavaria, along with mountain areas in England.

Affiliated to the British Mountaineering Council (BMC), Newbury Mountain Club meets on alternate Tuesdays from 8.30pm at The Bacon Arms, Newbury. New members are welcome.

For more information visit www.newburymountainclub.org.uk