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The Jonathan Conville Memorial Trust are holding a 30th Anniversary Lecture called Boundless Horizons – Great first ascents achieved beyond Everest in the greater ranges. The talk will be given by their patron Sir Christian Bonington at the Royal Geographical Society in London on 3rd June.

The funds raised by the lecture will go towards subsidising young people on their Scottish and Alpine training courses. They provide a very worthwile service and thousands of students have benefited from their courses over the last thirty years. At only £10 per ticket it is a great opportunity to support the trust as well as getting to hear Sir Chris Bonington, one of Britains most sucessful mountaineers. For more details on the Jonathan Conville memorial trust and to find out how to buy tickets  for the event see below.

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We were recently contacted by Living Water International about a running event called “Running Water” which is due to take place this year. Runner Abe Clark is going to run a staggering 2,860 miles across the entire width of the USA. Abe is taking on this challenge in order to raise money for the charity which helps to provide clean water for people in developing countries. For many people in Africa obtaining water can be a laborious and time consuming task. According to the UK Department for International Development (DFID)…Abe Clark's Running Water Logo

Households in rural Africa spend an average of 26% of their time fetching water.

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Carl Loftus practising adventure running at the Winter Hill Fell Race.

Carl Loftus practising adventure running at the Winter Hill Fell Race.

We are always interested to hear from people of are taking on an outdoor related challenge to raise money for their favourite cause. We were recently contacted by tri-athlete Carl Loftus, of Warrington Tri Club, who is planning to do a bit of adventure running

Running The Standstone Trail

The sandstone trail in Cheshire stretches from Whitchurch to Frodsham and takes in 34 miles of stunning scenery including Beeston Castle, Rawhead, Delamere and finally the Mersey view at Frodsham. And I’m going to run it all in one day!

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Mountain villages are at risk from natural disasters.

Mountain villages are at risk from natural disasters. Source: Flickr by www.viajar24h.com


In order to improve the welfare of the indigenous peoples of mountainous regions the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) has initiated an annual International Mountain Day. This year the theme is Disaster Risk Management in Mountains.

Mountains are hazardous places. Many mountain communities live under the threat of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, avalanches, landslides and floods.

José Antonio Prado, Director, Forest Management Division, FAO.

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Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team have put together a very cute little video to promote the sale of “Mountain Rescue Teddies” as part of their fund raising efforts. The video which is posted on You Tube is embedded below. It shows the teddy mountain rescue team embark on a heroic mountain rescue typical of the type of rescue the real Wasdale team embark upon in real life.

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11th of December is International Mountain Day

11th of December is International Mountain Day

For most people who go walking, trekking, climbing and mountaineering the mountains are a place to have fun and challenge yourself. For many people however, the mountains are their home, providing their livelihood and are their way of life. In order to improve the welfare of the indigenous peoples of mountainous regions the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) has initiated an annual International Mountain Day. Since the first International Mountain Day in 2003, December 11th is used to highlight important issues that affect the mountain environment and those people who live there.

Each year International Mountain Day focuses on a key aspect of mountain life or the environment. The issues raised to date are outlined as follows:

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If you’re thinking of going cycle touring why not head off to Chile for a week and spend the entire time cycling 250 miles? Probably the best reason why not to is that Chile is a long way from the UK and that cycling 250 miles in week sounds like hard graft. On the other hand you could have a great time, see some amazing sights and raise money charity. And that is exactly what Malcolm Rogerson of Sale, Cheshire will be doing in September.

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Objective Achieved

I take great delight in informing you that both Paul and Martyn successfully completed the Liverpool Triathlon, posting competitive times in the process. Most importantly the “lads” had a thoroughly enjoyable day and can not wait for next year’s event which take place on 27th June 2010. They both enjoyed the tremendous support they received along the route whilst participating around the iconic Albert Dock.

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On monday Paul was moving like he was the Tin Man, wheres the WD40 when you need it! Source Flickr by J Bischoff

On monday Paul was moving like he was the Tin Man. Now where did we put the WD40? He will be ready for the race though.

Source Flickr
by J Bischoff

Paul, CheapTents Tin Man

With less than a week to go the Liverpool Triathlon there were concerns within the CheapTents.com team on Monday, as to the well being of our veteran competitor and “Ace” (his own words) shop manager Paul. Loud creaking noises were to be heard on the shop floor which staff attributed to building fatigue. Unfortunately for Paul the creaking was only heard when he moved. He later admitted that he was feeling a little tender due to his training regime over the weekend of a big Chinese meal…….. oh yes, and some running, swimming and cycling. Although we are all sure that after a few days rest he will be back to normal, maybe we should oil his joints!

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If you were preparing a trip up Mount Everest you would probably want to take with you a few pieces of chocolate to keep your energy and spirits up. But you probably wouldn’t take 200 kg of fine Belgian chocolate up to Mount Everest Base Case and then hand it out to everybody there. Just to get this in perspective, 200 kg is equivalent to 3200 Mars Bars. Or 51 and half The North Face Mountain 25 tents.

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