Into the mist and on with the hoods as cold and damp take hold!

The snow was fairly deep, very slippery as we descended and I was sure that we would have a few bruised back-sides, but everyone managed to stay on their feet until we reached the pub at the bottom for a couple of very welcome beers. The funds raised will to go towards the Allied Special Forces Association who are creating the Allied Special Forces Memorial Grove within the National Arboretum by the banks of the River Tame in Staffordshire. So far nearly £3,000 has been raised with more still to come. If you want to make a donation, please make cheques payable to the Allied Special Forces Association and send them to Mick, myself or directly to the Association, Office 11, Cattle Market, Hereford HR4 9HX. Every penny will be wisely spent and lots of pennies are greatly needed.

The mist closes in and its time for real concentration on the task ahead.

Special thanks go to Mark who navigated; George who kindly took responsibility for the safety side and also Mike who assisted him with this. Without the help they gave we simply could not have attempted this. Safety was always paramount as people still die each year on Nevis. (Nevis is translated from Gaelic to mean Venom, and not without good reason).

Time for a rest as the snow line is reached.

If anyone else has an idea they want to put into practice, but need help in doing so - just ask someone. The club is full of people with a vast amount of knowledge and experience. I am yet to find one who is no twilling to help, train, advise and share their knowledge. I gave it a go and it went so well that I am going to do it again. Are you up for it....?

Matt Johnston - Having Fun and Raising Funds

The only way is up!

It is important that the efforts of Matt and his group on Ben Nevis Mountain are not forgotten as they, through their fund raising have now helped push forward a project to commemorate those Allied Special Forces who lost their lives, and those that by the grace of god came back. These vital funds have come at a time when we are preparing the ground in the Allied Special Forces Memorial Grove. Early this year volunteers put a safety fence in position and planted over 330 trees. The 2 acre Grove has not been disturbed before and now we have started to eradicate the nettles and thistles from future path areas, whilst leaving a great deal of wild parts to encourage wildlife.

Soon the summit is reached and out come the flags.

These funds have already allowed us to buy grass cutters, a scythe and soon a ride on mower. Many tools have been donated and we thank Matt Johnston for the petrol brushcutter and the purloined grass rakes from his friends. Grass cutting is continuing this year and more up to date pictures will appear on the Grove pages in due course. We intend this year to level natural paths and seed them with good quality grass, whilst spreading wild flower seeds in areas and field poppies everywhere. Any donations of seed in quantity and wild daffodils would be most welcome, as would further funds.

Happy smiling faces at the summit Trig Point

As the summit is reached you might feel that the whole route was in the mist! A complete whiteout?
No, see below some of the spectacular views that greeted the group at various stages.

Specutacular views across the Glens

During WWII Scotland was used extensively by Allied Special Forces as a training ground, the ruggedness of the terrain, the isolation and extreme conditions, all added to the hard intensive training that Commando Forces, Combined Operations, Special Operations Executive, Special Air Service and many others endured as their build up for operations in enemy territory. Train hard and fight easy was always the watchword. This arduous training stood all in good stead as men and women endured extreme hardship in freeing the world.

Spectacular views across the Glens.

In the years since the end of WWII many conflicts and outright wars have seen Allied Special Forces and regular formations fight for the freedom in most places on Earth. These battles for our right to freedom and to live in peace are still continuing today over 60 years since troops stormed ashore on the beaches of Normandy to set an end to the horrors that millions had suffered in Europe. Two days before D. Day in June 1944 Allied Forces were liberating Rome in Italy and thus hounded on three land fronts, the sea and in the air, the axis forces of facism fell foul to the power of nations not to admit defeat in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds.

Spectacular views across the Glens.

We take this opportunity to really thank Matt and his group for their fine effort, not only in climbing the mountain, but for helping a project that will grow in time to stand as a proud reminder to future generations, that the sacrifices of the past must not be forgotten as we continue to live in troubled times.

"They shall not grow old as we are left to grow old,
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn,
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them."