The Jonathan Conville Memorial Trust (JCMT) welcomed Andy Cave to join Chris Bonington as one of their Patrons at their recent AGM.

Andy Cave is a renowned British Alpinist, an accomplished author, and an IFMGA Guide. His knowledge of alpinism and mountain training will be of great benefit to the Trust.

Andy Cave was enthusiastic about his new role, saying, 'The JCMT gives young budding Alpinists vital mountain skills at prices they can afford. I am absolutely delighted to be involved with such a superb charity.'

The JCMT was created in 1982 in memory of Jonathan Conville, who died in 1979 during a winter ascent of the Matterhorn. The Trust's aims are to encourage and assist individuals to train for and pursue outdoor adventure in the spirit that Jonathan followed during his life.

The JCMT is unique in the world of mountain training. Over 1000 young people have attended a subsidised Conville course in the UK and the Alps, developing essential skills at the start of their mountaineering careers. This year, the Trust provided over £16,000 to subsidise training delivered to almost 200 young mountaineers.

Jonathan Conville's passion was for Alpine mountaineering, and every summer over 100 young people benefit from his legacy, attending a three day course in Chamonix delivered by professional mountain guides. This year the course cost attendees £60, a third of the actual cost. The JCMT subsidy covered the other two thirds.

The BMC has administered the JCMT's courses for many years, and makes a yearly financial contribution to the Trust. The alpine courses are delivered by the Mountain Training Trust (MTT), and from spring 2008, MTT will be administering the JCMT courses instead of the BMC.

Jonathan's sisters, Melissa Kay and Katrina Taee said, 'We are so grateful to the BMC for their longstanding support, collaboration and financial commitment to the Trust and are happy that the MTT will take over administering and running the courses in the new year.  We look forward to an ongoing relationship with the BMC as they have been our strongest supporters for many years.  In addition we are very pleased to welcome Andy Cave as an additional Patron, he brings much experience and wisdom to our charity and we value his input.

Martin Doyle, MTT's CEO, added, 'The Mountain Training Trust has been pleased to support the immensely valuable work of the JCMT. Taking on the overall administration of all the courses is a natural extension of the charitable work MTT undertakes to help mountaineers operate safely and spread good practice.'

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