Join us at an informal event to celebrate the life of Roger Payne at Manchester Town Hall on Saturday 8 September, starting at 6.30pm.

Roger Payne – former general secretary of the BMC and mountain guide – died in the recent accident on Mont Maudit that claimed nine lives.

Roger was well known across many branches of world climbing and, following church services in Leysin and London, there will an informal event to celebrate his life in Manchester on Saturday 8 September.

It takes place in the banqueting room of Manchester Town Hall, where speakers will look back at Roger's achievements across the mountaineering scene. Then, in the finest Payne tradition, we’ll have a few beers.

The evening starts at 6.30pm with a welcome drink, and the speeches getting underway at 7.15pm.

Iain Peter will reveal their very effective partnership in the Alps and Himalaya, including ascents of the Walker Spur and the North Face of the Eiger, interspersed with tales involving bad behaviour in bars.

Andy MacNae and Ian Parnell will then delve into the Machiavellian world of climbing politics and Roger's contribution to mountaineering during his years at the BMC – including Roger's very particular methods of getting things done.

Finally, Julie-Ann Clyma will talk about their climbing lives together; the mountain guiding that brought them into contact with so many people; and what that meant to her and Roger.

There will be a light buffet afterwards.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed pictures of Roger and donations to the fund so far. We look forward to seeing you on 8 September and celebrating Roger's life with a few beers.

Event information
The BMC is supporting the evening, although we're guessing the free bar will run out sooner rather than later. Entry is free but donations to the Roger Payne Memorial Fund are very welcome. If you are interested in joining us please contact kate@thebmc.co.uk to give us an idea of numbers.

Full details on how to get to Manchester Town Hall.

Did you know Roger? Help us compile a selection of photos of Roger

Read the BMC tribute to Roger Payne

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