Kim Howells and Sir Chris Bonington climb The Old Man of Coniston.

Posted by on 16/07/2001

Kim Howells, the new minister for tourism and himself a keen mountaineer, met with Sir Chris Bonington and BMC General Secretary Roger Payne on Friday 29 June, to climb the Old Man of Coniston.

Kim was in town to express his support and confidence in the Lake District tourist industry, and despite the rain enjoyed his visit immensely. He also held meetings with the Cumbria Tourist Board and representatives of local businesses to hear first hand some of the problems they are facing, and to listen to ideas for how the government can help. Kim had this to say after he had attended the meetings and talked with Sir Chris and Roger during their climb:

“The Government recognises that our tourism industry needs and wants to get back to business as usual. I hope that my visit to Coniston today will help to highlight that Britain’s tourism industry is open for business. We need to get the message across that foot and mouth has not closed down the countryside and that there is no need to stay at home. I say this not only as Minister for Tourism but as a keen mountaineer itching to get back onto Britain’s trails.” Sir Chris had this to add: "The Lake District has some of the most attractive and inspiring countryside in England, and the views, particularly from a peak like the Old Man are breathtaking. My message to the public is clear - get your boots on, enjoy the countryside and support the Lake District’s tourism industry. They have their own mountain to climb at the moment and I am delighted to be here today doing my bit to help.”



« Back

Post a comment Print this article

This article has been read 1281 times

TAGS

Click on the tags to explore more

RELATED ARTICLES

Help Mountain Heritage Trust with its 20th anniversary fundraising campaign
0
Help Mountain Heritage Trust with its 20th anniversary fundraising campaign

Since March 2000, the Mountain Heritage Trust has worked as an independent charity to protect and promote the extraordinary history of British mountaineering and climbing. Now it needs your donations to ensure it can preserve Britain’s mountain heritage for years to come.
Read more »

Sir Chris Bonington calls for injection of idealism into National Parks
2
Sir Chris Bonington calls for injection of idealism into National Parks

With the end of the ambitious £150,000 Mend Our Mountains crowdfunding drive approaching, Sir Chris Bonington has described National Parks as an “essential part of who we are” and called for us all to take responsibility for looking after them.
Read more »

Man and the Mountain: Chris Bonington resists the status quo
1
Man and the Mountain: Chris Bonington resists the status quo

Man and Mountain, it's fair to say that Sir Chris Bonington found his calling in remote high areas across the globe. But when did he first realise he was made for the mountains? And did anything ever stand in his way of making these daring ascents? Mountain Heritage Trust's own Jonny Dry explains how Sir Chris' love of climbing and mountaineering helped him resist the status quo.
Read more »

Post a Comment

Posting as Anonymous Community Standards
3000 characters remaining
Submit
Your comment has been posted below, click here to view it
Comments are currently on | Turn off comments
0

There are currently no comments, why not add your own?

RELATED ARTICLES

Help Mountain Heritage Trust with its 20th anniversary fundraising campaign
0

Since March 2000, the Mountain Heritage Trust has worked as an independent charity to protect and promote the extraordinary history of British mountaineering and climbing. Now it needs your donations to ensure it can preserve Britain’s mountain heritage for years to come.
Read more »

Sir Chris Bonington calls for injection of idealism into National Parks
2

With the end of the ambitious £150,000 Mend Our Mountains crowdfunding drive approaching, Sir Chris Bonington has described National Parks as an “essential part of who we are” and called for us all to take responsibility for looking after them.
Read more »

Man and the Mountain: Chris Bonington resists the status quo
1

Man and Mountain, it's fair to say that Sir Chris Bonington found his calling in remote high areas across the globe. But when did he first realise he was made for the mountains? And did anything ever stand in his way of making these daring ascents? Mountain Heritage Trust's own Jonny Dry explains how Sir Chris' love of climbing and mountaineering helped him resist the status quo.
Read more »

BMC MEMBERSHIP
Join 82,000 BMC members and support British climbing, walking and mountaineering. Membership only £16.97.
Read more »
BMC SHOP
Great range of guidebooks, DVDs, books, calendars and maps.
All with discounts for members.
Read more »
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Get covered with BMC Insurance. Our five policies take you from the beach to Everest.
Read more »