The average climbing grade of the BMC Executive Committee has just shot up, with Mina Leslie-Wujastyk and Rupert Davies appointed as the new BMC vice presidents.

Following our successful Portland festival and AGM weekend, the BMC is pleased to announce the appointment of two new vice-presidents: Mina Leslie-Wujastyk and Rupert Davies.

Mina Leslie-Wujastyk is one of Britain’s top female climbers. She's currently competing in the IFSC Bouldering World Cup, has climbed F8b+ (Mecca at Raven Tor), climbed E8 and bouldered Font 8a+.

“I hope I can help the BMC by assisting in connecting with younger members and with women in our sport,” said Mina. 

Steely-fingered barrister and boulderer Rupert Davies is no slouch either, having bouldered Font 8b and climbed F8c and E7. Rupert also wrote the 2005 edition of the Peak District Bouldering guidebook and regularly writes for Climb magazine.

"I'm already involved with the BMC Land Management Group," explained Rupert. "So I'm excited about my forthcoming role."

Both will take part in the work of the BMC Executive Committee: the board of the BMC.

About the BMC 2014 AGM

The action-packed weekend, based at the Heights hotel on Portland, began on Friday night with an introduction to Portland by local BMC Access representative Neal Heanes.  BMC Ambassadors Steve McClure and James ‘Caff’ McHaffie then showcased their climbing journeys and experiences to an enthralled crowd of 70 people.

The AGM took place on Saturday morning, 26 April 2014. Scott Titt (president), Mike Watson (vice-president) and John Simpson (honorary treasurer) were all re-elected; our two new vice-presidents Mina and Rupert were elected and Brian Smith was appointed as the BMC’s first independent director.  A £1.50 increase was agreed for individual and club member subscription rates for 2015.  

After the business of the AGM, Scott Titt announced that National Council had agreed to make Eric Jones an Honorary Member of the BMC; this was welcomed by all those in attendance.

Read the full minutes from the meeting.

Scott Titt demonstrating how to place a bolt.  Credit: Jim Krawiecki

The afternoon forecast looked to dampen spirits so Scott Titt gave an impromptu bolting demonstration workshop to rave reviews. 

Luckily Portland decided to ignore the weather forecast and pulled off some glorious sunshine for the afternoon activities. 

Round Island coastal walk. Credit: Jim Krawiecki

Andy McLaughlin (Wessex Mountaineering Club) led 30 members on the Round Island coastal walk whilst Steve McClure and Caff took 3-hour masterclass sessions at the Cuttings on Saturday and Blacknor South on Sunday.

Scott Titt (BMC President) - Susan Band - John Innerdale OBE.  Credit: Jim Krawiecki

On Saturday evening there was the presentation of the George Band Award for Outstanding Voluntary Contribution.  This year's award recipient was John Innerdale OBE for his services to the BMC and mountain heritage.  John made a short speech recollecting his time with George Band and the work of the Mountain Heritage Trust (MHT). 

The evening was rounded off with an excellent buffet at the Heights hotel and some groovy dancing to the pirate/punk band, the Devils Rejects.

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