The Jonathan Conville Memorial Trust has, with a heavy heart, decided to cancel its 2021 winter course programme in Scotland.
The Trust has provided subsidised training courses for young people since its formation in 1980, delivered in the same spirit of adventure that Jonathan Conville embraced during his life.
As lockdowns spread across Europe earlier this year, the Trust’s summer Alpine courses were sadly cancelled. With such uncertainty still present, the Trust very reluctantly felt it was the right decision to cancel the Scottish winter courses which were due to commence in less than four months.
“We are extremely sad to be cancelling the courses, chiefly because of the loss of training opportunities for young people” said Katrina Taee, Chair of the Trustees and Jonathan’s sister. “We are normally able to offer 60 places for our Scottish winter program.”
Participant Testimonials
Testimonials from those attending this year’s winter courses in January demonstrate the Trust’s relevance today, over 40 years since Jonathan died, something that the Trust is very conscious of.
“Without the course being subsidised, I wouldn’t have had the ability to book on a winter mountaineering course. For me it ticked every box and more for what I was hoping to achieve and learn.”
“I have always wanted to get into winter mountaineering but have never had the opportunity to do so. This course has been amazing, and helped me fulfil my childhood dream of trying winter mountaineering.”
“I have learnt some invaluable skills about how to stay safe in the mountains and I am already planning my next trip up to Scotland.”
And next year?
The Trust is now planning its 2021 Alpine Preparation courses at Plas y Brenin and the Chamonix-based Alpine summer courses . Applications will open in early 2021. The Trust is very hopeful the Scottish winter courses will go ahead in January 2022.
The Trust is very thankful to its partners Plas y Brenin and Ardenbeg Outdoor Centre for their continued support.
Who was Jonathan Conville?
The family of Jonathan Conville established the Trust after he died on the Matterhorn in the winter of 1979, aged 27. He was a sound, ambitious climber who joined the Parachute Regiment and taught at the Outward Bound School, Loch Eil. He identified strongly with the outdoors where he constantly found challenge. The Trust’s aims are to encourage and assist young people to train for and pursue their love of the outdoors in the spirit of adventure, which Jonathan embraced during his life. As long as there are mountains, there will be a place for the Trust.
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