The inaugural BMC Volunteers Gala, which took place Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 October, at University of Warwick, offered the opportunity for 100 BMC volunteers to come together with industry representatives, key stakeholders, and BMC staff

There were a number of seminars held throughout the two-day event which provided training and networking opportunities.

The Gala opened with a panel on Equality, Diversion, and Inclusion, moderated by Mary-Ann Ochota. In the discussion, joined by Yasmin Lazarus, Sameed Ahmed, Emily Davis and Mohammed Dhalech, Mary-Ann focused on the problems, potential solutions, and the systemic issues that need to be addressed within the outdoor sector.

Other sessions from the Gala included:

• Understanding & using social media
• Access Negotiations
• Using online systems (Zoom, Teamwork etc.)
• Chairing effective meetings
• Dealing with the media
• Risk Management & Safeguarding

Saturday evening saw a Gala dinner with the inclusion on the Volunteer Awards from 2020, 2021 & 2022 whereby volunteers had their dedication celebrated across the evening. It was a night to reward success, highlight great work, and to honour all those that help make our community great.

As we went through the awards presented, there were some incredible reminders of the remarkable stories this community throws up. From the touching moments of the George Band award, to the inspirational accolade of the Rehan Siddiqui Award, the rich tapestry of the BMC was on full display.

You can find a full list of winners from the night below.

After the meal an auction was held which raised over £1,000 for BMC access projects including: The Climate Project, Mend Our Mountains, and the Crag and Upland Restoration Project.  Items making up the auction included: books signed by Sir Chris Bonington, an ice axe Mick Fowler used on the ascent of Spantik, and a coaching session with Hazel Findlay.

At the Specialist Committee review on Sunday, BMC Specialist Committee Chairs and BMC staff members presented the activities from 2022 and the forward plans for 2023.

These included discussions on:

• Access
• Clubs
• Competitions
• Equity
• Health & Safety
• Hillwalking
• Huts
• Indoor Climbing
• International
• Safeguarding
• Technical
• Training
• Youth

Clubs Development Manager, Jane Thompson, said we had a brilliant two days in Warwick with our Volunteers.  We were keen for this to be an opportunity for the volunteers to gain skills and be recognised for their brilliant contributions to our sector.

With thanks to Howden Insurance Brokers for their support in enabling us to offer the Gala weekend to our volunteers.

We would like to also extend our thanks to: Fiona Sanders, Dave Turnbull, Rose Gare-Simmons, Emma Hope, Katy Shilladay, John Simpson, Andy Goulbourne and Chris Stone for donating their time and facilitating workshops at the Gala.

Nominate a Volunteer in the 2024 Awards. 

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