Meet your 2019 BMC Volunteer Award winners

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2019 BMC Volunteer Awards. From GB Climbing Team members, and Mountain Training experts to local festival organisers, all of them will win a specially-commissioned award from legendary Chamonix artist Andy Parkin.

What are the BMC Volunteer awards?

The BMC Awards acknowledge the hard work and commitment that goes into making our community great. Whether it’s a dedicated volunteer, an innovative club lead, an exceptional athlete, or a ground-breaking initiative, we aim to shine a spotlight on those who elevate hill walking, climbing and mountaineering in the UK. This year we have selected three individuals for two categories:

THE REHAN SIDDIQUI AWARD(S)

For Exceptional Voluntary Contribution towards promoting Equality and Diversity in the BMC, recognising those who have made a significant voluntary contribution to the BMC’s commitment to increasing opportunities for under-represented groups to participate in climbing, hill walking or mountaineering and the work of the BMC.

GEORGE BAND AWARD

The George Band Award for Exceptional Voluntary Contribution to Mountaineering recognises people who have played a significant role in the BMC’s work over an extended period of time.

YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

The Young Volunteer of the Year Award was established in 2018 and recognises those young people (under 27 years of age) who have made a significant voluntary contribution and commitment to the BMC, thereby acting as role models to other young people, to encourage volunteering in the BMC.

LORD GREAVES AWARD

For Voluntary Contribution to BMC Access and Conservation work, to recognise volunteers who work tirelessly to promote access to and protection for the countryside we all love.

Andy has been volunteering for the BMC for over 30 years in various guises, beginning with a stint on the (then) Management Committee in 1988, and chairing the Wales area. He has also been the BMC representative on the Mountain Training board and an area access rep. Since 1995 he has been a member of the Training, Youth and Walls Committee (formerly Training Advisory Group), a committee he has chaired since 2005.

"Andy is as passionate about the BMC as he is about Mountain Training, as he is about the grass roots and supporting all without contradiction. Therefore, for the BMC, he has always been one of our strongest advocates within a wide variety of outdoor communities.

Andy works quietly, beneath the radar, without any hint of self-promotion, achieving compromise with good humour. Andy would be very worthy recipient of the award as equally for his promotion of the BMC and defender of its work, as for his decades of voluntary involvement with the organisation"

- Mike Raine & Tim Jepson

A former president, vice president and secretary of the Climbers' Club (2005-2013). As President of the largest BMC-affiliated club, Fiona dealt with a range of governance issues and brought a strategic direction to the club. In 2009 Fiona took the initiative in work that lead to the formation of the BMC Clubs’ Committee. After its inception, she set up and organised a training programme for club members that included delivering workshops at Plas y Brenin. As chair (2013-18), she inspired volunteers and staff alike, working tirelessly to co-ordinate their efforts on behalf of clubs.

Most recently Fiona has been integral to the Organisational Review and the Organisational Development Groups, and has been recommended by National Council to become one of their representatives on the BMC Board of Directors.

"Fiona combines a passion for the outdoors with directly relevant knowledge & experience gained during a professional career in leadership development, executive coaching and trainer training. Her award nomination is built upon a foundation of service, leadership and organisational development.

Fiona is still a regular climber in the mountains as well as at sports venues. She is a stalwart champion of clubs, striving to promote their needs to the BMC and ensure that they are dealt with equitably within the BMC framework. The BMC has reaped the benefits of her dedication, ability and enthusiasm. We commend her nomination for the George Band Award to you."

- Rik Payne & Peter Salenieks

As a professional climber, Molly plans to use her platform to inspire and diversify climbing and to reach people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds who are under-represented in the sport. She also plans to promote climbing to the wider sporting community and educate people on what it’s all about and the lifestyle to try and get more people into climbing.

Molly is part of the thinkBeyond Talent movement and is using her social media platform to spread her message. Molly is involved in this movement because it’s something she believes in, and is using her current position as a professional climber for the greater good of society – a truly inspirational person who deserves to be recognised with this award.

Ellie is an inspirational person who has volunteered on several BMC youth meets, and has provided input and support on three of the BMC student seminars. She was an active member of the BMCs Women’s Development Group and is one of the core organisers of the Women’s Trad Festival.

Stuart has been the primary organiser of the BMC Gower Climbing Festival for the past two years, and is already planning the 2019 festival. The festival would not run without his dedicated input and planning. Stuart works tirelessly to ensure the festival is a success and is totally committed to ensuring people enjoy themselves.

The Awards

For 2019, the BMC commissioned artist Andy Parkin to create unique sculptures to be given to the winners. The awards will be presented at the Presidents dinner at the Lee Wood Hotel on the evening of the 30 March.

Our dedicated and passionate network of hundreds of volunteers are the lifeblood of the BMC.

We have a vast range of volunteers:

• Local levels
  • Focussed on local activities and action, areas meetings etc
• BMC committees
  • With relevant skills, experience or expertise, supporting the work of the BMC by contributing to strategic direction and offering their advice and knowledge on certain matters – access groups, club committees, technical committees etc
• Members council
  • Those who act as a representative body of the members, consulting with and constructively challenging the board of directors.
• Board members