Online Fellwalking Club - The 2009 Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show

The 2009 Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show

Written by Peter Burgess

Wednesday, 01 April 2009

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Welcome to the Show!

With support from Duncan Newbury, Marketing Manager of the OS Outdoors Show, a visit to the NEC Birmingham was in order. I had been looking forward to the show since 2008 and again the event was not to be missed. There were literally hundreds of exhibitors and there were displays and demonstrations from groups as wide ranging as the Royal Marines and those showing bushcraft technique. From a purely OFC angle, Mark Richards was giving various talks and Michael Timmins had his very own stall. Cicerone, now in its 40th year of publishing, was sponsoring 'The Glade Theatre'.

Mark presents Peter with his OFC dedicated book

Dedication's what you need...

Here, notable authors in the form of Kev Reynolds, Paddy Dillon and Mark Richards were on hand to give informative talks to gathered audiences in the theatre. It was excellent to hear Mark talk again and afterwards I was thrilled to be presented with a signed copy of his latest book Lakeland Fellranger, The Mid-Western Fells with its dedication to the community work of the OFC - I think we should all be touched by Mark's decision to acknowledge the OFC.

WalkSOS

I was also pleased to give my personal OFC support to Michael Timmins on his WalkSOS stall. Many will have been pleased to receive a complimentary distress banner from Michael after he offered the OFC a limited number of his product to our members. My banner is now squirreled away in the bottom of my pack in case it is ever needed. Along with Michael and his colleague George we discussed the future of the product and even came up with development ideas for the future. As a teacher and group leader I reiterated its usefulness as another piece of insurance that could prove indispensable when the time comes.

Kevin Beeden

Kevin Beedon was also on hand to answer questions about his Squeeze Box light-weight stove which he was very enthusiastic about on the AlpKit CoLab stand. There were 8 pieces of kit on offer which were still at the design and development stage. The eight designers had to pitch their design to the show visitors who in turn had to vote for their favourite. I cast my vote and the democratic results are shown on the AlpKit blog...

There were many more stalls and demonstrations to see as well of course the welcome watering hole provided by Jennings at the 'Cumberland Bar'. After walking around the massive arena a welcome pint of northern ale was in order. If like many others you were out on the fells instead of indoors then you might like to see it for yourself. Perhaps next year you might like to make a date of 26-28 March for your diary...

At the OS Outdoors Show 2009

Excellent prize!

Competition:
For a chance to win some excellent goodies from the show including an excellent 'Buff', Independent Hostel Guide, pens, book marks and other paraphernalia then answer the following question:

Q: He famously partnered Joe Simpson on Sule Grande in the Andes and also gave a talk at this year's Outdoors Show.... Who is this famous climber? Clue: Watch the video to find out.

Send your answer with 'Outdoors Show Competition' in the subject line to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for a chance to win. GOOD LUCK!

The Outdoorsshow 2009 Promo from OneDeadPixel on Vimeo.

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"Just had to say, thank you for such a grand few minutes. I am 67 now and my knees are past the challenge of such a climb (Tryfan article) but it was great doing it again online with you." Sheelagh Finlay

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