The ascent of the SW of Everest in 1975 was at the end of an era of British mountaineering that was characterised by large, extravagant, national expeditions.   In many ways the big national expeditions of the 50's, 60's and 70's were an extension of the Great Game.  With enough money, oxygen, Sherpas, ropes and skilled manpower, most routes could be climbed. Also in 1975, the East Ridge of Dunagiri was climbed by Joe Tasker and Dick Renshaw.   The ingredients for that 2 man unsupported 11 day up and down ascent were primarily determination and luck.  While the national press revelled in the Everest ascent, the inheritors of the legacy of Tillman and Shipton went ‘wow’ when hearing of the Tasker Renshaw climb.  It fired up a generation that nearly climbed itself into extinction. A Brief Gold light is the story of that generation covering the years from 1976-1986 from the Boardman-Tasker ascent of the West Face of Changabang to the disastrous events on K2 when 13 climbers lost their lives including Alan Rouse and Julie Tullis.   John Porter was both an observer and a participant throughout this period. His biography of Alex MacIntyre, who died on their S. Face Annapurna trip in 1982, is part of this wider story when so many remarkable climbs by AC members took place. 

Please note that any non-Alpine Club member wishing to attend this lecture on the 11^th June 2019 will need to contact the Club's Office Manager by 12 noon on Friday 7^th June 2019 to obtain a ticket for the lecture via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Tickets are free, but limited to a maximum of 15 only