Instead of a lecture on Tuesday 26 October 2021 we shall be showing a film conceived by John Porter and centred around Everest by those that were there. This is an opportunity to both see the film and hear a commentary by AC members who were inspired by the early pioneers.

To celebrate the centenary year of the first Everest Expedition, the Alpine Club have produced a film: Everest – By Those Who Were There – 1921 -1922 – 1924.   Julie Summers, Sandy Irvine’s great niece, guides us through those early expeditions using images, artefacts and written materials never seen or exhibited before.  Extensive use of clips from John Noel’s 1922 and 1924 films take us back in time and bring these early pioneers back to life.  Alpine Club members inspired by those early pioneers, contribute their thoughts:  Reinhold Messner, Rebecca Stephens, Sir Chris Bonington, Dawson Stelfox, Melanie Windridge, Sandy Allan, Crag Jones, Leo Houlding, Ed Douglas and AC President Victor Saunders.   They discuss the scientific, geographical, and technological achievements as well as the remarkable contributions of the Sherpas and Bhotias.  The film takes us from the first thoughts of climbing Everest in the 1890’s to the mystery of Mallory and Irvine’s disappearance.  It provides a new perspective on the social, political and mountaineering importance of the world’s highest mountain.