Montrose Annual Dinner – June 2025

Summary from Barry Smith, RHSoc Chair

A quick note to say thank you to all those who attended the AGM and dinner on Saturday at
Montrose. Everyone appeared to enjoy the event.

The AGM went well, with good discussions on a number of points. Rick Salter, who had been
Chairman for six years, stood down from the role with thanks from all of us. It was noted that
he had done an excellent job over the last six years, with membership increasing by 50%,
many more trips now taking places, and many milestones and completions being celebrated
by increasing numbers of enthusiastic hill walkers. Whisky for Rick and flowers for Jenny
were presented.

The dinner followed soon afterwards, attended by 75 members and guests. There was a
lively quiz organised by Davie Jamieson won by the ‘Dodd’ table. This was followed by an
excellent talk by Alan Dawson on his new Marilyn book, ‘The revised Relative Hills of
Britain’. The book was on sale for the first time at the dinner and is an informative and
entertaining book with numerous colour photographs of the hills.

It was then time for the awards. The lifetime achievement trophy was presented to Alan
Holmes, not only for his numerous climbing and hill walking achievements, but also for his
work and leadership in bringing the significant islands of Britain and Ireland to the attention
of all of us.

Dave Chapman won the Mad Bagger of the year trophy with 143 Marilyns, 205
Humps and 395 Tumps. 47 badges for milestones and completions were then handed out by
Adrian Rayner.

Many thanks to the organisers, Tony Smith, Davie Jamieson, and Chris Ottley. The Park
Hotel in Montrose proved an excellent choice.

It was agreed that next year’s event will be in Wales on 6 June. The venue has yet to be
announced, but it is likely to be in Brecon.