Prime Minister summons Alan James and Mick Ryan to no. 10

by Mick Ryan – UKClimbing.com Was an everyday morning here in Ambleside, still raining of course. I get up, check emails, check my news feeds and write my list of things to do for the day. Downstairs and put the kettle on for a nice cup of PG Tips and check the mail. What´s this small white envelope? Doesn´t look like a bill.Oh my goodness! It has 10 Downing Street written on the back. I must have done something really bad! But the address saysMick Ryan, UKClimbing.com. Exciting. Have MI5 been monitoring the forums? Too many climbers critical of New Labour? Inside is a simple white card that says: “A Reception for the BMC, in celebration of British Mountaineering. The Prime Minister requests the honour of the company of: ……..Mr. Mick Ryan…… at a Reception at 10 Downing Street, Whitehall on Wednesday 8th 2008, from 5.30 pm to 7.00pm” I immediately start singing, just like Charlie and Grandpa Joe in Willy Wonka´s Chocolate Factory. “I´ve got a golden ticket, I´ve got a golden twinkle in my eye” I call up and thank Dave Turnbull BMC CEO, Dave asks if Alan James, owner of UKClimbing.com, has his and then has to dash to a meeting with Sport England. Alan is on holiday in France and Holland with his family so I call him and give him the news. Alan is very surprised indeed. I must say we are very honoured. See you on the 8th Gordon Brown, PM…..along with 120 or so climbers and mountaineers. See the BMC news report A reception for the BMC in ´Celebration of British Mountaineering´ at No.10 Downing Street for more details.