The Outdoor Writers' Guild cemented its position as the
organisation for thrusting young outdoor writers and, erm, leading
communicators working in the outdoors' with the presentation of a
'Golden Eagle Award' to dynamic young naturalist Sir David
Attenborough.
Attenborough, who at 79, is still travelling the world producing
nature documentaries was presented with a a specially commissioned
watercolour of Chopicalqui in the Peruvian Andes by landscape artist
and Guild member, David Bellamy, at London's historic Alpine
Club.
Presenting the award, Outdoor Writers' Guild President, Roly
Smith, commented: "Sir David's distinguished career in broadcasting
covers half a century, and no one has done more to introduce the
wonders of the natural world to a greater number of people. He has
been our guide to some of the world's wildest and most spectacularly
beautiful landscapes, and has shown us in intimate detail the
astounding and never-ending variety of the wild creatures which live
in them."
Attenborough apparently was a keen rock climber in the 1940s, but
gave up climbing 'because he found its risks incompatible with family
life'. He accepted the award saying: '"I just make films about
wildlife and I am especially delighted to receive this award, and in
such august surroundings."
An invited audience of 50 including mountaineer Stephen Venables
were present at the Golden Eagle award ceremony.
It's nice to see the old warhorse getting recognition for his
achievements, but where the hell are the bright, dynamic young
outdoors writers in this country?
You can find out more about the OWG from their web
site.
