BMC - We're Not Bankrupt, Honest...

If the old saw that you should never believe anything until it's been officially denied is true, then it's bad news for the British Mountaineering Council which has been making it very clear that it isn't 'going bankrupt'.

In its latest newsletter the organisation, which represents the interests of British climbers and hillwalkers, specifically denies rumours that it is on the rocks, but admits that 2002 has been 'a very trying year for the organisation following various financial, organisational and personnel difficulties that spilled over from the previous year'. Its accounts are expected to show a loss for 2002 to go with the £167,000 deficit from 2001.

It says however that it's now on track to be back into surplus by the end of next year thanks to a programme of new financial controls and internal administrative changes aimed at tightening things up. Among these are new internal procedures for processing and approving invoices and cheques - go figure.

Among the casualties of the cutbacks are the annual BMC International Meet, which will save an estimated £25,000 and the BMC's involvement with the National Mountaineering Exhibition at Rheged. In addition the departing Infortmation Officer Andy Macnae will not be replaced.

BMC President Dave Musgrove points out that although losses have been made in the past three years, that 'in the preceding 3 years substantial surpluses were accrued'. While admitting that financial control has been 'weak' he says that money was spent in good faith on projects felt to benefit BMC members.

On a more optimistic note, the number of members has risen to 60,000 for the first time ever.

See the BMC web site