The 50th Anniversary of the First Ascent of Mount Everest was a landmark - not only as a milestone of human endeavour, but also for the Mount Everest Foundation itself. It was the first ascent of Everest that led to the MEF.
We celebrated the anniversary on 29th May 2003 with a flourish. We hired The Odeon, Leicester Square and put on Endeavour on Everest, with a Royal Gala evening performance followed by a Reception at Spencer House, St James's Place. George Band, Charles Wylie, Michael Westmacott, surviving veterans from 1953 spoke to audiences of over 3000. Sir Chris Bonington, Doug Scott, Stephen Venables and myself contributed vignettes of the Everest story, while Jan Morris concluded the shows in inimitable style. Sir David Attenborough compèred both afternoon and evening programmes, commemorated in a superbly produced illustrated brochure, already a collectors' item.
HM The Queen and the MEF Patron, HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh were our guests; Prince Edward, Princess Alexandra, and The Duke of Gloucester joined the Royal party.
There were many other many other MEF 50th Anniversary initiatives:
A Royal Mail First Class Stamp
The Ascent of Everest, a limited edition of John Hunt's book, with copy signatures of the 1953 team
Everest by George Band, an official history of Everest written for the MEF
A Souvenir Karabiner produced by HB Climbing Equipment - an initiative of Bill Ruthven
Many radio and TV programmes and newspaper features also recorded the event.
The MEF Leaders' Appeal has targeted those who have benefited from grants in years past. More than £20,000 has already been raised in this manner.
The success of the entire Anniversary is largely due to the support, drive and resilience of Sarah Turner (our Programme Director), plus Annie Taylor who assisted her in the later stages.
Charles Clarke, Chairman
Report of the Chairman for 2003 - 2004
Committee Information 2003 - 2003
Supported Expeditions 2004
Grants to Expeditions 1977 to 2004 (in graphical form)
Destinations in 2004 (in graphical form)
