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Blethering at Glencoe
At the summit of Beinn a'Bheithir, Sgorr Dhearg. As traditional, Jan has thrown her hat in the air.
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On the saddle between the two peaks.
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Some of those who reached the misty second peak, Sgorr Dhonuill.
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John Mann, Convener of BSA Scotland.
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On the way down from Sgorr Dhearg towards the saddle and Sgorr Dhonuill beyond.
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Sunday lunch at the Clachaig Inn.
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Around 30 people joined BSA Scotland's second 'walk and talk' social and fundraising weekend at Glencoe, 22-24 June. The group attending this life-affirming weekend included people who stammer, speech and language therapists and assorted friends and partners. The majority of participants currently live in Scotland, but we warmly welcomed Allan, Nara and Vince who all travelled from the far south to join us.
As everyone knows, this summer has been extraordinarily 'dreich' (dreary, hard to bear), and the midsummer weekend was no exception. By some extraordinary good fortune, however, the proposed climb up Beinn a'Bheithir was completed with only a hint of rain during a short stretch of the descent. Views were limited, the mist surrounded us at the top and the midges were in evidence in the forest, but the sense of achievement amongst our band of largely inexperienced Munro climbers was intoxicating.
Beinn a'Bheithir consists of a ridge and two peaks, both of which are Munros. All of the group who attempted the climb made it to the ridge, most made it up Sgorr Dhearg and a good number clambered up the second peak, Sgorr Dhonuill, achieving two Munros in one day. The small group that did not participate in the climb walked in the local area and are to be thanked for preparing a delicious dinner for the returning throng.
The weekend involved much conversation, communal catering, singing, laughter and wanders to the Clachaig Inn, as well as discussion about BSA Scotland's future priorities and how to best use the more than £3,000 sponsorship raised. Plans include an awareness raising campaign to promote early referral in Scotland as it was noted that many children continue to be referred far too late. It seems, sadly, that doctors still urge parents to wait and see if their children will grow out of stammering. In addition, we'd like to offer something directly of benefit to adults who stammer, perhaps drama workshops for those over 25. We will continue to consult with those who raised funds on our behalf. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of sponsors and pay tribute to those who raised money for us:
Nara Miranda
John and Cora Mann
Paul Mann
Ian O'Connell
Callum Wells
Allan Tyrer
Stephen McAleese
Claire O'Neil and Andy Z
Isabella Curnow.
We returned baggy eyed from all the energy expended whilst walking and talking but euphoric from all the support given and received throughout the weekend.
Quotes from participants
"The climbing was sensational, a new and eye-opening experience. The excitement of climbing two Munros was immense and intense. It was a brilliant weekend from beginning to end."
"Saturday's climb was very special... There was a brief moment when I just wanted to turn back and give it all up... I noticed Martin had stayed behind to check on a few of us who were plodding along. He reached out his hand to help me climb a more difficult step... straight after that, Robert directed a few encouraging words to me, my spirits were lifted again and I was able to carry on until the end. Indeed, it was this supporting and encouraging atmosphere which really struck me and is what I bring home as being so very special. It was great to see how the group accepted and respected people's different pace... we just bore with each other very caringly. Thank you all for a great lesson learnt about companionship when times are difficult."
"It was a resounding success... escaping the city for a weekend is a great tonic. The communal feel and the challenge of the walk seems to add to the experience."
"Fabulous setting, inspiring people and a great time!"
"I found my confidence grew a lot over the weekend. It was bizarre and wonderful being around so many folk like me - people who stammer."
"I always enjoy the opportunity to meet with people who stammer, therapists and relatives etc in a social setting. I met many new people and enjoyed feeling comfortable in stammering, which is always the case at BSAS events."
July 2007
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