Annual charity walk to Ben Nevis taking place
An annual hike to Britain's tallest mountain - in aid of charity and in memory of a Black Country peace campaigner - will go ahead this year, organisers have said.
Members of the Dudley community travel to Ben Nevis each year to raise money for good causes and remember the life of Bert Bissell.
He was a peace campaigner and mountain climber who was born in Dudley.
Mr Bissell passed away in 1998 at the age of 96. He is buried at Glen Nevis cemetery which is located at the foot of Ben Nevis, a mountain he scaled 107 times.
He left a peace cairn on its summit which is today considered the highest war memorial in Britain.
The annual hike started eight years ago after it was set up by former Dudley North MP Ian Austin, and former Dudley mayors Steve Waltho and Dave Tyler.
Councillor Waltho who is chair of the Bert Bissell Memorial Society, said "Eight years ago ten of us in a minibus made the first pilgrimage to Scotland in Bert's memory and the interest simply mushroomed.
"To date, 63 people have made 94 ascents of Ben Nevis raising in the region of £25,000 for good causes.
"We've met dignitaries and locals in Fort William who remembered Bert and we always visit his grave in Glen Nevis Cemetery.
Two years ago as a member of the Gentlemen Songsters Male Voice Choir for whom Bert was president for many years, I persuaded a contingent to arrange a wonderful celebration concert in Fort William to mark 100 years since the end of World War one and 40 years since they accompanied Bert up Ben Nevis to be the first choir in history to sing on the summit.
"There have been many brilliant achievements by individuals and some wonderful emotional personal moments and once again this year we're looking to carry on that tradition by welcoming people to join us."
Last year, the group managed to get to Scotland despite the Covid pandemic.
However, they had to forfeit the luxury of a coach donated by National Express coach and instead travel in separate cars.
The group intend to leave Dudley on Thursday, August 12, returning on August 15, which incidentally is VJ Day.
The cost of accommodation will be around the £200 mark and anyone interested is asked to contact councillor Waltho before March 15, in order to reserve a place or request further details.
Phone 07703 308463 or by e-mail at stevewaltho@hotmail.co.uk.
