The life of famous fell walker and guidebook author Alfred Wainwright will come under the spotlight at Rheged, near Penrith, on Saturday May 11.
The Wainwright Evening, from 7 to 9pm, will see discussion led by Yorkshire-born engineer Chris Butterfield, who was inspired by a lifelong love of the outdoors and admiration for Wainwright to build an extensive archive honouring the author,
Assisted by his wife, Priscilla, Chris has amassed an extensive private collection of Wainwright material and created a popular Facebook group, Alfred Wainwright Books & Memorabilia, and a website, alfredwainwright.co.uk
At Rheged, Chris will talk about Wainwright’s life, his publishing history and how it all began more than 70 years ago. He will also reveal discoveries including previously unseen photographs of Wainwright taken by his friend Ken Shepherd and a rare interview with the famous walker.
A highlight of the event will be a short film commemorating the ascent to Innominate Tarn, on Haystacks, by 91-year-old Andrew Nichol, who did so with the help of Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team. Andrew, who died last week, was publishing manager at The Westmorland Gazette, which published the guides. Emmy-nominated duo Chris and Lorena Linke are crafting this film, which will be enriched with fresh content and interviews. Chris, the author of Wainwright Memories, has published numerous articles about Wainwright and appeared on television and radio to discuss his life, work and achievements. There will be a Q&A, book signing and special guests.
