Rarely seen short films about the life and legacy of the country's most famous fell walker is to be presented during a talk in North Yorkshire.
Chris Butterfield, a Yorkshire-born engineer, is set to deliver the presentation celebrating Alfred Wainwright at St Mary’s Church, Bolton-on-Swale, in July.
Inspired by a lifetime’s love for the outdoors and admiration for Wainwright, Chris has amassed an extensive archive of material relating to him in an attempt to safeguard his legacy.
Chris is the author of the Wainwright Memoirs as well as several articles about thw author. He has also discussed the achievements of the great fell-walker on television and radio.
On July 13, Chris will share his passion for maintaining Wainwright’s legacy, sharing more than 70 years’ worth of stories about his life and books, including his well-loved A Coast to Coast Walk guidebook, which has recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Butterfield will also present several rare short films, which will include a tribute to Wainwright’s close friend Andrew Nichol. Formerly, book publishing manager of the Westmorland Gazette, the film tracks Andrew’s impressive ascent to the peak of Innominate Tarn atop Haystacks in the Lake District in October 2023, aged 91.
Completing his ascent with the support of Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team, Andrew paid his respects to Wainwright, whose ashes were scattered there more than 30 years ago, following his death, aged 84, in 1991.
The event will also see the unveiling of St Mary’s Church visitor book, which, once thought lost, has been rediscovered. It includes a signing by Alfred Wainwright who visited the church during the filming of a 1989 BBC television series based on his A Coast to Coast Walk guidebook.
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Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with Chris, who will be signing his books.
The event takes place on July 13, 2.30pm to 4.30pm at St Mary’s Church, Bolton-on-Swale, Richmondshire. Tickets cost £10 with proceeds going to St Mary’s Church and the Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team.
They are available to buy here, by phoning 07807 026113 or email Chris@alfredwainwright.co.uk
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