The Alpine Club, the world’s first mountaineering club, was founded in 1857.  For over 150 years, members have been at the leading edge of worldwide mountaineering development and exploration. 

With membership, experienced and aspiring alpinists benefit from a varied meets programme, regional lectures with notable guest speakers, reduced rates at many alpine huts, opportunity to apply for grants to support expeditions, significant discounts at many UK retailers, extensive networking contacts, access to the AC Library and maps - and more! 

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We are saddened to learn of the death of Alan Lyall who died on Monday, 9th January,  He had been a member for 25 years, joining as a full member in 1991. Alan is known for his book The First Descent of the Matterhorn: A Bibliographical Guide to the 1865 Accident and its Aftermath.

 

Tributes  

#2 Geoffrey Pocock 2017-02-09 14:31
I first met Alan in the smoke room of the Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel which he used to visit once or twice a week for a beer - or a "stale ale" as he liked to call it. He was a mine of information and always knew of a good hotel in a Swiss village that one might be intending to visit. He very kindly proof-read my first walking guide and was always full of good advice.

By chance we found ourselves in the Hotel Portjengrat in Saas Almagell at the same time and enjoyed a pre-dinner drink together and I got to know him quite well although he was a private person and quite shy, especially in the company of women.

He became a good friend and I will miss him.

Geoffrey Pocock
#1 Ian Mackay Smith 2017-01-24 20:01
I first contacted Alan when starting out on Mr Whymper’s life, and from the beginning Alan was always forthcoming with help. Alan’s own research into the events surrounding the Matterhorn’s first ascent was thorough, showing an exemplary attention to detail, and saved me a great deal of labour. Over many a long telephone conversation, and occasional meetings in North Wales, Alan was always happy to share thoughts and discoveries regarding Mr W. He sent me off on many a happy trail after books, articles and archive holdings of which he had become aware, but had not himself pursued. When my book on Whymper was finally published Alan sent me (as only he could have done) a thorough list of corrections worthy of a professional proof-reader.

Alan’s own knowledge of the Matterhorn was based on an ascent of the Zmutt Ridge, and his own regular visits to Zermatt. I will always appreciate Alan’s interest and enthusiasm for my own research into Whymper.

Ian Smith

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