October Outdoor Fest 06

Result surpasses all expectations

Gaynor Sports, Ambleside was overwhelmed by the response and support it received for this years' October Outdoor Fest event. Now in its fifth year the event attracted high visitor numbers during the busy half term week and raised an outstanding £7,017.50 for the Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team, an increase of 56% on last years total.

A packed programme of events offered something every day for outdoor gear enthusiasts, children and parents. Leading experts from the major brands including Berghaus, Craghoppers, The North Face, Regatta, Silva and W L Gore supported the event throughout the week offering advice. The guided walks lead by Ken Ledwood, Cameron McNeish, Pete Hawkins and Malcolm Anderson were sell-out events. The walks offered participants the opportunity to test a range of equipment under the guidance of the experts, advice on how to use a map and improve their navigation skills whilst enjoying the scenic Lake District. Participants also received a selection of gifts which included Berghaus base layers, Craghoppers event branded Atoll shirts, poles, hats and a number of goodies all very kindly donated by the manufacturers sponsoring the individual walks.

Youngsters were not left out of the fun; the Regatta Kids Treasure hunt saw kids searching the Gaynor Sports store for the hedgehog road safety clues. Steve Backshall from the BBC's Really Wild show enthralled everyone with extracts from his programmes and every child who attended the show received a free goodie bag which included a GORE-TEX disposable camera, key ring, reflective arm bands and sticky feet. World famous mountaineers Alan Hinkes and Mick Fowler rounded off the week with exhilarating and interesting talks to packed and enthusiastic audiences.

Gaynor's Managing Director, Paul Gaynor said "The October Outdoor Fest exceeded all our expectations this year and I would like to express my gratitude and personal thanks to everyone who helped make this year's event the most successful on record."