A special event takes place next Saturday dedicated to the life and legacy of late, great fell-walker Alfred Wainwright.

Chris Butterfield will give a talk and show rare short films at St Mary’s Church, Bolton-on-Swale, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, on Saturday, July 13.

The Yorkshire-born engineer’s lifelong love of the outdoors and admiration for Wainwright inspired him to build an extensive archive honouring the world-famous walker and safeguarding his legacy.

Assisted by his wife, Priscilla, Chris has amassed an impressive private collection of Wainwright materials and created the popular Facebook group Alfred Wainwright Books & Memorabilia, and website alfredwainwright.co.uk.

At St Mary’s Church, Chris will discuss Alfred Wainwright's life, his book publishing history, and how it all began over 70 years ago. Attendees will also learn the story behind his "A Coast to Coast Walk" guidebook, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Attendees will be able to discover the story behind the once-thought-lost church visitor book, signed by Wainwright in 1989 during the filming of the BBC TV series based on the Coast to Coast Walk. This 35-year-old book will be revealed to all at the event.

There will also be several rare short films, including a tribute to Wainwright’s close friend and former Westmorland Gazette book publishing manager, Andrew Nichol, 91. The film documents Andrew’s ascent to Innominate Tarn atop Haystacks in October 2023 with the help of the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team, where he paid his respects to Wainwright at the spot where his ashes were scattered over 30 years ago.

Sadly, Andrew died a few months after fulfilling his final wish to visit the tarn. Emmy-nominated filmmakers Chris and Lorena Linke crafted the film to honour both Andrew and Wainwright’s legacy and friendship.

Chris, the author of Wainwright Memories, has published numerous articles about Wainwright and has appeared on television and radio to discuss his life, work, and achievements.

The event will conclude with a Q&A session and book signing.

All sale royalties will be donated to St Mary’s Church and the Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team.

Tickets are £10 from https://www.alfredwainwright.co.uk or St Mary’s Church.