Tony Howard
Founder and ex-Director of Troll, one of the world's leading brands of climbing equipment from 1965 to 1995 when the company was sold. As designer at Troll, was largely responsible for the world's first sewn slings and harnesses for climbers-see Mountain Forum website for article by Tony on Climbing Harness Development and other subjects. Ex-Outward Bound and Mountaineering Association Instructor and British Mountaineering Council Guide. Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Alpine Club and Outdoor Writers' Guild member . Participant in the 1998 British Government DTI Tourism Trade Mission to Oman and Yemen.
Over 57 years experience of rock climbing, mountaineering, caving, sea, jungle and desert travel. First ascents in the UK, Norway, Greenland, Canada, the Middle East and N. Africa, including the Troll Wall, Europe's biggest rock face (see publications). Opened a new trail through remote mountain villages in Nagaland on the India-Burma border with Di Taylor.
Photos and articles published in UK and International press and specialist magazines. TV coverage in Jordan, Norway and the U.K. Radio coverage in the UK, Jordan and Oman. Wrote the Intro to the 2003 Edition of the classic W C Slingsby's guide to Norway, The Northern Playground. Received Geographical Award (1999) from Royal Geographical Society, on behalf of Troll Climbing Equipment, for design and supply of expedition equipment. Featured with Di Taylor in BBC series 'The Face' about the discovery and development of Wadi Rum.
Author of various climbing guide books to England and Norway (including the story of the first ascent of the Troll Wall, see Publications), as well as 'Treks and Climbs in Wadi Rum, Jordan'. Contributed to 'Rock Climbing in Oman' by Alec MacDonald and to the Egypt, Jordan and India Rough Guides. Joint author with Di Taylor of 'Jordan - Walks, Treks, Caves, Climbs & Canyons', 'Walks and Scrambles in Wadi Rum, Jordan' and 'Walks in Palestine with The Nativity Trail'. Currently working on a guide to Al Ayoun in North Jordan for the benefit of the local community.

Di Taylor
Ex-designer for Troll, and a member of Writers and Photographers unlimited.
Over 50 years experience of rock climbing, mountaineering, caving and exploratory jungle and desert travel including first ascents in England, North Africa and the Middle East and a new trek in Nagaland, N E India. Featured with Tony Howardin BBC series 'The Face' about the discovery and development of Wadi Rum.
Photos and articles published in the UK and International press, specialist magazines, travel guides and websites. TV and radio coverage in Jordan and U.K. Contributor to the Egypt and Jordan Rough Guides. Joint author of 'Jordan - Walks, Treks, Caves, Climbs & Canyons' and 'Walks and Scrambles in Wadi Rum, Jordan'. Also 'Walks in Palestine, with The Nativity Trail'. Second Prize for Mountain Action photography, Kendal Film Festival 1985. Amongst winners of Mountain Forum Global Digital Photo Contest, 2008 and Photo of the Month Award, 'The Great Outdoors' magazine, 2009.Currently working on a guide to Al Ayoun in North Jordan for the benefit of the local community.

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