Legendary sportsman speaks at Institute of Directors Christmas lunch

Legendary rugby player and record-breaking mountaineer Richard Parks shared some of his hair-raising experiences when he was guest speaker at a Christmas event organised by the north Wales branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD).
Former international rugby union player Richard Parks recently made history by becoming the first ever person to climb the highest summit on each of the world’s continents and stand on all three poles – the North Pole, the South Pole and the summit of Everest in the same calendar year.
He entertained his audience at the Christmas lunch with tales of his dare devil exploits including a fall down a crevasse and serious frostbite.
The event took place at St George’s Hotel in Llandudno when Richard recalled the challenge of tackling the highest summits across the globe including Everest, Kilimanjaro and Carstensz Pyramid in Australia.  
Helen Watson, chairman of the IoD North Wales branch, said: “The event was a culmination of a very successful year which has also included the recent launch of our new business hub at the Bangor Management Centre.
“We are always keen to welcome new members. You don’t need to be a company director to join the IoD, senior managers are welcome from everywhere from large public organisations to small family firms.”
The IoD is the longest standing organisation to serve and support business leaders, with more than100 years of service in raising professional standards.
Members benefit from a range of services including free business advice, a full training programme, research facilities and networking events. The IoD welcomes members at manager level upwards.
For information on membership opportunities, call Debbie Trotman on 02920 389 990 or email iod.wales@iod.com.

Caption: Former Wales rugby international, no record-breaking mountaineer Richard Parks, is pictured (right) with (left to right) IoD member Peter Denton of Williams Denton Accountants in Llandudno; north Wales IoD chairman Helen Watson and IoD Wales chairman Gareth Williams.

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