Lured back to the village he spent five years growing up in with the promise of a pint being bought for him, world-renowned adventurer and explorer, David Hempleman-Adams, returned to Kilmersdon to help raise funds for the village community shop and café last Saturday, which has recently received initial planning permission.

The former Writhlington School pupil spoke to a sell-out crowd of his incredible feats, including being the first person to reach the Geographic and Magnetic North and South Poles and to complete the Adventurer’s Grand Slam – climbing the highest peaks in all continents.

David explained to the audience that he has a day job, and considered his achievements a ‘hobby’. He also blamed his former PE teacher, who began his love of the outdoors through the Duke of Edinburgh Award. On his return from Everest, he presented him with a souvenir ice pick and told him he was to blame! He also said he had been incredibly ‘lucky’ on some of his expeditions, and had sadly lost friends along the way.

Hempleman-Adams has also set many ballooning records, including being the first person to cross the Atlantic in an open wicker basket and the first person to fly a balloon over the North Pole. He told the audience that he doesn’t usually give talks, but that he wanted to give something back to the village he grew up in. Asked which challenge he would like to try next, Hempleman-Adams replied that there were still many, as the spirit of adventure has never left him and that he does not belive in failure. He said: “The only way you can fail is if you know you can do it, but you don’t try.”

The audience were treated to photographs of David’s adventures and he also signed books during the evening.

The committee members are now counting how much the talk has raised, with further fundraising events to come in future. The team will need to raise around £350,000 in fundraising and grant applications to see the shop and café built.