I will be abroad on holiday for most of August, and so this Newsletter covers the months of August and September. In line with the new approach of providing early notification of meets one month ahead of the newsletter month, I have provided information on meets in October.
Camping will, as usual, be at Rhosson Ganol Farm, St Justinian's (GR 727252).
To find us, follow signs for St Justinian's lifeboat station from St David's. From the Cross, down the hill past the Farmer's Arms, then sharp right down past the Cathedral (one way system) and keep on towards the lifeboat station until you can see the sea, with Rhosson Farm on your right. The farm is overlooked by a prominent hill on the left of the road and the campsite is under the seaward side of this hill with views over Ramsey Island and the sound. Turn left up a track just past the farmhouse, take the right fork and then keep to the left. We usually camp in the first field on the left.
The Oread has long traditions in Pembroke. Alas, gone are the days of the "Rugby Club all-nighters" but they have been replaced by Old Eltonians with the Carnells, barbecues with the Fosters (depending on the fishing), and Feeling Foul ale at the various hostelries - the Grove gets my vote, whilst the Cross has an Alpine Club atmosphere and the Farmer's Arms the ethnic feel! There is of course lots of climbing to be done, most of which is in the middle grades and still retains the feeling of remoteness and pioneering. No doubt "the Two Derricks" will once again be with us to direct exploration and point the uninitiated at new and exciting things.
For those intent on high grade climbing Carreg-y-Barcud should keep you off the streets, and of course if you seek the popular hot spots you can easily drive down South to join the crowds.
A visit to Rosebush and the Elvis Presley Hills will be a must at some point as a break from non-stop sun-bathing and climbing, so there should be something for everyone.
I always look upon this meet as the best holiday on the Oread calendar. There is much to do; climbing, walking, swimming or simply lying on the beach etc. And the company is excellent, so come and join us.
Hopefully some of us will be there on Thursday or even earlier. However I'm confident that there will be an Oread presence until the following weekend so you will be sure of a welcome over the whole holiday period. If you need any further information please get in touch.
The Autumn Amble whose re-scheduling to 7 September was noted in the June newsletter will not now take place. Nobody stepped forward to take George Reynolds' place when he had to withdraw after the meet was moved from its October spot.
The Great Langdale camping meet scheduled for 14 September will not now take place. Derek Pike will be cavorting with puffins on Lundy. Pity about those two. If you were hoping to go no reason why you shouldn't still, but of course now too late to announce your intention in these pages. Rob Tresidder
Midsummer is past. The nights are drawing in. The dinner, Bullstones and Black Rocks are not far away. What am I on about? It's only July. The evenings are long and sunny. However the newsletter editor wants to go on holiday, so he wants a write-up for my curry meet. Wednesday 17th September may be the last chance to climb on rock in the evening. The sun will set early, so to tempt people up from Derby, Leicester and Nottingham I am proposing to book a table at the Matlock Bath Balti for 8.30pm. This will give you chance to do a route at Wild Cat, scare yourself at High Tor or see Black Rocks in the light beforehand (I'll be at Wild Cat) before enjoying an excellent curry in excellent company.
I will need to know numbers in advance, so if you're interested please get in touch by Thursday 4th September (I'm away from the 5th).
I've not organised a meet before. But how difficult can it be?
If I remember correctly, there was a BBQ meet a HL cancelled earlier in the year. So I suggest we rectify this missed opportunity by having a BBQ on the Saturday night. Although BBQing in late September might not be the most appealing of activities I've have had a word with the met office and booked some clement weather for the weekend. Also, if there are enough of us coming I shall organise a barrel of beer. Lets have a bonfire as well.
I shall be in the Robin Hood on the Friday night, a plan for the Saturday daytime will no doubt be formulated there.
If you're coming for the weekend please get in touch to book a bed. If you can't make it for the weekend feel free to join us either day, you'll be most welcome. Neil Weatherstone
Ten (eventually!) stalwarts, undeterred by the poor forecast, made their way north for the first Oread meet in this area for several years. Saturday took us to Kyloe where numerous routes were ascended in bright sunlight before a heavy shower in the afternoon sent us scuttling for the overhangs and put paid to plans to move "into the Woods". Sunday saw a repeat weather performance at Bowden Doors which deterred the planned move to the Back Doors. On Monday we went to The Great Wanney - the name alone being good enough reason to visit this splendid cliff. Here time and Tuesday work commitments sent us all home in the middle of the afternoon. Routes from Mod to E2 were ascended in excellent style. Thank you Derek, Joan, Simon, Maggie, Chiz, Reu, Nick, Pam and Tim for your excellent company. I look forward to camping with you all again soon. Rob
(Apologies for late inclusion of this news item. Ed.)
This year's event, based on Colin H.'s previously successful formula has been moved to a later date in the calendar year and again offers the choice of climbing, walking, canoeing, caving and mountain biking.
The lodge, which has been booked for our sole use and has room for 25 people is adjoining the Fountain Inn, Park End the cost being £ 9.00 per person per night self catering. All you will need is food and a sleeping bag. It is again proposed to book a group meal at the Fountain Inn on Saturday night with a 3 course meal costing £ 9.00 per head.
Bookings are already flowing in, so please let me know of your interest and requirements regarding the evening meal a.s.a.p. in order that details can be finalised. For bookings or further information contact: Mike Keeling
I hope to be running another communal meal meet at TYW on the above date, and will of course be looking for volunteers to provide a meal. If you fancy coming along, & even more importantly, if you fancy volunteering your culinary skills please let me know. More details in October Newsletter, extolling the virtues of climbing in North Wales.
This year's dinner will be held at Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis, on Saturday 15th November.
TAN-YR-WYDDFA
Aug. 29/30 Orpheus C.C.
Sept. 5/6 Sphinx M.C.
Sept. 19/20 D.M.C.
Sept. 26/27 South Cheshire M.C.
HEATHY LEA
Aug. 8 Cottage Mike Key ?
Aug. 15/16 Cottage Hinkley M.C.
Aug. 30 1 night only Cottage/Barn University Hospital Birmingham (Sponsored Walk)
Sept. 12/13 Cottage Flyde M.C.
Sept. 26/27 Oread Meet
This list is only correct at time of going to press. Members are advised to check availability with the hut booking secretary Colin Hobday before going to either hut. Note that hut booking dates refer to nights (e.g. Fri/Sat for a weekend), whereas meet dates refer to the days e.g. Sat/Sun).
Sadly we have recently lost Roland Anthony who died under tragic circumstances. He will be remembered as an active member of the Oread who loved climbing, skiing and cycling in the eighties. After a climbing accident he took to cycling in a more serious way and tragically he died on a time trial race on the A1 last week.
The funeral took place on July 15th. Colin Hobday
I am running a trip to Lundy Island from September 6th for one week. If you have never been its Cornwall x 10, loads of 3 star VS and HVS route's with impeccable character.
The pub can be attained at around mod and around HVD upon your return. I have repeated this route many times and can recommend its fair that is served all day.
The sailing is from Ifracombe at 10.00 am on Saturday and returns to Bidiford on Saturday 13th at 19.30hrs There is a free bus trip back to Ifracombe to collect the cars.
I have six people booked to date could squeeze in 4 more if your quick enough to come back to me. The price for the camping is 44.50 inc cancellation insurance if the weather is bad!!!!!!!!! The Ferry cost is £40.00
Please ensure that material for the next newsletter reaches me before Tuesday 23th September. I would like to hear from Rob Tresidder (Dash) and Merle Gartside (Annual Dinner).