Hi Everyone. This is a double edition covering July and August. Tim Cairns has pointed out that we now have a new climbing wall actually in Derby. It is called Alter Rock and is at St. James Church, Malcolm Street, Derby, DE23 8LU. 01332 367200. They have a web site www.alter-rock.co.uk. As the Alpine Meet time is here again, we will probably be travelling to new places around the world, as well as our own meet in the Ecrin, so it is worth remembering that the club does still have a get together after the committee meeting, as published in this newsletter. So come along and let us know what you have been up to. I have also found out that I am expected to "do" a journal at the end of the year! It would be very useful if those of you who have, or are, travelling to far away places, could let me have a write up of these for this years attempt. Many Thanks.
I suggest a second attempt, to make the most of the maximum evening light and venture West to the Roaches (I'll be on the lower tier) and Ye Olde Rock Inn (Upper Hulme) afterwards. See you all there.
We have been invited to join the K-Fellfarers at their annual meet to TYW. There will also be a joint meet next February at the K Fellfares hut in the Lakes. I realise that this weekend clashes with the Alpine meet, but for those who are still around and fancy meeting up with fellow climbers and walkers from a kindred club, please drop me a line and I shall co-ordinate from the Oread end. Neil Weatherstone
The meet will be based at 'Le Verger' campsite near La Roche-de-Rame; about 2km south of Argentiere-la-Besee & roughly 20km south of Briançon. To distinguish it from other campsites nearby, it's roughly 800m north of La Roche-de-Rame and 400m east of the main road ( Tél. / Fax : 0033 (0)4 92 20 92 23; www.campingleverger.com/). Map: IGN Carte de Randonee 3537ET Guillestre. The location offers options for climbing high peaks in the Ecrin, walking in the Queyras as well as valley based rock climbing & via ferratas - some of which are very challenging. There are also a large number of rock routes on peaks up to 3000m in the Cerces - just north of the Briançon - Col du Lautaret road. The area is generally known to have better weather than much of the Alps. So all-in-all we should be in for an excellent holiday. I have made a booking for nine of us so far, including Hayes's & Papes, Richard Hopkinson, Steve Bennett & myself. If you would like to join us please let me and Simon know. [It will be difficult to contact me between 8th June & 9th July; I will be in Peru]. Tony Howard
This Meet seems to have become one of the Oread's great social occasions with a large turn out of members, their families and guests, I hope this years meet will be no exception. For the few who have never been, we will be camping as usual at Rhossan Ganol Gr.S.M. 726252 which is situated only a few hundred yards east of the lifeboat station at St.Justinian overlooking Ramsey Island. The entrance [which is usually guarded by a row of wheelie bins] to the campsite is on your left as you come over a slight hill about two miles west of St.Davids. We will be camping in the top field as usual.
The site, being in close proximity to the coastal path, offers easy access for walking or climbing, or sitting around taking in the excellent views. You may even witness the lifeboatmen setting fire to the grass on the cliffs, with a stray flare and the entertainment given to a large audience gathered on the coastal path whilst the fire brigade try to put it out. A short drive or a bus ride will take you to the climbing areas of Carreg-y-Barcud , Porth Clais or Craig Coetan, even the limestone in the Castlemartin area of South Pembrokshire is within reach in about an hour or so. Don't fancy climbing? Take a boat ride to Ramsey Island, try Dolphin spotting, or try the Ship Inn in Porthgain.
I do not think it is necessary to book a place as everybody just seems to turn up when they can, usually Friday night early Saturday morning. If you want any more info or directions please feel free to give me a ring.Derek
As has become traditional, I shall be booking a table at the Matlock Bath Balti to mark the end of the summer evenings. Full details will appear in the next newsletter, but if anyone wants to come, please let me know. Simon Pape.
Despite a fairly ugly weekend weather forecast 18 Oreads amassed at the George Starkey Hut on Friday evening. Throwing caution to the wind a small determined group, namely John G, Brian, Chris Bryan, Tim and the Raphael's made an Alpine style start on Saturday morning and were rewarded with a traverse of Striding Edge, Swirral Edge and Catstye Cam in full winter conditions before descending into Glenridding in order to shelter from the oncoming rain and enjoy the benefits of a well known hostelry!
Others elected to be more cautious and either ascended St Sunday Crag, stayed in the valley or crossed into Martindale and returned via Ullswater, while Kevin & Margaret had an abortive fishing expedition. Nevertheless the end result was the same; everyone arrived back at the hut desperately needing the services of the drying room which worked overtime throughout the afternoon and evening!
Sunday began much the same resulting in a leisurely start and an early dispersal as members sought sheltered 'possibilities', local tourist attractions or headed home. Thanks to everyone who came along (John & Syl G, Tim, Brian, Pam & Nodge, Kevin & Margaret, Chris & Roy, Pete & Ali, Freda, Rock, Chris and Tony) and in particular the Sunday morning cleaners! Stuart
Around 25 Oreads, families and friends enjoyed the usual delights of Cornwall. Climbing was undertaken at Bosigran, Chair Ladder and Sennen. After a bad day on Bank Holiday Monday, the weather improved greatly, and campers visited beaches, walked the coast path and paid our final visits to Cove Cottage for their wonderful cream teas. This is the last year for cream teas at St.Loy as they are retiring. Some members went to a performance at the Minack Theatre. Roy Eyre.
Just a reminder that the Oread annual dinner will be held on Saturday 15th November at The Bear, Alderwasley. The cost will be approximately £30 per head. Further details of the event will appear in the September and October newsletters. Neil Weatherstone
We're introducing a prize at this year's dinner. This will be awarded to the Oread who has demonstrated the worst case of mountaineering incompetence during the past year. You know the sort of thing: leaving your ropes behind on an abseil; leaving your dentures at the top of a route. This prize is currently going under the working title of the Bent Screw Award, so I need you to "screw" your climbing partners and report their misdemeanours. I've a couple of nominations already (and I'm particularly keen to learn why Mssrs Burgess and Bolton failed to make the pub on a recent expedition to Wild Cat) so please don't be shy and get in touch. Simon Pape.
By the time you read this in the Newsletter, every Member of the Oread should have received a Questionnaire about Heathy Lea. If you haven't, I apologise. I must have made a b***s up, it's not uncommon. If you are one of these unfortunates, please let me know as soon as possible. If you've received a Questionnaire and you are not a Member, then it was also a mistake! If you received a Questionnaire, either by post or by email, and haven't yet returned it, then I assume that this is your error and that you will rectify it as soon as you stop reading the newsletter.
The leases for the cottage and barn are due for renewal in 2009 and at the AGM motion to relinquish them was defeated almost unanimously. However, beyond their retention there seems to be some uncertainty about just what we actually want and can do with them. With this in mind we are undertaking a review, the foundation of which is the members' views and opinions. That's what the questionnaire is for. A big thank you to the many who have already returned them.Chris Wilson
The planned 'Longest Wednesday' meet to the Roaches was abandoned due to heavy rain and showers. A couple of Oreads who seemed very keen to use their passes out despite the weather ended up aid climbing hanger-less bolts in the caves of Doveholes in Dovedale. This worked up a thirst that only the IPA at The George could slacken. The lack of hangers certainly made things more interested. As the Roaches is such a good place to go I suggest we try again in July (Wed 16th) and meet in Ye Olde Rock Inn (Upper Hulme) afterwards.
Pauline, Brian and David Wright would like to thank everyone from the Oread for their cards, tributes, flowers and support. They would especially like to thank the large number of club members who attended the funeral and those who went on to the Keepers Cottage to celebrate Gordon's extraordinary life.
Please note that hut fees should always be paid to me and no one else.Colin Hobday
Tan-yr-Wyddfa
July 4/5th Vacant
July 11/12th Vacant
July 18/19th K.Fellfarers Whole Hut
July 21-25th Hut closed for Maintenance
July 26-31st Reserved for members and their guests
August 2-8th J.Kenyon 6 places
August 14-18th N.Weatherstone 6 places
August 31st - September 7th C.Cullum 9 places
Heathy Lea
August 22nd-25th Lincoln M.C. Cottage and Barn
If you know of anyone who now has the newsletter by post, and can accept it by email, please let me know, It's quicker and in colour! Editor
Mike Mowbray and Roger Gibbs were elected full members at the June committee meeting. We wish them well in their climbing with us.