Well I couldn't let a double bank holiday pass without a meet, so as most of us have an extra day, what better destination than the Cuillin of Skye. We will be travelling up on Friday afternoon and plan to stay at the campsite in Glen Brittle. Skye I am sure needs no introduction and will provide ample entertainment for rock climber, mountaineer and walker. We will probably also squeeze the mountain bikes, wet suits, football etc into the van as well.
Sorry! I don't know how I can have got the date of this anniversary wrong, but I did. On 6th June 1952, Dave Penlington accompanied by Ernie Marshall and R Hardy made the first ascent of Apple Arete. Three years ago a few friends and I enjoyed an anniversary repeat of Right Unconquerable. Apple Arete at Gardom's is a *** route put up by an Oread so I am hoping that le tout Oread (including flaneurs) will turn out on this great occasion. Let's see how many nymphs we can get up this route. If you really think you cannot manage the arete then consider Dead Tree Wall, an Elliott route which Penlington straightened out on the same day. Afterwards at the Robin Hood PH. (I have just been informed 4 days late & hours before dispatch that this date has moved & the meet has no leader but is still going ahead - see list below!!! I'm confused. However the write up is good. What ya like Rob! Don't shoot the messenger. Ed.)
For this year's esoteric grit meet I have decided to go to Dovestone Tor on Derwent Edge (Grid Ref SK196896). I plan to park somewhere near the Ladybower viaducts at some time after 10.30 am and move off at 11.00 am sharp, starting along the track which leads behind the pub at Grid Ref 205865. In fine weather, this should be a very pleasant walk-in
As usual, my guidebook shows no shortage of routes from V.Diff to HVS, mostly fairly short (30-40 ft) with the odd one up to 70ft. Notable routes are The Great Buttress VS 5a *** and Route 1 HS 4b **. In the unlikely event that we run out of climbs that take our fancy, there are two more crags further along Derwent edge, Howhaw Tor and Back Tor, which might merit a bit of exploration
After the success of the Curry meets and following some gentle persuasion I am proposing to have a BBQ on the Saturday evening. Following a hard day out on the hills, rocks or the pub you will be invited to carbonize your steak, sausage etc on the BBQ that I will provide. Be warned, my experience of these events is to expect a rain and midge invested evening. If this has not put you off you can book a place by seeing me down the Smithfield.
The hut key and information sheet should arrive a couple of weeks before the meet so more detailed information will be available then. I am sure that the area and the climbing need no introduction. The hut itself is probably a good 2 hours from the road considering all the necessary weight to be carried. Rob has secured 8 places for the nights of 21 and 22 June. The fees are £5 pppn and bookings will be on a first come first served basis. There are at present two spare places in the hut, but there is of course ample space for those who wish to camp. I am planning to travel up to the area about a week early to make the most of an extended stay and anyone wishing to join me will be most welcome. For beds, lifts or general info. please give me a call at any time. Any last minute people wishing to camp please feel free to just turn up.
I would like to take the Summer stroll from Ashford through Gt. Longstone to Wardlow by paths and lanes and return in a meandering fashion to Ashford by Cressbrook Dale and Monsal Dale; meeting in the car park in Ashford at 9.30 for a departure within 20 mins thereafter would seem appropriate at this range. As this is the first time I've volunteered to lead a stroll I am more than willing to listen to voices of experience and modify (moderate or stiffen) the proposed route.
The annual barbecue is always a well-attended occasion and this year's event should be made even more frivolous with the presence of a barrel of real ale. Can we once again muster the massed ranks of the Oread band, a free pint to anyone strumming a chord or two I say. The hard work begins mid to late morning with the clearing of the area and collection of firewood, I often find myself undermanned at this stage and any help would be very much appreciated. Then it's off to the crag for some afternoon exercise before the main event kicks off at sometime after 7pm. It would be a good idea to bring along some change for the purchase of beer and of course your own barbecue, those without usually manage to find some dying embers on which to cook their food
Campsites don't accept bookings. 1st person there to book site & advise others. (Use mob phones). See M Hayes for more info. (Ed.)
What was going to be a WeekEnd work party turned out into a six-day event with people coming and going. We had mixed weather but it did not prevent us getting all the jobs done. George and Janet Reynolds arrived with a carpet for the lounge, which was fitted with the help of Tony Smedley and Keith Gregson. Anew hand rail was fitted on the stairs; Chuck Hooley took control of the wheelie bins, while Margaret made the tea. Roy Sawyer, John Shreeve and John ( p.m.) investigated the problem of damp in the bay window of the dining room, which we hope has now been cured.
Outside Shirley Wainwright cut the grass, while Colin Hobday ,Malcolm Padley repaired the woodstore roof and the coalbunker. Keith Gregson, John Welbourne cut and collected wood with the complements of the W.H.R. Nick Evans cleaned out all the guttering and replaced some slates on the roof.
Inside Derek Pike did an excellent job painting in the dining room and lounge, while the ladies team (Pam Storer, Joan Pike, April Sawyer, Uschi Hobday ) gave the hut a good Spring clean
One of the highlights of the weekend was John Welbourne being observed putting kindling wood on the fire for lighting and then smuggling a firelighter in as well, needless to say the fire went out. Many thanks to all who came and helped including the voice of wisdom Ernie Phillips, sorry if I have missed any one out. Colin Hobday.
June 1-4 Skye M Hayes
June 15/16 TYW D Pike
June 22/23 Ben Nevis S Bennett
June S23 Summer Stroll S Bashforth
July 13/14 Alpine Training CANCELLED
July 20 Golden Jubilee Climb No leader New Date
July/Aug 27/11 Alpine Meet Lauterbrunnen M Hayes/P Lancaster
Oct 26/27 Heathy Lea K Gregson
Nov 9 Annual Dinner S Wainwright
Dec 7/8 Bullstones B West
The Annual Dinner to be held in 'The Green Man' Ashbourne, the date will be Saturday November 9th 2002.
'The Green Man' has also a new management team, but I have been assured that the quality of the fare should remain the same. I shall keep you all informed of details throughout the year. So keep reading your newsletter. Shirley Wainwright
TAN-YR-WYDDFA
HEATHY LEA
Please note this list is only correct at time of going to press. All members are advised to check availability with the hut booking secretary Colin Hobday before going to either hut. Also note that hut booking dates refer to nights (e.g. Fri/Sat for a weekend) whereas meet dates cited usually refer to the days e.g. Sat/Sun).
Meets List 2003
The 2003 meets list is beginning to take shape. If you would like to lead a meet, please let me know soon where and when. I would prefer to have some discussion, if possible, before anyone books a hut so that I can prevent clashes. If you haven't thought of leading a meet next year, perhaps you should. Consider a place you know well that is not traditional for the Oread or a traditional meet that you have enjoyed in the past that you might wish to repeat as leader. Remember no meets, no club.
I'm sure you will all agree with me that after four years of organising the indoor meets it is time I stepped aside for someone else.
So come on guys make it a bit easy for me. Rob TresidderSubmission of claims against club funds -including travel costs associated with hut working parties.
To ensure the club's records meet the standards for audit please will all future claims for travel expenses include the following information: dates of travel, mileage, description of journey and purpose, and fuel used. Claims for costs incurred on the club's behalf for other items should include a valid VAT receipt. Thank you. Treasurer.
Apologies: Ed.
In the last newsletter I quoted the date of Digger's & Mick Moore's 'do' as 26th May - which was correct. However, I then stupidly went on to imply that it was in April!! I hope that this did not cause anyone to miss the event. Apologies to Digger & Mick. Two people (at least) spotted my error immediately. Both readily accepted my excuse of idiot status, with an ease that implied that it was only to be expected. Alternatively - they were just being gracious. Digger, what about a few words about the day?
Application for Full Club Membership.
An application has been received by the Committee from Phil Canning. Anyone who has any views on his application should express these in writing to the Secretary, Derek Pike, before the next Committee Meeting on 11th June.
I have received two excellent articles, which - as promised - appear as electronic attachments to this newsletter. They will also appear on the club website - courtesy of Graham. The first is by Graham himself on 'Skiing in the Hardangervidda' with Alison and Mike Jones who you may remember as one of the 'Beards' from last year's Lofoten trip. The second article is by Chris Radcliffe on his Easter climbing in Calpe with Gill, and Gil and Gail Male (try saying that bit quickly). I thoroughly enjoyed reading both of these tales. Thanks go to Graham and Chris. I'm afraid my own full article on Corsica is in its infancy, or adolescence, & will have come later - sorry.
My ideas on these articles are beginning to crystallise now. Each one is about 1500 words long, which I think is about right, in order to do justice to the events. However, as anticipated they are too long for inclusion in the normal newsletters. If you would like to have a précis of your tale in the Newsletter itself, this should be about 200 - 300 words long. I intend to try to keep the Newsletter to 4 pages long if possible
I expect to gather together all the articles I receive throughout the year, for issue in paper form, with the December Newsletter: a Christmas treat for those who will not have read them. If we can keep this going for a while, these writings could form part of another 'book', - perhaps to celebrate another club anniversary or something. The articles will of course appear on the website as they are submitted. The length of around 1500 words is about right, although longer articles will of course be well received.
Please ensure that material for the next newsletter reaches me before Sat 22nd June. I would like to hear from MIKE HAYES / PETE LANCASTER (Alpine Meet)!