Following John Green's 'abdication' in favour of the Canadian Rockies and the 'white stuff' I will now be leading this meet. I thinks it's fair to say that everyone, irrespective of their particular mountaineering preference will be aware of the numerous attractions within easy reach of Patterdale so all we need is some luck with the weather.
As this is the first Oread meet at Patterdale for a couple of years following the hut's recent 'makeover', demand for this traditional late winter meet is bound to be high. Bookings are already coming in so book early to avoid disappointment! Andrea and I plan to arrive in Patterdale late afternoon on Friday and no doubt we'll meet everyone during the course of the evening in the White Lion.
Mark Vallance, President of the BMC and founder of Wild Country will talk to the Oread on "My Life and Times." This will include: Peak Rock, Wales, Cornwall, Scotland, the Alps, Antarctica, South America, Colorado, Yosemite, Himalchuli, Xixabangma, Broad Peak, Everest, Canyonlands, New Zealand, plus a Peak District Quiz - with prizes.
A meet with a difference... climbing on one of Yorkshires best kept secrets (Slipstones) during the day and touring Yorkshire's best brewery in the evening. All this can be followed by supper and beer in the brewery, secure in the knowledge that a warm bed awaits at Leyburn Camping Barn. Other possibilities include exploring the Dales by bike or gentle strolls in Nidderdale. A weekend to look forward to! Interested?
The 57th A.G.M. of The Oread Mountaineering Club will be held at the Bear Hotel Alderwasley on the 25th March 2006 at 8.00p.m. Derek Pike, Hon. Sec.
Details have yet to be finalised! The walk will be designed to make best use of the TransPeak bus operated by TrentBarton which leaves Derby at 0955 and Matlock at 1037. Ask (preferably electronically) me for details or collect a flyer at the AGM.
This will follow a similar format to previous years. Main action at Harborough Rocks, sideshow (what me?) at Rainster. If wet, I will lead a gentle run round the dolomite pinnacles: Inaccessible, Pinder's, Jeffcoat's, Rainster. Depart from below St James' Church, Brassington at 6.30 p.m. Could be later if you lobby nicely. Afterwards, The Miners' has the friendliness, The Olde Gate the ambience. Hard call!
Like so much, this plea seems to have fallen on deaf ears. The only point of our tenancy is to use the hut. Unlike T-y-W it does not support itself. So the hut is booked, no leader has emerged. I hope many of you will make the most of it and enjoy the beginning of summer. RT
The promised snow did not arrive on time! Some was deposited on Saturday on the north side of the Carnedds but not enough for climbing. In the best tradition of the Oread M.C. we still managed an excellent weekend. Teams were dispatched as far away as Rhoscolyn and as near as Snowdon. A crack team of young climbers even managed to claim routes on the Moelwyns, after repair to their motor! The evening of Saturday was enjoyed by a roaring fire with Welbourne and plenty of wine. Some of our number went to the Cwellyn for a pint and were locked out on their arrival back in the early hours of Sunday. Taking pity on them Sylvia came down in her night attire and let them in. The excuse was "We'd forgotten our key".
Sunday saw bird watching, a traverse of part of the Nantlle ridge, climbing at Tremadog and walking at Lyn Brennig. A good weekend in fine company, what more could one ask of life. J.Green
I know it's a long way off, but in view of the poor conditions in Scotland this year, some of us are planning a long weekend to the Alps next winter. The venue has yet to be decided, but we're planning on flying out on Friday January 19th and returning on Monday 22nd. I'm looking to book the flights as early as possible (to get the best prices), so if you're interested, please let me know.Simon
Someone has removed batteries from the door closing devices at Tan-yr-Wyddfa. This is a serious and stupid practice which could invalidate our insurance policy. Anyone involved with removing batteries will be dealt with severely. Any faults with system in the huts should be reported to a member of the huts sub-committee at the earliest opportunity. Keith Gregson
An application for membership has been received from James Pike. Comments in support (or otherwise I suppose) of this climber to our secretary, Derek Pike.
Captain's Cabin bed - individually built in solid attractive grained wood. Very sturdy and would probably take bolt-ons if you wanted the youngsters to get the feel of climbing their way to bed rather than the boring old-low level routine! Good large desk area below. Four decent sized shelves. Can e-mail picture to anyone interested. Snip at £150.
Ernie Phillips wishes to dispose of 12 assorted new climbing holds, complete with bolts and instruction leaflet.
Could I remind Dave and Judith Appleby, Roger Larkam and Ian Tucker that subscriptions need to be paid by the AGM? Full members £26, Senior Family Members £19.50.