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 November as well as October.
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 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. 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.
It's back to TYW for another weekend of unlimited pleasure in the hills of our youth. It might still be 'your youth' for some of you. If so you have the pleasures of discovery before you as well! I plan to arrange another communal meal - as previously. The cost will be £5 per person for a meal with some trimmings. Most of you know the plan by now. I already have enough volunteers to provide courses. Thank you Gill, Joan, Simon, Nick and Tracey. Neil will provide a barrel of beer (Triple Hop, 4%, from the Brunswick), which he will sell to those who are interested, at about £1.40 per pint. Bring your own wine or other booze. If you fancy coming along, please let me know ASAP. There are very few places left now.
The really important thing about the Dash is to get your excuses sorted well before the race. That is, excuses for not doing well. No excuse is acceptable for failing to enter. If you do well in spite of your excuse (swam Windermere the day before, cycled a Tour de France stage on Friday or ran a double Bob Graham on Thursday), then that's really cool. But seriously though where have all the fun runners gone? Years ago we had Oreads scattered throughout all parts of the race. Last year we had ten finishers in the top half and only three in the bottom half. C'mon it's the taking part (and the getting wet) that are important.
For those unfamiliar with the event, it is downhill for the first half mile then flat for 4 miles and uphill for the last half mile. It includes two crossings of the R Dove (only one by bridge) and a crossing of the R Manifold. I won't handicap you with training tips (see Hoppo) or insult you with tactical advice (see Rusty or Radders), just be there in plenty of time to register, stretch, warm up and then get cold again before the start. Of course there is one excuse for not running and that is supporting. The weather is ALWAYS fantastic on the day and the ground is always either wet or very wet underfoot.Rob Tresidder
[For those wishing to make a weekend of it, Heathy Lea has been set-aside for Oreads for the weekend! Ed.]
No contributions this month. What about some tales of summer climbing, including the Dolomites, from you chaps, for next month?
The winter indoor programme will begin on 7th October at 8:00 pm in the Royal Oak Ockbrook. Tim Cairns (our very own Indoor Meets Leader) will talk about his recent trip to the Picos De Europa. That is:
Oct. 7 Picos De Europa Tim Cairns
The Picos is an impressive venue for climbing and walking. This promises to be a very entertaining evening! Hecklers welcome Tim says.
Nov. 4 Around the Annapurnas Rock Hudson
Dec. 2 To be announced Ben Bransby
If you would like to contribute a talk to the programme, with tales and slides of your own experiences, please contact Tim Cairns.
Attached is the provisional meets list for 2004. I intend to issue the definitive list in November. I have the highpoints of the Oread calendar covered, except no venue and no leader for the May Day holiday. I am missing leaders for several of the meets in our own huts as well as the Newlands hut in April and the Ballachulish hut in June. Three walking meets are without leaders. We have had successful alpine meets over the last few years, none of which have appeared on the meets list. The venue seems to emerge organically in due course, so if you feel like being inclusive with your alpine plans, let others know.
Incidentally is there any appetite in the club for a list of Wednesday evening pub venues that may serve to draw us away together from the polished, perennial favourites in Matlock? Rob Tresidder.
This year's dinner will be held at Royal Victoria hotel, Llanberis, on Saturday 15th November.
Please book rooms directly with Tracey Phillips at the Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis Gwynedd - mentioning that you are with Oread Mountaineering Club dinner at £28.50p- per person.
There will be a raffle with prizes ranging from a dinner for two at The ANTIQUE Tea-rooms and Restaurant, Beddgelert, to gifts and vouchers - from COTSWOLD OUTDOOR, JOE BROWN, ENERGY CYCLES, Llanberis,, SURF LINES, Llanberis and others, a CAIN painting showing Craig Gogarth, Return tickets for two adults and two children on The Newly Reopened WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAY and hopefully some donations from the Committee!!! ( When I have asked them). Proceeds to be shared between Llanberis Mountain Rescue and Search and Rescue Dogs (Wales).
The main guest and speaker will be DENNIS GRAY, B.M.C. first National Officer , then general Sec. Member of Derbyshire Himalayan Expedition, author, poet etc……
Other guests will be NIKKI WALLIS, representing Snowdonia National Park. She is Chair of Search and Rescue Dogs Association (Wales). Founder M.A.D. ! ( Mountains for Active Diabetics), member Alpine Club.
DR. TREVOR OWEN, retired local G.P. Medical officer of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, and kindred Club
There will also be a toast master - just to keep you all in order!
Dinner will be served at 7 for 7.30.
The cost is £15.00 per person, not including raffle or wine.
Wine - this can be ordered separately at the wine table in the main bar.
There is to be a photo competition ! - one entry each member. PLEASE attach details of photographer, and details of who and what is on it. Winners' photo to grace the front of the menu. Other entries will be displayed at the dinner - To be sent to me by 31st October. The Judge's decision will be final and I shall be the judge!!
TAN-YR-WYDDFA
HEATHY LEA
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).
Most of you will already know that Dawn has ovarian cancer that has spread to nearby tissue. However, the consultants have confirmed that the condition is treatable with chemo-therapy.
Dawn had an operation in late August, and is recovering from it really well. She started chemo-therapy on Monday (29th Sept.) and is doing well with that also.
Dawn would like people to know how she is and emphasises that they should not be reticent to talk to her or Richard about her health. She says:
"The support that I/we have had is amazing - the cards, emails and telephone messages are what is helping me to maintain a very positive approach to regaining full health. Sometimes I get really low especially when I am in pain and haven't been able to sleep, so it's not all sunshine - however the postman will arrive or there's another email and it lifts my spirits to realise how many people in the club are rooting for me. So my thanks to everyone. Love Dawn XX"
Dawn is happy to receive visitors, but she and Richard ask that you ring beforehand - as she can still get quite tired at certain times.
On behalf of all Club members I would like to say that our thoughts are with you both Dawn & Richard. We are all looking forward to you making a steady and complete recovery over the coming months Dawn. God bless. Ed.
I am sorry to have to tell you that Les Peel past away peacefully last Sunday; the 28th September, at the age of 71. He had been battling with Parkinson's disease for several years, and following a recent fall, died from pneumonia and advanced Parkinson's disease.
His funeral will take place at Bramcote Crematorium at 2:00 pm, on 8th October. Club Members are welcome to attend. Les's family have requested that flowers should be from the family only. However, those who wish to do so, are welcome to make a donation to the Parkinson Disease Society.
Those of you who knew Les, and want more details, should contact Derek Carnell.
WILL MEMBERS WHO STAYED AT THE HUTS OVER THE SUMMER AND HAVE NOT PAID THEIR HUT FEES PLEASE FORWARDTHE CORRECT AMOUNT TO ME A.S.A.P. Thanks. Colin Hobday.
The last newsletter included the sad news that Roland Anthony, an active Oread member of the 1980's died recently in a road accident. The funeral was attended by several Oreads who knew him. The club has now received the following response from his family.
" Please would you convey from all the family our thanks to all the members of the [Oread] club who attended Roland's funeral on 15th July, and afterwards at the Mackworth Hotel, also all the letters and cards sent to us. It is very much appreciated at this sad time. Merilie Anthony"
At the September Committee meeting, James Tubby was accepted as a full member of the club. Welcome James to the little nymph's club. So it's just the initiation ceremony now then! Are you ready?
I would like to hear from Derek Pike (Bullstones)and Rob Tresidder (Black Rocks)