Meet Report: 19-21 August 2022.

With several members living nearby who were able to ‘pop in’ for varying periods of time, German cavers/photographers in the vicinity (more later) and unfortunate last-minute withdrawals owing to injury or Covid infection, it became increasingly difficult to keep track of the comings and goings at Lowstern. By Saturday evening it was a case of, “Guess who’s coming to dinner?” which John Brown with Ros, our weekend caterers and meet organisers, bore with remarkable stoicism and bemusement!

On Thursday evening the first “in person” committee meeting since the onset of Covid took place at Lowstern so by Friday morning a number of members were already ensconced at the cottage. Michael S, Helen and Conrad set out for Twistleton Scar to recce Michael’s proposed routes for climbing over the weekend. Satisfied with the results they continued walking and completed a good round of Ellerbeck, Scales moor to Kingsdale and checked out climbing possibilities on Tow Scar (unanimously declared not worth it for the purposes of the weekend). John and Ros took the opportunity before a busy catering weekend to go for a walk towards Ingleborough. Richard Sealey, our hut warden, spent some of the day with his head under the work-top trying to fathom out the leak from the water heater and later was showing off his table tennis skills as he patiently entertained our youngest junior prospective member, Grace Crowther.

Michael Crowther had elected to camp and for daughter Grace and guest Kaylagh it was their first experience of a night under canvas. When Grace’s air mattress deflated during the night Michael did the honourable thing and gave up his own. In addition, on Saturday night the old tent borrowed from Grandad Robert leaked during the heavy rain. Despite all of this, Grace enjoyed the experience.

Saturday morning saw the Crowthers head off to Ingleborough Cave for Grace’s first caving experience. Helen joined PMs Steve and Wendy Richards for a trip up Ingleborough returning via Gaping Gill where the CPC were dismantling the winch. Michael S, Conrad and Lucy headed off to the Alum Pot area. A quick trip in Wilson’s cave whilst waiting for another group to clear Lower Long Churn’s entrance and then they were down to Dollytubs.  Water levels were low, nevertheless only one of the three managed to keep their underwear dry at Double Shuffle Pool! Leaving the last cave they encountered two German cave photographers looking for Diccan Pot. Conversation followed – the two were on a long UK visit documenting selected English and Welsh caves – and an invitation was made to join us at Lowstern for dinner that evening. Paul Dover, meanwhile, who had walked up to Alum Pot was kept busy going back to Lowstern for Lucy’s forgotten dry clothes.

After a late lunch, seven headed off to Giggleswick Scar for a visit to Buckhaw Brow crag. Conditions, though sunny and warm, were very windy which did not help confidence for relative beginners. Nevertheless, the following climbs were completed: Cloud Walking (VD), Boundary Crack (VD) and Consolation (S). For one PM – a first “go” at climbing for many years.

Eighteen sat down to a tasty meal of pie, potatoes and vegetables, dessert of crumble and custard followed by cheese and biscuits. All hit the spot after a busy day. It was an entertaining evening of flowing conversation. Also “flowing” was the redcurrant gin offered by our dinner guests Georg and Michaela from Würzburg.

Conditions were gorgeous on Sunday as members chatted outside Lowstern before departing for their various activities. Becca was off for Search and Rescue dog training at Norber. Helen and Fiona set out with Bailey for a good round of Crummock Dale. JPM Lucy got her wish of going to the climbing wall in Ingleton. Trying to book had been problematic on the Saturday but many thanks to Ged and Aaron who were able to sort this and supervise her session on Sunday.

John and Ros spent the day at Leighton Moss RSPB reserve on Morecambe Bay. Paul spent a lot of time just taking in the greenery of the Dales, such a contrast to the parched landscape at home in Cambridge following one of the driest summers on record. A party of eight went to Twistleton Scar and spent all day climbing in the Candle and Main areas including: Waxwork (D), Game Reserve (VD), Dr Banda (D) and Clinker (D). Meanwhile, Arthur Tallon popped into a deserted Lowstern where he found a card celebrating his 70 years membership of the club signed by committee members and those attending the meet.

Thanks to John and Ros for organising the catering, Conrad for supporting the caving and outdoor climbing and Michael S for supervising on the day and also for the time spent preparing appropriate climbing and caving activities. Everyone seemed to have a good time. It must be fairly unusual for any club to have a meet where the age spans 6 to 90+.

Attending

Conrad Tetley, John Brown, Ros Brown (G), Michael Smith, Helen Smith, Michael Crowther, Kaylagh Tucker (G), Grace Crowther (JPM), Robert Crowther, Steve Richards (PM), Wendy Richards (PM), Paul Dover, Lucy Dover-Sarakun (JPM), Richard Sealey

Visitors

Becca Humphreys, Arthur Tallon, Alan Hinkes, Ged Campion, Aaron Campion, Bev Eastwood, Zara Eastwood (G), Harvey Lomas, Fiona Booker-Smith, Georg Scheuring (G), Michaela Lutz (G)