In Memoriam
Since the publication of the last Journal the following members have died : F. H. Barstow, T. R. Burnett, C. E. Burrow, G. A. Fisher, A. E. Horn, F. Leach, L. Moore, J. C. Walker and W. D. Wills.
FRANK HAWKSWORTH BARSTOW
Frank Barstow died in October, 1955. Elected in 1907, he shared in many expeditions before the First War. Thus he came into the heroic age of Gaping Gill ladder descents—and reascents, was one of the flood bound party of 1909, and was in the Skye camp.
A most skilful pot-holer, he reached the far end of Mere Gill Hole on the second descent in 1914.
It was characteristic of Barstow that he was quite content to fight till he was wounded and to serve as a private. He did not return to climbing but took the greatest interest in hunting on foot. Under his Secretaryship and with his charm of manner, the Bilton Beagles flourished, also he was Honorary Member of the Otterhounds.
A. E. HORN
Arthur Ernest Horn was elected to the Club in 1901 and to the Committee a few years later. He was Honorary Treasurer for 16 years and President 1931-32.
He was never known to talk about his exploits so few members realise how many seasons Arthur spent in Switzerland and the amount of training he undertook to acquire real fitness before he left for his beloved Alps, to quote his own words “So that he would not hold back his pet Guides at Chamonix or Zermatt.”
He was keenly interested in Potholing devoting his zeal for accuracy largely to surveying.
The early plans of the huge ramifications of Gaping Gill were due to his working so closely with Dr. Rule.
His innate common sense and thought for others was shown in a high degree when he was one of the party trapped for 40 hours in Gaping Gill by the great flood in 1909.
Horn had a most delightful and unique sense of humour, always kindly, and often against himself and he will long be remembered as the prime instigator of the joyous and intricate “rags” at the Hill Inn meets in the early 30’s.
Many members still talk of the warm welcome and the great encouragement he gave them when they were first elected to the Club.
C. E. BURROW
Charles Edward Burrow joined the Club in 1919 and in the same year was elected on to the Committee. His sterling qualities were instantly recognised and his value to the Club is shown by the fact that during the 35 years of his membership there were only two or three years when he was not an office holder, as a Committee man, Secretary, Vice President and President in succession.
His love of the hills and crags began at a very early age and when only 19 he was a founder member of the Yorkshire Speleological Association and long before he joined the Y.R.C. he had made a name for himself as a keen Potholer and a safe rock climber. Several first explorations and not a few early variations on Lake District Rocks were carried out under his leadership.
Leading the first ascent of the Store Shagastölstind very early in the season of 1923 was an exploit that gave him enormous joy and so was the discovery and exploration of the flood entrance into Gaping Gill in 1908.
His delightful friendliness, charm, wit and understanding were outstanding qualities which endeared him to all his fellow members.
FRED LEACH
Fred Leach, elected in 1892 (the club’s first year) took a leading part in club affairs in the early days. He was secretary 1893-94, served on committee 1894-96, 1906-08 and 1913-19. He was Vice-President 1908-10 and President 1925-27. As a young man Leach was a keen rock climber and was leading parties up Moss Gill and the North Climb on Pillar not very long after the first ascents had been made, and when these climbs were still regarded with a certain amount of awe by the average cragsman of the period. He took part in the early pothole explorations, was a strong walker and an enthusiastic photographer.
In the passing of Fred Leach the club has lost a link with its earliest years and one of the small band who laid the solid foundations on which the club has since prospered.
LEONARD MOORE
Leonard Moore joined the club together with his brother Lewis and, although his name does not appear as having occupied any of the club’s offices, he gave his brother considerable assistance in the latter’s duties as Treasurer.
He retained his interest in the hills to the end, spending a long succession of family holidays in Dentdale where he was a well-known and respected figure. He was a very active man until he reached the age of 80 when he had the first warning of advancing age. In spite of this he spent as much time as possible in the country and fully enjoyed his later holidays at Lastingham and Rosedale.
He died peacefully on 3rd March, 1956, in his 84th year after a short illness and so passed away the last of our remaining founder members.
“News of the death of C.I.W. Fox with two Sherpas in the Himalaya has reached the Editor too late for inclusion in this Journal. A full notice will appear in No. 29.”