Meets

 Welsh Meet  –  Glen Dena
30 Jan – 1 Feb 1998

That Friday night most people went to Cobdens in Capel Curig to discover that  Mike Godden, arriving early in the day, had decided to go up Moel Siabod.  With the weather outlook being good for the weekend everybody was sorting out, over a drink, where they intended to go.

Saturday morning came so it was the usual rush at the breakfast table.  Frank Platt and I went up the Heather Terrace path up to the Glyders and down to the Ogwen Valley again.  Other parties went up to the various tops round Carnedd Dafydd and some went rock climbing in the Ogwen Valley.

Saturday evening saw an excellent meal being organised by Tim and the arrival of a female visitor from the Lancashire Caving and Climbing Club.

On Sunday we drove to the foot of Moel Siabod and ascended an enjoyable and interesting route to meet Richard Josephy and Frank Wilkinson approaching the summit. The Presidential party were on the Snowdon Horseshoe with some descending an iced over Miners Track. Another good meet with good, if misty, weather.

Alan Wood.

Attendance:

Low Hall Garth
10 – 12 January 1997

This was an enjoyable meet, but one where the pleasures were more subtle than obvious. It gave further evidence of the triumph of hope over experience, which, as a newcomer to the YRC, strikes me as being one of its most endearing and I hope enduring qualities. Whilst we are on early impressions and experiences, the other thing that has always struck me about the club is the capacity of just about everyone to talk a lot about almost anything. The sound of many people talking, generally in groups but there may be one or two who are in fact only talking to themselves, is something that will remain with me for a long time: as I came back with a bucket of water the hubbub of the YRC in full conversational swing was lovely.

The weather for the meet was frankly tedious. Very damp and very misty, and once any height had been gained you could have been any where. With this in mind, the President and his companions decided on Sunday that Crinkle Crags would be a good idea. It was not surprising that the same views as Saturday prevailed; 10 – 20 metres visibility and views of wet grass and rock. As I said, the triumph of hope over experience.

The descent by the Band reminded me of what a long haul it was, but this was no deterrent to Bill Todd, John Stirling, Alan Brown and Ken Aldred who on Saturday took this route to Bowfell. They probably had better success with their navigation than the group that had to abandon their plan to go climbing and then go to the top of Wetherlam to find out where they were. In fact most other groups walked over Wetherlam and Conniston and I suspect all saw the same view – yes, cloud, wet snow and rock. Not exciting perhaps, but it had its own rewards. We got to know our compass quite well.

However, Gerry Lee, and Ian Long took a low level route around Tilberthwaite, Rydal Water etc. And Ian Crowther said he went shopping in Conniston, which I find intriguing; what can a man who has everything find to buy in Conniston?

The arrangements, organisation and catering were splendid, and our warm thanks go to David Hick for this.

NW.

Attendance:

Joint Meet
Robertson Lamb Hut Langdale
26-28 September 1997

On Friday the three clans gathered for this joint meet. After various minor sorties including the Dungeon Ghylls they assembled for a splendid dinner, the highlight of which was stuffed fillet of pork, to celebrate Will Lacey’s 90th birthday. Sadly Will was indisposed and was unable to attend, but the company wished him a speedy recovery and best wishes for the future.

As I crawled into my sleeping bag I felt that I was fuelled for at least twenty four hours and would need to eat nothing until dinner time the next day. However my notions would never be put to the test. Next morning we assembled for a Robertson Lamb breakfast which led me at least, to fear that the fells were going to suffer a severe trampling before the sun went down.

Our well attended joint meet was added to on Saturday by a formidable group of day visitors. They not only showed the flag but were getting into trim for the Himalayan Meet.

For the outset the directions of Pavey Ark and Bowfell were the most favoured, although Mark set off for Swinescar Hause with the intention of doing the Langdale circuit. One of the parties headed for Pavey Ark and then crossed Mart Crag Moor on their way to Rosset Pike and Bowfell. The other Pavey Ark party went from Stickle Tarn by Broad Crag and Raw Pike to Chapel Stile and then enjoyed the riverside walk with a better viewing of this delightful valley than those of us on the fells.

Meanwhile the President’s party climbed on Raven Crag, Pavey Ark and Gimmer Crag. The  Archaeological Group – I call them that because they seem to find routes for which all written record has perished and carry tackle that should be in, or might have come from a museum – went to Bowfell by the gully west of the Buttress. They drifted apart on Crinkle Crags and, via Little Langdale, arrived back at RLH (by various means) within minutes of each other.

Saturday’s dinner was again a feast.

Among Sunday’s sorties the Archaeologists did Meg’s Ghyll and the President’s party climbed Bowfell Buttress.

Although the weekend was set fair, the presence of intermittent hill fog and drifts of low cloud, even though these were shot through with shafts of sunlight, were to prevent us from enjoying the grand vistas.

Attendance:

South Pennines Meet Saddleworth
17-19 October 1997

Greater Manchester doesn’t sound the ideal location for a Club Meet.  However that is only the official location of the Saddleworth Outdoor Pursuits Centre which proved to be our ideal home for the weekend.  The Centre is located on a steep hillside above Greenfield, just east of Oldham.  It is surrounded by beautiful stone-built houses/mansions and has extensive moorland views.  The attendance of sixteen (plus one day visitor) was good considering the number of the Clubs regular attendees away in Nepal.

On the Friday evening we were all introduced to our host’s base, the Cross Keys Inn, some 1½ miles away but well worth the journey for the friendly welcome and the excellent beer and bar snacks.

Saturday morning brought a clear blue sky and all day sunshine with a cool breeze. We split into four main groups tackling different walks, broadly based on the local big one – the Ten Reservoirs Walk.  Two groups including the Presidential party, headed north climbing steeply to a prominent Obelisk, over Broadstone Hill (454m) and on above Diggle Reservoir.  The larger, and faster party continued past Black Moss Reservoir to the Wessenden valley the Pennine Way then taking them over Black Hill to Laddow Rocks returning via Chew and Dovestone Reservoirs. The slightly less fit did a similar but rather shorter route still covering both sides of the A635 including an atrocious stretch of the old, unimproved Pennine Way south of Black Moss Reservoir, This was little more than a morass of bogs and peat hags – I am sure they are deeper, steeper and wetter than they used to be!  Two of the three members of this latter group then made a long diversion east to include two pubs before heading back – guess who!

The other two groups, one including our local member, Pat Stonehouse, kept south of the A635.  The younger ones included Black Hill, Laddow and all the southern reservoirs whilst the slightly older pair contented themselves with Laddow via the Chew Valley.

Every one was back at the Centre in time for hot showers before Roy Denney’s excellent dinner, with a particularly good choice of beer and wine.  This was followed by Roy showing slides of his recent Nepalese trek from Lukla to Kalar Pattar above the Everest Base Camp.  Virtually everyone then repaired to the Cross Keys, encouraged by a very generous offer of a free first pint from Pat to celebrate his recent birthday.

Sunday again produced a perfect morning.  A meeting had been arranged to discuss next years Club expedition to Iceland which eight members attended.   This broke up mid-morning freeing us to again enjoy the sunshine.  As we left we got a reminder that this was autumn as a large skein of geese flew overhead.  As usual Sunday’s activities are not easy to record but the President and one member climbed on Dovestones a local crag.  Those heading back to Yorkshire were met by valleys full of fog as they crossed the Pennines.  This encouraged at least one member to park and enjoy a sunny walk over West Nab before descending into the murk.

Thanks to Roy and his helpers and the Centre’s owners for an excellent weekend.  

DL

Attendance:

The President – Tim Josephy
Chris Bird (P.M.)
Alan Clare(G)
Derek Clayton
Roy Denney
Jeff Halford (G)
John Hemingway
David Hick
David Laughton
Dave Martindale
Keith Raby (P.M.)
John Schofield
Michael Smith
Derek Smithson
Pat Stonehouse
Martyn Trasler (P.M.)
Martyn Wakeman

The 84th Annual Dinner
Whoop Hall Hotel Kirby Lonsdale
15 November 1997

Some 86 members and guests attended the annual dinner weekend, centred on the Whoop Hall Hotel.  This proving to be a popular venue for this important meet in the Club calendar.  The accommodation, both for the AGM and the dinner, is well suited to our requirements and the surrounding countryside provides for the varied activities of members and guests.  The business of the AGM was conducted with the usual competence of our officials and the good humour of the members we have come to expect on the occasion.  The increase in the annual subscription generated some discussion but the general consensus was that an increase was timely.  The future of Low Hall Garth seems to be a regular item on the agenda each year for one reason or another.  The clear message came across – use it or loose it.  It would be a sad day in the annals of our Club if it was to be the latter.

The dinner was the usual convivial affair with the President Elect leading us in a spirited rendition of  “Yorkshire”.  For those of us who for one reason or another do not attend as many meets as we would like to, or should, it is a welcome opportunity to recharge friendships.

Sunday morning produced grey skies but did not dampen enthusiasms. After the usual discussions about who was going where, parties headed out in several directions with various activities in mind.  A large group set out in the direction of Cowan Bridge, then following the valley of Lech Beck to its upper reaches.  One adventurous member came to grief ascending a waterfall but seemed little the worse for a crack on the head and a soaking!  This party fragmented on the tops, returning to base by various routes.  One small group returning to base via Casterton, encountered several newly built penfolds, each with a large boulder in the centre.  Several theories were advanced as to the purpose of the boulder, showing much originality of thought.  It eventually came to light that these structures were works of art financed by the Arts Council!

A smaller party headed for Farleton Fell that grey whaleback eminence overlooking the M6.  This fell is of considerable geological interest, not least for its limestone pavements and an abundance of fossils.  The going underfoot was treacherous in places due to what was described as a black ooze issuing from the ground.  I have experienced similar conditions in the Howgills.  apparently this soft jelly like substance is a product of some fungal process in the top soil.

Several members headed for Barbon Fell and Scales Moor.  The caving party had an energetic day, first abseiling into Pool Sink, thence to Holbeck Junction, Stop Pot, Manchester By-Pass, finally emerging at County Pot.

High tea of ham and eggs back at Whoop Hall put a fitting conclusion to an excellent weekend.

Christmas Meet
Ennerdale 12-14 December 1997

While sitting in my office in Leeds on a cold, dark January morning it is easy to allow one’s mind to wander back to a very pleasant Christmas meet in Ennerdale only a few weeks before.

For those of us who hadn’t attended a YRC meet in Ennerdale before it quickly became apparent that it was a very long drive from almost anywhere in the UK to get to Ennerdale, and not made any easier by Friday evening traffic. Having said that I think that all would agree that this permanent hutted scout camp is a splendid place to hold a Christmas meet.

On arrival members found that there appeared to be a sale of Christmas trees taking place on the site. This caused a little difficulty with regards to parking cars and to those hardy chaps who wished to camp, because much of the flat ground amongst the trees was occupied by a fine display of hundreds of cut Christmas trees. However, we were soon well dug in around a log fire nursing a bottle of whisky. The Presidential party quickly found it’s way to a local ale house to consume a pint or three of supper.

John Schofield, Ralph Hague, Michael Smith, Alan Linford, Derek Smithson, John Sterland and others – Tim and Gordon studying a titanium ice-screw by Bill Todd

Members and guests were awakened on Saturday morning by the pleasant smell of bacon frying in a large pan and during the day many different routes were taken all round the local fells. For most of the day misty, damp conditions persisted. One party set off to climb on Pillar Rock but took so long to get there that it left no time for actual rock climbing before having to set off back in order not to be benighted or miss the evening meal which turned out to be the highlight of the weekend. Forty four members and guests sat down to a five course meal at superbly set tables. Our thanks must again go to Mike Godden, David Smith and all their helpers, who surpassed themselves.

John Schofield and Iain Gilmour by Bill Todd

During dinner the President in proposing the toast to absent friends particularly mentioned the late Stanley Marsden, member for 61 years, Past President, Honorary member and legend in his own lifetime, who will be deeply missed and long remembered by the club.

Following dinner David guided us through a show of slides from the recent Himalayan trip and Ged Campion showed and spoke about slides taken on the caving trip to Oman earlier in the year.

Sunday came with a brighter start, and after a leisurely breakfast members set out in all directions for the day’s activities, leaving a meeting of the members proposing to go on the expedition to Iceland next May and June to discuss their plans.

A very successful and well attended Christmas meet.

RC

Attendance: 42 members and 3 guests

The Punch Bowl Inn, Low Row, Swaledale
13-15 March 1998

About twenty years ago it would have been easy for a new member to think that the most exciting days of the club were in the past.  With no regular alpine meet and little talk of any overseas expeditions the meets programmes were interesting, varied and enjoyable but not much different from those of a number of other clubs, except of course, we seemed to have more than our fair share of characters.  Arriving at the Punch Bowl Inn late on Friday afternoon your reporter hadn’t even had time to persuade someone to buy him a drink before he was approached with a request for information on an alpine guidebook.  During the next hour or so before dinner the conversation covered recent trips to Oman, Norway, the Alps and the Himalayas while photographs and slides were passed round and exchanged.  My planned trip to Borrowdale didn’t appear to interest anyone.  After dinner the conversation covered the future expeditions to Iceland, Norway (yet again), the Andes and Kashmir.  Checking the British Rail timetable for Fort William now seems to be replaced by close examination of the Wells Fargo timetable to Quito.

On Saturday morning a group of sixteen set off from Muker car park for Swinner Gill.  This must be approaching a record for the number of members moving together in the same direction and after well over five minutes the group was still roughly together.  After some scrambling up the gill, lunch was taken basking in the sun at the old mine buildings at East Grain, after which most of the party continued to scramble up the top end of Swinner Gill to the shooting cabin.

The weather was perfect as the party made its way back to the inn over Melbecks Moor.  Two independently minded members chose to go searching for the ancestral home of one of them.  This they eventually found in a row of cottages in the valley and not, as one unkind friend suggested, in the tumuli on the top of Brownsey Moor.  Other groups travelled to the south side of the valley taking in Whitaside Moor and Gibbin Hill.

Sunday’s activities were the reverse of those of Saturday.  Instead of a large group breaking up we appeared to have parties of two, three or four setting off at different times from different locations but joining up and dividing all over Whitaside Moor.  We met the President and President Elect (I was told that if I said that we caught up with them I wouldn’t be allowed to write any more Meet Reports) near the summit of Apedale Head, but they soon turned sough for Castle Bolton where they had a vehicle waiting.  The final six headed north and again split into two groups, one making for their car at Grinton while the other returned to Low Row.  It sometimes isn’t easy to discover there each individual went during the day, especially of those who are not sure themselves, but everyone appeared to have had a very enjoyable and well organised weekend, thanks to John Sterland the meet leader.

Ken Aldred

Attendance list:

Scottish Winter Meet
19-22 February 1998

Jon Halliday (honoured guest) and I arrived at a car park in Linn of Dee late on Wednesday evening. We bivvied in the car park and woke to the sound of some others venturing into the Cairngorms on their mountain bikes. This has got to be the way to tackle those long walk-ins!
Having navigated ourselves across a couple of Munros in the mist, carrying our ice axes, our worst fears were confirmed. There was no snow! Little did we know that the week afterwards heaps of snow would fall on Scotland, but we must have been there during some of  the mildest Scottish February days ever.

Arriving at the village hall in Braemar, we moved into the exclusive annex room along with Derek Smithson, Alan Linford, Martyn Wakeman, a friend of Martyn’s called Steve, and a number of others. The following morning, the main hall had filled up and it was apparent that there were about thirty of us there.

Friday was a windy, wet & cloudy day. The intended Iceland expedition camping/snow practice session was aborted in favour of some wet hill walking or bird watching (depending on your preference). Derek Smithson, Martyn, Jon & I climbed some more Munro’s near the A58. Martyn’s navigation was ‘spot on’ as we couldn’t see anything except the ground and each other once we’d left the road.

The next three days saw people venturing into Lochnagar, the high Cairngorms and around Ben Avon.

The weather made a quantum improvement for Saturday with sunshine. The four of us teamed up again and had an excellent day climbing Glas Tulaichean from Dalmunzie.

On Saturday night it finally snowed. This enabled some of us to enjoy a pleasant walk over the Cairnwell and Carn Aosda on Sunday morning before departing homeward – the best time to climb these two mountains as there was a light snow covering and broken cloud but no skiers!

Paul Glendenning

Attendance: