September 1996 Newsletter
This newsletter contains the following sections:
Chairman's Introduction
So now you've joined ... it's time for the true story
It's Sunday morning, 8.45 ... you were down the Mumbles last night until 2am, managed to spend all of your money so had to walk home (after all, you are a hiker) and right now ... it's chucking it down. But, hey, you've paid your MPFs and it's another excuse to put off that ever increasing stack of essays and practical.
Anyway, whatever the weather and whatever your level of walking experience, we hope that you will enjoy participating in the regular activities that the Hiking Club organises. Needless to say, in addition to our weekly walks, we arrange a variety of socials during the term and with the amazing committee we have, you'd be mad to miss them. So whether you're new to the Club or an old and (mis) trusted member, welcome!
Peter Blamire
Great Beacons Expedition
After being involved with the Hiking club for years, we decided to take it upon ourselves to go forth and explore the mountainous regions Northeast of Swansea. So, after deciding on a taxing '75 mile route fully laden with gear, off we did go!
Day On
Our journey across life and land begins by missing the Train to Cardiff, so we arrive at Abergavenny many hours late. Even though the pubs had just opened, we resist, but still catch the bus to Crickhowell to save ourselves 8 miles. Soon we are drinking Glenmorangie at the top of Pen-Cerrig-Calch, and beginning to realise that we aren't as totally fit as we believed. A bit further along the ridge we decide to bin another 5 miles so we descend to attempt the formidable Llangors hills. When we do reach the top its another whisky stop, then full steam ahead to our objective, the Star Inn, Talybont-on-Usk. After an incident with some over friendly cows we arrive to find the Euro '96 semi-final in progress, and after much Stella its off to our sheep shit infested campsite with the sound of jeering Germans in our ears. We were knackered, but I'm sure Gareth Southgate felt worse that night.
Day Two
We arise in a poor state only to realise we've got Pen-y-Fan to climb, not surprisingly, after about a half hour its decided to dump the kit at the next campsite and go up with daysacks. This plan suffers a fatal setback when we fall asleep in the sun until pub opening time. So it seems the best thing to do is scratch the walking and catch the bus to Brecon for a few pints. We return to our campsite in Pencelli in time for opening at the local, so a fine day of walking once again degenerates into a marathon beer session. The day concludes with an hour of Petzl bubbles, which just about sums up our day really.
Day Three
When we finally feel safe to move after the night before its too late for any serious hiking, as we are now approaching physical meltdown (mainly due the bar Olympics over the last couple of days). Another belt of whisky for breakfast rouses us enough to walk into Brecon along the canal to catch the bus back to Swansea. Along the way we encounter some frisky ducks and contemplate hitching on a canal boat. We eventually arrive in time for the bus. After what is probably the most frantic bus journey of our short lives we are delivered back to Swansea, in time for one final pint in he Builders Arms before home, where we arrive dishevelled but triumphant. So much for 75 miles - more like 25 miles, 25 pints and a bottle of whisky Roll on next summer!
PS - For a fuller account, just buy one (or both!) of us a pint at the next social (and you'll wish you hadn't!)
WARNING - UWS hiking club does not condone the drinking of quality whisky on walks - remember, its not big and its not clever!
Pastie & Rob
Committee 1996 - 1997
For the benefit of all our new members out there, the committee is the bunch of dodgy characters that have the dubious job of running the club (into the ground).
Chairman: Peter Blamire
Promotes a feeling of well being at committee meetings. Also gets lumbered with the jobs no-one else wants, together with making excuses at the AU, otherwise unimportant.
Vice-Chairman: Max Ellson
Talks a lot of sense when sober. On the few occasions in between beer sessions has been known to attend a few lectures. Jobs include skiving and looking after the clubs gear.
Treasurer: ?
Here we have a vacancy, as our old geezer mate Simon has quit Swansea for an easier course up north. Responsibilities include fiddling the books and operating as the club loan shark. This post will be up for grabs at the first year reps meeting in October.
Secretary: Sarah Laskey
Widely known for having a ludicrously low tolerance to alcohol and for being totally irrelevant. Mainly responsible for writing things down. (frequently gets that wrong!).
Social secretary: James Burdett
Has an unhealthy interest in the manic street preachers, otherwise renown for being a really good bloke - despite being a total fashion victim. Mainly responsible for devising and organising top nights out.
Publicity secretary: Paul Glass
Despite having the genetic structure of a Devonshire pasty, does a fair impression of a regular geezer. Mainly responsible for drinking a lot at club events and slaving over rags such as this. Probably the most important member of the committee.
Social Programme Winter 1996
8th October - Equipment trip to high adventure
7 pm - followed by beers at O'Neills, 8:30 pm.Need new socks or the whole lot? If so come with us to get it all with a big 20% Discount, and then carefully spend the money you've saved on a pint or Ten at O'Neills! The first social of the year so come and meet everyone, and spend all of that meagre grant!
3rd October - "Round the World" beer race
Yes, the hugely popular round the world is back for yet another year! You will be going down to sample the local delights of Mumbles anyway so why not come with us, consume a drink from a different country in every pub and win a prize! A great way to get to know loads of people whilst having a great time! Starts at 4pm in the white rose, Mumbles.
15th October - Mountain rescue talk - plus beers!
Obviously, safety on the mountains is paramount but often people forget this (though not UWS hikers of course!) So come along and listen to a local expert and have a few jars after! See the board or our web page for further details nearer the time.
22nd October - Navigation training and JC's.
Are your nac skills up to scratch? If not, come and get some top advice from those who (think they) know, and then practise your new found talents on some bleak mountain somewhere the following Sunday. Then on to JC's!
28th october - Weekend away meeting & elections at Jubblys!
If you're coming on the Cadair Idris weekend then its vital that you attend this meeting in debates (above the shop) at 6.3opm. However, even if you aren't, then why not come to "Jubblys", a restaurant good for getting pissed and having a bonza time in, also where the elections for the new first year reps will be held. If you've never been, you don't know what your missing - its the place to go in Swansea!
9th November - First aid training.
Everybody should have basic first aid skills, but many people don't, and if that means you then why not spend an hour or two learning from the experts to gain a decent qualification at the same time? (ooh, think of that CV.. ..) and yes, a short trip to the pub will probably be on the cards afterwards!
12th November - Barn dance!
The ever popular barn dance is sure to be one of the socials of the year, so grab that cowboy hat for a good ol' dance! A really excellent social!
18th November - Pembroke weekend away meeting & beers
Get in practice by getting absolutely hammered, you'll need it! (Its an a weekend after all!) 7:30 pm, debates.
3rd December - Christmas dinner & dance!
The barn dance is hard to beat as a social, but this event takes the acclaim for best event of the year, an evening not to be missed! This takes place at the Oxwich bay hotel and is an opportunity for everyone to don their smartest gear and dance the night away! Buses, food, everything is included! What better way is there to end the hikers social year!
James Burdett
