January 1998 Newsletter
Chairman's introduction
Welcome to the January 98 UWS Hiking Club Newsletter, first of all -HAPPY NEW YEAR to all members. I hope you had a great festive break and that perhaps you got a little hiking in between the eating and drinking!! If not then there's lots of hikes to come on this term to work off that turkey plus much more excitement besides! I hope to see you on some of the hikes this term.
Well, this term should be as cracking as the last (I hope you enjoyed our walks and socials last term). Highlights this term must be the 2 weekends away - the 1st is an "A" weekend to Oakhampton which is between Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, both in Devon, and the 2nd is to climb Mt. Snowdon in N. Wales - this is a very cool weekend away and a real challenge being the highest mountain in Wales. For a description by James of all the walks this term, see inside. This term also sees the AGM (on 10th Feb.) - which is when YOU, the members, have the chance to pick a new and probably better (?!), but still no doubt barking mad committee to continue the fine running of the club for another year. Only Marius of the present committee (will be up for re-election I think!), plus our cracking 1st year raps Rich and Dan. Thus, we need some enthusiastic people to come forward and stand on the night to fill the rest of the positions. Remember!! NO committee = NO club! (if you're unlucky like me you'll just get pissed on all the FREE BEER at the AGM and wake up the next day to find you've been elected chairman!!). It's a great laugh and good for the CV if nothing else. If you are interested, speak to any member of the committee or just turn up on the night.
Can there be more happening this term?? Indeed there can!! As well as the usual fab Sunday walks there will be the annual BBQ walk - in February?! I hear you question! Yes indeedy!! This great event is when the new committee lead the walk whilst the old one sits in a pub and then prepares a gourmet (?!!) BBQ for all those attending. A great event - and it doesn't always rain!! Honest.
Anyhow I hope you enjoy what we have to offer this term - remember if you have any suggestions/ comments please don't hesitate to leave them on the board.
Sorry to ramble on but I would just like to take this opportunity to thank all of this years committee for all the hard work and dedication that they have put into the club. They have all been vital to the smooth, and sometimes not so smoothly running of the club and I ,and all the members of the club I'm sure, have really appreciated it. Thank you all and thanks also for putting up with me - I know its been tough!!
Max Ellson
Hiking Club Christmas Dinner and Dance 1998
The hiking Club Christmas Dinner is a great way to end a great term, which is why almost 50 people handed over their crisp tenners in anticipation of a most enjoyable evening.
Held at "The Countryman" on the Gower, it started at the bar, where a number of us got down to the serious business of playing pool. Then into the dining area, (a "nightspot" with tables and chairs laid out), where the main reason for us being there was the first decent meal for three months! Every now and then laughter would fill the air as someone read out a joke from their cracker- Not. The main course was nice (I think - I was too hungry to pay much attention). As 1st year rep I felt it my duty to sample both deserts on offer - and very nice they were too.
The post dinner entertainment centred largely around Max, (the old chairman), who gave an enlightening speech about the Hiking Club's achievements over the past year. Shame no one was listening, really. The highlight of the evening was the raffle, where everyone won a prize, such as a Santa Claus hat or, er, something equally useful!
DJ entertainment allowed us to bop away until the early hours. As it turned out we were bopping for considerably longer than we expected or had the energy for, because the coach which was supposed to take us back didn't turn up. James failed in his attempt to keep spirits up with his jokes. Nuff said.
A big "cheers" and a round of for they are jolly good fellows to the committee for organising everything so efficiently and behaving perfectly throughout.
Dan Ross.
Walk Programme Spring 1998
January 18th - Chepstow / Tintern Abbey
If the weather is nice then this is a fantastic A walk - lush woods, a nice river valley and a cool pub at the end. Well worth it...
January 25th - Preselli Hills
We venture right out into West Wales for this one - I haven't actually been there yet but my spies tell me its a cracker - really nice views.
February 1st - Llangorse Hills
Starts with Mynedd Troed - an absolute bugger of a climb - but then once that is done the walk is over simple moor land with 360 degree panorama's. Ends at the Castle Inn, where you have to stand in a hole to play darts - the roof is so low!
February 6th - 8th - Dartmoor / Exmoor
A new location this year, we aren't sure where we're going yet but you learn with experience!! It will be a good trip taking in a few Tors or so, and the usual beer consumption of course!!
February 22nd - Offa's Dyke
A superb ridge walk in East Brecon, although there are never any views 'cos it always rains. Good beer to be drunk at the end however to ensure the day was worth it! Seriously, it is a nice walk.
March 1st - North Gower
My favourite walk of the year. We start by walking along the marshy edges of Llanrhidian Sands, pausing to observe 'Wobbly Castle', before being entertained at the Britannia Inn for lunch. Then, next stop is the Kings Arms before we take in the long beach at Rhossili. Well worth it, lots of stops and (virtually) no ascent.
March 6th - 8th - Snowdonia
The 5-hour drive to Llanberis is well worth it to tackle Wales' highest mountain. Fantastic accommodation, a new pub to go to and for the last 2 years we have had cool weather, so it should be good! A very popular tip so make sure you're at the meeting if you want to go!
March 15th - 3 Peaks
Normally not attempted, this walk takes in Sugarloaf, Blorenge and Skirrid - a long and hard C. I'm up for it all this year so if anyone wants to join me . . .!! You can even see England!
James Burdett
Social Calendar Spring 1998
Friday 23rd January - Mumbles Social
A more relaxed occasion than The Round the World Pub Crawl, starting at the White Rose and making our way through the mile.
Tuesday 3rd February - Weekend Away Meeting
Signing up for the for the first weekend away of the term to Okehampton followed by a trip to JC's.
Tuesday 10th February - AGM (Annual General Meeting)
Your chance to join the committee or to come and vote on who does. Free beer will be provided for those who attend.
Wednesday 25th February - Oreint-Beering
Test your navigation skills in this less than serious orienteering exercise in dyne woods.
Tuesday 3rd March - Weekend Away Meeting
Signing up for the Snowdon weekend away then off to JO's.
Thursday 12th March - Celidhi Barn Dance
Another chance to experience one of our best socials. There will be live music, a bar and plenty of dancing.
Wednesday 18th March - Real Ale Trip
A great way to end the term with some high quality alcohol.
Steve Horn
