September 1998 Newsletter
Chairman's Introduction
Welcome to a new year in the life of UWS Hiking Club!
If you are a new member this year, then hello! I hope you will enjoy the Hiking Club and take advantage of all that it has to offer. This is a large club and loads of people goon the first few walks, but don't be daunted - we are generally a very friendly crowd, so I hope you get to know us all well.
For those of you returning to the club for a second or, if you're brave enough, a third year - welcome back! I hope you all had a good summer and that you will enjoy the club as much this year as you obviously did previously (you've joined again haven't you?)!
We (the committee) have another excellent programme of walks lined up for this year, starting with the, now traditional, Rhossili to Port Eynon (or vice versa) ramble. If you haven't been on this before, it's a very relaxed, sociable walk. Watch out though - the places are always filled quickly.
Throughout the year we will also have the usual exciting range of weekends away - The Peak District, Cadair Idris, Snowdon and, after last year's success, Dartmoor (although hopefully less people will fall ill with colds this year!).
We are also organising a varied calendar of social events, including some past favourites (around the world pub crawl, ceilidh, etc.) and hopefully some new ideas later in the year. We also hope that the walks will be sociable, and because of this, we will stop in a local pub for a while after most walks. For A-grade walks this will only be for a couple of pints, but for longer walks it will be extended - so remember to bring plenty of beer money!
The Hiking Club committee is the hard-working, unpaid (sob!) group that keeps the club running smoothly (hhhhmmmmmm!). But remember - this is YOUR club, so if you have any problems or if you have any suggestions for improvements or new club activities then come and find one of us and we'll be happy to help.
Whether you just enjoy a gentle stroll through the Welsh hills, or whether you're a hardening hiker who doesn't mind sore feet the morning after (ggrrrrrr!), enjoy your time with UWS Hiking Club - I hope to see you on some of the hikes this year.
Marius Twite
Snowdonia Weekend Away - March 1998
The journey to the bunk barn in Snowdonia National Park took rather longer than expected due to several minor mishaps, including running over a boulder and damaging the minibus wheel, not being able to get the spare wheel off the back of the bus and thus having to call out the AA! But we picked a good spot to break down at right outside the cottage of a sweet little old couple who, (like our knights in shining armour), came out and invited all 15 stranded hiking club members, into their tiny living room to have a cup of tea. During our brief stay there, one hiking club member made a life long friend of the old woman who proceeded to give her a guided tour of the house and to relate the family history! Eventually, we set off again after 2 hours (having finally got the minibus fixed), in high spirits about soon being at our destination - but, alas, it was not be, at least not for another 5 hours anyway! Half an hour after setting off from the scene of the breakdown we came across floods and were forced to take a huge detour into deepest, darkest Wales, finally arriving at the bunk barn at 2 am in the morning very tired but very happy to be there at last!
Mad as we are, after going to sleep at 3.30 am we got up at 8 am, (4 'A hours later), to climb Snowdon which we did despite having to baffle with snow, wind, rain, and hail, on the way up. But it was worth it! - No, really it was, even if you couldn't see anything from the top and developed a severe case of Goosebumps if you stayed there too long!!! Never mind - later we regained our sanity and went to the pub for an evening of well earned, drunken debauchery.
On the Sunday, those who were really nuts went up Tryfan (another big mountain). Those who frankly just couldn't take the pace (and I'm not ashamed to admit I was among those), went on a nice easy walk at Beddgelert, where I, in a vain attempt at map reading, managed to very nearly get everyone lost! Despite some difficulties then, a fantastic weekend was had by all and we arrived back in Swansea that evening tired, but happily so!
Gen Aikman
NOTE FROM CHAIRMAN: Some weekend trips do actually go to plan!
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
Weekend Away to the Peak District
If you have never been on a weekend away with the club before, and dread to think what happens to 30 odd students and 2 minibuses away from Swansea then read on
The weekend was in mid October and also the first of the year. No one managed to get lost trying to find the minibuses and the first coach only left forty - five minutes late which was not bad going. We were fortunate in our selection of buses as the AU gave us one of their newer vehicles and we hired the other. The AU coach strained to break the speed limit while the ford machine got to the destination early. The only real problem was the closed road and a ten mile detour, but the committee took it all in their stride.
The accommodation was a bunkhouse, which was semi-spartan. However there were good facilities and we overcame the obvious logistical problems of mixed amenities. The first night passed quickly with a visit to the somewhat bemused locals (until we found the correct pub) albeit some odd bumping noises in the night!?).
The walk on the Saturday started with great weather for the time of year as we split into two groups. The aim of the day was to climb Kinder scout and then using our best judgement, return at the best time (i.e.. mess around on the top till people got bored). James as vice chairman and the nearest thing to a local we had was keen to go while others were more stately in their approach to the mountain. James wanted to tackle a gorge while Marius led the other group and confronted the hills more directly. While the weather had held so far, when we reached the ridge the wind and mist started to make an appearance. From then on we traversed and re-traversed the boggy peaty quagmire which was like a brown Arctic (with unfortunately no snow) with zero (ish) visibility and huge trenches and channels. Only the very brave, and Colin, took on the mud without a second calculated thought. We didn't loose anyone to mother nature thankfully and Maz, with the help of Pasty managed to count their steps and navigate us in potentially fatal conditions. By the end of the walk the weather had had an effect on us all as we ended up standing, huddled together on a precarious looking chunk of granite and meeting some people claiming to be relations of Marius. At the end of the day there were a lot of tired feet which was only remedied by the local real ale and some very intellectual drinking games.
After another seemingly short night (with Tony still claiming that it was nicer in a tent), the general consensus was to have a shorter more placid walk on the Sunday and it was so. We got some great views from the top of the ridge we walked along and even the cement factory looked aesthetic as the sun and the sheep came out. ...
The decent in the afternoon was highlighted by the exploration of some very muddy (and not very interesting caves). Some saner people waited outside having lunch, occasionally visited by the little-used circular bus service. The main 'A' road to Sheffield was made the more interesting on our decent as it had been torn asunder by the forces of physics, nature and bad engineering foresight. It was a miracle that no one was killed when it slipped down the hillside in the 70's.
A few hardy souls that forked out for a visit to one of the Blue - John mines which is well worth the visit if you can manage to get a group discount as well as a student rate entrance fee.
The entire expedition had left most people drained and it was not surprising that the return journey was more relaxing than the outward one.
Rich Tredennick
Barbecue Walk on Gower
This walk was one of the most enjoyable of the year mainly because it involves a late start, easy walking, plenty of food, a short journey, and a pub at the end. It also has a more significant role, as it is the first walk of the new committee with the outgoing lot sitting in the pub all day. The route itself is relatively easy, but that depends a lot on who is leading as there is no set course (Just an excuse because we didn't exactly know the way). This time round we went about 10 miles over the spine of Gower with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and the Bristol channel before walking past Rhossili downs (or going over it). The only upset on the walk was when we found that half of the group were missing. However after a few forays back the way we came (and a lot of shouting) communication was re-established and the 25 or so lost souls rejoined the rest of us.
The main feature of the walk was obviously the BBQ at the end. Plenty of high quality, 100% meat burgers, sausages and vegiburgers for those who wanted them, not to mention the various relishes and onions all perfectly grilled on the gas stove (forgot the charcoal). The only irritation was that the pub was at the top of 300 or so steps, but there were a few cans handy to aid those in need. While all the food was being prepared by the old committee, several others took the opportunity to play some football with the cliff face as a crude and highly ineffective goal mouth.
All in all the day was a complete success (apart from those who forgot to pack any lunch - tut tut.) and - baring carrying the stove up the aforementioned steps - relatively easygoing. Next year will doubtless be a bigger success with more food, drink, entertainment, and hopefully another great group of people.
Richard 'Treds' Tredennick
Committee 1998 - 1999
Chairman: Marius Twite
Despite the obvious jokes about the name, he's a sound bloke. On a walk he can usually be found at the front, looking business-like with a compass and map. Although he has been known to take the short cut down a steep hill on his survival bag, generally he's trustworthy (honest!).
Vice-Chairman: Dan Ross
You can't miss him in a crowd, (due to his being about 3 heads above everyone else!). He's handy with equipment (if you know what I mean, nudge, nudge, wink, wink!) -if you need a map Dan's the man!
Treasurer: Dan Kitchen
As well as being able to put away serious amounts of curry in one sitting, Dan's leadership skills are second to none. Except, that is, when there are fierce dogs around - at which point Dan turns and runs off, screaming into the distance! But don't worry we haven't experienced many dogs - so far!
Secretary: Andy Rose
Andy's best asset is his talent for doing a full days walk with a severe hangover and only a few hours sleep under his belt, while maintaining his cheeky grin throughout! Without doubt the shortest male member of the committee, he has his uses and even takes down the minutes at committee meetings every now and again
Social Secretary: Treds (alias Richard Tredennick)
His life-long ambition, Richard is yet to find a family-sized Nan bread in any Swansea curry house (never mind Rich - don't give up yet!)! In appearance he resembles a choirboy (which isn't that far from the truth!), so if you fancy a melody to cheer you on your weary way you know where (not!) to look! Singing aside. Treds is ever cheerful, determined to look on the bright side come wind, rain, or snow!
Publicity Secretary: Gen Aikman
Being the only female member of the committee, Gen is easily distinguished from the rest of us (we hope!). Her hand is the origin of the bright, colourful and often artistically questionable posters that advertise walks and events on the club notice-board.
Social Calendar Winter 1998
For Further Details of events please see the notice board nearer the time.
Thursday 1st October (To be confirmed): Equipment trip followed by some lovely Irish beverages at O'Neills.
Come and spend lots of Cash on some nice new gear at bargain prices or just have a look at those boots you've always wanted. Either way, it's a good time to meet other members of the club.
Friday 9th October: The Infamous Round the World Pub-Crawl!
The first "real" social of the term where the plan is to get a drink from a different country in each pub. Sounds easy? Say that after a mile of pubs. Worth the hangover though.
Tuesday 20th October: Navigation training evening
Advice and training from the experts of the hills. If you already have some skill in navigation or have no idea, where the red end of the compass points this is a good evening to learn some more (hopefully).
Friday 26th October: Cadair Idris Weekend Away meeting + First year Rep's Elections at Jubhly's
If you want to join the committee, this is your opportunity. After signing up to one of the best trips, its off downtown to taste the cocktails and vote for two unsuspecting members of the club....
Tuesday 3rd November: Mountain rescue Talk
Some invaluable advice from the professionals. Then its probably off to quench our thirsts.
Tuesday 10th November: Ceilidh barn dance.
Probably the best night of the term. Lots of dancing, drinking and other merrymaking to the tunes of a live band. This is one event you cannot miss. Keep your eyes open for exact dates and times.
Tuesday 11th November: Weekend away meeting.
Same as before, but for a different part of the country. Then on its up to JC's for an informal evening that might end up anywhere.
Tuesday 1st December: Annual Christmas Dinner and Dance:
This is a fantastic end to the term (when the transport is working) with lots of fun and games. There's raffle, speeches, Punch & Judy (only kidding), and copious amounts of Alcohol.
