January 1999 Newsletter
Chairman's Introduction
Firstly, I hope that everybody had a good Christmas and that exams (for those that had any) weren't too bad! Hopefully you're fully recovered in anticipation of another enjoyable term as a Hiking Club member!
Secondly, apologies for the late start to activities in The Club this term. We (the committee) decided not to run any walks over the exam period because um well, we all had either exams or loads of other work and we concluded that most other people would be in the same situation.
Generally, last term went well (at least I think it did - let me know if I'm wrong!) both in terms of walks and socials. Nobody got (very) lost on the navigation walk, we managed to fit two castles into the Caerphilly walk and we even had so snow underfoot on Pen-Alit-Mawr! The Peak District produced a desirable mix of entertaining walking (provided you agree that sinking up to your knees in mud and not being able to see more than 10 metres through the fog is entertaining!), hard-drinking (for those that wanted to) and general socialising. The Round-the-World Pub-Crawl and Ceilidh both went well, with a good mm out. If you didn't go, speak to somebody that did (or see the Social Events section in this newsletter) to find out what you missed out on.
I'm now entering the last couple of weeks in the post of Chairman (Chairperson for P.C.ness) and a whole new committee will be elected soon (sob!). So, if you think you can do a better job than me or any of the other committee members, come along to the A.C.M. (16th Feb) and get yourself voted in.
I've enjoyed my year as Chairman - although it's been hard work at times (especially when Treds won't shut-up at meetings)- and I hope that whoever takes over will also.
Marius Twite
Peak District Weekend Away 31st October - 1st November
Two buses set off on Friday afternoon and arrived safely at the Station House, Buxworth approximately five hours later - a relatively boring journey with no floods, no crashes and no bags falling off the roof or getting wet! After bagging a bunk (or in some cases a few chairs in the lounge put together to form a makeshift bed) it was off to the pub to down a few after-hours beers (pubs that never shut are so cool!) before bed.
Next morning we were up bright and early, breakfast was eaten m all shapes and forms (from greasy fry-ups to healthy cereal and bread with jam that came out of a paint tube!? - ask Sam!) and then it was off on our walk. Again, we could see absolutely nothing from the top of Kinder Scout. We were required to put our trust in our walk leaders who led us the whole way round by compass bearings. We managed to find our way back without a hitch, so a big pat on the back to them all!. The walk was not quite so boring as it sounds though and several people managed to sink in the mud, losing boots in the process! One dope forgot to bring any lunch but ended up consuming more food throughout the day than the rest of us, due to merciful handouts. (I must remember that one myself next time - forget my lunch and have everyone take pity on me and give me half of theirs!).
In the evening - once everyone had recovered from the communal shower experience (don't ask!) - it was off to the pub again for a night of drunken tom-foolery! The chairman in particular was somewhat the worse for wear and throughout the course of the evening we all managed (between us) to break about ten glasses and to knock over several chairs and tables. Luckily, the barman didn't seem to mind - after all we were giving him lots of our money!
The next day, those who felt up to it went walking and the rest of us attempted to do some work - yeah right, some hope! Anyway, by about 4 o'clock we and all of our bags, were bundled back onto the minibuses for the journey home. All in all, a great weekend - despite a few muddy moments!
Gen Aikman
Social Events
Well I've been given the task of writing about the club's social events that have taken place so far this year. This is probably because I am the only member of the committee that was sober enough to remember all the details.
We kicked off the new academic year with the infamous round the world pub-crawl. The aim was to sample a drink from each different country, as well as meet club members, whether they be new or old. Around 23 brave club members set off on this challenge, and I am told that everyone had a good time, even if a few did feel ill in the morning.
Our next social event was the Ceilidh, and if you weren't there, then why not? You missed an excellent night of dancing and laughing. The evening was a test of stamina and strength. You needed the stamina to continue dancing until around 11pm with only a few minutes of rest time. The strength was needed to send the females flying trough the air, in the name of a move called a basket. In my case, being only five-foot tall, flying is the correct term to use.
You might say, "but I can't dance". Well that doesn't matter, because neither can anyone else. The Caller walks you through all the dances first, and then as the music starts he calls out the instructions as you go along. Then everyone attempts to carry out the moves in the correct order
The band played non-stop for around 2 1/2 hours, and although everyone was hot and exhausted, and in some cases bruised, it is fair to say that everyone had a great time. So much so tat people are already asking when the next one will be.
December saw the holding of our annual Christmas dinner and dance. This year it was held at the Dolphin Hotel in Swansea City centre. Included in the very reasonable price of £10 was a 4 course Christmas dinner, and a disco complete with live DJ.
The hotel made the mistake of providing party blowers, wizzers and very annoying squealing balloons. The 30 or so people who had bought tickets enjoyed a good half hour of continuous noise, but the staff who were stood watching will probably have taken note not to provide them next year.
The food was excellent and after the coffee and mince pies, Marius our chairman, made his speech, before Treds took over as compere for the raffle. Then it was on to the dancing. The music wasn't brilliant, but watching 30 very drunk people attempting to do the Macarena and Saturday Night is a sight that should not be missed.
So what does this year hold? Well we're not sure yet, but Treds will have no doubt spent his holidays creating an action packed social calendar for us. So keep your eyes peeled for signs on the notice board and we'll see you there!
Amanda Lindley
Walks Programme Spring 1999
Feb 21, Gower Backbone walk and BBQ (A)
The traditional post-AGM walk, where the new committee leads the walk and the old committee sit in a pub. Then when they've had enough to drink, they go to the beach at Rhossili and prepare a bar-b-que for the hardy walkers who have just hiked the Cefn Bryn ridge to Rhossili Common. Comments on the wisdom of having a BBQ in Wales in February have already been made, but it does tend to stay dry long enough for us to light the stove.
Feb 28, Llanthony Priory and Offa's Dyke (B)
Back in bony England - just - for this pleasant Brecons walk, which follows the English/Welsh border, thus allowing you to have one foot in England and the other in Wales. Don't worry, the novelty soon wears off. Finishes at the mildly impressive Llanthony Priory.
March 5-7, Snowdon Weekend Away (C)
Our most popular weekend away, offering you the opportunity to climb the highest mountain in Wales. The mountain railway is still closed in March, so there's only one way of getting to the top... Still, you can recover in the comfortable bunk barn we stay in, and celebrate your achievement in the pub in the evening.
March 14, Abergavenny Three Peaks (C)
A slightly longer walk than usual - 18 miles, in fact, taking in three Brecon peaks: Sugar Loaf, Skirrid and Blorenge. Worth doing just so we can prove to you that there are actually mountains with these names.
April 25, Ystradfellte Waterfalls Walk (B)
OK, so no one can pronounce it, but it's still a nice wooded valley walk, with a number of waterfalls along the way, including one where the path goes right behind it to the other side of the river. Standing behind a waterfall is a brilliant experience - but make sure you take your waterproofs!
May 2, Forest of Dean (A)
Into England for a really nice woodland walk around one of Britain's oldest and largest forests, and an opportunity to laugh at your leader as he gets lost among the millions of paths heading off in all directions.
May 9, Crickhowell Roundabout Walk (C)
A somewhat harsh 24-mile walk around most of the eastern Brecon Beacons although by the time you've finished you'll think you've just walked to Scotland and back. Not for the faint-hearted or weak-legged, but a huge sense of achievement for everyone else.
Daniel Ross
Social Calendar Spring 1999
Wednesday 10th February - Wind Street
This is the first proper social of the term and will hopefully cater for all tastes. The idea is to go to Wind Street and check out all of the posh pubs mmrn beer! We will probably end the night in Escape (A.U. night). Meet in Yates' (by Castle Square) between 7.30 and 8pm.
Tuesday 16th February - A.G.M. and Social
The most important night of the official calendar - the A.G.M. Here you get to see democracy in action and to boo and hiss as well as cheer. Don't forget your rotten veg to throw! There will also be a plethora of sophisticated, alcohol-induced speeches for you to ignore (advised)! This year, it's in the Green Room of Diva's (with it's own bar) - should be cool. Starts around 7.30.
Tuesday 23rd February - 'Zappers'
If you're not too stilted after the BBQ, then follow us up to Castle Square and go lazerquesting - feel free to zap the most hated member of the committee! Be quick, there are limited places available so keep your eyes peeled. Afterwards, with your wounds, we will go to spend the spoils of war (in the pub)!
Friday 26th March - Ice Skating in Cardiff
This is a new idea and therefore responsibility for its success is placed firmly on my shoulders. Oh well, just watching me fall on my arse should be worth it! Basically, there will be an Ice Disco! No experience necessary, only some bravery! There4 will be time beforehand to do any shopping and afterwards for a few beverages.
Richard 'Treds' Tredennick
