September 2002 Newsletter
Chairman's Introduction
Walks Programme MichaelmasTerm 2002
Lakes Weekend Away, 10th - 13th June 2002
Social Calendar, Michaelams Term 2002
Ceilidh, 19th March 2002
Meet the Committee
And Finally
Your Club!!
Chairman's introduction
Welcome to those of you who are joining us for the very first time, read on to find out about the many delights that we have in store for you! For those of you who are returning for another year of fun, it's good to have you back.
Well, if you were around last year, you will be pleased to know that we are returning to some of our favourite spots this year, with several visits to the Brecon Beacons, including Rhyader and Ystradfellte waterfalls- bring your waterproofs! Closer to home, some lovely walks on the Gower, and also into Pembrokeshire.
We also have a few changes since last year; so don't worry if you think you've seen it all before! New this year is Melincourt Falls- previously a night walk- which will give any of you who went last year a chance to see the falls in daylight! Also, the brand new Exmoor weekend away, and the Easter trip to Ireland- look out for further details nearer the time.
On the social side (no, it's not all about walking!) we kick off with the equipment trip, to make sure you have everything you need before we head for the hills! Bowling, which, if nothing else, provides great entertainment as you get to laugh at the committee's attempts! The round the world pub crawl (a glorified version of the Mumbles mile, and much more fun), and then rounding off the term with the club's Christmas dinner.
We start this term with a gentle ramble on the Gower- in the shape of Rhossili- Port Eynon, closely followed by our first, and certainly not last, trip into the Brecon Beacons, Carreg Cennen. Then for those of you who like a bit of a challenge (!) there is Pen-y-Fan, the highest peak in the Brecons- If you can make it, it's well worth it!!!
If you're new to the club this year, one of the best ways to meet and get to know people is by coming along on one of our weekends away- the first of which is coming up very soon, at the end of October, when we are off to the Peak district to climb Kinder Scout- with bog-hopping opportunities a-plenty!
Making another appearance this year, the unmissable Snowdon weekend away, scheduled for the summer trip after exams- one of the most popular weekends, so sign up early.
Ok, that's all from me for now, have fun, see you out there!
Sarah Armstrong (Chairman)
Walks Programme Lent Term 2002
Sunday 6th October: Rhossili - Port Eynon (A)
A nice gentle introduction to the club on this glorious coastal stroll along the Gower peninsular. A great chance to meet new friends and marvel at the sights of the area.
Sunday 13th October: Carreg Cennen (B)
We head towards the westernmost point of the Brecon Beacons, for a chance to catch up on some Welsh heritage as well as walk as we the visit the magnificent castle of Carreg Cennan (and there may be a stop in a tea shop afterwards!).
Sunday 20th October: Pen-y-Fan (C)
A fantastic walk to the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons, with glorious views over the Black Mountains. Not for the faint-hearted, but well worth the effort, and culminating in the famous Star Inn!
Friday 25th - Sunday 27th October: Peak District Weekend Away (B)
Come along and sample the delights of our first weekend away of many, exploring the peat bogs of Kinder Scout. Some of the most amazing scenery awaits you in this northern national park.
Sunday 3rd November: Bannau Sir Gaer Navigation Walk (B/C)
A chance for you all to get to grips with maps and compasses, and have a go at leading the group on a walk! All abilities welcome, the only requirement being a generous amount of enthusiasm!
Sunday 10th November: Glamorgan Heritage Coast (A)
A spectacular walk along the coast east of Swansea and a great day to bring a camera. This fantastic piece of unspoilt British coastline offers stunning rock formations, making this a unique local walk.
Tuesday 12th November: Cefn Bryn Night Hike (A)
We get an unusual perspective of the Gower on this, the first night-hike of the year, along the Cefn Bryn ridge of central Gower. A gentle walk, but a torch could come in handy! A whole new type of hiking to be experienced!
Sunday 17th November: Presilli Hills (B)
This is our only visit to the inland area of the Pembrokeshire National Park, which, on a clear day, offers stunning views of the entire peninsular, and, surprise, surprise, culminates in a rather fantastic pub!
Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th November: Shropshire Weekend Away (C)
Fantastic views over the Shropshire hills, with mountains including the Long Mynd, Stretton hills and Wenlock Edge to name but a few. There should also be plenty of opportunities to roll in heather and walk through clouds if last year is anything to go by. Have a look at the pictures on the website- Ed)
Sunday 1st December: Afon Doethie Valley (B)
Our first visit to the Cambrian Mountains, which offer some interesting landscape. This gentle walk will please nature lovers and walkers alike.
Sunday 8th December: Forest of Dean (A)
Our last walk of the term takes us over the border into England. A woodland ramble in the delightful forest of Dean, offering some fantastic views, and your last chance to walk before the Christmas holidays!
Alice Meek (Publicity Secretary)
Lakes Weekend Away, 10th - 13th June 2002
The end of last year (inevitably) brought exams, but once they were over, it brought our summer trip, a massive four days in the Lake District! This was, surprisingly, our first visit to this amazing national park, situated in the north west of England. And with this being the final club event for several of our regulars, it was a surprisingly restrained affair, but certainly not non-eventful
The downside of course was the journey, six hours each way including breaks. A massive thanks as always is due to all three drivers- cheers guys!
We arrived to find our accommodation more than adequate- for the 16 people it was supposed to house- but for our party of 23 it was more than a little cozy, especially with a kitchen more suited for just 5! Within minutes the fridge was overflowing, as was the pile of washing up. While cooking pacts were fulfilled evening entertainment came in the inevitable form of a visit to the closest countryside pub, which came complete with a pool table and darts board, which were immediately put to good use! Then back to the hostel to the interesting problem of fitting 24 people in 16 beds!
The first day found us tackling Helvellyn, which, at 949m, is one of the most spectacular peaks in the Lakes. The challenge of the day was Striding Edge, a 2km ridge that narrows to only a metre wide path, with amazing 360° panoramas. This lead us up to the shelter on the summit for lunch, after which we descended via swirral edge, another ridge, though slightly more substantial than Striding Edge! The walk went off without a hitch until the first group returned to the hostel to find that the key was still up Helvellyn with the other group! However the second challenge of the day did not phase the likes of "psycho" Phil, who with the able assistance of Rhodri devised an entrance, which involved a skylight and a refrigerator. I'll leave this to your imagination.
On the morning of the second day a few early risers got up at seven to make their way to a pub in Ambleside to watch England's world cup match against Nigeria. At the time it seemed a good idea, looking back it seems rather pointless!
Once again we split into two groups but for separate walks. The larger group, determined to make the most of being so close, headed for Scafell Pike, the biggest peak in the Lake District at 978m. After a seemingly endless climb (from almost sea-level), they reached the summit, and were rewarded with fantastic views over to the neighboring peak of Scafell, and down to Wast Water, where they had begun that morning. The descent began with a considerable scree slope, which although daunting at first, proved very amusing, as Rhodri introduced them to the delights of 'scree surfing'! The more relaxing walk was to go over a smaller peak and return along a path at the edge of Wast Water. However after finding the walk both longer and harder than expected, we were confronted by a scree slope where a landslide had occurred and blocked the path. Normally a fun activity for some of us, getting back over two hours late did not please everyone, and all were eager to return to the hostel, where hot showers and food awaited us!
The last day found us meandering around Ambleside in the morning, with a browse around the many outdoor shops, and a last quick look at Lake Windermere, before piling into the minibuses and heading for home, tired but happy!
Looking back on what was a great first trip to the Lake District, we can look forward to many more in the future.
Ed Janes (Vice-Chairman)
Michaelmas Term Social Calendar
Wednesday October 2nd: Equipment trip
This is your opportunity to purchase any hiking equipment that you need to get you all set for the hikes. You also get to meet the committee- yippee!!! Afterwards we'll go for a few drinks to socialise!
Friday October 11th: Bowling
Come and impress us with your skills at ten-pin bowling! It's great fun, and a chance to meet new people too!
Tuesday October 15th: Peak District-sign up
This is our first weekend away of the year, it's a fantastic area to walk, so come along and sign up. Join us for a few drinks afterwards too!
Friday November 1st: Round the world pub-crawl
Join us on a pub-crawl along the Mumbles mile. In each pub you have to try and drink something from a different country! It's a great laugh (ask ex-chairman' Rob about how it went last year)!
Wednesday November 5th: 1st year rep elections at Café Mambo
This is your chance to become a member of the committee, so come along. If you don't want to stand, come and vote. A meal is included, and Café Mambo serves yummy cocktails!
Tuesday November 12th: Mountain rescue talk and Cadair Idris sign-up
This useful talk will teach you about safety issues whilst mountain walking, you can ask questions as well. It is also your opportunity to sign up for our second weekend away to Cadair Idris in Snowdonia.
Thursday December 5th (date TBC): Christmas Dinner and Dance
The highlight of this term's socials is the Christmas dinner at Oxwich Bay Hotel. The hotel is lovely and the food is delicious, there is a free raffle and a disco, and you can get stupidly drunk as I always do! (Hmm, I remember last year! Ed)
Friday December 15th: End of term piss-up in Idols
A gathering at Idols where we can all get drunk at the end of term!
Sue Haywood(Secretary)
Ceilidh, 19th March 2002
As the Easter holidays were approaching, and the prospect of exams was beginning to make (some of) us think about working, the Hiking club Ceilidh arrived, to distract us all from our work, and help us release some of that pent up stress!! For those amongst us who think this is just a collection of letters; a Celiidh is in fact a kind of Barn Dance (still not sure? Come along this year- Ed)
The evening started off (and for some people ended) in JC's with lots of drinks and anticipation, while (some of) the committee frantically rushed around trying to locate the band, and make sure they were setting up in the right room! Eventually everyone trouped up the stairs to Dining room C, and the merriment began!
The evening was spent in a perpetual spinning, bouncing, whirl of exuberance! Our AMAZING live band, Rough Edge, played a great variety of traditional instruments, and were extremely patient with our pathetic attempts at learning the dances! The caller repeated each step until we understood, and laughed along with us as we stumbled our way through!
The atmosphere was nothing if not infectious, the music the sort that compels you to move with it, and we found we couldn't help dancing even when our legs became so tired the walk home was looking less and less likely, and the sensible thing would have been to collapse in a heap in the corner!
With each new dance it became easer to follow the steps, and consequently, the dancers became more and more confident, the spring in each step became more energetic, and, in some cases, the 'swing your partners' became scarily ferocious! We managed to swing and do-se-do, cast off and promenade for several hours, and I'm sure the evening could have gone on long after it did, and we would still have some how found the energy to dance some more!
It was an amazing feeling to use that amount of energy, and still feel like you had tonnes more! To laugh out loud because you are so lost in the music and momentum of the dances you have only just learnt, and still aren't quite sure of! The way your feet seem to have known these dances long before you ever found out how to pronounce Ceiledh is something that must be experienced! This evening is not one that will soon be forgotten!
I'm sure I used more energy, and did more exercise in this one evening than all this years hikes put together!!!!! So if you think you're a super-fit hiker, try the Ceilidh this year, and show us what you're made of!
Emily Fairman (Social Secretary)
Meet the Committee!
Chairperson - Sarah Armstrong
Our able leader and official chief hiker, Sarah is the poor person who has to go to all the crappy AU meetings. Other than that, she has to try and chair the committee meetings, which can be very difficult at times. (yep, I agree with that- Ed)
Vice-Chairperson - Ed Janes
Ed hails from deepest darkest Somerset, and drinks cider, lots of it!! Upon consumption, Ed is imbued with magical powers allowing him to walk longer and faster. Apart from that he's responsible for sorting out all our kit, and booking the coaches for all our walks.
Treasurer - Sarah Michelle
Sarah will hopefully be able to join us this year, if her busy social calendar allows her to. She has also recently opened the committee's offshore account in the Cayman Isles. When not laundering money, she pays all the fees to the AU for us, and generally looks after our bank balance!
Secretary - Sue Haywood
Sue enjoys a fine wine (well, Lanbrini), which she buys in large amounts from the SU shop. She also has the very important task of taking the minutes at committee meetings, which can include having to work out whether the topic is the next walk, or last night's episode of Eastenders (the latter is generally more likely- Ed)
Social Secretary - Emily Fairman
Emily has been entrusted with organising the clubs social programme for this year. This can often lead to the tag of Chief Drunkard, but Emily's a good girl (or so she keeps telling us) so that would be unfair. Anyway, if it's a club social, and there is no pub/ alcohol in sight, then she is the woman to complain to.
Publicity Secretary - Alice Meek
Alice has been likened to a Duracell bunny due to her often excessive amounts of energy! When not running up a mountain, she can be found designing the posters for the next walk or social with her crayons. Alice also sends out the weekly emails to keep you all informed of what's happening.
Webmaster - George Roberts
It's a good idea to buy him a drink as soon as possible, to stop embarrassing photos of yourself appearing on the club website, which he is entrusted to maintain. Beyond that he is easily the most popular committee member, despite the occasional geological cock-up (scree slopes?- Ed), so buy him drink (there's a theme here don't you think??), oh, that'll be me of course!!!
George Roberts (Webmaster)
And Finally
First Year Rep Elections
If you fancy getting a bit more involved in the club, why not become a First-Year Rep? Absolutely no qualifications are necessary (though a bit of enthusiasm is always handy), and you don't even have to be in your first year.
The idea of becoming a first year Rep is that you will gain some insight and experience of the running of the club, and be ready to take over after the AGM in February! Sounds scary? Not really, in reality it's a great laugh and looks great on your CV too! (that's the sensible bit- Ed) To get elected, all you have to do is come along to the elections in Cafe Mambo on November 7th and make a speech - dead easy!
Hiking Club T-Shirts
Every year the Hiking Club holds a competition to design the t-shirt for that year. The prizes are fantastic: not only do you get a free t-shirt, but your design is also seen in numerous countries across the world. Great publicity for all you budding artists out there! If you're interested in submitting a design, see the notice board and the website for more details. We'll announce the winner of the competition at the Christmas Dinner.
Your Club!!
This is your club, and you do have a say in how it is run- we want you to enjoy it as much as we do! If you think the committee could do something to make the club better - tell us.
Talk to us at any club events or email the committee at info {at} uwshiking.org.uk.
