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Gwent Mountaineering Club
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GENERAL NEWS |
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A Few Comments from Chris Barber |
I am very grateful to Terry for taking on the role of Newsletter Editor, stepping into the shoes of Dave Bingham for the time being. Dave certainly did well in this role during the last year or so. On behalf of you all I would like to wish Dave every success in finding new employment as soon as possible. Perhaps he ought to try journalism ! On June 7th the annual South Wales 7 Peak 47 mile Marathon will be taking place. This is the mother of all challenge walks having originally been started in 1947. It starts at Llanddeusant and crosses the Carmarthen Fans, Fforest Fawr, Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains to finish at Capel-y-ffin. It starts at 4.30 am and the average time taken is about 15 hours. Numerous club members have completed the walk since the GMC was formed in 1976, but the number of club entries has declined in recent years. However, I am very pleased to say that several of our members have entered this year. I am sure that you would all like to wish our stalwart team of Hugh Woodford, Dave Bingham, Ted Bumford, Mark Balch, Dawn Brown and Richard Smith (I am awaiting his entry - but at time of writing this, he is on a bike somewhere between John o'Groats and Lands End !). Several other club members have volunteered their services as helpers. The entry list is now full, but if any one else would like to enter the event next year then I will be pleased to supply further details and an entry form. |
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Newsletter Input |
Thanks for contributions from Rachel, Moira, Richard, Chris, Peter, Kay and Keith ; I would appreciate some rough input both generally, and from leaders for the forthcoming - at any time (and don’t forget the pics). (Temp Editor Terry) |
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WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING! |
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Just a few Examples of club activities |
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A Beginner on Three Cliffs Bay Gower |
By Rachel LewisWhen they were up they were up (Colin and Mike) an HVS, hanging on by not even the tips of their fingers, but their nails, on a slabby, little protected climb. When they were down they were down, enjoying the lovely sunshine and scrambling back down to the beach on a rather erratic and steep rock staircase. And you thought beginners were sent up moderates or VDiffs, not in Gwent Mountaineers . . . when they were only half way up they were neither up nor down Hard Severes,
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Kirkby Stephen Weekend |
Words – A joint effort by Moira, Richard and Terry…Picture by Terry….. |
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Hugh, Richard, Moira and Mike on the Howgills
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A great weekend organised by Sarah, we stayed in the YH at Kirkby Stephen along the road from a number of Public Houses, we all managed to visit. Various trips were organised on Saturday and Sunday, including a walk along the Howgills. Hugh Woodford, Richard Dowle, Mike Hoult,Terry Delbridge and Moira, left on Saturday from the Cross Keys Temperence Hotel (after a night at the Pub!!) and walked upto Cautley Spaout, onto Yarleside 639m and across to Randygill Top 625m. Across country then over the high ridge at Hazel Knott to Langdale, upto West Grain and out onto Fell Head 640m. We returned along the ridge via Bush Howe 623m, Bram Rigg Top 672m and Calders 674m back to Cautley Spout and down to Cross Keys. 12 miles and 4,300 ft of ascent. The day was very misty with low cloud covering most of the route, and some interesting navigation practice around the various tops. Cautley Spout was running in full force and the highlight of the trip. Sarah arranged a great party that evening in the local pub, with suitable awards for the participants. Thanks for arranging Sarah we all had a great time. |
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A Day in the Blacks |
Words and Pictures by Pete Salenieks….
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As we gained the top and continued south east along the summit ridge, we saw the Breacon Beacons rising above a layer of mist that shrouded the surrounding farmland.
Late afternoon views of Twmpa from the Gospel Pass lingered in our minds as we made our way to Hay on Wye for afternoon tea.
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When The Blacks Turned White The day dawned bright and clear on one of those rare January days when the Black Mountains are transformed by enough snow to add a sense of wonder, but not too much to bar access. Linda Samuel and I drove to the head of the Gospel Pass and made our way up the path towards Twmpa. Settled weather conditions over the past few days meant that natural snow sculptures had formed around tussocks and blades of grass.
A colourful evening sky over Mynydd Troed set the seal on a fine day out as we headed for home.
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Meerbrook Weekend |
Words by Kay Beechey… |
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Another good GMC weekend away, in an area that was new to many of us. Meerbrook hostel was ideally situated in a pretty Peak village within walking distance of the Roaches and with the Lazy Trout Pub right next door. About a dozen of us stayed at the hostel and, whilst we split into smaller parties in the day, we all enjoyed the evening socials in the pub. Some members travelled further into the Peak District to climb Bleaklow and Kinder Scout, others went mountain-biking (until Pete Jackson’s bike collapsed in a heap and refused to go any further!). Some went ticking “Marilyns”, but we all, at some time during the weekend, managed to explore the lovely climbing area of the Roaches. When Dave, Pete, Ian and myself went we were blessed with gloriously sunny weather (despite an awful forecast), and thoroughly enjoyed the day. Ludd’s Church, a narrow, moss-covered rocky ravine was well worth a detour. A lovely, cosy hostel, great scenery and excellent company made for an enjoyable weekend. Thanks to Sarah and Ian for organising it.
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WHAT’S COMING UP IN JUNE…! |
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North Wales Weekend 31st/1st/2nd June |
Leader John Moore. The campsite is opposite the pub in Nant Peris (the Vaynor Arms, I think) and is obviously very convenient for Llanberis Pass, Snowdon and the Glyders, not to mention the rest of Snowdonia. I won't be pre-booking the campsite, but I'd appreciate it if people would let me know if they're intending to go. |
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Camarthan Fans 22nd June |
Leader Chris Barber |
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North Wales 28th/29th June |
Leader Keith Anderson Using the Deinolen Hut. The hut apparently can take 10 people, so interested parties had better let Keith know asap.
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MISCELLANEOUS |
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Club Alpine Trip 15th – 31st August |
Contact Keith Anderson So far 6 members have shown interest in the club trip to the Alps this year. Initial ideas are to use a campsite possibly in Grindlewald and/or maybe Randa in the Matter valley. Possible climbs include Liskamm (4479m), Signalkuppe (4556m), ( includes Margherita Hut!) and Dufourspitze (4634m) etc Both locations are ideal bases for walkers, and all members are welcome. Why not have a go this year.
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Lake District Trip 12/13th July
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Leader Keith Anderson Keith tells me this is likely to change to the weekend 19th/20thJuly. Watch this space. |
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The GMC Tables |
Prepared by Dave Bingham I’m sure everybody would like to thank Dave for the Brilliant job he has done with the recently issued GMC Tables, showing member achievements. This really was a huge piece of work. Dave has 2 spare printed copies of the GMC Tables (Edition 1!) available. Lavishly bound in black A4 folders with quality laser printing. £1.20 to cover costs. First come first served I guess.
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Don’t forget to drop me a note with anything you get up to over the summer, Especially the Sth Wales Marathon. |
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