Year of publication 1960 - Fell and Rock Climbing Club

96 EDITOR'S NOTESGimmer where Paul Ross and Dennis English led parties up KiplingGroove (which was climbed later by an all-Russian rope). OnWednesday morning they walked via Esk Hause and Scafell Pike toHollow Stones where they were met by another sizeable Fell andRock contingent. For various reasons, only two of the five Russiansclimbed on Scafell, but, in perfect weather, they did some excellentroutes, including Central Buttress and Great Eastern by the YellowSlab Variation. As they were ready, the climbers wandered intoBrackenclose for an informal tea prepared by Lilian and RonBrotherton and Peggy Diamond, and they eventually assembled fordinner at the Wastwater Hotel where they were joined by a numberof other members who had been unable to get to Wasdale in time toclimb. After an excellent meal, followed by expressions of mutualgoodwill and friendship by our President and their leader throughthe interpreter, and a speech of welcome in Russian by EdwardWormell, the Russians presented badges to those who had climbedwith them and to some Club personalities; and, to the Club, a redvelvet banner embroidered in gold. In return we presented theRussians with a set of Guides and gave them Fell and Rock badges asmementoes. Later there was ample time for meeting and talking tothe Russians either with the help of the interpreters or, morearduously, but more amusingly, without their help. One or two ofthe Russians, when encouraged, spoke quite a few words of English.Much later they returned to Brackenclose for the night, accompaniedby some of our members, while others of us drove home to beready for work in the morning.It was a memorable occasion for all who were privileged to bethere and Harry Ironfield is to be congratulated on the excellenceof the arrangements. He took endless trouble to ensure that everythingwent smoothly, and this is but one example of the conscientiousway in which he has unobtrusively worked for the Club. It willtherefore be learned with extreme regret that he feels unable tocontinue as Hut and Meets Secretary. He has done this very exactingjob for five years and has been most enterprising in finding newcentres for Club meets and in giving a new lease of life to the oldones; both in the new and in the old places the meets have becomeincreasingly popular and well attended. In his other capacity, ascontroller of huts, Harry, combining as he does firmness with tact,has been invaluable to the Club which owes him a great debt ofgratitude for his devoted service.Molly FitzGibbon has recently returned to the Lake District afterspending a year in the United States. As a member of the LakeDistrict Planning Board she had introductions to the PlanningAuthorities over there and was shown many of the AmericanNational Parks. She brings news of our Original and HonoraryMember, Charles Grayson who, at the age of 80, still goes to business.