Chronicle

Fell & Rock Climbing Club
of the English Lake District
Chronicle
Number 156 July 2015
FRCC, 12, The Drift, Harlaxton, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG32 1E
Tim Pollard on pitch 3 of The Curtain
CIC Meet February 2015
Photo: John France, Report p 14
1

Hidden Lakeland Last edition’s photo, by Paul Exley,
was taken from Red Tarn towards the Crinkles. On the
right, in the background, are the Eastern Fells. It was a
telephoto shot, so less easy to identify.
This edition’s photo was
taken last month by
Alan Hinkes. Hopefully
this popular ridge will be
identified more easily!
Beetham Cottage 50th Anniversary
Photos or Memorabilia Required!
Please send any photos or memorabilia of days at Beetham Cottage to
Chris Sherwin: csdesign@talktalk.net Please let Chris know if you’d like items to be
returned, Thank you
Contents
Officers’ Reports p3-5
Future Meets p9-13
Meet Reports p14-26
Recently Deceased
p5
Members’ Activities
p26
Publications Report Please Read
p6
From the Archives
p27
Changes to Hut Bye-Laws
p7
Old Great Gable Plaque
p28
Facebook
p7
Fundraising for Nepal
p29
Castle Rock Instability
p8
Book Reviews p29-31
Handbook Changes
p9
Jewellery Found
p31
Younger Members: Working Group p9
More Meet Photos
p32
2

It seems to be all go on many fronts at the moment with the Club.
The new Lake District Rock (selected Guide) should now be out – it is very exciting
when a new guide appears and this one looks a cracker. A huge amount of work has
been put into bringing it together and I would like to thank Steve Scott and the
guidebook team. More on p5.
I suspect that the most popular crag will be Bram Crag Quarry – with its
many good bolted routes – thanks to Colin Downer for putting in many hours
bolting up these routes.
I would also like to thank the members of the Publications Working Group
for coming up with ideas for the publications – see details p6.
Linked to this could I highlight the following –
Officers’ reports, Committee News and Information:
The President
Let us know if you want a digital copy only of the Chronicle
Will you look at linking in with the FRCC E-News (was E-Newsletter) as this
is a way of getting information out to members quickly
Sign up for the FRCC Members Facebook page as this enables members
to communicate and pass on information— see p7.
Communications with and between members is changing and will change in
the coming years and what we are doing now is a stepping stone towards these
changes. Many (probably most) members (old and young) like the printed Chronicle
which is there (lying on the table) ready to read. Many other Clubs only have a
digital newsletter which can be either read on the computer or downloaded and
printed at home – it does not then cost the Club very much. At the moment, and
probably for some years to come, we will be keeping to the printed version with an
option to receive a digital copy made available on the website if this is a member’s
preferred choice.
We are firming up ideas for the development of the website and also have
costings for that development which we hope to move forward on towards the end
of the year.
The issue of new members (young and less young) is affecting the Club in a
number of ways such as with hut usage and attendance at meets (e.g. CIC, Pabbay
and Lundy). Ideas about this are being drawn together for consideration by the
committee.
Talking of the committee – there will be places available for new elected
committee members at the next AGM – please see Martyn’s report if you are
interested or know someone who is.
The changes to the path by Brackenclose to Scafell Pike would seem to be
straightforward: encouraging walkers to use the path on the north side of the beck
– however discussions continue as objections are put in the way. A lot of work is
3

eing done in the Wasdale Head area to help alleviate the people pressure and
hopefully this will soon be sorted out. I would like to thank especially John Barrett
for the work he has done in this area.
The old Gable plaque is now back from the Imperial War Museum and
currently at the Armitt Museum. Thanks to Chris Sherwin and the Archive Team for
arranging to display the plaque in various locations in celebration of the centenary
of the First World War. Chris and Peter Lucas gave an interesting talk at the
“Friends of the Armitt” AGM. I would recommend that members (and friends) visit
the Museum where our Libraries now reside. Contact details p 27.
We are looking at rebolting and cleaning the new Gable plaque – and also at
trying to reduce the amount of poppies and crosses left on Great Gable – a rather
difficult and sensitive matter.
Don’t forget the FRCC Memorial Walk over the 12 summits – please contact
me for details. Surprisingly very few have done this so far – it can be done either in
one day or over two days staying in either Salving House or Brackenclose overnight.
The crack at the top of Castle Rock is slowly widening – I would like to thank
Dave Bodecott for monitoring this. I recently spoke on Radio Cumbria to highlight
the imminent demise of the top pitches of OB and North Crag Eliminate – though
no one knows just how imminent it is.
I would like to congratulate Sir Chris Bonington for receiving the Piolets d’Or
Lifetime achievement award in April. As we know Chris is a huge person in the
mountaineering world and this is well deserved.
I am sometimes seen away from this computer and I enjoyed the Club trip
(joint with EVMC) to Pabbay in May – amazing being on a British island with no
email or phone (we had a satnav) and some fantastic climbing – that’s what it is all
about.
Ron Kenyon
The Secretary
It was good to see a crowd of FRCC people at Ron Townsend's funeral in
Sheffield as well as others from the Peak Climbing Club of which he was a founder
member. Warm tributes were paid to Ron noting his achievements over 95 years.
We had very full and productive meetings of the various sub-committees and
the main committee at the beginning of May. The time that members put in to
thinking, writing and working for the Club must be worth thousands of pounds a
year, and it is all done voluntarily.
As I write I am looking forward to the Coniston meet which Brenda has
organised again. On the same weekend the latest production from our talented and
dedicated Guidebook writing team will be launched. Lake District Rock will contain
more than 1500 routes and from the images I have seen on-line looks great. Work
is also going on to make our website as useful as possible for members, for which
Philip Powell is taking the lead. Hatty Harris produced a comprehensive report on
4

the work of the Publications working group and members will be seeing some of
the fruits of that labour over the page.
Jane Spreadborough will stand down as Dinner Secretary at the AGM after
doing us proud at dinners since 2006. We will need to appoint a new Dinner
Secretary so nominations please to me or the President before the Committee
meeting in September.
I already have a couple of nominations for the committee but we will need
to present four names to the AGM in November. If this is a job you would like to
have a go at, or if you know someone who would make a good committee member,
once again names to me or Ron.
Martyn Carr
Guide Books
The splendid new edition of Lake District Rock,
covering the best that Lakeland has to offer the climber, will
be on the shelves in June. This publication replaces the best
-selling 2003 guide as the guide of choice for visiting
climbers. Jointly published with WIRED guides – a
collaboration of not-for-profit publishers including the
FRCC, BMC, SMC, CC and YMC – this guide is the first of an
exciting new series that will cover the whole of Britain. It
contains over 1500 climbs on 85 crags and features clear maps, crisp photodiagram
coverage for every crag and sensational images. It is available for pre-order now at
a special price of £20 – just go to http://www.frcc.co.uk/publications.asp
Work continues on the last 3 definitive guide rewrites – Borrowdale, Duddon
and Eskdale, Dow, Coppermines and Slate. To minimise cost these three will all be
printed in one combined run.
Steve Scott
Recently Deceased
Alan Scott M since 1966, died 18th March 2015
Les Swindin M since 1981, died 5th May 2015
Ron Townsend M-Honorary– since 1967, died 14th May 2015
Thanks received...
5
Wendy Dodds
…’Madge, Val and Anne wish to thank all those who attended Ron’s funeral at
Grenoside, Sheffield. A special thanks also for the many cards and comforting words
and also for the kind donations to the Edale Mountain Rescue Association.’

Important changes : Please read
Findings from Publications Working Group
The Publications working group’s findings were accepted by the May
Committee Meeting and can be seen on the FRCC website (go to News and click on
the link). One of the main elements of the report is the move to issuing more
publications in digital form. This saves significant printing and postage costs as well
being immediate and always available.
It is recognised that not all members are yet able or willing to receive
publications digitally so the transition will be carefully managed with the option of
hard copy (i.e. paper copy) available.
We currently hold email addresses for over 80% of Members either on the
membership database or on the mailing list for the eNews. But we would also like
to have email addresses for as many of the other 20% as possible. If your email
address is not in the handbook and you do not get an eNews email please send
details to frcc@nehaighton.co.uk giving your name and the email address you
would like the Club to use.
The first publication to be affected will be the next Chronicle. It would
benefit the Club if as many people as possible agreed to read their Chronicle online.
The cost of printing and posting 4 Chronicles a year amounts to roughly £10 per
member. Much of this can be saved for every member who signs up to opting-out
of receiving a hard copy Chronicle. Similarly it would be appreciated if those households
that receive more than one copy would agree to opting-out of the surplus
copies.
The October Chronicle will be issued in hard copy to those who don’t optout
but the number of colour images will be reduced and these will be on the cover
and centre pages only. All images will be in colour on the digital versions which will,
of course be available sooner than the hard copies. Would those Members who are
prepared to opt-out (or who wish to cancel any duplicates they get) please send
their name and email address to frcc@nehaighton.co.uk .
Wanted: Committee Members
As already mentioned, nominations for committee members are required for the
AGM. The nominations should be made by the end of August and given to Ron or
Martyn. Please check that the member you are nominating is a full FRCC member
and knows about your nomination.
Becoming a committee member is a very important role in the life of the club. It
enables members to see how a club runs behind the scenes. It also allows members
to take part in decision-making and see how hard the many post-holders work.
6

Changes to Hut bye-laws
In the light of experience, the Committee has agreed two minor changes to
the byelaws.
As was the case before a change a couple of years ago, children between 5
and 13 years of age will be allowed to stay at Brackenclose midweek the whole year
round and not just in July and August.
Non-kindred Clubs will now be allowed to book up to two meets per year in
our huts. And the total number of bookings allowed per month across the totality
of our huts will be raised to 2. Additionally the required pre-payment will be
changed to a fixed £100.
Committee Meet : Change of Date
The Committee Meet in November at Raw Head will now take place on 27th/28th.
Originally it clashed with the Kendal Film Festival taking place a week earlier.
Facebook
Just a reminder that the Club has a Discussion group on Facebook called The FRCC
Members Group. It is there for Members to post information, images, comments or
views on any matter likely to be of interest. This is a private group and those who
wish to join need to be confirmed to be FRCC members. Email Cath Sullivan,
Norman Haighton or Helen Elliot. The group can be found by searching Facebook
using the name. Those not yet on Facebook will need to register with Facebook
first.
FRCC Clothing
FRCC Merchandise
This is available from Peter Simcock, Membership Secretary,
email: membership@frcc.co.uk or Tel: 01740 620264
Badges £1.50
Ties £3.50
Replacement Keys £25.00
In the past, this has been available from Coniston Embroidery, but as nothing has
been purchased since 2011, the link we had has expired.
The Club is currently in talks with the company to reinstate the link and as soon as
this happens, it will be available on the website with a choice of popular styles and
with a few colour choices. This follows recent requests from members.
7

Castle Rock Instability - Update May 2015
Summary: The crack continues to widen with clear evidence of debris falling out
from it (i.e. stone-fall danger). There is every indication that this collapse is going
to take place sooner rather than later.
Detail: The crack is progressively, continuously, rapidly widening relatively speaking
with quite a bit of loose debris falling into or out of it. A stone dropped down the
back of the crack - reveals how hollow it is. The crack, particularly above and left of
Matheson Avenue is perceptibly much wider and very active. Similarly the crack at
the crag top is perceptibly wider and quite active as is the crack’s extension down
southwest towards the finish of Overhanging Bastion this is very obvious when
viewed from above.
A gauge is in place measuring the movement; the results for this are shown on the
graphs.
You can see from the plot that we are currently undergoing the fourth seasonal
perturbation. Between April and June each year the motion of the movement
changes, probably due to more intense sunlight, warmth or seasonal drying out.
There is every indication that this collapse is going to take place sooner rather
than later. A local earthquake might do it, recently there have been three (May 22
– Dumfries, May 14 – Coniston, May 11 - Dumfries and Morecambe Bay). This is
very unpredictable however. Personally I am starting to be wary of walking under
the North Crag!
From notes provided by Dave Bodecott
8

BMC
Many thanks to the 160 members who sent proxy votes to Hatty and Bernie for the
AGM. The BMC is promoting hill-walking and, of course, the insurance offered
ensures members and their guests are covered when using huts. NB Guests using
huts without a member and who are not BMC members, would not be covered
either in the huts or out on the hills.
Handbook Changes
Please note these have been supplied on a separate sheet of paper this time. The
idea is for it to slot into the back of the Handbook making contact details easier to
locate. These changes will also be available on the website.
FRCC Memorial Walk : Reminder
Including the following summits: Lingmell, Broad Crag, great End, Seathwaite Fell,
Allen Crags, Glaramara, Grey Knotts, Brandreth, Base brown, Green Gable, Great
Gable and Kirkfell.
It’s a walk for FRCC members and friends and can be started at Wasdale or
Borrowdale and completed in either direction in one day or over two days, staying
at Brackenclose or Salving House en route. A certificate can be obtained—with a
donation of £1 a summit, £12 in total —after completion by contacting Ron Kenyon.
Money for completing the round goes towards the two charities: British Legion and
Help for Heroes. Full details of the round is available on the members’ section of
the website.
Younger Members
Peter Simcock will be heading a working group to encourage younger members to
join the club. If you have any good ideas, share them with Peter...as well as bringing
younger members along to meets.
FUTURE MEETS
CIC Meet in 2016
Eight places have been booked for the CIC meet from Sunday 28th of February
until Thursday 3rd of March 2016.
The club is eager to see all places filled, as any unbooked beds are a cost to the
club. As a result any places not reserved by the end of January will be offered to
other clubs. Therefore if you want to attend the meet, please book early.
Full payment of £75 will be required by 24th January, 6 weeks prior to the meet.
Thanks, Jeff Breen
9

Glen Brittle, May 14th-20th 2016
The BMC hut has been booked for 6 nights next year and the Meets Secretary is
exploring the possibility of 7 nights.
Please email p.elliot007@btinternet.com if interested in attending the meet. If
dates are available, deposits will be required early to cover costs.
Thanks, Phil Elliot
4th-9th October, 2015, YMC Coppermines Valley Hut
An Autumnal FRCC/YMC joint mid-week meet in the hills above Coniston. Good
climbing, walking, cycling from the doorstep. Pub and shops are one mile away in
the village. The whole hut is booked sleeping 20 in three rooms plus 8 in the members’
side.
Jenny Hawkin jhjennifer03@gmail.com
ANNUAL DINNER AND AGM WEEKEND
30TH OCTOBER TO 1ST NOVEMBER 2015
The dinner weekend will follow the usual pattern of the last few years. The offer of
3 nights for the price of 2 still stands; the extra night to be taken on Thursday 29th
October or Sunday 1st November. Accommodation prices are as follows:
2 or more nights Single room, £46 pp per night
Double/ Twin room, £39 pp per night (£78 per couple)
1 night only Single room, £63 pp per night
Double/Twin, £50 pp per night (£100 per couple)
NB
Single occupancy of a double room incurs an extra £25 per night.
Members taking up the offer must have dinner or a bar meal on 2 of the nights. The
FRCC Annual Dinner will not count as one of these.
Bookings should be made with the Shap Wells Hotel — the number is 01931
716628.
There will be a 2 course carvery meal (main + sweet) available between 18.30 and
20.30 on the Friday evening. This will cost £15 pp payable on the night.
The Saturday dinner ticket price is £30; the application form is on the opposite
page. I shall be making a seating plan and attempting to seat people with their
preferred groups. Please note that in order to do this I need the relevant
information as soon as possible. Check beforehand that those members you
indicate are intending to attend. Block booking helps enormously, so please get
together if you can and send in one form.
10

DINNER BOOKING SLIP (TICKET PRICE £30)
TICKET NO’S________________
MEMBERS_________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
GUESTS_____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
No of Standard Dinners_______________No of Vegetarian Dinners____________
I WOULD LIKE TO SIT ALONGSIDE________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Please send to: Jane Spreadborough, Springfield Farm, Lower Norwood Road,
Norwood, Nr. Otley, LS21 2RA with CHEQUE + SLIP + SAE (no SAE no reply!)
Reminder: Dinner Secretary Wanted
As already mentioned in the secretary’s report, a new dinner secretary is
required for the AGM.
If you are interested—or know someone else who is– please contact the
President or the Secretary.
Ron: president@frcc.co.uk Martyn: secretary@frcc.co.uk
11

Page left empty to cut out booking form
12

FUTURE MEETS continued
Joint FRCC/YMC Coppermines Hut, Coniston
An Autumnal joint mid-week meet in the hills above Coniston. There’s a selection of
good climbing, walking and cycling from the doorstep. Pub and shops are one mile
away in the village. The whole hut is booked—sleeping for 20 in 3 rooms and 8 in
the members’ side. Jenny and Neville Hawkin, Meet Coordinators
London and South-East News
Salving House, 9th-10th October, 2015
Some of us will be joining Mark Baron’s meet in Borrowdale and plan to have a
small, communal dinner on Saturday evening organised by John Finlay. Any of the
ex London ection’s FRCC members and friends will be very welcome (it will save
bringing one meal along) but would you let John know — Tel: 01435 872266 or
email: johnfinlay@talktalk.net— if you are coming. There will be a small fee to
allay expenses...bring your own wine!
Winter Lectures
Tuesday, 6th October
Monday, 2nd. November
Monday, 7th December
Tuesday, 5th January
Tuesday, 2nd February
Tuesday, 1st March
My plea for a lecturer was answered so these are now:
Neil Harwood, FRCC, Oksfjord Expedition 1970: a
climbing and scientific expedition to the ice-caps of
Arctic Norway’s Oksfjord peninsular. First ascents,
accidents, science, rampaging reindeer… and more!
Paul Padman, AAC, Trekking in Kyrgyzstan
Simon Kemper, AAC, Ascent of the North face of the
Aiguille Blanche de Peuterey, considered to be the
most difficult of the alpine 4000m mountains.
Lecture TBA
Martin Cooper, FRCC, falling and other Mountain
Journeys.
Peter Clarkson, TCC, Ethiopia, its History and the Sinien
Mountains.
Attendance to all lectures is free and start at 7.30pm. They are held at the Civil
Service Club, 13-15, Great Scotland Yard, London, SW1A 2HJ, a small road between
Northumberland Avenue and Whitehall near Charing Cross and Embankment
underground stations. Restaurant/bar available. Anne Hartley Tel: 01491 682890
13

Meet Reports
Ben Nevis CIC Meet, 15th- 19th February
2015
The 2015 CIC meet was attended by three members -John France, Ian Arnold and
Tim Pollard- and three guests- Christine Couch, Adrian Clifford and Nick Hepburn.
The weather started out cold but rapidly deteriorated through the week. By
Wednesday, a thaw had set in so the meet was abandoned for an early bath.
In spite of the conditions, various routes were climbed: Nick and Adrian climbed
Thompson’s Route, Tim and John climbed The Curtain and Waterfall Climb, Ian and
Christine had various forays into Corrie Leis and Coire na Ciste.
John France, Meet Coordinator Photo on front cover
_____________________________________________________
Birkness, 6th-7th May 2015
Stormy weather, Crummock Water
Photo: Peter Johnston
This was the third consecutive year we
have run a meet together in early spring. The
weather for each turned out very differently.
Perhaps it is a very British trait to start so
many conversations by focussing on the
weather but it can make a significant
difference to perceptions (and realities) about
what is achievable on the hill. Two years ago on
the equivalent first weekend in March we had
lovely early spring-like weather. Last year on
the first weekend in April we had one of the wettest weekends in the Lakes I can
remember; it was seriously wet, heavy and continuous over both Saturday and
Sunday.
This time it was the wind! It came in high speed blasts with intervals of
relative calm. Unnervingly it would reverse directions down the main valley and in
the lower cols. So it made for particularly difficult walking conditions even at lower
levels and increasingly adventurous with greater altitude. It was worse on Saturday
but still very difficult on Sunday. A few brave souls (nuts!) went over to
Shepherd’s Crag on both days seeking a bit more shelter and easier grades and did
get some climbs done. But the wind was still very fierce with vicious gusts and
down drafts. If it is impossible to exercise any influence on conditions on the hill, a
lot can be done in this respect in the hut. As with the previous three meets we
have coordinated, we organised a communal three course meal for the Saturdayall
great fun. We also like to ensure that people check out with each other what
14

they hope to do on the hill and try to ensure that nobody feels isolated or
excluded. Twenty people attended. We seem to be getting some things right
because the feedback has been very good about the meets to date including this
one, whatever the weather.
Activities included:
Saturday Warnscale, Haystacks (much clinging on) and Scarth Gap
Melbreak via Crummock and Mosedale and back by Scale Knott
Clockwise circuit on Crummock Water, back via Higher Rannerdale
AND... Little Chamonix on Shepherd’s
Sunday Whiteless Pike, Rannerdale Knots and clockwise circuit of Crummock
Bleaberry Tarn, Red Pike, High Stile, High Crag, Scarth Gap
Bike ride round Buttermere
AND.... Donkey’s Ears and Jackdaw Ridge on Shepherd’s.
Dave Wilkinson and Dave Dixon, Joint Meet Coordinators
____________________________________________________________
Music Meet Raw Head, 20th-21st March 2015
The meet had
amazingly good
weather on both days.
Six members went up
Crinkle Ghyll including
one member who is
soon to celebrate his
80th birthday!
Crinkle Ghyll
Photo: Jane Wainwright
Below, music underway
Photo: Jesse James
Ron and Ruth Chambers,
Meet Coordinators
15

Salving House, 27th-28th March 2015
There was no great hurry to leave the hut on Saturday morning as the rain
poured down; however the forecast was for improving weather so group by group
everyone set off in one direction or another.
First out of the door was Mark Berry who headed north to run on the
railway track and over Latrigg; thoughts of Skiddaw were washed out of his mind.
Meanwhile, Alec Berry and Claire McClellan walked along the lake towards
Keswick. Ken Storer headed west to Newlands while Cherie Chapman and Sue
Stirrups went south to successfully ascend Green Gable but without the reward of
views.
The majority headed east to Watendlath, at least initially. From there Ken
Fyles and Liam Dervey turned back
into Borrowdale with thoughts of a
scramble on Maiden Moor but
again this was thwarted by the
weather. Peter Chapman, Peter
McNulty and Alan did a run taking
in Watendlath, High Lodore and
the path behind Castle Crag. They
enjoyed the run but seemed less
happy to discover that part of their
route had been designated with the rather pedestrian name of the Allerdale
Ramble. Obviously that makes it sound too easy!
The remainder, Dick Courchee, Dave Maltby, Sheila, Carol Makin and Chris
Wales, walked via Watendlath, Ashness Bridge and Walla Crag to Keswick. The
weather did indeed improve through the day and Borrowdale once again delivered
a beautiful day out.
The evening was wonderfully sociable with tales of travels and mountain
challenges fed by cake, pringles, cheese and biscuits and a glass or two. Thoughts
were turned to Peter Lord and Sue Wales who had both had operations in the
previous week and were unable to attend. Hopefully, they will both be back in the
mountains soon. Report and Photo by Chris Wales, Meet Coordinator
Easter Meet Brackenclose, 3rd-5th April 2015
Practically full hut, missing ‘regulars’ replaced by a scurry (?) of fell runners.
Lovely crowd, graced by our President and his Lady. Tradition dictates first BBQ of
the year and so it was on Saturday, blessed with amazing weather (I got a round of
applause for arranging that) with fantastic inversions Sun and Mon. Not many came
prepared to BBQ after short notice email and evening mist had replaced sun, so
photo is somewhat rent-a-crowd!
16

Birkett ticking figured highly, Napes climbing and scrambling, Gable, Pillar
and lesser rounds plus fell running - any route was blessed with superb weather,
though honeypot summits were seething. Ron seethed too, foraying to Gable with
Andy Coatsworth and their ladies to clear Remembrance debris, lugging down
several bin bags of poppies, but stumped by the life size heavy wooden cross. I
suggested firelighters early one claggy weekday morning, but that was deemed
irreverent - though stay tuned as others have similar ideas!
Confession - we had elicit entertainment!!! Education actually, sneak
preview of the Beetham anniversary DVD at inaudible volume due to PC problems;
condoned by Ron K no less, so don’t shoot the meet coordinator for once! And as
custom dictates never miss
any opportunity to have a dig
at a President, guess who
signed himself in as a Guest?
Maybe not a
Brackenclose first, but
delightfully unexpected was
Chris Machen’s daughter Ruth
being proposed to by boyfriend
Andreas, ring and all -
she accepted!
Having read this load of c--p, I leave you with memories of the real thing i.e.
the bunged ladies bog (again) - despite the combined efforts of Philip, Dave and
Clare - wearing gloves one hopes - to sort it .......
Report and Photo by Les Meer, Meet Coordinator
Meet attendees: Ron & Chris Kenyon, Philip Powell, Richard Morgan, Dave Stephenson, Andy
Coatsworth +1, Chris Machen +2, Nick & Clare Harris + 4, Ian & Pauline Charters, Les & Ruth
Meer +2, Jenny Hawkin, Jane Wainwright, Dave McGilliray, Dave Killick + 1.
French Easter Meet, 4th-18th April 2015
This year’s Meet was held in the attractive, Dentelles de Montmirail hills,
north of Carpentras. It was attended for various periods by 26 people, who enjoyed
excellent weather and extensive climbing options.
For a few days, it was so hot that climbers were 'burnt off' the sunny crags
and sought shady, north faces. The good weather also led to sociable 'soirees' at
various members’ campsites. The talking points usually revolved around routes
being hard for the grade, sometimes because of polished rock; or was it just that
we are not up to it now!
Walking and cycling were also popular, but unfortunately, one member
came off his bike and suffered a major leg fracture, that kept him in hospital for a
week. Perhaps it's safer to go climbing!
17

Thanks go to Anne Townsend
for help with translation at the
hospital.
Report and Photo by
David Miller
The Clapis Crags in the Dentelles
High Moss Dunnerdale, 12th-16th April 2015
Our annual mid week meet in High Moss, the Rucksack Club hut in the
Duddon Valley, proved very popular once again with a nice crowd attending and a
few new faces which is good. I am sure they will come again.
We were all very active in different ways. Some went up the Coniston Fells,
some kept on the lower tops as although the weather was not bad, the high tops
were in cloud a lot of the time. Exploring new valley walks was also popular with
plenty of sunshine too. Serious off road
cycling with many miles achieved and fell
running kept a few busy. The flowers were
lovely as always at this time of year.
We all had a communal meal in the
pub one evening which was excellent.
A good few days in
great company, plenty for everyone in
Duddon – one of the best valleys in the Lake
District. Hope to see you all again next year.
Report and Photo by Jane Wainwright
Beetham Maintenance Meet, 17th-18th April 2015
Maintenance season got off to a grand start this weekend. There were 17 of us and
a good dose of sunshine to help things along. What also helped was the willingness
of a few to spend Friday, also, cleaning the kitchen, pots, pans, plates – all the
fiddly stuff – and this meant we could press on with the ‘big’ jobs on Saturday. All
arrivals were present by 7pm on Friday, upon which Andrew tweaked his
customary G & T theme by supplying Irish coffee before work began!
18

Those of us not too tipsy to
climb ladders and wield chainsaws
did so next morning.
Wood was chopped, gutters
and roofs cleared and
windows cleaned inside and
out. There was a concerted
attempt to clear the camp site
and grounds of dead wood,
brambles, bracken and willow.
Several were involved in repairs
and painting of picture rails,
frames, fences and railings.
The break in the south wall of the garden was repaired – again. Dorms and toilets
were cleaned, cobbles scraped, a bonfire tended – a typical Beetham MM, except
that we were aware of an era drawing to a close, it being Barbara’s last official MM;
someone has a hard act to follow next year.
Regular readers of this publication will know what happens when the
Beetham catering corps swings into action, and the details don’t need recounting
here, but suffice it to say that nobody went hungry
There was action on the hill, too, with different groups covering various
permutations of the Helvellyn summits, basking in Friday’s warmth or shivering in
the cold gloom of early Sunday. Steve Lunt’s group found some scrambling on
Nethermost Pike, and there were visits to the fells around Hayeswater and Angle
Tarn. Lovely evening sunshine also prompted quick ascents of Loughrigg Fell and
Hartsop Dodd and, for some, a stroll to the pub and back!
It was the usual tale of great company and food (Shepherd’s Pie and Apple
Pie provided by Barbara and her ever-willing helpers), some honest hard work,
good times on the hill with great views, and of course a clean and fully functioning
hut.
Report and Photo by Simon Jefferies
19
A familiar sight at
Beetham
Maintenance
Meets..Michael
Basten chops the
firewood
Young Members meet, Salving House, 24th-25th April 2015
Rather wet and cold (!!) on Saturday and
the gang went to Combe Ghyll and did a mass
ascent of the Inside Route at Doves Nest -
followed by routes on Raven Crag.
Sunday was much better with teams
going to Shepherd’s and Black Crag - main
ascent of the day was of Grand Alliance.
Information from FRCC Group Facebook
page

Pauline and Ian Charters
ascending Deep Ghyll
Photo: Phil Elliot
Lakes 3000’ Tops, Salving House, 1st-2nd May 2015
The meet was well attended.
Some members were climbing or
doing other things but a large number
were involved in completing the
3000ft tops. We left the hut and drove
to Stonethwaite for the 6am start.
The weather was not too bad but
there was a strong Southerly wind
and it was cold. We had a steady walk
via the Corridor Route to Lord’s Rake
on Scafell. There was solid old snow in
the gullies down nearly as low as
Hollow Stones. After a discussion about route choice we
ascended the gully on Lord’s Rake followed by an airy traverse of the West Wall to
ascend Deep Ghyll on to the summit plateau. We urgently located the top and
navigated through the freezing wind and mist down to Foxes Tarn, scrambled
round the East buttress and back into wind on Scafell Pike. The traverse to Great
End was easier than normal under foot because of all the hard snow. Two
members of our party left at that point and headed back to Stonethwaite to collect
their car and drive between the remaining summits (nice idea). We continued via
the North flank of High Raise to the car park at Steel End Farm where Helen met us
with hot tea and food. (Fantastic support over last 5 years of running these meets).
We started our ascent of Helvellyn in rain, mist and strong wind from the
South West. By the time we were on the summit ridge, the rain had eased but still
we faced hail and snow showers. We had a bit of banter with a couple of young
guys on the summit who were heading back to Glenridding. We met them again at
the car park near Thirlspot having come off the wrong side of the hill! The joys of
youth... we have all been there.
We left the car park in deteriorating weather so we decided to take the
easier option and walk to Keswick using the road and low level paths. We met our
support at the sports centre car park in Keswick and did an out and back up
Skiddaw. It was going dark by the time we reached the summit ridge. The wind was
buffeting us and we were slipping on the verglassed rock. We battled to the
summit and back with a high degree of urgency because the wind chill was
desperate. Poles were a massive help. It was touch and go if we would reach the
summit trig. We continued our long descent to the Moot Hall in the dark. The
traverse took us longer than normal but the sense of achievement was massive
given the conditions. Next year Ian Charters will take over as meet coordinator, the
proposed theme: the Old County Tops. I intend to be there!
Phil Elliot, Meet Coordinator
20

Birkness Maintenance Meet, 16th– 17th May 2015
Perhaps it was beginner’s luck that resulted in my first Maintenance Meet as
Warden coinciding with one of the few dry spells this May.
Unfortunately the sky wasn’t the only dry place; over the weekend the
water supply also dried up during extension works to the piping. With a hut full of
volunteers eager to get scrubbing and cleaning and a kitchen full of dirty plates, the
timing could have been better. The water was on and off all weekend and only
resolved after the third flush and filter change on the Sunday. By that time,
however, a long list of repairs and jobs had been crossed off my list, the 19
attendees having worked tirelessly and enthusiastically.
We were fed and watered to the highest standard by the Dinner Ladies who,
maybe as a result of the new CDM regulations being implemented, reported no
incidents in the kitchen and for once the oven gloves survived the whole weekend
intact.
So, paint’s dry, gutters replaced, toilets spotless, stove rejuvenated and
Birkness is ready for the summer. Report and Photo by Peter Haigh, Warden
Scottish Hotel Meet, Highland Hotel, Strathpeffer
15th-21st May 2015
The annual hotel meet was held from in the Highland Hotel, Strathpeffer and
proved to be in an excellent location. The Hotel did us proud, and was perhaps our
best hotel in recent years: very comfortable, with good food and a quiet lounge for
the Fell and Rock to escape to in the evenings, all at an exceptionally low price.
We were lucky with the weather: cool and breezy for late May, with quite a lot of
snow on higher hills, but on the whole dry. Strathpeffer was a good centre for
outlying Munros and Corbetts, and the glens of Affric, Cannich, Strath Farrar and
Strath Conan were explored to some extent by nearly all the party, with various
21

amounts of walking. There was a Alan Strachan and Hatty Harris approach
wealth of interest in shorter walks summit of Fionn Bheinn
nearer the hotel, for lighter days. Pictish
Photo: Angela Mellor
remains acquired a following, with a
good museum on the Black Isle.
Cromarty was the most popular nearby
cultural attraction, and very well worth
a visit, but Inverness and various castles
were also explored. The most
enterprising travellers made good use
of public transport – trains and buses –
as well as cars and foot slogging.
All this activity made for the
lively social atmosphere that
characterizes the best of meets, as the
20 participants met in the evening to exchange experiences, borrow maps and plan
the next day’s outings.
One flaw in the location of the hotel was the lack of a suitable campsite
close by, and we missed the company of some regular camping participants.
Our warmest thanks go to Fiona De Courcy, who booked the hotel and did
all the financial administration, but was unable to attend the meet herself. We
missed her and David.
The next meet is booked for Arran, the Best Western Kinloch Hotel,
Blackwater Foot, from 14 th to 21 st May 2016. Make a note now.
Report by Hatty Harris
Family Meet, Birkness, 22nd-24th May 2015
A great turnout for the family meet getting half term off to an energetic
start. Saturday proved to have the best weather with nearly 10 degrees
temperature difference with the rest of the weekend. The Lemmon/Chartier and
Senior families were there to make the most of it setting off up Sour Milk Ghyll.
Sebastien, Philippe and Ben couldn’t resist a swim leaving Mark, Ella and Roy to
climb up Giller Combe Buttress, over Grey Knott and onto Green Gable. Ice creams
completed a perfect summer day.
Sunday the weather was a different story with a full turnout of families –
the Hill, Lomas, Andrews and Watson/Laine families with 11 children aged
between 5 and 12. Everyone climbed up Hay Stacks with great views of the valley.
Sam (aged 6), Gary, Chris and Roy just couldn’t stop and added Fleetwith Pike to
the day’s tops. Homemade cookies and toasted marshmallows over the fire
finished off a great day in the Lakes.
We set off on Monday to park in Borrowdale and see what the weather was
22

like over the tops. Unfortunately
due to bank holiday crowds, we
ended up in two different car parks
and didn’t manage to meet in the
middle as arranged. However, both
groups still had a good day with one
group going up Walla Crag and
Bleaberry Fell. The sun had finally
emerged and so the other group
decided to climb Little Chamoinix –
Harrison on Little Chamonix
at least the uncertain weather had
kept away the usual queue. This
was a first multi pitch climb for Ella (12), Sebastien (8) and Harrison (7). We only
started at 4pm and we finished at 7pm making it a very late night to return home
after some well deserved fish and chips in Keswick.
Report and Photo sent by Caroline Hill, Meet Coordinator
Borrowdale Guidebook Meet Joint with Climbers Club
Salving House, 5th-6th June 2015
For the second year running we have combined the Borrowdale Guidebook
Meet with a Climbers’ Club Meet and barbeque at their hut in Grange. There was a
large turnout of joint members with a small number of attendees who were
members or potential members of either one of
the Clubs. The primary aim of this meet was to Tony Whitehouse, Cellulite, Fat
get some good action shots of climbers enjoying
some of Borrowdale’s finest climbing. Photo: Ron Kenyon
Charlie’s Buttress, Borrowdale
Saturday’s weather was mixed with a
very strong and gusty wind, sunshine and some
showers, accordingly teams (each with
designated photographer with abseil rope,
jumars etc.) were dispatched to a range of
lower level crags including Shepherd’s,
Quayfoot, Woden’s Face, Grange Crag and
Castle Crag. The variable light made
photography difficult and a number of climbers
resorted to committing crimes against fashion
by climbing in lurid coloured T shirts in an
attempt to add impact to the images. How they
suffered for their photographers’ art.!
The barbeque on Saturday evening was
23

Claire Reading,
Cavalier, Car
Park Crag,
Borrowdale
Photo: Ron
Kenyon
See also back
cover
very well attended and proved to be a really
convivial evening with friends old and new
chatting well into the night.
Many thanks to CC member Bryn Roberts
for organising the hospitality.
The weather on the Sunday was brighter
with a lot less wind and many groups set off for
the various Langstrath Crags. More pictures
captured the action and a couple of routes were
checked on the very unfrequented main section
of Heron Crag. The effect of their neglect was
very apparent.
The Borrowdale Guidebook Team would
like to thank everyone who helped make this
such a successful meet.
Trevor Langhorne, Meet Coordinator
Skye, Glen Brittle Hut, 6th-12th June 2015
All places on the Glen Brittle Meet were filled by members and two guests.
The weather started off quite cold and wet on the Cuillin with better weather on
the coast. Walks along the coast to Suisnish and Boreraig, MacLeod’s Maidens and
the Quiraing were enjoyed in good weather. Neist Point was visited on a number of
days to rock climb with a large number of routes being climbed on various crags in
the area; though the weather was better than on the Cuillin, it was still cold
requiring warm clothes and balaclavas at times.
The Cuillin was in cloud for much of the week which made ascents very cold
and wet. Even so, many scrambles/climbs were done in the mountains. Some
included: The Dubh Ridge, Sgurr Dubh Mor and Sgurr na Stri- all approached by
boat. Also: Amphitheatre Arete, Pinnacle Ridge, Inaccessible Pinnacle, Bheinn na
Caillich to Belig Horseshoe, Preshal Mor, Boswell's Buttress, Marsco, Sgurr nan
Gillean, Sgurr na Banachdich, Sgurr Alasdair, Bruach na Frithe and Sgurr Dubh Mor.
A cycle ride of over 111 miles was completed in one day by a guest and a member
with a nine week old new knee walked every day!
The sun came out on the final evening draping the view of the ridge from the hut in
golden shadows. Better late than never.
It was a week when a few wish lists were finally ticked off, new friendships
made and the improved facilities at the newly-converted hut were enjoyed firsthand.
Phil Elliot, Meet Coordinator
24

Paddy Feely,
Margaret
Lightburn and
Denis Mitchell on
the Summit of
Sgurr nan Gillean
Photo: Simon
Jeffries
Joint Pinnacle Club/FRCC Meet, Birkness, 12th-13th June 2015
Participants: 19, too many names to fit in the word count, but a respectable
turnout from both FRCC and Pinnacle Club, plus guests.
New as I am to the complexities of coordinating a joint meet, I confess that I
fell at the first hurdle and messed up on the weather front. The forecast led us all
to believe that Saturday would start wet and breezy, so Friday night saw plenty of
socialising, but little evidence of any serious route planning. When we woke the
next morning to dry calm, we were completely thrown. Still convinced that we'd
get rained off later in the day for sure, a team of three scrambled up Sourmilk Gill
and beyond, and two 'sensible' teams headed for the low level crags of Buckstone
How and Great Round How. The latter provided Graham T. a chance to
demonstrate his 'sheep wrestling' skills, which involved a sling harness round an
ungrateful herbivore on a high ledge - it just wandered off eating without a nod of
thanks.
We had a section of the Lakeland Revival routes list printed out (climb and
clean a neglected route and get a free Arcteryx T-shirt) so Cath and Annette set
their sights on Inside Route on Dove's Nest Crag, Combe Ghyll. (In the end they did
'Inside Out Route' so no tick, no T-shirt).
One team took a gamble and headed up to Grey Crag ("madness" we
thought, because Sunday was forecast to be the better day). Sure enough the rain
arrived, lasting a full 5 minutes. So they weren't so crazy after all, and everyone got
a full day's climbing, whether high or low.
Saturday evening was very sociable, catching up with old friends, and getting
to know new ones. Pinnacle Club tradition dictates that the meet coordinator
provides a meet cake. I stretched the tradition and went for a cheat's sticky toffee
25

pudding* instead, which went down well. All of it. Our promising prospective
Michelle did herself no harm by also (completely unprompted) bringing a homemade
cake. None of it went to waste.
Sunday dawned windy, cold and wet. This was NOT what had been forecast.
Without a clear consensus, people scattered to various walks and scrambles,
including a ridge walk up Rosthwaite Fell, a scramble up Cam Crag Ridge, whilst a
contingent with their eye on Gillercombe Buttress thought better of it and parted
ways - one team on a walk in lovely weather (or so they claim); those determined
to find dry rock ended up at Castle Rock South - a bit damp to start with but
clearing up later.
Have we got enough clothes on? Once again a large and sociable bunch
Buckstone How in June.
made the best of unpredictable weather, a
pattern which is becoming a habit for this
joint meet.
Members’ Activities
See photos on back cover
Report and photo by Hazel Jones,
Meet Coordinator
*stickytoffeepuddingrecipe:http://www. portobello
pig.com/2013/01/the-simplest-of-sticky-toffeepuddings.html
Below is a photo of Honorary Member
Audrey Plint, gardening at Raw Head.
Member Ian Arnold sent this in after he’d
noticed Audrey working in the
gardens on more than one occasion. .
Above is a photo of Member Louis Haigh
on Ben Lomond in April. Louis is currently
living in Queensland, Australia.
26

Photograph from the Everest 1924 Beetham Collection shows Major Richard
William George Hingston
Whilst we are all thinking of those caught in the earthquake events around
the Everest region, here is one of the first images from our digitising of the 1924
Everest slides in the archive.
Major Hingston was a doctor and naturalist who served as the Medical
Officer for the 1924 Third British Expedition to Everest. He was able to come to the
aid of Norton at Camp IV when Norton was struck by snow blindness.
Hingston entered the Indian Medical Service in 1910 and served in France,
Africa and the Middle East during World War I. In 1920 he published a book
detailing his travels in the Himalayan valley of Hazara, entitled “A Naturalist in
Himalaya.” Among his finds were a species of Black Attid spiders he discovered
living at 22,000 feet, the highest known habitat for any animal.
Hingston retired in 1927 though he made further expeditions to Greenland,
Africa and Guyana. He continued to write extensively, including “Physiological
Difficulties in the Ascent of Mount Everest,” published in The Alpine Journal (1925),
and a contribution to Norton’s 1924 book “The Fight for Everest.’’
Hingston died in 1966.
Chris and Ellie Sherwin
27

Great Gable Plaque
The original Gable plaque will move from Salford and be on display at the Armitt
Musuem for the summer period. Whilst at the Imperial War Museum, North it was
viewed by around 425,000 visitors to that particular exhibition.
Sofie Loftus from the museum wrote: This is our best year for visitors since
opening so thank you very much for being a part of that and helping IWM to achieve
such a great figure - the feedback has been really positive.
FRCC and the Armitt
Members would be most welcome to join Armitt events and talks at Friends Rate.
Contact: The Friends of the Armitt Trust, Ambleside
Events Secretary Marj Waddecar, 17 Greenbank Road, Ambleside LA22 9BD
Tel: 01539433996
Email: m.waddecar678@btinternet.com
Keswick Museum and Gallery
Kangchenjunga: Five Treasures of the High
Snow exhibition
FRCC member Chris Sherwin has just
completed working with the Mountain
Heritage Trust on this exhibition, now open.
The exhibition is to celebrate the 60th
anniversary of the first ascent of
Kangchenjunga in May 1955 by George Band
and Joe Brown, and the first light weight,
oxygen-less ascent in 1979 by Doug Scott,
Pete Boardman and Joe Tasker. The exhibition features many items from both the
first ascent and lightweight ascent including clothing worn on the mountain as well
as literature, letters home from the mountaineers and video footage.
Information panels have been strategically placed in glass
cases behind the artefacts so visitors can read more about the
items and successful ascents of Kangchenjunga. There are also
photographs from the first ascent and lightweight ascent as well
as a large landscape photograph of Kangchenjunga itself.
The exhibition was launched by Doug Scott, mountaineer
and Mountain Heritage Trust Vice Chairman at the Keswick
Mountain Festival. The exhibition will run until May 2016.
Left: Kangchenjunga expedition 1955 equipment and clothing
Above: Items from 1979 lightweight ascent including Doug Scott’s
high altitude boot and Peter Boardman’s diary
© Mountain Heritage Trust
28

Nepal Fund Raising at Kendal Mountain Film Festival
19th-22nd November
I will be running a stall at the Kendal Mountain Film festival to raise money for
community action Nepal to help rebuild facilities destroyed by the recent
earthquake.
To do this I need your help. I need people to make things to sell that would be of
interest to mountaineers and their families.
I also need people to help serve Dhal Bhat and Lemon and Ginger tea -both staples
of the people of the Langtang Valley, during the festival on the above dates.
If you are interested and want to help, please contact me via email on
chrispaul02@gmail.com or using my address or telephone number in the
handbook.
Thank you, Chris Paul
Nepal: Websites for Donations
Community Action Nepal www.canepal.org.uk
Himalayan Trust www.himalayantrust.co.uk
Juniper Trust
The Glacier Trust
Book Reviews
www.junipertrust.co.uk
www.theglaciertrust.org/donations-and-appeal/
All also available on the website
The Grahams and the Donalds: Scottish Mountaineering Club
Hillwalkers Guide
This is the third in the Scottish Mountaineering Trust's guides to walking the
Scottish hills following the earlier titles of the Munros and the Corbetts. It is a
similar format, but a much larger and more comprehensive version, not a book that
is likely to be carried in the rucksack.
Unlike the first editions of the earlier titles, this book has helpful maps at the
start of each section showing the location of all of the Grahams and Donalds, as
well as the neighbouring Munros and Corbetts. In addition, the individual maps and
descriptions give more than just one route, showing alternative routes and, where
appropriate, full day walks including nearby higher hills. Another improvement is
that times and distances are given, not just from the start to the summit, but for
the walk as a whole.
29

There are also sections giving a useful background to the origins of the lists
and, for the Donalds, an explanation of the rules used for differentiating between
separate hills and tops.
For those who have completed the Munros and Corbetts and are turning to
other lists, this is a very useful and detailed guide, which would also be of interest
to those who are wanting to climb some of the less frequently visited Scottish hills.
30
John Pulford
The Lakeland Fells: 60 walks on the high and low Lakeland Fells by
Bernard Newman
(Mica Publishing, 144pp, ISBN 978-0-9560367-6-6,
£12.95; distributed by Cordee Ltd)
Bernard Newman – club member and editor of
several iconic magazines – has written the latest in an
attractive series of small format UK walkers’ guides.
The Lake District is well served by detailed
guidebooks, but this one may appeal to both families
and the fortunate newcomer who has yet to explore
Lakeland beyond publicity and hearsay. There is
esoteric fodder for the regular devotee, too; in short,
something for everyone.
In one succinct volume, neat enough for jacket
pocket, lies a personal selection of 60 walks of
between two and nine miles in length, starting from
popular valley bases, and representing seven
arbitrarily drawn areas around the District. Fewer
walks would not be enough; many more might render the book unwieldy. All the
routes are worthwhile, and few will argue their respective merits.
There are some charmers: the much-loved lesser fells, valley
haunts and lakeside circuits. Bernard raises a cheer for Bowscale Tarn, Claife and
Whitbarrow, passed over too often for greater things. There will be surprise at the
omission of Carrock Fell and Haystacks and, perhaps, that the one route described
on Blencathra does not visit one of the sporting Threlkeld ridges. Pillar is mentioned
only in viewpoints, and the seeker of solitude must devise his own exploratory
route through Eskdale (or leave this wonderful sanctuary in peaceful seclusion!)
Most walks – not all – visit a summit. More than half are circulars; others set
out for a summit or physical feature and simply retrace steps. This may come as a
disappointment to some; many walkers, having reached Glaramara or Swirl How,
are getting into their stride and have no immediate wish to return. The
inexperienced, especially, might benefit from a tip or two. Of course, one can
consult the map to find suitable alternatives, but with a few lines more …

Enthusiasts of multi-modal transport are catered for by the lovely
water-borne approaches to Brandelhow and Hallin Fell, and the author encourages
the patronage of local trade by identifying nearby cafes and refreshment places.
Bernard provides estimates of time, distance (though not of height gained)
and a basic but well-annotated grading system – though grades are usually down to
an individual’s perception. He refers readers to the respective OS and Harvey maps
required for each walk. Some – just a few – of the grid references quoted are
incorrect, but the excellent sketch maps, derived from old OS mapping, make the
context clear. Walks are supplemented by two or more colour photographs of
uniformly high quality. The photos do take up available space but they illustrate the
landscape well, and the overall package projects a contemporary ‘feel’ in line with
other recent outdoor guides.
A common snag with this fixed format type is that the more challenging
walks, for example the Mardale round, are squashed into the same space
dimensions as gentler strolls such as Orrest Head. Bernard alleviates this by leaving
out the odd photograph to accommodate more text or a larger map, as with the
Coledale Horseshoe. The straightforward, no-nonsense narrative ensures neither
undue cramping of the longer walks nor over-padding of the short.
The book certainly offers plenty to get the exploratory juices flowing. Preface
notes are helpful and the geological notes interesting. Introductory blurbs offer
hints about ‘getting there’ and accommodation, but are necessarily brief and
readers must do their own research. Errors or typos are minor and commendably
few (Weatherlam, or Wetherlam?)
It is a terrific little book, not too pricey and worth it. Would I buy it? Of
course; it is aesthetically pleasing and may persuade even the jaded, over-familiar
with these hills, to approach them with renewed gusto and a fresh outlook.
I have a few of these to do myself, so if you’ll excuse me … Simon Jefferies
Mountaineering Challenges
Please inform me of any challenges that you complete this summer at:
p.elliot007@btinternet.com
A list of the Challenges to date is available on the website: Club Documents or on
the About Us page: http://www.frcc.co.uk/aboutus.asp
This will be updated by the end of the summer and will become an historical record
for the Club. Thanks, Phil Elliot
FOUND
Ladies’ jewellery in Birkness barn, left in the upstairs bathroom sometime before
15 May 2015. Please contact Peter Haigh (Warden) by email if you think the items
may belong to you or a member of your party.
31

Honister Wall pitch 5
Honister Wall pitch 2
This and photo right,
taken at the Joint
Pinnacle/FRCC Meet by
Hazel Jones, 12th-13th
June, report p 25-6
Left: Claire Berry, Brown
Slab’s Face, Brown Slabs,
Shepherd’s Crag. Photo
taken on Guidebook Meet
by Ron Kenyon, 5th-6th
June, report p 23-4
Chronicler The deadline for the next Chronicle is 18th September then 1st
December after that.
Many thanks, as always, to all members who have contributed to this edition and
especial thanks to meet coordinators for all their timely reports. I have only had to
cut out a few sentences-mainly for page aesthetics -so apologies for that.
To keep costs down, I’ve also used tighter spacing and managed to fit slightly more
on each page, although I’ve kept to the same font size, point 10.
I’ve had many wonderful photos sent which, sadly, I’m unable to squeeze
in...perhaps we should design an FRCC calendar? All the best, Helen
Published by the Fell and Rock Climbing Club of the English Lake District Limited
Industrial and Provident Societies registration: 30506R
32