Depart: 07: 00 –West Brom Edward St Car Park (B70 8NL) 07: 20 – Service Road, Junction 2, M54 Toilet stop: Welshpool Drop offs: A 487 W of Nebo (SH 467508) Rhyd-Ddu (SH 571526) Beddgelert (SH 591481) Pick ups: Rhyd-Ddu (SH 571526) Beddgelert (SH 591481) Required maps: OS 1:25000 Outdoor Leisure 17 Snowdon or OS 1:50000 Landranger 115 (shows A487 drop off) LED WALK (if weather is OK) is likely to be the full Nantlle Ridge S to N (~ 8.5 miles / 13.5 km) From A 487 take minor road to Nebo village where road forks. For an extra peak (& slightly longer walk) take the right fork & pass S of Cors y Lyn marsh & climb slopes S of Llyn Cwm Dulyn to cairned summit of Mynydd Graig Goch (4974385) then across to Bwlch Cwmdulyn (509488) then due N to the ridge proper Garnedd Goch (512495) trig. Or take left fork to pass N of the marsh and climb the W slopes of Garnedd Goch to the col & N to the trig. Whichever, the route is then NE to Craig Cwm Silyn (526503). Continue NE but descend steeply N and then E to a narrow col (532507), then up the broad S ridge of Mynydd Tal-y-Mignedd (536514) with its huge (climbable) tower. Over 3 more tops: Trum y Ddysgl (545516), Mynydd Drws-y-coed (549518) & Y Garn (552526) & then drop down E towards Lyn y Gader & the B4418 road to the pub at Rhyd-Ddu.

“ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC DAY!” Dave Kirk
“IT’S BEEN A LOVELY DAY: I’VE ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT” Annette Cope
ONE OF THE BEST WALKS I’VE DONE WITH THE CLUB: FANTASTIC SCENERY” Stuart Fellows
“GREAT WALK: PUSHED MY OWN LIMITS TO SOMETHING I DIDN’T KNOW I WAS CAPABLE OF (MOEL SIABOD)” Mark Andar
“ALWAYS WORTH COMING. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU MIGHT GET! IT WAS FANTASTIC TODAY, WITH GREAT CONDITIONS” Oliver Stephenson
“GREAT DAY. SUPER SNOW – IDEAL FOR SNOWBALLS!” Mike Smith
“GREAT WINTER CONDITIONS & WONDERFUL VIEWS” Phil Williams
“DON’T BE PUT OFF BY THE WEATHER. FORECAST WAS FOR 60mph BUT IT WAS FAIRLY CALM. GLAD I CAME – CREACKING DAY” Fred Hammonds
“MY THIGHS ARE STILL ACHING 3 DAYS LATER!!” John Edwards

All the comments above (bar one) were made on the coach home from January’s Ogwen meet by some of the 31 aboard. They tell you all you need to know really but here’s a bit more detail in case you haven’t seen the wonderful array of photos on various Facebook pages.
The BBC Weather suggested morning rain over Eryri would pass by ~10 am & that temperatures would drop to below freezing that night, so that suggested snow & subzero conditions on the tops! It was a little disappointing therefore for the 14 who alighted at Pont Cyfyng & the 14 who got off at Idwal to find it was still raining quite heavily from the low cloudbase of a completely grey sky. So it was waterproofs on early but gradually as we got higher the squelchy mud turned to ‘slush on the rocks’ and, at around 1500 ft, we started to hit decent powder snow.

Then the rainabated, conditions became more Arctic with rime-crusted rocks & limited visibility but crampons & ice axes were not needed, not even on Daiar Ddu – the east ridge of Moel Siabod. Most agreed with John & Anne Nuttall’s description of this as “a delightful ascent, an easy scramble up a narrow rocky arete, with a good path all the way. They were down by 4pm and were able to enjoy drinks at Plas y Brenin & Tyn-y-Coed.
The Glyders party which included 4 septuagenarians enjoyed scrambling up the summit rocks on Fawr & Fach although none ventured up onto The Cantilever - indeed some never found it in the clouds! They then had a tough 4 mile slog across 2 more Nuttalls over increasingly boggy & slippy ground, although they did start to enjoy some fine views. Alas, cramp set in on a couple a couple of miles from safety & although most made it down just after 5pm, with only a few minutes use of headtorches, one cramped-up party took 30 minutes longer. Nigel got us all back onto the coach by 6.15 after a great but knackering day out in winter conditions.

For more details of any of the events, click on 'News' then 'Newsletters' links on this website.
March
Fri - Sun 3rd - 5th Away Dinner .... "SORRY IT’S FULL!!" Nigel Tarr
Thursday 9th Indoor Meet / Illustrated talk - The Red Lion, All Saints Way West Bromwich (B71 1RH) 7.30pm start.
Saturday 11th Coach Meet - Hawes Contact Nigel Tarr for a seat on 07703 345729
Thursday 16th (Committee Meeting then) Members Night - The Red Lion All Saints Way West Bromwich (B71 1RH) 8.30pm start.
Thursday 23rd ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Red Lion All Saints Way West Bromwich (B71 1RH) 7.30pm start.
April
Fri - Sun 31st - 2nd Chapel Stile Weekend Contact Rob Cox
Thursday 13th Indoor Meet Illustrated Talk - Red Lion, All Saints Way West Bromwich (B71 1RH) 7.30pm start.
Saturday 15th Coach Meet - Black Mountain Contact Nigel Tarr for a seat on 07703 345729
Thursday 20th (Committee Meeting then) Members Night - The Red Lion All Saints Way West Bromwich (B71 1RH) 8.30pm start.
Thur-Tues 27th - 2nd Scottish Weekend – Isle of Rùm Contact Andy Brown
May
Thursday 11th Evening Outdoor Meet
Sunday 14th Coach Meet - Malham Nigel Tarr for a seat on 07703 345729
Thursday 18th Members Night (after Committee Meeting) - The Red Lion All Saints Way West Bromwich (B71 1RH) 8.30pm start.
Sat - Sun 20th -21st Scrambling Weekend @ Patterdale Contact Mel Evans
June
Thursday 8th Evening Outdoor Meet
Sunday 11th Coach Meet - Nantlle Ridge Nigel Tarr for a seat on 07703 345729
Thursday 15th Members Night (after Committee Meeting) - The Red Lion All Saints Way West Bromwich (B71 1RH) 8.30pm start.
Fri - Sun 16th - 18th Gower Weekend Camping Contact Pete Poultney
July
Sat - Sun 1st - 2nd Chairman’s Challenge Weekend
Thursday 6th Evening Outdoor Meet
Saturday 8th Coach Meet - Keswick (Long Meet) Contact Nigel Tarr for a seat on 07703 345729
Thursday 13th Members Night (after Committee Meeting) - The Red Lion All Saints Way West Bromwich (B71 1RH) 8.30pm start.
August
Thursday 10th Evening Outdoor Meet
Sunday 13th Coach Meet - Swaledale Phone Nigel Tarr for a seat on 07703 345729
Thursday 17th Members Night (after Committee Meeting) - The Red Lion All Saints Way West Bromwich (B71 1RH) 8.30pm start.
September
Thursday 7th Evening Outdoor Meet
Saturday 9th Coach Meet – Moelwyns Contact Nigel Tarr for a seat on 07703 345729
Thursday 14th Members Night (after Committee Meeting) - The Red Lion All Saints Way West Bromwich (B71 1RH) 8.30pm start.
Fri - Sun 15th - 17th Womens Weekend @ the Hut Contact Vanessa Biddulph
Sat - Sun 23rd - 24th Trail Running Weekend Contact Pete Poultney
Sat 30th - Sun 1st Scrambling Weekend @ Coppermines Contact Mel Evans
October
Thursday 5th Indoor Meet with Illustrated Mountain talk - Red Lion, All Saints Way West Bromwich (B71 1RH) 7.30pm start.
Sunday 8th Coach Meet - Ambleside/Grasmere For a seat phone 07703 345729 & ask for Nigel
Thursday 12th Members Night (after Committee Meeting) - The Red Lion All Saints Way West Bromwich (B71 1RH) 8.30pm start.
Sat - Sun 21st - 22nd Biking Weekend
Sat - Sun 28th - 29th - Runners Weekend
November Thursday 9th Indoor Meet with Illustrated talk - Red Lion, All Saints Way West Bromwich (B71 1RH) 7.30pm start.
Saturday 11th Coach Meet - Llanberis Contact Nigel Tarr for a seat on 07703 345729
Thursday 16th Members Night (after Committee Meeting) - The Red Lion All Saints Way West Bromwich (B71 1RH) 8.30pm start.
Sat - Sun 18th - 19th Skills Weekend @ the Hut Contact Dave Hind
Friday 24th Curry Night in West Brom Nigel Tarr
December Thursday 7th Indoor Meet / Slide show - Red Lion, All Saints Way West Bromwich (B71 1RH) 7.30pm start.
Sunday 10th Coach Meet - Hayfield Contact Nigel Tarr for a seat on 07703 345729
Thursday 14th Members Xmas Night & Knees-up (after Committee Meeting) - The Red Lion All Saints Way West Bromwich (B71 1RH) 8.30pm start.

PLUS Climbers night held on the last Tuesday of every month at Wyre Forest Leisure Centre, Kidderminster DY11 2DT from 6.30pm
For more details of any of the events, click on 'News' then 'Newsletters' links on this website.

HOW TO ATTEND ONLINE   Members who have provided BMC with an email address (and haven’t unsubscribed from receiving BMC newsletters) will receive an email containing a hyperlink for the Zoom meeting, usually about 10 days before the meeting. If you do not receive this email, and wish to attend the meeting, you can request the Zoom hyperlink by emailing Local Areas Co-ordinator Tony Ryan on tony@thebmc.co.uk – please include your membership number; it would also be helpful if you could advise us whether you wish your email address to be added to your member record, so that we can send you invitations to future Area Meetings. Remember Area Meetings are run by volunteers and provide an opportunity for you to discuss issues and influence decisions affecting climbers & walkers locally & nationally. All are welcome. The Meeting Agenda and further information is available on www.thebmc.co.uk There are 2 main points to notice:- 1) Because the Midland Area does not have a Chairperson, the last meeting was a joint one with London & South East Area!! Does any WBMC member fancy doing a spell in this prestigious position? 2) Following the meeting, there will be a Guest Speaker!!! Mohammed Dhalech, the Ordnance Survey's "Get Outdoors Champion" and BMC Equity Steering Group member, will share his passion for engaging Black & Minority Ethnic communities in accessing the countryside and outdoors - a topic that should be of great interest to this Club, especially in the light of the AGM discussion on increasing coach passenger numbers. Don't forget you can also engage through BMC Midlands Area group on Facebook 

Pete Poultney has provisionally booked the usual camping field at Pitton Cross near Rhosilli for the long weekend Friday June 17th to Tuesday 21st June. The site owners need approximate numbers so please let Pete know as soon as possible if you intend to attend the weekend. By the way Pete Poultney's phone number is NOT as on the Meet Calendar published elsewhere on this website but is 07779 366905.

A chance to do Cader Idris Sunday 6th March Coach

Depart

• 07:00 – West Bromwich. Edward St Car Park (B70 8NN)
• 07:20 – Service Road M54 Junction 2

Drop offs

• Dinas Mawddwy (856150)
• Minffordd (729113)
• Fairbourne (611136)

Pick ups

• Fairbourne (611136)
• Dolgellau (728180)

Required map

• OS 1:25000 Outdoor Leisure Map No 23 Snowdonia – Cader area or 1:50,000 Sheet 124 Dollgellau area

Suggested Routes

From Dinas Mawddwy

Route 1 : Climbing on Craig Cywarch (10 km / 6 miles)

A chance for rock climbers to get an early drop off (& late pick-up) and head for the climbs 5 km north of the village.

Route 2 : Nev Tandy’s Mid Wales Mountain Marathon – First Section (19 km / 12 miles)

A great linear walk made possible using the coach. Walk up to Bwlch Siglen (837137), then West & North to Maesglase (top now at 817150). Then turn South West to the narrow ridge of Craig Portas (802141), then North across the flat tops of Cribin Fach & Cribin Fawr (795153). Then SW again to col (790150) and on to Waun-Oer (786148). Then drop down NW to Cross Foxes to await coach at hotel or, if you’re feeling fit, use the minor road to get yourself to the Dolgellau pick up (728180)

From Minffordd

Route 3 : Cader Idris via Cwm Cau (14 km / 8½ miles)

LED WALK with Mel The ‘Classic route’ starts beyond the gateposts by heading up steeply though woodland before emerging and curving left to Lyn Cau. Just before the lake (721124) take the left fork up a stony track to the rim of the Cwm. Turn West to reach the summit of Craig Cwm Amarch (711121) before curving North with one sizeable descent before rising to the summit – Pen Y Gadair (711130) with its shelter. Leave ‘Idris’s Chair’ by heading E across the range to reach Mynydd Moel & Gau Graig to join the path going NW to Dolgellau at 754151 – a more ‘interesting’ route than the ‘Pony Path’ according to Mel.

Route 4 : Cader & the ridge West (19 km / 11½ miles)

If you want to finish by the seaside check with Nigel first ! If OK for pick-up follow Route 3 to Pen Y Gadair summit (711130) but then head West along Nev’s Mid Wales Mtn Marathon – Final Section ie the grassy ridge over Tyrrau Mawr (677136) , Craig Y Llyn (660115) & Braich ddu (645121) before dropping down to Blue Lake (621121), & Friog (618127) using rights of way before a final 2km of road to Fairbourne parking (611136)

Route 5 : Cader Idris from the East (15 km / 9 miles)

Start at lay-by on A487 (753135) and head for white post (755151) before turning West to climb onto Gau Graig (744141) the easternmost peak on the Cader plateau with great views. Then SW & W to Mynydd Moel (728137) and on to Pen Y Gadair (711130). Descend to Dolgellau (728180) via Pony Path or the badly eroded Fox’s Path.

From Fairbourne

Route 6 : Coastal Walking & Bird Watching on the Mawddach Estruary (various distances)

Take the edge of estuary path to Morfa Mawddach station and cross the 150 yr old bridge to Barmouth which should now have re-opened. Or carry on ‘The Mawddach Trail’ to Mawddach Crescent & Arthog, perhaps visiting the waterfalls before returning via paths or main road.

Fares: Members £23, Non members £26, Under 18’s & Full time students £10

To Book Your Seat contact Nigel Tarr on 07703 345729

Should you cancel after the Wednesday prior to the coach date a £10.00 fee will be charged. Failure to turn up without cancelling and the full coach fare will be expected.

Hi All,

For those who are heading to Fort William for Nev’s week and for those who intend heading to the mountains in winter conditions, there will be a talk at the Red Lion at West Bromwich B71 1RH on Monday 7th February at 8pm. Ask for the 'party room' (not really a party or even cheese and wine).

The main topics to be covered are:

• Selection and organisation of personal kit appropriate to winter hill walking
• Use of crampons in ascent/descent
• Personal movement skills on snow, including kicking steps and using the ice axe for walking, self-belay, cutting steps, and self-arrest
• Emergency procedures
• Avalanche awareness and safe route choice
• Core techniques of winter navigation.

If you are interested please contact Geordie Hind or Chris Dean

Dear Members,

Thanks for your support over the last twelve months and, hopefully, the twelve months ahead of us.

As members of WBMC you will appreciate that there are many exciting and fun activities which are organised for you. This includes the monthly coach meets to various mountainous areas. Over the last year, however, there has been a decrease in members & guests attending the meets and as a result these have created a considerable financial loss to the club.

To continue the coach programme at its current monthly rate, we need to increase the number of seats filled to make it viable or take reluctant alternative action. As a committee we have and will continue to reduce this deficit by various means, but this could still result in a shortfall. The shortfall may need to be addressed by using WBMC funds.

As from March the coach fee will be increased by £1 to £23 for members and by £2 for non-members to £26 (due to coach company price increase). Still cheap for what we get! To make the coach financially viable, why not book yourself and possibly a friend on the coach and enjoy a great day out with like-minded members in the beautiful mountains which we all enjoy. By the way, a led walk will be provided for most meets to use if required.

Hopefully see you on the coach

Geordie Hind
Vice chairman

If you’d like any help with how to use your computer, tablet, or smartphone, come along after a committee meeting (the first Thursday after a coach meet) and I’ll be happy to help you.

- Joe

Final reminder that following new regulations, the club requires your consent to hold personal data – if you haven’t already provided consent, please fill in and return the attached form at the end of the newsletter.

This is also a good opportunity to provide us with updated address and contact information.

If friends and family are no longer receiving the newsletter – this could be why!

The committee would like to thank Guy Harris for organising the previous Scottish Weekends. Currently nothing is planned for that weekend in 2019 – would anyone be interested in running a replacement weekend? It doesn’t have to be in Scotland. Get in touch with the committee if you’d like to organise something.

The wild women of West Bromwich raised £1159 for the breast cancer moonwalk and would like to thank all those who donated.

- Claire Hammonds.

Reminder that following new regulations, the club requires your consent to hold personal data – if you haven’t already provided consent, please fill in and return the attached form at the end of the newsletter.

This is also a good opportunity to provide us with updated address and contact information.

From the 1st June 2018 club hut fees will be increased, this has been agreed by the committee, the club has not reviewed hut prices since 2002 and going forward these will be reviewed on a regular basis based on the financial outgoings.

The new price structure will be:

• Members £6.00 per night
• guests £10.00 per night
• ages 5 - 17 £4.00 per night
• under 5s free

Anyone staying at the hut from 1st June 2018 - these new prices will apply. These costs are still respectively low based on the cost that other mountaineering clubs charge for their members to use huts.

GDPR is now in effect, introducing a number of key changes for how we as a club store and process your personal data. To hold personal data the club requires your consent – if you haven’t already provided consent, please fill in and return the attached form at the end of the newsletter.

This is also a good opportunity to provide us with updated contact information.

Climbing nights are on Tuesdays, not on Mondays as per the Meet Card. If you'd like to find out more, contact Paul Brindley or Graeme Stanford.

I am thinking of cycling around Anglesey for a few days in the summer, if anyone is interested. Nothing crazy! No date fixed as this can be arranged to suit.

Contact Carol Atkins for more info.

Sadly an old member has passed away after a short illness.

Trevor joined the club in the 1970’s and was an active member on both the coach and at the hut. He treated Wales as his second home, visiting the hut and Beddgelert hundreds of times over the years.

He will be missed by his wife Muriel and daughter Jenny along with his grandchildren.

Funeral service: Gornal Crematorium Friday April 20th, 09.40

All enquiries to A and A Walters, Tipton. Tel 0121 557 134

Glen Mountfort is looking for any potential mid-week walkers:

(e.g. Mondays or Friday availability) I often struggle with free time at weekends and family commitments so looking for people to walk with, either around the Midlands or possibly N. Wales. Glen Mountfort (07807 930996 or glenmountfort80@gmail.com or via Facebook messenger). I'm happy to drive from Wolves, so please get in touch.

Please note 31st March 2018 is the deadline date for membership fees to be paid. If fees are not received by this date, membership will be ceased.

The club have taken ownership of some very good quality radios that can be used in the mountains that have a very good range of signal. The committee believe that these are a great asset to ensure communication within groups.

These radios were used last month at Borrowdale and communication was taking place with two groups and also with our coach secretary in the valley. They are available to use by anyone going on trips or group parties.

If anyone would like to borrow them please contact Nigel Tarr. An appointed person needs to take ownership in collecting and returning to him.

The BMC and Lowe Alpine are teaming up again to teach you the skills you need to get out more this winter. It includes route planning, avalanche awareness, equipment, clothing. Plus free prize draws.

The lectures start in November, with tickets for the various dates on sale at the beginning of October, available at: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/make-wintercount-with-a-bmc-skills-lecture

I have been on this on two occasions and it's great experience for the money plus providing you with knowledge that you require in winter conditions. – Dave Jones

On the last coach meet two members went up on Sharp Edge on Blencathra, and Tony Emms sent in the two photos below. Of the meet, John Edwards writes:

It's as pity there were not another 10-15 booked as it was turned into a 'normal' meet and because of that those who went on it didn't have enough time to complete the Coledale Round, although the weather was good and the views fantastic. We had torrential rain as we headed north and there was cloud down to 1,500ft as we entered the Lakes. However, the mountain weather forecast was saying 90% chance of cloud-free summits and that's exactly what we got.

Paul took the led walk group up the valley and on to Eel Crag before returning back down the valley, John Bastable & I took the ridge onto Grisedale Pike (from which there were great views across the Solway Firth to the Dumfries & Galloway hills) before coming down past the Force Crag Mine while others did Catbells and some of the Allendale Ramble. Most met up at the pub in Braithwaite for up to an hour's drinking and chat. A good meet, which could have been even better with an extra couple of hours on the hills.

Jonathan Edwards has sent in a useful article for walkers and fell runners alike:

Whether you're a runner trying to race the clock, or a walker who'd just like to fit more mountains into the day,these top tips from Claire Maxted should help you up the pace on rough ground or steep slopes.

You can read the article at: https://ukhillwalking.com/articles/page.php?id=9602

A club member has notified that there is a 30mph speed camera when entering Prenteg, on the way towards Porthmadog. The camera is by the turn off Road for the Osprey visitor centre. Be careful out there WBMC members

Hopefully you will have noticed on the new meet card the return of regular club ‘climbing nights’… with the demise of Portway we took a while to find another venue that offers a similar deal. High Sports Kidderminster have come to the rescue and we have a discounted price of £5 on any Monday night for club members. So, as before, if you fancy having a go at indoor climbing, bringing family members or guests along for a go, or just fancy joining us for a chat then the last Monday of every month is now a club night. Although Kidderminster is further out than places like Redpoint (Birmingham) it actually takes less time to get there as you’re not battling city traffic… come and join us !!

The new number for the Hut Secretary is 07903 584450.

It might have been listed incorrectly in a previous edition of the newsletter, sorry Alison!

So my knees are creaking from too much football, rugby, and mountaineering, but I’m determined to complete this 14-mile race across the Moelwyns on Saturday 23rd September. I’m doing this for my niece’s daughter, Daisy, who suffers from Retts Syndrome. Daisy’s mum Emily is running the Birmingham Half Marathon and I’ll be doing Trailffest for this great cause.

So if I’ve ever shared a rope or a beer with you, please consider having one less drink in September and sending a few quid to help children like Daisy at: justgiving.com/fundraising/rundaisydot

Please note that the club ‘climbing nights’ listed as ‘last Monday of the month’ on the meet card will, until further notice, be on the last Tuesday of the month instead. This is due to the fact that High Sports are often forced to close on Mondays during school and bank holidays. They are based within the Wyre Forest Leisure Centre who’s management have decided this policy so unfortunately it’s out of their hands.

WBMC currently enjoys a discounted entry on Monday nights (not just the scheduled climbing nights) and entry is £5 with free gear hire. I will do my best to get this concession moved to Tuesday nights from now on so we do not encounter this problem again. Watch this space.

If you are interested in having a go at indoor climbing… possibly with a view to outdoor climbing and beyond then these climbing nights are for you. If you’re already a climber in the club then please come along and see if you can pass your knowledge on to other club members. If nothing else it’s a pleasant social evening. No beer I’m afraid but that doesn’t stop you from stopping at a pub on your way home!

Details for the climbing wall where we meet in Kidderminster can be found at: https://www.high-sports.co.uk/climbing-walls/kidderminster.html

Andy Finch is selling the following climbing guides and related books in varying conditions but at excellent prices. See the table below for the full list.

Please check with Andy first, as this list may be out of date: andy.finch1@gmail.com

• Further Modern Rope Techniques
• Treading and Cwm Silyn
• Llanberis Pass
• Ogwen and Carneddau
• Medical Handbook for Walkers & Climbers
• Scrambles in Snowdonia
• Rock Climbing in the Peak District
• Peak Climbs Staffordshire Gritstone
• Rock Climbing in Snowdonia
• A Manual of Modern Rope Techniques

Men’s large black Paramo Windsmock. Used but in great condition. £40

This brand new instructional book is perfect for beginners and improving climbers who want to have guided technique coaching in book form. Designed with climbers and coaches in mind, it not only illustrates the techniques required for efficient climbing, but also details how to evaluate other climbers performance. These sections are invaluable for friends, climbing partners and coaches and are designed to accompany the BMC fundamentals courses and the Mountain Training coaching courses. There are both photos and videos (via QR code links) contained within so climbers can have immediate confirmation of how to accomplish the techniques correctly.

The training plan at the end provides a clear set of exercises to improve each skill from good footwork, balance and straight arms for beginners all the way through to efficient outside edge, pivoting, hooks and dealing with psychological factors for more advanced climbers. Two climbers who trialled part of the training plan improved their grade from 6a to 6c in three months. The full contents page is included in the sample pages which are attached.

The committee is very pleased to announce that a new floor has been installed at the hut. Many thanks to John Bunnie for installing it.

• Rab Vapor Rise Ladies Trousers (size 10) - £25
• Trespass Ladies Ski Trousers (size 10) - £15
• Berghaus Quartz 65+15 litre rucksack - £50
• Scarpa Charmoz GTX Mens mountaineering boots EU size 45 - £45
• Scarpa TrioletMens mountaineering boots size 9.5 - £15
• Camp Rockstar climbing helmet blue with headtorch attachment - £20
• Camp Rockstar climbing helmet white - £15
• Eurohike survival bag (brand new in wrapper) - £2
• Outdoordesigns classic mountain shelter medium (4-6 persons) - £25
• Montane scarab mens jacket blue size M - £25
• Hawkshead mens half zip fleece size L - £5
• Paramo mens reversible trekker hoodie blue size M - £20
• Mountain Hardware Goretex Performance shell menswaterproof trousers size M - £50
• Lowe Alpine mens ice cap - £10
• Various pairs mens gloves/balaclava

A member who has been on the last couple of meets is looking for help from WBMC members. Does anyone have any second hand gear lying around or gear that they don't use anymore, size 12 or size 7 in ladies footwear.

I have contacted Cotswolds and they have made an error, we are still entitled to 20% discount, but the added bonus is we are now entitled the same discount at Snow and Rock.

I've being speaking to a very nice person that has made posters for us. I have gone one better and requested the WBMC logo to be added, l have sent the artwork and their marketing department are working on this.

I would like to welcome new member Rob Cox to the club. Rob has recently done both indoor and outdoor meets. We look forward to seeing Rob on many more forthcoming events. If you see Rob let's show a true WBMC welcome.

The membership secretary would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year and would like to remind everyone that memberships are due for renewal - perhaps this could be a Christmas present if anyone does not require any gifts. Please contact Jo Cheung on 07808 030577 for any further information.

John Edwards and I attended the BMC West Midlands AGM on Wednesday 22nd November at the Old Edwardians Rugby Club in Solihull. l would like to congratulate John for being appointed secretary for a second term, and l was appointed Hill Walking Representative again. Both John and l always promote WBMC at these area meetings – if any members want any issues raised please contact John or myself.

Dave Jones

WBMC members, The Committee have received more complaints from members that have recently visited the club hut. It was only in October that I raised the same issues which went into the newsletter, which seems requests are being ignored. Members appear not to be leaving sufficient storage space in the racks downstairs for members/guests to store their equipment on arrival. Members arrive with excitement only to be greeted by a mess created by others.

With immediate effect, bicycles or bicycle parts are not allowed in the hut – new mattresses have been installed in the hut and bicycles and parts have been laid down on mattresses that people have to sleep on. Bicycles should be stored around the back of the hut which is under cover, members can chain their bicycle to the wood cage at the rear (locks are the responsibility of the bicycle owner).

Previously I know that members have stored their bicycles in the shower block, but again this is not very hygienic for members that have to use facilities.

The committee appreciate that bicycles are very expensive, but facilities are available to keep them secure and dry.

Four club members worked tremendously hard some weeks ago to clean the club hut for your convenience. If such incidents keep occurring, members responsible will have to be brought before the committee. The committee are working very hard to improve these facilities for its members and potential future members.

I hope everyone understands this statement, I will not be writing this into the newsletter again.

Thank you.

Chairman

We are looking for an old projector stand for the evening meet on 12th January. If anyone has one please contact Dave Jones.

With winter approaching and people looking for indoor venues, the closure of Portway has reduced the opportunities to climb indoors.

Dan, from Highsports Kidderminster, has kindly offered club members a discount on Monday nights. The entry fee will be £5 (half the usual non-member fee of £10).

The discounted entry will follow a ‘launch night’, the date of which is yet to be decided, at which entry will be £1 (with no obligation to join). The website for the new wall is: http://high-sports.co.uk/climbing-walls/kidderminster.html

I’m sure you’ll agree this is a generous offer and I will pass on the date of the launch night as soon as I have it

- Graeme

Ken Priest is selling a Paramo Velex light smock. 12 months old, only worn a few times, for £165. If you’re interested, get in touch with Ken: 07779 908708 or ken.priest@live.co.uk

Unfortunately climbing nights at the Portway lifestyle centre are no more. Boulder Central have signed it back over to the leisure centre today and it is closed to the public until further notice. WBMC are getting a full refund for all pre-booked sessions. The Redpoint climbing wall in Worcester has been suggested as a replacement, as a few club members already meet there most Tuesday evenings.

Sad news about a life member: Jack Dodd, who emigrated to the USA back in the 1970s, passed away on 24th August. He served on the committee as Hut secretary for some years and was active with the club throughout the 60's and early 70's.

I discovered this company – “From the Workshop” – on Facebook and l ordered myself a map box which holds up to 20 maps.

Here’s the good bit: if any members have a favourite map or area they can laser the map onto the box. I also had my name and WBMC lasered onto my box which l had a map of Glen Coe due to this being one of my favourite locations.

Richard "from the workshop" has also stated that he will give WBMC members a 10% discount, just quote WBMC. If anyone is still unsure how the item may look, contact me and l can show you or e mail photos. I'm very pleased with the item and each one is handmade. I paid £40 which included postage. Also coffee tables are available.

You can find out more about “From the Workshop” at https://www.fromtheworkshop.co.uk

WBMC committee are trying to bring new members into the club, in doing so the club is advertising on Meet Up, which is a social media website for clubs/groups and events. Within two days of joining up we have 70 members connected.

We require existing members to join WBMC on meet up and click to state that they are going to a meet or event. If members do this it will hopefully attract new members.

Members can download the app on their phones or visit the Meet Up website. If anyone is unsure please contact Dave Jones on davidjones840@gmail.com or 07759 259163.

The committee have agreed that up to four bicycles may be taken onto the coach. This will be on a first come first served basis.

It is with much sadness that Fran will be leaving the Wheatsheaf pub on 11th September. Fran states that she is going to have a well-earned rest.

Fran has always made WBMC very welcome in the premises and to show our appreciation the club organised a nice bouquet of flowers for her.

WBMC would like to thank you for everything that you have done for supporting us and accommodating us over the last few years. Some members will be going up to see her on the 11th - please feel free to come too.

WBMC would like to welcome new member Matt Gallon to the club. We look forward to seeing you on forthcoming meets/events.

We have negotiated another year of club climbing nights at Portway. The last Thursday of every month is a club night, meaning entry for club members and their guests will be £4 including gear hire (helmet, harness, shoes etc) and club members who have passed a belay test will be able to supervise inexperienced climbers. In addition to the scheduled climbing nights all club members, on production of a membership card, will be able to use the wall at any time for £4 and this still includes free gear hire. The main difference being belayers must have passed the belay test and all other normal rules apply.

This is a great opportunity to entice friends and family along for a few hours at the climbing wall at a reasonable price and potentially create more interest in the club. If you’re a climber or someone who fancies a go please support this monthly meet as often as you can.

We have also negotiated a discounted entry price for Worcester Redpoint of £7.50 (normally £9.50) and no charge for annual membership (normally another £5).

After more than 70 years trading as the British Mountaineering Council, the BMC have decided to “move with the times and change name”. Their new name, Climb Britain, will be phased in over the next year, with official launch events at the Kendal

Mountain Festival and on their 72nd birthday on 2nd December.

According to the BMC’s CEO, Dave Turnbull, “Hill walking, climbing and mountaineering have evolved since the BMC was first established in 1944, and the name ‘Mountaineering Council’ doesn’t quite cut it these days.” The rebranding is part of an “ongoing program of modernisation”, with the Mountaineering Council of Scotland set to rebrand itself as Mountaineering Scotland, and the BMC’s presence in Wales becoming Climb Cymru.

My name is Harry. Retired, nearly 63yrs and live in Walsall. Have done Snowdon recently a bit slow - 3 hrs up to summit . Not fantastically fit. Looking to have go with an experienced companion male or female up Ben Nevis before end of September, share costs. I'm a people person and my contribution will be - a great sense of humour with all sorts of tales - tall, short and unusual! Cheers

On behalf of the committee can l take this opportunity to thank everyone who gives up their free time to carry out work at the club hut, ensuring that members enjoy their stay. Recently many thanks to John and Alison for cutting the grass. Unfortunately Alison came back with a different shoe – and not the ones you like to wear! She went over badly on her ankle and sprained it. The picture below shows the grass looking “good enough to play golf on”, that's was John's comment.

If you have access to an email address and don't need a posted copy of the newsletter, please email me (newsletter@wbmc.org) and ask for the posted one to be cancelled. Members who do this save the club a considerable sum and enable us to do more useful things with your subscriptions than paying Royal Mail.

I would like to congratulate Guy Harris and Tracey Cook on recently summiting Mont Blanc - 4810 metres. A fantastic achievement, and l’m sure that all members would like to pass on their congratulations. A very monumental achievement and as chairman it makes me very proud to see you on the summit.From everyone connected with WBMC well done. I will buy you both a drink when l see you! - Dave Jones

Jason Jones is selling his Garmin GPS 64s, which comes with the GB discoverer 1:50K full country bundle included, and it also comes with a screen protector to prevent scratches to the screen. The unit is being sold for £200. If anyone is interested please call Jason on 07512 348617.

WBMC are saddened to hear that another of our longstanding members, John Churchill, passed away on 25th May. John was well known and liked by many members, and our thoughts go out to Janet and family.

A Mountain Hardware Conduit soft shell was left on the Braithwaite coach. Contact Nigel to get it back, but be quick – it fits me!

Looking for a book to take on holiday? Try Risking Life and Limb by Judy Whiteside – it’s the story of the first 50 years of Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation. It tells of the early days of mountain rescue, the forming of the team, and how the methods, equipment and skills have progressed through the years, with tales of rescues, training, and the social side of the team. No you can’t borrow it! Next time you’re in Wales buy a copy and support the team.

Don’t forget: this month’s outdoor evening meet is taking place on Thursday 9th June. The menu for the pub is available at: http://bit.ly/1TCNxxR. We’ll be ordering on the evening (not in advance) but you may want to look prior.

This weekend (the 28th – 30th May) is a Bank Holiday, but there is currently only one member booked in on Sunday and Monday night, so there is plenty of space for last minute bookings! Contact Alison via email (hut-secretary@wbmc.org) or phone (07530644874) to book your place.

If you have access to an email address and don't need a posted copy of the newsletter, please email me (newsletter@wbmc.org) and ask for the posted one to be cancelled. Members who do this save the club a considerable sum and enable us to do more useful things with your subscriptions than paying Royal Mail.

The committee would like to inform everyone that uses the club hut that First Aid supplies have been purchased and restocked for the First Aid Box located within the toilet block. Hopefully no one will ever have to use them, but in case of an emergency these supplies are available. If anyone removes any supplies, please sign the contents checklist so that we can replenish any stock.

It has become apparent that certain individuals are not using the correct materials whilst the fire is in use at the club hut. Under no circumstances should food packaging, cardboard, plastic, blue roll, etc. be used on the fire. This is strictly against what the manufacturer recommends. If individuals think that burning the above materials is better than it going to landfill please think again. In fact it is not, it may seem harmless enough, but by burning such materials it is damaging to the environment that we love (the mountains) and also our members/families and not good for community health (Plas Gwynant) and this will affect the life span of the wood burning stove. The committee are working very hard to improve standards at the hut. Please respect this request.

The committee would like to thank everyone that carries out work whilst staying at the club hut and without this support the standards would not be as good as everyone encounters, however it has come to the attention of the committee that certain modifications are being made within and around the hut without the consent of the committee. Whilst modifications can be advantageous to the hut, it can be disadvantageous if incorrect materials are being used and therefore not ensuring the safety of all visitors to the hut. If anyone would like to make any changes internally or externally please contact a member of the committee who will raise this at a committee meeting. The committee will discuss and respond directly to the member updating them on the outcome.

If you take any good photos on the coach meets this year please don’t hesitate to add them to the club website. Not only does it let other club members see what you’ve been up to, it also helps show prospective members the diverse range of activities we offer and how regularly we get out and about. Adding photos is very simple: once you’re logged in, go to the member’s area (the link on the top right of every page) then click “Submit photos”. Choose the correct album, choose your photos, then click “Submit photos”. Done! If you don’t yet have a password for the website, email me (admin@wbmc.org) and I’ll sort it out. Joe

Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team have made the following announcement: After running the Oggie 8 for 8 years we have decided to take a break in 2016. We are grateful to all the competitors who have supported the event for the last 8 years, and if there is sufficient demand we are likely to run the event again in 2017. This obviously means you will all be spared the ‘tin rattling’ that normally accompanies the event (until next year of course!)

If anyone has not got ‘winter kit’ and needs some to try heading into the hills in wilder weather I have the items below. They are free of charge and to help with the cost of kitting yourself out. More experienced members who just need more kit need not apply but newer less experienced members who need it certainly can. Just contact me via normal methods. Obviously this is ‘first come first served'.

OVMRO are asking for used stamps to be collected to raise funds and Nigel Tarr has taken on the task. If you have any used stamps on your mail he’d be grateful if you could save them up and pass them to him when you get the opportunity, on the coach or in the pub. Thanks in advance.

There has been a new door fitted to the hut. Members using the hut will need to buy a new key, cost £4 per key. Please contact Alison in the usual way. If your key still fits the toilet block you may want to keep it, otherwise there is a key on the red ball hanging on the wall inside the hut.

Thanks to all who worked so hard getting wood to be stored for future use at the hut: Mike T, Bob Duncan, Mike Smith, Andy Brown, Fred Hammond, Neil Easter, Oliver Stephenson. Also thanks to Jonathan Howells for his plumbing skills in fixing a new toilet!

The club is pleased to announce that Dave Jones was nominated as BMC Hill Walking Representative for the West Midlands and John Edwards was nominated as secretary for another consecutive year. Congratulations both!

Hi folks, The outdoor evening meet In July will be a walk in Sandwell Valley - contact Nigel Tarr on 07703345729 if you're interested. August's meet will be a walk around Penkridge village For more details contact Mike Smith on 07793102770.

Hi all, anyone fancy snow ridges and gullies next month, staying in The CIC hut on the Ben? Pete Poultney has had to pull out because of an operation (get well soon Pete!) so there is now a spare place. Either contact Pete or Kenny Priest for more details.

BMC Clubs Workshop Programme 2015

The 2015 Clubs Workshop programme is bigger than ever with new courses available. More details and booking information is available at the BMC's Club Training Courses page. All the courses are subsidised by a grant from Sport England and include all instruction and self-catering accommodation on the Friday and Saturday nights.

BMC Alpine Skills Lectures Series, March 2015

BMC Alpine Lectures have undergone a revamp. New speakers Calum Muskett and Steve Long will show you all things alpine with practical demos and audience participation. Aimed at both novice and experienced alpine climbers there are lecture venues across the country for you to choose from. For BMC members the tickets are only £5 (or £3.50 if you purchase 10 or more). Tickets can be purchased from the BMC online shop or by telephoning the BMC on 0161 445 6111.

Happy New Year to all from the West Bromwich Mountaineering Club!

We start the new year with a brand new website built by club member Joe Priest. If you need any help finding your way around let him know and he'll help you out.

Mountaineering news now: Cicerone have just released some new guidebooks, including The Wales Coast Path and Walking in the Southern Uplands.

A message from Blacks: "For the purposes of security we do not have a code to supply to yourself and your members however should you present your BMC membership card at checkout the store would be able to assist you with the discount.

For online ordering please have your membership number to hand and we will apply your order with a note as to the reason the discount was applied at checkout."

See what other BMC discounts are available to you at https://www.thebmc.co.uk/membership-discounts

The Mermaid inn, Wightwick Bridge, North Rd.,Wolverhampton WV6 8BN,6:30pm for 7:00pm start on June 5th

Here's the Pub menu if you want to eat

If you are interested in joining the club we have a new members night from 9pm onwards at The Wheatsheaf, 379 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 9QW (There is free unlimited parking after 6pm near to The Wheatsheaf in Shaftesbury Street- where you can meet the committee.

We look forward to meeting you.

Club climbing nights are taking place every Tuesday evening at High Sports Kidderminster, Silverwoods Way, Kidderminster DY11 7DT. Get in touch to be added to the Indoor Climbers WhatsApp group.