Fri 12th Oct - Sun 14th Oct, 2012

Annual Dinner & Fell Race - Shap Wells

Colin Maddison

Craig Marsden

Mark Garrod


Another good turnout of 41 members and guests for the slightly more formal social occasion that is the Annual Dinner. Navigation proved tricky for some members, as junction 39 on the M6 was closed sometime on Friday evening just to test them out. Navigation was also required for the Fell Race on Saturday (even in glorious sunshine); thanks to Craig for managing to set an interesting (and extremely boggy) course starting and finishing at the hotel – quite a feat.

Our guest speaker on Saturday was Karen Frith, who is in the Penrith Mountain Rescue Team , and specialises in search dog training, as does her partner Darrell, who also joined us for the evening. Karen entertained us with her view on philosophy, mountain rescue and search dog training, ably supported by her own search dog Dottie, who seemed to go round and meet everyone during the dinner. Karen also recounted her times in the police in the 1980’s, prompting Bob Kelly to recall being her training sergeant at the time, much to the amusement of all, and Karen’s surprise. Karen also challenged the wild swimmers in the room to join her on a distinctly wild water experience in Glen Nevis – I’m not sure our wild swimmers are quite that wild!

Roger Dyke gave a club speech highlighting the years endeavours, challenges and successes, and also noted some of those with awards to notable players.

The raffle raised £115 which was given to the Penrith MRT – thanks to those who donated prizes.

Sunday saw light cloud and then more sunshine, so the keen team of Craig, Colin, Andy and Sheena headed off to Gauther Crag, whilst the walking team of Kate, Michelle, Sue M, Dave S, Bob K and Mark did a half skyline circuit of Swindale, with lovely views west to the Eastern Fells, east to Cross Fell and the Northern Pennines, and south-east to the Howgills. Iain and Peter J also ventured out for a good walk from Askham up toward High Street, probably going further than the Swindale explorers! No specific reports of the adventures of any other teams, but I am sure they had fun, apart from Ken, who suffered the misfortune of a breakdown on Saturday on the M6, and had to be relayed both back to the hotel for the dinner, and then home on Sunday.

Thanks to Andy for the slick organisation of the weekend.





Meet Promo:

The Sunday Climbing Meet

Gouther Crag, Swindale. Meet Leader: Colin Maddison

Sunday climbing will be on Gouther Crag in Swindale. Grid Ref: NY 515 127. The crag sits on the eastern side of the valley opposite Truss Gap Farm about 3km from Shap. There are many fine looking lines from V Diff to E8. So there should be enough for those whose post Annual Dinner hangovers permit climbing. Check out the classic The Fang *** MVS or lend your support to Truss Buttress ** V Diff. There’s also a load of bouldering for those too hung-over to leave the ground for long.

Parking is about 1.2 km before Truss Gap Farm. Walk in is only about 30 minutes from there, from just prior to the farm take a bridge over the river; it’s about 10 -15 mins from there. I plan to be at the crag from about 10.30am.

Guidebook: FRCC Eastern Crags.



Colin Maddison



Meet Promo:

The Sunday Walk

Swindale Exploration

For all those who fancy a head-clearing wander after the annual dinner at Shap Wells, how about some exploring of the Swindale area – exploring because I probably will not have done a recce of the area before the day! The climbers are intending to be at Gouther Crag, so we can include a stopover there later in the day – see who is enjoying the “Fang”.

A short drive from Shap Wells takes to the minor road into Swindale; by memory we have to park under Rosgill Moor, so best to head up there and see if we can find a way along the top of Swindate Common to reach Selside Crag. I suspect that might be far enough for the day (unless we are going well in which case Branstree and Pillar could be bagged), so a drop down into the fantastically named Hobgrumble Gill, and thence into Swindale, passing Gouther en route back to the cars.

Timing is likely to be approx. 10.30am start, after a full breakfast, checking out, and general faffing.



Mark Garrod



Meet Promo:

Saturday: The Fell Race

The Fell Run is timed to start from 10.30am to allow for members making the trip from elsewhere early in the morning. Runners will leave at different times on a handicap basis.

The running route can also be done as a (non competitive) walk.

Craig Marsden is the Organiser and will be supplying further info for the September Newsletter. Volunteer Marshalls will be needed at the checkpoints.





Meet Promo:

Activities held at:

  1. Best Western Shap Wells Hotel,
  2. Shap, nr Penrith,
  3. Cumbria CA10 3QU.
  4. Tel 01931 716628.

 

Friday: Check in to your room from 15.00: Arrive and relax and socialise at the hotel. No meals arranged, please purchase direct. Food served 18.30 - 20.30.

Saturday: Annual Fell Race and Annual Dinner. Breakfast served 07.30 - 09.30.

Sunday: Walking and Climbing.

Please check the website for the latest information.

 

STOP PRESS: As of 25th August over 20 rooms have been booked - please book your room soon to avoid disappointment.

 

We understand many members wish to book their room well in advance so we are pleased to be able to offer bookings from today via Andy Stratford, Outdoor Meets Sec. Please do not contact the hotel directly.

The club has reserved Double and twin rooms at the hotel. 2 nights accommodation, 2 breakfasts & Club Dinner on one night as a package based on two people sharing a twin bedded or double room will be a very reasonable £95 per person for the package.

We also have options on family rooms: some sleep three, some sleep four. These are available based on the same prices quoted as below pp pn, depending on the amount of nights you stay.

 

Full KMC Room tariff (Bed and Breakfast)

2 or more nights:

  • Single room £42.00 per person, per night
  • Double room £35.00 per person, per night (£70.00 per couple)

1 night only:

  • Single room £57.00 per person, per night
  • Double room £44.00 per person, per night (£88.00 per couple)

Please contact New Ings Lodge directly on http://www.newinglodge.co.uk/ or 01931 716719 if you require accomodation. The bunkhouse is full but B&B and camping may be available. New Ings is 4 miles from Shap Wells hotel and is located in Shap village.

Saturday Evening: The Dinner

The Dinner price is set at £25 per person - Drinks are not included

 

Menu:

  • Parsnip & Apple Soup (v)
  • Minestrone Soup

*************

  • Roast Leg of Lamb
  • Poached Salmon
  • Mushroom Pancake Gateau (v)

*************

  • Cumbrian Bread and Butter Pudding
  • Cheese & Biscuits

*************

  • Tea, Coffee and Kendal Mint Cake

 

 Please inform Andy by email, text or phone or with your cheque of your starter and main course choices no later than Thursday 27th September.

 

If you are attending only as a dinner guest and do not require accomodation, this is especially important.

18.00-19.00pm KMC team Quiz in bar
19.30pm Dinner. (Final round of Quiz during dinner)
9pm-10pm Speakers - KMC & External and Raffle & Quiz Results. The External Speaker is Karen Frith who is a member of PMRT and a search dog handler who will entertain and inform us with tales of search, rescue.....and dogs.
10pm-1am Bar

Please check the website for the latest information and please direct any enquiries to Andy Stratford.



Andy Stratford







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