Bonfire @ Ty Powdyr

Members: Mark Ashley, Trish Cranston, Michelle Harvie, Mark Garrod, Dave Wylie, Al Metelko, Colin Maddison, Bob Kelly, Dave Dillon, Oi Ding Koi, Sue Marsden, Craig Marsden, Midge Castick, John Castick, Jim Symon, Robert Clark, Kevin Anderson, Gareth Williams, James Williams, Julia Partington (20).

Prospective Members: Ana Jolly, Charlie John, Gabs Campbell, Andy Coulson, Judy Robinson, Alice Bow, Clare Baguley, Jo Bell, Steve Graham, Dave Oakley, Lisa Wilkings, Luke Brownbridge, Kate Graham (13).

Guests: Phoebe Marsden, Eleanor Bell (2).

 

What fantastic weather for November, and matched by a fantastic turn-out for the meet. The trainees all had a great time, with our instructor Louise Tully doing an excellent job on Saturday’s navigation, and Sunday’s rope-skills courses. Everyone else went climbing on Saturday, apart from Robert, Michelle and I, who walked round under Cefn du (very boggy) and then up Moel Eilio, and Midge and John, who arrived and immediately started scouring the area for wood. Thanks also to Ding for her bonfire building and stoking efforts. Saturday’s returnees also helped out with the odd trunk and branch, and by nightfall we had a fine looking fire built.

The communal meal, although I say it myself as organiser, worked very well, and allowed us all to get out for the fire and fireworks by 8.30pm. The evening was clear, and as ever, the whole valley was kept entertained for a good 20-30 minutes – great job by Mark A as ever, and the best whizz-bangs thanks to Dave W. The fire was still smouldering at 5pm Sunday. Lots of chat round the fire, and inside over fudge (thanks Trish), brownies (thanks Sue), and chocolates.

Sunday was blue skies all day, and again lots was done, with Jim and Kevin entertaining the pass with their banter, the quarry slate routes getting a good going over (or up) by loads of people, Midge and John doing Tryfan by the N ridge, Bob (I think), Ana, Charlie and Judy covering the Carneddai, Michelle and Mark doing the ridge to Y Garn and back, and Robert running and shopping (not at the same time).

It was great to see so many prospective members, and also the hut really buzzing (no – not just my ears playing up!).

Mark Garrod