Newcomers Climbing Meet: Birchen Edge
Members: Christine Beeston, Clay Conlon, Roger Dyke, Nils Elgar, Phil Hartwell, Al Metelko, Dave Shotton, Andy Stratford, Dave Wylie.
Guests: Richard Applegate, Jo Cowley, Sam Crabb, Alex Green, Andy Haines, Richard Johnson, Oli Ney, Shelley Rhodes.
Ran by and waved: Dan O’Brien and Katie.
Forecasts were mixed but this turned out to be a super sunny meet, with a good turnout from members and potential members. Arriving at the carpark, I tried to identify some of the newcomers – finding Richard Applegate, who announced he would join us later after a bacon sandwich. Exactly the kind of potential member we are looking for! I reluctantly decided that I shouldn’t really delay, and headed up to the crag with Dave S and Roger. Andy S was already on his 10th[1] climb with Clay. Nils was also already there.
I really can’t remember the details of who climbed what, but a great selection of routes got climbed by the meet, in various combinations of new and old members and newcomers. Phil gave a masterclass in removing stuck gear, ascending Trafalgar Crack with a pocketful of real rocks to use as hammers. We all ate cake. Rosie the dog (of Andy H) sheltered in the shade of boulders – it was the hottest day of the year so far!
Thanks to all for coming along and helping to make the newcomers welcome.
[1] I made this number up, to give a general impression of energy and motivation.
Christine Beeston
