Present: Well fed members/guests, a few pounds of carrots, lots of sunshine, except for some shady climbs.

A wonderful sunny Saturday morning lured us onto the wintry hills. Kate and Dave ran over the Glyders, although some enjoyed (endured) a chilly days climbing out of the sun (Kevin & Liam, Al, Andy & Chris). There was some concern as Trish and I (the organisers) set out with a map and compass, heading towards Snowdon. Would we be back in time to prepare the meal? Or with my navigational skills would we get back before Christmas?! We had left Ken to chop about 15 pounds of vegetables, which seemed to keep him busy for the next 2½ hrs.

To the relief of the KMC, Trish & I returned at 5.00pm after a great day on the hill. Whilst dinner was prepared the assembled group were entertained by Duncan's cryptic quiz and alcoholic mince pies and Kirsten's mulled wine. Kirsten was still thawing out after an ice cold shower, since the hut hot water was not working again. Dinner was served at 8.00pm, afterwards clear skies permitted a spot of star gazing tuition with Dave W.

Sunday was just as sunny and frosty. There was a team walk up Elider Fawr & Y Garn, whilst Duncan Vicky, Al & Dave K went looking for ice on the Black Ladders.

Dave W made the most of a few days holiday and enjoyed 2 fine days walking on Monday & Tuesday the following week:

Monday: The Snowdon Horseshoe including several Brocken Spectres and force 7 winds on the top of Snowdon. Dave encountered a group carrying a very large paddle to the summit (so this is what folks get up to when we are all at work).

Tuesday: An icy interesting scramble on North Ridge of Tryfan, Bristly Ridge, the Glyders and down via the Devil's Kitchen.

Thanks to all for coming to the Christmas Bash and making it a fun weekend. Thanks to all the superb chefs for your excellent cooking, especially Ken for his chopping and to Dave W for resurrecting the hot water and saving most of us from very icy showers. Great weather, activities, company, food and wine. We even managed to raise £55 for the hut relief fund.

Michelle and myself are most happy to coordinate the Christmas bash food, and possibly mulled wine this year (if people would like this again). We thought that if people were happy to prepare main (mixture of veggie and meat/fish) dishes and luscious puddings to serve including anything like cream or custard (I can still remember last years...) it would save time in the kitchen and ensure we all get some time outside on the Saturday. We are very happy to make soup, provide bread (I also remember the bread last year...), baked spuds and basic salad, possibly tea and coffee. Cost should be £6.50 each, we estimate, so if you're making something try to keep it to not above that value if possible.

Duncan has kindly offered to make alcoholic (mince) pies and along with Colin's help to devise a mystery quiz to keep you all entertained whist getting slowly sozzled on the mulled wine (we could provide boxes of wine to start it off but if people prefer to bring their own non-high quality wine, fine, let us know).

Meanwhile, we would be very grateful if 2 or 3 little helpers could emerge to lay tables and assist with preparation around 5.30/6ish. Katy Hogan has offered so far. An offer of Polish gingerbread has been mentioned....yum, drool...

Dishes we need each to serve 6-8 people are:

5 veggie dishes
3 meat dishes
8 puddings and suitable toppings

I will be the main contact so call or Email me if you're coming, and if you intend to bring something, what. Also if you would prefer to bring bottles for mulled wine. We can guide people as to what is needed as the offers flood in! No custard pies mind!!

Hope to see lots of you there to chink a Christmas glass or three,

Trish.

PS. If anyone has a burning and uncontrollable desire to cook the main dishes at the hut as has been done, don't let us stand in your way......