Annual Dinner Saturday Walk

Although overcast and slightly damp, it was not classic pre-annual dinner walking weather, due to the reduced precipitation and mild temperature. The meet leader passed the meeting point at 10:50am on the way to drop off the dinner organiser at Stanage. Little did she know he was about to drop himself off, but more of that later. On return to the start she was met by the patiently waiting crew of Iain McCallum, Pete Walker, Frank Williams, Dave Wylie, Paul Gee and Perry Libeau. Paul and Perry were new and having not seen them since, I guess we scared them off! Keen to get going, Mr McCallum lead the way and we all followed on behind, following the road for about half a mile before joining the footpath. At which point, Trish called to say she'd be late and would meet us along the way. We carried on, crossing the river and picking up the footpath alongside it. A muddy trudge for a coupe of miles and then we turned uphill towards Offerton Hall. Just before the hill there was a gentle mutiny as a lunch stop was demanded. Unused to such luxuries, I was more than willing to comply! We continued uphill, making a brief detour on the wrong path - the fools that follow me! We put ourselves back on the right track and carried on. Coming up the side of Offerton Edge, I spotted a small be-hatted person on the skyline and thought 'That looks like Trish'. Twenty metres further on, it clearly was Trish - she'd headed round the other way to meet us in the middle. We joined the track from Smelting Hill, past the Tumuli and down Brough Lane. A first beer stop was made in the Traveller's Rest and then we headed for the second at The Rising Sun, where Perry and Paul left us. An easy paced, straightforward walk and I didn't lose anyone!

Annual Dinner Saturday Climb

Overcast and slightly damp, it was not classic pre-annual dinner climbing weather and as meet leader I was less than surprised to turn up at Stanage and find myself the only KMCer in sight. I sent a few hopeful texts and walked along from Robin Hood's cave to the plantation in the hope of finding another lost soul. There were plenty of parties being dragged up diffs on top-ropes but little of note going on the slimey green rock. James called with the good news that he, Kasia and Chris were just arriving. "Action at last," I thought, "let's just solo up this little route here and nip back and meet them". The route (near Paradise Wall) was surprisingly un-slippy for the first 10 or so feet and it was only as I was launching for the final mantle that I lost my footing, stopped going up, started going down, started turning around and started worrying about the ground. I scrabbled a bit on the slabby descent and just hoped I wouldn't break anything - I almost managed to land well but my butt hit a rock with a whump and my breath left me. I grovelled to my phone and called James who then proceeded to run 1/2 the length of Stanage in record time to meet a winded and stiff but adrenaline fueled casualty (I'm not a patient patient!). Sadly James, Kasia and Chris weren't too happy with my desire to lie at the bottom of their route in a bivvy bag and they found that the slimy rock really wasn't going well in any case (it seems they were not even encouraged by my encouragement!) so after another hour or so they delightedly dumped me at the dinner venue and went off for a walk in the general direction of the earlier party.

Annual Dinner Eating and Speaking

The Rising Sun Inn did us proud with the beautifully laid out room complete with fresh flowers on the tables and a long head table set against the wood panelled walls that made the various trophies on display look well posh.

The nosh came out a bit slow but it was worth waiting for. The beef in Guinness casserole was the hit of the night with plenty on the plates and even some leftovers (rumour has it that some people even asked for - and got - more!)

The easier dinner quiz this year got table groups being a bit silly, with the architects and engineers in the party on their feet. The wine for the winning table helped keep things oiled to such an extent that the KMC's benevolence netted £250 for the Edale mountain rescue (OK - they only did it for the raffle prizes but the Goblin pie, hat and toaster were true collector's items!)

Geoff, our speaker, arrived bursting with his legendary enthusiasm and spoke with passion aided by pictures of climbs that have inspired him, the rope he secretly stole from his dad to go cragging (before he got found out because he couldn't coil it when he put it back) and the climbing belt and long socks he bought from one Lenn Stubbs' shop on Deansgate ("Red will hide the blood" he was allegedly told). Geoff went on to contend that if there is such a thing as a natural climber he doesn't know what the creature looks like but that a passion for the hills is something all great climbers share. This speech - not too long, not too short went down well and got people talking (I think Ken only heckled once!).

Awards followed and with the coveted golden mouse once again going to our treasured webmeister Dave Wylie, with a golden swimsuit for Midge Castick's frozen aquatic antics, a golden Karabiner for XXXXXX and a golden compass for Anne Sanderson with several minor awards I am not going to mention.

Annual DInner Sunday (Presidential) Walk

Ask Andy - he dunnit!

Annual Dinner Sunday Climb

For the second year running our guest speaker did more climbing on the Sunday than anyone else (a tradition becoming established or a gauntlet for the KMC ?). Geoff led a small group finding the drier patches on Froggatt edge while a few less hardy members sampled the delights of Grindleford Cafe (reader, I confess - I was that tea drinker) and the Padley Gorge.

The time of the Annual KMC Dinner is drawing near. As you know we are organizing the dinners on a three year rotation of The Peak, Wales, and The Lakes - it is once again time for a more "local" meet at The Peak, in Bamford.

Bamford is quite close (accessible by train, bus, bike and even car) we still hope that many members will want to stay in the area and take advantage of a day or two climbing or walking in good company. Katie will lead a walk on Offerton Moor on the Saturday whilst others will climb (probably Stanage) - climbs and walks to the North, Bamford direction on the Sunday (leader offers welcome).

Pre-Dinner Walk - Katie Horgan

A pre-dinner bimble is planned for Saturday, meeting in the Rising Sun Car Park at 11am (OL1 194827). I'm intending to head east along the road for about a kilometer before crossing the River and picking up the footpath on the opposite bank. We'll follow the Derwent for about 4km and then turning west uphill at the weir near Leadmill, towards Offerton Hall. Just before reaching the Hall we'll turn south west up the side of Offerton Moor. The walk will then cross Offerton Edge and Smelting Hill, turning west towards Abney Moor and various tumuli. Those who are desperate for a pub and an early finish can pick up Shatton Lane otherwise we'll continue to Brough Lane and pick up the footpath to Brough, onto the Hope Road and back to the Rising Sun. Total distance is either 10km (6miles) or 14.5km (9 miles) and we should be back for a pint by 4:30pm, leaving plenty of time for a pint and for anyone staying overnight to get changed. Any questions/helpful suggestions, contact me.

The Dinner - David Bish

Following feedback from the last Peak venue we looked for a comfortable inn close to excellent climbing and walking. I am pleased to say that the Rising Sun Inn in Bamford can fit us all in and is offering us an excellent rate of £27 per head for the meal.

The hotel does have rooms but prices are a little high (£35-£70). It would be great if several of us did stay (that way we get the bar a little later) but more realistically I have a list of very close B+B's from just under £25 (up to £45 for the Yorkshire Bridge Hotel).

The cheapest option is camping for £2 per person (incl. hot showers). Accommodation booking and payments will be down to individuals to sort themselves.

The dinner will include the normal speeches with a mystery guest speaker, prize giving and rigmarole. I promise to make the table quiz a bit easier with a bottle of wine for the winning table and as last year I'll be ensuring everyone that wants to, gets involved on the Sunday. The function room is excellent, wood paneled leading on to a garden with views of Stanage edge with its own bar and even a grand piano but unless anyone comes forward to play it we will provide a CD based light music through and after dinner (any contributions welcome).

Menu

• Melon with fresh berries
• Warm goat's cheese and red onion tartlet
• Pate filled mushrooms in batter

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• Beef in Guinness casserole
• Chicken breast in bacon in white wine and leek sauce
• Wild mushroom and brandy parcel with wild mushroom beurre blanc

(Fresh vegetables of the season)

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• Selection of home made desserts

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• Coffee and Mints

To book the meal send your menu choices along with a cheque (payable to K.M.C. with your name written on the back) to David Bish. If you wish to pay electronically please contact the KMC teasurer to make payment and then send your booking by post or email.