Present: Mark Wiltshire, Al Metelko, Joan Stewart, Kevin Anderson, Chris Williamson.

Having jetted in from Spain in the early hours of the morning, the meet leader dutifully crawled from bed. Being insufficiently awake to comprehend the dismal weather, arrival was made in time to be greeted by Beetham. At this stage the damp, cool and generally miserable state of meteorology was registered. Just before a rapid about face could be effected, the bright eyed and bushy tailed persona of Mark Wiltshire stalled immediate abandonment. His appearance making up for what might otherwise be considered as a apathy on the part of the Kitchen Meets Club.

Ken bids us farewell.

When in doubt, have a brew - time in the Café allows rock to dry out. As we're here, for our Sin VS4c **, we ought to have a go. Pressing flesh on Prayer Wheel Wall the gods see fit to smile. Incanting Padme HVS 5a **, the sun shines and the day is transformed. Mid afternoon and surprise reinforcements arrive; exuberant, Kevin and Joan, taxied by Al, direct from Barcelona. More routes, more sunshine and some good banter follow. An excellent day at the crag. Thanks to those who made the effort.

Philosophical question: Some reputations are unjustly deserved? A meet at Stoney Middleton? You can't be serious? Haven't you heard... Experience is sometimes about reflecting on the past. But, some experiences dim with time, though a reputation sticks. So, too, with the venue for this meet. The previously polished nature of the routes has dimmed over years of neglect. Maybe we should welcome the advent of acid rain as a way of revitalising once popular crags? Maybe some other natural force has been at work? Either way, I was impressed by the quality of the climbing when Duncan took me there last year. And to think I'd never been, all because of a years old reputation. Yes, caution is sometimes required when choosing your line, but there's still plenty to go at. Loads of well starred routes and no crowds or queues. Try the excellent Padme HVS 5a **, Frisco Bay VS 4c**, Aurora VS 4c *** ...

Park at the layby on the south side of the A623 (RHS approaching from Manchester) at the west end of Stoney Middleton village. Access is by the track on the uphill side of the garage / petrol station. See you on the Crag, 10:30 on, for a top day on Limestone - The odd Severe, with VS though to any E you're capable of getting up. Note - Change of date from the published meets calendar due to rescheduling of the Fell Race.