KMC meet report – Birchens Edge – Meet Leader Cathy Gordon/Christine Beeston

Attendee members: Cathy Gordon, Christine Beeston, Philippa Maye, Sabina Cosulich, Jim Symon, Andy Stratford, Paul Evans, Colin Maddison, Mark Rothwell, Gowry Sispulan, Caro Churchill, Tommy Harrisson, Becca G

Prospective members: Claire Hawkins, Will Fitzmaurice, Tom Wintle, Kevin Grajewski Guests: Helen Carton, Kim Field, Ramon Sispulan

It was a cool dry sunny day as a good number of KMC people made their way to the crag. Four prospective members showed considerable leading and seconding ability and all folk mingled well with each other. A large number of climbs were led by several staunch KMC members and included Powder Monkey Parade, Trafalgar Crack, Trafalgar Wall, Barnacle Bulge, Camperdown Crawl, Topsail, Emma’s delight and climbs on Stokers wall. Several people climbed the exciting Sail Chimney with interesting techniques - Paul led facing outwards, and surprising for some, Jim didn't get stuck. Becca displayed combined tactics of standing on Andy’s shoulders, whilst Caro flew off Trafalgar Wall and Tommy maintained air traffic control. Ramon showed his excellent footwork skills by climbing in trainers, and Philippa’s cousin’s daughter and her friend were climbing impressively and way harder than the meet leader considering it was their first time on rock.

Claire boldly led Nelson’s slab, with a desperate 5a start, which some strong KMCers had difficulty seconding. Newcomers, Tom and Kevin, climbed together all day and arrived last at the pub after a final battle with Victory Crack, cagey about whose victory it was but clear they had finished the route “at the top”!

Injuries included an elbow wound as Caro flew and hit the rock directly with her elbow. At the pub, the owner kindly pushed 2 tables together, failing to notice Caro’s thumb positioned between the two tables, ouch!!! This distracted her considerably from her significant elbow wound, however, Cathy put her wound knowledge to use in assisting her with dressings. Christine climbed all day on a recently sprained ankle, reinforcing the medical mantra, “do as I say, not what I do”.

Famous comments didn’t escape the meet leaders notice: apparently Andy has 17 pairs of crampons, and feet which appeared from his shoes at the end of the day, the scent from which disturbed nesting birds in the rocks. Colin’s ripped pants also didn't go unnoticed, although he claimed he has some decent ones somewhere.

To continue the tradition, a handful of Ladies from the KMC Luncheon Club brought refreshments, which attracted several honorary ladies, including Jim, who positioned himself close to the scones for much of the day. Tommy commented that at his first Birchens Ladies meet last year, he thought all KMC meets involved a picnic and fizz.

It was a great, relaxing and fun day and thank you to all who came.

Birchens Edge is home to some of the most classic routes in the Peaks, especially in the low grades. Its also a great place to meet and chat or lounge around in the sun (hopefully). Meet under Trafalgar Wall around 10am.  There may be cake too.  The National Trust car park is by the Robin Hood Inn may be busy so arriving early will be advantageous, also good for a post climb drink.  You can also approach Birchens Edge from the Gardom's parking spot.

Looking forward to seeing you there

Cathy and Christine

PS: you don't have to be a lady to attend 😃