Annual Dinner & Fell Race - Shap Wells

Another good turnout of 41 members and guests for the slightly more formal social occasion that is the Annual Dinner. Navigation proved tricky for some members, as junction 39 on the M6 was closed sometime on Friday evening just to test them out. Navigation was also required for the Fell Race on Saturday (even in glorious sunshine); thanks to Craig for managing to set an interesting (and extremely boggy) course starting and finishing at the hotel – quite a feat.

Our guest speaker on Saturday was Karen Frith, who is in the Penrith Mountain Rescue Team , and specialises in search dog training, as does her partner Darrell, who also joined us for the evening. Karen entertained us with her view on philosophy, mountain rescue and search dog training, ably supported by her own search dog Dottie, who seemed to go round and meet everyone during the dinner. Karen also recounted her times in the police in the 1980’s, prompting Bob Kelly to recall being her training sergeant at the time, much to the amusement of all, and Karen’s surprise. Karen also challenged the wild swimmers in the room to join her on a distinctly wild water experience in Glen Nevis – I’m not sure our wild swimmers are quite that wild!

Roger Dyke gave a club speech highlighting the years endeavours, challenges and successes, and also noted some of those with awards to notable players.

The raffle raised £115 which was given to the Penrith MRT – thanks to those who donated prizes.

Sunday saw light cloud and then more sunshine, so the keen team of Craig, Colin, Andy and Sheena headed off to Gauther Crag, whilst the walking team of Kate, Michelle, Sue M, Dave S, Bob K and Mark did a half skyline circuit of Swindale, with lovely views west to the Eastern Fells, east to Cross Fell and the Northern Pennines, and south-east to the Howgills. Iain and Peter J also ventured out for a good walk from Askham up toward High Street, probably going further than the Swindale explorers! No specific reports of the adventures of any other teams, but I am sure they had fun, apart from Ken, who suffered the misfortune of a breakdown on Saturday on the M6, and had to be relayed both back to the hotel for the dinner, and then home on Sunday.

Thanks to Andy for the slick organisation of the weekend.