Members: Heather Brooke, Dave Wylie, Neville McMillan, Dan O'Brien, Sue Brooke, Rob Clarke, Midge Castick, Sheena Hendrie, Craig Marsden, Sue Marsden, Roger Mapleson, Bridget Mapleson, Colin Maddison, Kevin Anderson, Duncan Lee, Sabina Cosulich, Roger Dyke, Joe Flynn, Lester Payne, Jenny Varley, Al Metelko and Uncle Ken.

Guests: Dave Bayley, Roger Dayley, Thomas and Phoebe Marsden, Owen and Carsie Mapleson, Roisin Maddison, Alex Krause, Chris Allen, Martin Simpson and Jamie Findlow.

With the edge looking beautiful in the summer sunshine and lots of eager climbing coming out to play in the mild temperature, the Birchens meet was amazingly successful with the day being filled with lots of KMC fun. Many of the crags traditional routes were climbed in varying degrees of style, with the usual KMC extras of encouragement, name calling and loops of incentive. Routes climbed included Sail Buttress, Nelson's Slab, Top Sail, Rat Line, and Captains Bunk. And after a hard day's climbing what more can you ask for but a Hotpot and slide show.

Climbing - Heather Brooke

Climbing will take place during the day at Birchens Edge. Heather will be at the crag at around 10.30am and you will be able to find her somewhere near the bottom of Nelson's Slab.

Walking - Susan Brooke

A pleasant stroll along good paths and tracks that takes in a few more edges on the east side of the Peak District. Distance roughly ten miles and even if walked slowly should allow plenty of time to fraternise with our climbing brethren at Birchens and the possibility of tying onto a top rope for anyone wishing to carry rock boots. The option is available to extend the walk to Longshaw Lodge if desired.

I have spoken to the powers that be and put in a request for good weather, but cannot guarantee that I will be listened to!

Route : Froggatt Edge - Curbar Edge - Wellingtons Monument - cross A621 and take path below Gardoms Edge - Birchens - White Edge.

Two options available for the imbibing of alcoholic beverages for those that wish to partake: The Robin Hood and The Grouse.

Meet at 9.45am for a 10.00am start in the National Trust Car Park of the A625 (GR. 257778), i.e. usual parking spot for climbing on Froggatt. Please note that there is a charge of £2.00 for using the car park.

Map : OS Explorer OL24

Hotpot Meal - Susan Brooke

Following a glowing recommendation from Elsie Upton the 2005 Hotpot sees a return to The Swan, New Mills. For anyone not in the know this is the pub you pass on the A6 on the junction with the traffic lights where it is signed off for New Mills. If your not sure from that description speak to me at the Crown and Anchor on a Thursday night.

The meal will cost £5.75 per head and will include an ample serving of hotpot (meat or vegetarian) plus a desert. Bookings should be made direct with the President or Sabina in her role as Secretary and should be accompanied by payment. Only in extreme circumstances will bookings be accepted after Thursday, 1 April, as the pub wants confirmation of numbers a week in advance. The pub opens its doors at 6.00pm, with food served at 6.30pm to give plenty of time for the slide show without too late a finish for those of us with a long drive home.

Slide Competition - Jenny Varley

This year's photo contest will be held after the President's Hotpot at The Swan near New Mills. Slides and digital photos are both welcome, up to five photos per person per category. A prize will be awarded for each of the following categories:

• Mountain action
• Mountain landscape
• Rock climbing action
• Human interest

Please pass your slides or digital photos to Jenny Varley on or before Thursday 7th April and make sure your slides are marked with your name and category.

This year our judge will be Stuart Eyres, an (incorruptable!) professional photographer.

Please pass your entries on to Jenny Varley, or Al Metelko, by Thursday 7th April. Late entries will not be judged but may be shown in the slide show if they're really good.

So get snapping!