Newcomers Meet

Members: Rob Allen, Christine Beeston, Rob Clark, Roger Dyke, Nils Elgar, Cathy Gordon (and her Sparkly Pink Princess Chalkbag), John Hyde, Oi Ding Koy, Philippa Maye, Lester Payne, Dave Shotton, Andy Stratford, Jim Symon, Ann Waters, Steve Waters, Dave Wylie

Guests: Jemma Waters, Jo Sayers, Lluc Garcia, Elia Gimenez, Anne Fournier, Simon Mabey, Aneta Sunara, Will Scallan, Neil Boynton

A super turnout with quite a few guests – Elia and Lluc (all the way from Ibiza) enjoyed their first taste of trad climbing and gritstone enormously, Lluc taking his life in his hands with lots of “encouraging” remarks to Elia.  Anne and Simon put in a special guest appearance from the Buxton Mountaineering club, Will Scallan made it all the way to the crag – then just as he arrived, had to leave to fly an A320.  Jemma brought her mountain bike, and bravely rode it part of the way back to the carpark.

Several climbs saw mass ascents – most popular was Tango Buttress, closely followed by the wonderful Eric’s Eliminate, classic Tango Crack and Kelly’s Variation.  Roger Dyke did his first V.Diff lead of the year on Tango Crack, and “only fell off once all day!”  It was nice to see John Hyde, on his first meet for a while, and meet Aneta (all the way from Vienna and enjoying a different kind of climbing!).  Lester got every last drop of enjoyment out of Straight Crack, providing entertainment for those reclining on the viewing slabs below. 

Steve and Andy both led High Neb Buttress (VS 4c), and Rob Clark led Sogines (HVS 5b).  Andy worked his way through ten climbs, the rest of us did more talking, watching, walking and (in Jemma’s case) mountaineering.

Climbing over, we managed to find tea in The George in Hathersage before setting off home.  Thanks to all for a fun and sociable meet.

Becoming an annual venture this meet is for anyone and everyone.  Stanage has a mass of routes to offer and you don't have to be surrounded by hordes of people.  We will meet and hang out around High Neb for the first part of the day and then move towards Popular End as the day progresses if people wish to.  

There are over 20 starred routes in the High Neb area and a top 50 route, so you are unlikely to be disappointed. 

If you are thinking of joining KMC then Stanage is a great place to join club members, see what the club is like and try out your skills on the end of a rope with us.  You must be able to tie in, belay, hold falls and all of the other safety stuff indicated on the website, as we don't teach climbing.  

If you want more info contact meet leader Christine (newsletter@karabiner.org)