Members: Christine Beeston, Clay Conlon, Roger Dyke, Nils Elgar, Phil Hartwell, Al Metelko, Dave Shotton, Andy Stratford, Dave Wylie.

Guests: Richard Applegate, Jo Cowley, Sam Crabb, Alex Green, Andy Haines, Richard Johnson, Oli Ney, Shelley Rhodes.

Ran by and waved: Dan O’Brien and Katie.

Forecasts were mixed but this turned out to be a super sunny meet, with a good turnout from members and potential members.  Arriving at the carpark, I tried to identify some of the newcomers – finding Richard Applegate, who announced he would join us later after a bacon sandwich.  Exactly the kind of potential member we are looking for!  I reluctantly decided that I shouldn’t really delay, and headed up to the crag with Dave S and Roger.  Andy S was already on his 10^th[1] climb with Clay.  Nils was also already there.

I really can’t remember the details of who climbed what, but a great selection of routes got climbed by the meet, in various combinations of new and old members and newcomers.  Phil gave a masterclass in removing stuck gear, ascending Trafalgar Crack with a pocketful of real rocks to use as hammers.  We all ate cake.  Rosie the dog (of Andy H) sheltered in the shade of boulders – it was the hottest day of the year so far! 

Thanks to all for coming along and helping to make the newcomers welcome. 

[1] I made this number up, to give a general impression of energy and motivation.

Please note the change of meet leader, and consequently change of venue – Millstone is too hard for me (though I did consider just hanging around chatting and eating cake), and Stanage is already taken so I thought Birchens would offer a selection of routes for all.  There will still be lots of chatting and cake.

Newcomers very welcome, please contact the meet leader by emailing newsletter@karabiner.org if you’re interested in coming along.

We’ll meet around 10.30 under Trafalgar Wall.