Attendance: Gareth Williams (meet leader), Lucie Crouch, Paul Evans, Steve Graham, Dave, Jarred Kitchen, Midge Castick, Roger Dyke, Peter Porter, Rob Clarke, Carro, Steve, Clay Conlon, Emily Pitts, Christine Beeston, Dave Dillon, Dave Wylie, Duncan Zafeira.

Apologies to the one or two guests/newcomers whose surnames I didn’t catch, but I think I have the correct number of Daves and Steves.

A great start to the day, with dry weather and a fantastic turn out from the club. After tea, coffee and a quick discussion to decide who was going to tackle what, teams went off to the top of the crag, in the main quarry, the upper quarry and along the verge of the parking areas.

Everyone put in a grand effort, and with so many people it took only an hour to collect several dozen heavyweight bin-bags full of litter. Other notable items collected included an abandoned tent, old BBQs, half-burnt sticks and ashes, an old road sign and other random hunks of rusty metal.

More refreshments, then we were free to go out climbing – just as the rain arrived. Undeterred, a group went off for a walk whilst others took to the crag regardless. Various routes were climbed by various people – I didn’t catch all the details. Parkers Eliminate (HVS 5a) and The Harp (VS 4b) saw ascents, as did Crew’s Route (VS 4c) and various other lines. Steve Graham was keen to make his debut back on the crag following his accident in Pembrokeshire last year. It was great to see him on the rock, evidence that all the hard work spent in rehab does pay off. The rain stopped and the crag dried off later in the day, when Dragon’s Route (E2 5c) had a top rope thrown down it and saw lots of people getting stuck in. E2’s not bad for your first day back on the rock Steve!

Many thanks to everyone for turning up and showing such enthusiasm for cleaning.

***Update 18/3/18***

Plenty to do -- litter, broken glass, remains from BBQs all need clearing. Won't take long with a good turnout.

Free tea/coffee/biscuits will be provided for all members helping with the clean-up.

The crag was in good condition for climbing last week before the snow hit; fingers crossed for a sunny day on Saturday.

*******************

Having moved house recently, Hobson Moor Quarry is now my local crag, and I'd like to make sure it's in pristine condition. So the meet will begin at 11am with an hour of cleaning up at the crag (picking up litter etc -- I'll bring some bin-bags but please bring your own protective gloves). The clean-up will take place whatever the weather, after which we'll enjoy climbing in the sun at the newly-cleaned crag.

Plenty of trad routes to go at from VDiff up, including several classics across a spread of grades. Plenty of bouldering too, and the infamous back wall traverse of course! In the unlikely event of wet weather, we'll de-camp to Awesome Walls Stockport, or go for a walk or run or whatever takes our fancy.