Barbara passed away after a short illness on April 9th 2024. Probably this will be of interest only to ex-Anabasis members of the Club as Barbara, although a long-standing member of the Anabasis, was not one of those who transferred to the Club after the demise of the Anabasis.
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There is no rock climbing planned tomorrow, just a 6-7 mile walk meeting at the top of Crescent Drive to begin the walk at 1.00 pm (directions as my original post on the website). By ‘rock climbing planned’ I mean meeting with local rocksmiths to explore the crags. That does not mean that anyone who wants to climb cannot, but nobody has said that they do want to climb. Also, after a lot of rain there is some worry about the possible friability of the sandstone. No problem about people falling off and damaging themselves with bits of our crag in their hands, but there is concern about the long term health of our sandstone playground. There as been talk of a Helsby or Frodsham meet as part of the Wednesday evening programme. On the right evening, that would be perfect. Once something is arranged, details will be posted. Cheers! Dave
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Walkers: Meet time now 1.00 pm. same location (top of Crescent Drive). Climbers: decision Friday (14th April) about climbing. Dry and sunny but damp rock (from recent weather) can leave rock friable. Watch here on Friday evening for the final decision and arrangements, plus maybe some detail – what sort of climbing, bouldering/lead/top rope, etc.
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Date: Saturday April 15th 2023 Meet up time: 12 noon (late start to allow the sun get round to shining on the crag) Meeting venue: At the top of Crescent Drive, Helsby WA6 9PU Directions: Leave the M56 at Junction 14 (Hapsford) and follow signs to Helsby. At the A56, turn left (east) and after just short of a mile look for a Thriftys Store on the left. Crescent Drive is opposite, a right turn. Head up the drive and there is roadside parking on the left and, if need be, around the corner past the bin first right, in Old Chester Road. Climbing: We’ll have some locals on hand to show you round. What is possible on the day depends on our old friend the weather, and it’s a bit early in the year to be best. But I know that one of the old classics (the enticingly named Carsten’s Abortion, E2 5b) has been done recently. That particular gem (?) may be out of bounds because of nesting peregrines but the best are not subject to avian interference (Twin Caves Crack, Flake Crack, Eliminate 1, Daniel, Wood’s, etc) and there’s good bouldering alternatives should conditions be poor on[…]
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On 29th October, a group of ex-Anabasis gathered at Beudy Mawr, for a shared meal and to ‘unveil’ the photo of our Garth Hut, splendidly hung as it is alongside the hearth in the sitting room. It’s a lovely cosy hut, and the rain sounding on the roof and spattering the windows was the same as the Garth rain. Despite that we got out for a bit of a walk, and deservedly got very wet indeed. It would have been easy to believe that we were on an Anabasis meet, hiring someone else’s hut and away from Garth, which was still there, our home at the heart of it all. That of course is not how it is, this is our new ‘home’, and better than that, it’s one of three! It was lovely to be with a group of ‘old’ friends, many of whom I’ve not seen for far too long. A few mentions. Clive Lane led the work that gave us a toilet and washroom at Garth (and many of his work team were here), very much adding to the comfort there increasing the value of the farmer’s asset when he brought it back home. No grudges are held,[…]
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Being unable work out how to update the Calendar info, this Post will have to do. I have started taking bookings for this one, and it would be good to know by Saturday 15th October if you are planning to be there, for one night, two nights or just either the Saturday or the Sunday. There will be a ‘bring and share’ buffet on the Saturday evening. Bill and Jan Murphy are acting as information exchange for this, just to avoid a scenario where everyone brings sausage rolls and no-one brings cake. Or beer. Please contact me, Dave Atkinson, to book your stay at the Hut. Thank you. dave.atkinson27@gmail.com
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This year – 2022 – it is just 60 years since a Member of the then one year-old Anabasis Mountaineering Club chanced upon a disused outbuilding at Garth Farm, near to Capel Curig. This former cattle shed went on to become ‘The Hut’, home to the Anabasis unitl the demise of the Club in 2021. Commencing with digging out the ankle-deep cattle droppings that covered the floor, the building was much improved over the years, culminating in the addition of a washroom/toilets facility in November 2014. Hoping the attached link will work (!) this is The Garth Song, dating from 1980 when The Hut had just reached its majority, at eighteen years of age. Link to the Garth Song
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One pair of mountain boots free of charge to a good home. They are in very good condition, were purchased used but then as new. I have only used them for winter climbing in the UK and have not done a lot of that in recent years. They have a fully stiffened vibram sole and are ideal for use with crampons. Thinsulate insulation, fabric and rubber upper. UK size 10, European 44.5, manufactured in Italy. I do not recognise the brand, but there is what looks like a F symbol in a mountain shape, followed by Outdoor, then Boulder-Montebelluma. Something equivalent bought new now would set you back £250. If you are interested, please E-mail me or phone 07878481541.
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I’ve been contacted by someone who has some climbing equipment (nuts on wire, ice screws, cams, etc) and guide books to give away. That’s it, FREE. The person lives in Frodsham and is not a Rucksack Club member, not anyone I know but somehow picked up my contact details from info about the Helsby-Frodsham Day Meet back in June. E-mail me if you want the contact info: dave.atkinson27@gmail.com Thanks
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Members may interested to see this picture of what to me is a surprisingly snowless Matterhorn, its south-east side taken from the Breithorn by my daughter Katie. That would be the Hornli Ridge on the right, I think. Apparently there is less snow each year and consequently an increasing risk of rock fall.
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