Author: Mark Jenneson

Only a few days to go and we have an exciting programme of events planned over the weekend. Activities Friday night is a free night for guest to do as they please and catch up with old friends.   I’ll be in the hotel bar from about 9:30 for anyone who wants to moan about provide constructive criticism on the running of the club. On Saturday we have several meets taking place.   Final details will be in the appropriate WhatsApp groups, so if you are not yet a member, now’s the chance to join up!    Just scan the QR code in the handbook to join.   Summary details below Cycling organised by Rae Pritchard – Approx 70km departing from the hotel at 10 prompted Running organised by Helen Pritchard – Approx 21km departing from Conway at 10:30, but lifts available from the hotel – Please contract Helen. Walking organised by Eddie Birch – Depart from outside the hotel at 10:15 Climbing – Venue TBC.   Check the climbers WhatsApp nearer the time. On Sunday there will a traditional post dinner walk leaving the Hotel at 10:30. Dinner The plan is to be seated and ready to eat by 7:30.   We will start to[…]

It is almost exactly two months until the Annual Dinner in Llandudno.  If you have not already secured the hottest tick in town, now is the time to do it.   You never know we might introduce surge pricing if demand gets too much to handle. To further encourage you I have even written you a poem (with the help of AI) Booking form is here, but if this too complicated / does not work you can just email me at markjenneson@gmail.com https://rucksackclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/RUCKSACK-CLUB-ANNUAL-DINNER-2024-BOOKING-FORM.docx   The wind whips cold, the seagulls cry, November’s chill hangs in the sky. Llandudno’s charm, a coastal grace, The Rucksack Club, a gathering place. From craggy peaks, and icy slopes, We gather here, to share our hopes, Of climbs to come, and tales untold, Of friendships forged, in stories bold. The table groans, with feast and cheer, The laughter rings, dispelling fear. Of icy winds and frozen ground, A warmth we find, in friends around. The stories flow, of daring feats, Of epic climbs, and daring meets, With nature’s wrath, and mountain’s might, We celebrate, the conquering fight. From Snowdon’s heights, to Scafell’s crest, We share the joy, of being blessed, With such a club, so strong[…]

With Dom’s time now been monopolised by the BMC the club needs a new Indoor Meet organiser.   This is a great opportunity to get involved in helping to run an important aspect of the Club.   Dom kindly dropped me some bullets and what the job entails, and I have copied the whole message below.  As Dom highlights there are lots of ‘helpers’ available and so if you take on the role you won’t be left to fend for yourself.   Interested parties please get in touch.   Hi Mark. In all the Olympics excitement I forgot to respond to your question about indoor meet organiser. Here goes: – 6 “indoor meets” a year, notionally 2nd Tuesday Oct through March.  3 in person & 3 on zoom – mostly Club speakers with up to one paid-for face to face star speaker per year – main tasks – book room/zoom, host/MC, find speakers – there’s lots of potential help with this e.g. from David Nightingale on zoom, Mark and others who can MC, me (Dom) who can help with venue and speakers – 2 speakers already lined up for 2024/25 – Dom is exploring the possibility of teaming up with a couple of[…]

Don’t forget – If you want a club arranged hotel room for the dinner I need to know this week.   We have had a great response so far and the good news is there are no limits, we can fit everyone in! Dinner information copied below to save you looking for it.   Yes, its the news you have all been waiting for, the 2024 Annual Dinner will be held at the Imperial Hotel Llandudno on Saturday 9th November. The Imperial Hotel Llandudno, North Wales | Official Site Another new venue for the club, and a location that should provide many options for members to amuse themselves.    Whether that is on one of our organised dinner weekend activities (Walking, Cycling, Running and Climbing meets are already planned) or by doing your own thing in the area is up to you.   Just make sure you are at the Imperial Hotel on Saturday night to celebrate 122 years of the Rucksack Club.   While 122 years does not have the same ring as last years coming of age plus a 100, it will still be a night not to be missed. The Imperial Hotel is nicer than recent hotels we have stayed in (swimming[…]

Yes, its the news you have all been waiting for, the 2024 Annual Dinner will be held at the Imperial Hotel Llandudno on Saturday 9th November. The Imperial Hotel Llandudno, North Wales | Official Site Another new venue for the club, and a location that should provide many options for members to amuse themselves.    Whether that is on one of our organised dinner weekend activities (Walking, Cycling, Running and Climbing meets are already planned) or by doing your own thing in the area is up to you.   Just make sure you are at the Imperial Hotel on Saturday night to celebrate 122 years of the Rucksack Club.   While 122 years does not have the same ring as last years coming of age plus a 100, it will still be a night not to be missed. The Imperial Hotel is nicer than recent hotels we have stayed in (swimming pool / spa etc) but this does make it slightly more expensive.   We have again managed to secure a special Rucksack Club discount rate, but in order to get this we need to centrally manage the bookings again (see booking form for details).    The great thing about Llandudno though is that if[…]

Eight Rucksackers are booked, packed and sat at home patiently sharpening their tools ready for the Tatras mountains. The great news is we have two spare beds booked at Morskie Oko hut (About us | Morskie Oko Mountain Hut (schroniskomorskieoko.pl)).   So, if anybody missed out on the original meet notice there is a second chance to join us.   Most people are flying out from Manchester on Thursday Feb 22nd and back late on the Thursday Feb 29th but not all.   The meet really starts at 7:30am on the Friday the 23rd at Krakow bus depot, from which two busses and horse drawn sled will get us to Morskie Oko. If you interested, please let me know by Sunday 21 Jan, so that I cancel the extra beds in good time.    

I know, I know, I promised no more posts.   However, a Rucksacker booked into one the club hotel rooms for the annual dinner can no longer make the dinner.   So we have classic double room available.     So if you missed the boat earlier you have one last chance.   The cost is £84 for two people sharing or £77 for single occupancy including breakfast.  The room is available Friday night, or Saturday night or both. Please email or WhatsApp if you are interested.

Actually lots of good news. 1 – this is the last time I will ever post about the 2023 Annual Dinner, I promise! 2 – the long range weather forecast looks great, a perfect weekend for walking, cycling and climbing 3 – there are 100 people coming to the dinner, and the really good news is that there is still time to sign up.   Although the final deadline is rapidly approaching and I need to know by next Friday (27th) at the latest.   No need to scan forms etc. if you want to come just drop me an email and I can get you signed up. The final details For those attending on Friday evening there is no fixed time for dinner in the hotel, but we will be aiming to sit down in the restaurant between 7 and 7:30. On Saturday night, the plan is as follows From 6:00 – Pre-dinner drinks in the main bar 6:45 – Start to take our seats for dinner 7:00 – Talk by Jon Morgan 7:30 – Dinner will be served The picture on the left is based on the 1929 RC dinner menu by Arthur Burns.