Author: Tim Taylor

John Patrick, warden of Craigallan, writes: Corran Ferry Following a recent stay at Craigallan Chris Dodd has sent helpful information about the long term problem affecting the Corran Ferry.  Anyone visiting Western Scotland might like to be aware that there is currently no vehicle ferry to Ardgour. Changes and updates can be found on The Highland Council website. It now sounds as though the relief vessel is no longer operating, there is a shuttle bus service – https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/20024/corran_ferry/812/corran_ferry_timetable_and_fares

Carole Smithies writes: Peter Greenaway, who joined the Club in 1963, passed away on Sunday 19th February. His funeral will now take place on Thursday 8th June with a Service at: All Saints Church Fulham, London SW6 3LA at 4pm, followed by: afternoon tea/drinks at the Hurlingham Club, Ranelagh Gardens, London SW6 3PR. Please, let me know if you intend to go, so I can let the family know. Contact details in Handbook.

Carole Smithies writes: We have just been informed that John Maguire who joined the Club in 1963,died on the 6th of September last year.  In 2021, John published First Poems at last, a book of poems which reflected a lifetime’s passion for mountains and remote places, [see Meetstaff April 2022 p32].

Carole Smithies writes: More sad news I’m afraid.  Arthur Howcroft, who was 96, passed away on Saturday 25th February.  Arthur only joined the Club in 2000, but he quickly became a stalwart of the Wednesday Walkers. The funeral will be on Thursday 30th March at 1pm in the Rowan Chapel at Stockport Crematorium.  I understand Arthur planned every detail of his funeral well in advance and it will very much reflect his passion for walking and the mountains.  He even left instructions as to what walking gear he wished to be cremated in -including his red bobble hat! Arthur wanted his funeral to be a celebration of his life.  So, after the service, do join his friends and family at the Heaton Sports Club, Green Lane, Stockport SK4 2NF for refreshments and to share your memories. Please, let me know if you will be at the funeral and/or the get-together, so I can let the family know. Contact details in Handbook.

Carole Smithies writes: Sad to report Peter Greenaway, who joined the Club in 1963, passed away on Sunday 19th February.  He was a Vice President in 2003.  Peter who turned 90 last year was a very active member of the London Section of the Club for many years. He chaired the LS Committee from 1998 to 2001.   I will post the arrangements for his funeral as soon as I receive them.

Carole Smithies writes: Sad to report Trevor Hart, who joined the Club in 1963, passed away on Tuesday 14th February.  After he and his family moved South, Trevor was a very active member of the London Section of the Club. He chaired the LS Committee from 1996 to 1999. Trevor’s funeral which took place on 2nd March was for the family only.  Afterwards, they celebrated Trevor’s life by going for a walk and a pub lunch.

John Patrick, Craigallan warden writes: Craigallan Winter Bookings I have a high occupancy rate at Craigallan this winter so I hope this update may be useful. We have three Rucksack Club meets to look forward to at the hut over the winter period so please contact the meet organisers directly to book in.  The snow is building up nicely. There is some midweek availability but weekends are pretty full.  When other clubs are using Craigallan I am always happy to ask if there is space for small groups of our Members so it might be worth checking even when a club booking is in place.  This arrangement usually works well.  Those in charge of external bookings often have late changes in numbers and they know that RC Members may ask at short notice. Please remember that our current health guidance requires booking in advance. Weekend Bookings are as follows January 28/29. Rucksack Club meet – Ros Murray February 4/5. MUMC meet (expected to be full) February 11/12. Five beds booked February 18/19. Merseyside Mountaineering Club February 25/26. Rucksack Club meet – Kevin Wheeler March 4/5. Climbers Club March 11/12. Austrian Alpine Club March 18/19. Rucksack Club meet – Danny Struggles[…]

Neil Goldsmith, our Journal Editor writes: When the 2022 Journal lands on your doormat sometime in February or March, you will notice that it is thin by normal standards.  That is simply because I received fewer articles than normal despite several attempts to engender a response from the membership.  With one exception, articles are from the usual suspects.  There are no women represented and only one author not of a certain age.  I am told that Club members are out there doing stuff, but they clearly don’t feel the need to write it down and let the rest of the Club know about it. When I raised the topic of the future of the Journal in the digital age earlier in the year, I was assured that it was valued, people like to have a book in their hands.  To exist it needs contributors.  I can only publish what I receive. It might be that it is simply that I am no longer very active in Club activities and this means that I do not encounter members (particularly younger members) who are doing noteworthy things who I can then badger to produce an article.  The fact remains that we need[…]