Author: Tim Taylor

The Meetstaff Editor writes:   The Rucksack Club again has a busy programme this March: We have a running meet based at our capacious Dunnerdale hut, High Moss, which offers some of the best fell running opportunities in the UK (7-9 March). We welcome the Karabiner Club to our great Scottish hut, Craigallan, which is attractively-situated by Loch Linnhe, for some winter mountaineering (we hope) on Ben Nevis, Glencoe and the surrounding hills (13-16 March).  We visit the FRCC hut at Brackenclose for mountain exploits in Wasdale (21-23 March). We return to Craigallan late in the month for more winter mountain activities – or will it be summer by then (28-30 March)? Best wishes          Andrew Beckett          Meetstaff Editor Harry Martin starting up the final pitch of Raeburn’s (Rob McGinnes).

Carole Smithies writes: Sad to report that Vin Birtles died on the 22nd February, just 2 weeks after the death of his wife Sylvia.  Vin who was 90 last year, joined the Club relatively late in life in 1982.  But he more than made up for that in the years that followed, leading, and joining in, many meets.  He also served on the Committee from 1985 to 1987. It was Vin’s wish that he should have a direct, that is, an unattended cremation. However, there will be a service in his memory at St. Aidan’s Church, Manchester Road, Sudden, Rochdale OL113EL at 11am on Friday 7th March, followed by a gathering at the Success to the Plough, Bolton Road Rochdale OL113LW.  Please, let me know if you intend to go, so we can let the family know.  Contact details as in the handbook.

The Meetstaff Editor writes: February can be a great month for winter mountaineering in Scotland, so we start and end the month with weekend meets at our fabulous Scottish hut, Craigallan (pictured). In between we make good use of our great hut in Eryri (Snowdonia), Beudy Mawr, for our mine exploration meet and a running meet, both weekend meets also.   But for a little climbing, cycling or running in the sun – we hope – we have a week-long meet in Costa Blanca towards the end of the month! Best wishes          Andrew Beckett          Meetstaff Editor

Carole Smithies writes: I am sure many of our older members will remember Dorothy, Vin Dillon’s wife.  Vin was President of the Club in 1972 and 73 and the founder of our High Camps, — his first was in 1964 and we’ve had 60 more since.  I regret to say Dorothy, who was 90, died on the 10th January after a very short illness.  Her daughter Sally says her mother really enjoyed her association with the Club and that she and Vin made many lifelong friends whilst pursuing their passion for walking and climbing with Club members.  So, she has asked us to publish the details of Dorothy’s funeral, in case any members want to attend. The funeral will take place at 11am on the 4th of February at the Birches Remembrance Park and Crematorium, Birches Lane, Northwich CW9 7SU.  There will a gathering afterwards at Biddulph Grange Country Park, Grange Road, Biddulph ST8 7SD, where Dorothy volunteered for many years. Please let me know if you do intend to go, so I can let the family know.  Alternatively let me know if you want Sally’s contact details. Carole

We’re pleased to make available a recently published book in which the Rucksack Club played a major part in the early days of the subject – Mountain Rescue in Scotland – by Bob Sharp.  This is an updated and expanded edition of Bob’s earlier history of mountain rescue in Scotland.   It now includes a section on the development of mountain rescue (across the UK) from the 1930s to the 1980s; a period when several Rucksack Club members including iconic figures such as Wilson Hey and Eustace Thomas played an instrumental part.  Bob has also included an historical account of all (bar one) the Scottish teams and Associations from the year they were founded up to the present day. The book is now part of the Rucksack Club Archives, click HERE to read it. A printed copy is available at £15 +pp, please use the Contact Us button under the About option on the top level menu of the website and we’ll put you in touch with Bob. Bob with Breac.

Carole Smithies writes: I regret to announce that Tony Moeller died on the 1st October last year.  Tony, who was 90 when he died, joined the Club in 1958. A full obituary will appear in the 2025 Journal.