Author: Tim Taylor

Carole Smithies writes: I can now confirm that it was Tom’s wish that he should have a direct, that is, an unattended cremation. However, there will be a celebration of his life later.  I will let you know the details in due course. Carole wrote earlier: It is with great regret that I have to inform you that Tom Waghorn died last Saturday, the 30th November. Tom joined the Club in April 1955 and in 2021, he became the Father of the Club.  More details will follow. Carole Smithies

The Meetstaff Editor writes: Before getting carried away with mince pies and turkey, the Rucksack Club have some hill business to pursue: This year our Annual Hotpot Walk and Christmas Quiz will take us over the hills from Hope (The Old Hall Hotel in Hope, Hope Valley S33 6RH) to Edale and back, where the hotpot and quiz will await.  Meet 09.30 for 10.00am departure. We prepare to celebrate Hogmanay at our Scottish hut, Craigallan; if fortune favours the brave, we may have snow on the hills to welcome us.  28th December – 2 January. The photo is from John Beatty to illustrate the Hotpot Walk.  Andrew Beckett Meetstaff Editor

Carole Smithies writes: I regret to say that Rob Fowler who joined the Club earlier this year, died on the 24th August.

Bev Burrage who joined the Club in 1959, died on 5th November.  His wife has supplied details of his funeral: I am deeply saddened to share that Bev Burrage died peacefully on Tuesday, November 5. Bev was a cherished part of our lives, and his presence will be sorely missed by all who knew him. A funeral service will be held on: Date: Friday November 29 Time: 14:00 Place: Macclesfield Crematorium 3 Prestbury Road, Macclesfield, SK10 3BU. Following the service, we invite you to join us for an afternoon tea at Sutton Hall, Bullocks Lane, Macclesfield, SK11 0HE. Your support and condolences are greatly appreciated during this time. Warm regards, Jean Burrage Please, let Carole Smithies know if you will be at the funeral, so we can let the family know.  Contact details as in the handbook.  

The Meetstaff Editor writes: Late autumn can give some fabulous days in the hills – given luck with the weather – so the Rucksack Club has full programme to make the best of it: Our Annual Dinner Meet is always a great opportunity to meet up with old friends in the Club, to meet new members and, of course, to get out onto the hills. This year we’re in Llandudno (8th-10th) with Er Eryri (Snowdonia) on the doorstep. Then we’re back to Wales for a walking and running meet based at our cosy Beudy Mawr hut in the heart of the hills (15th-17th).  But we’re not neglecting our superb Lake District hut, High Moss, as we will be resurrecting a renown meet from the past, our Famous Haggis Meet (22nd-24th). Also on 23rd we have a day walk of 10-12 miles from Todmorden exploring the delights of the Calder Valley. (Note that this is the revised date.) We complete the month with another day walk, this time from Chinley heading for Edale (30th). As it’s a joint meet with the BMC, we have the opportunity to demonstrate to a wider circle the energy and enthusiasm of our Club and the[…]