Author: Tim Taylor

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. 

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.