Hertfordshire Mountaineering Club
Dear HMC Members
Spring has arrived and the great thaw is on its way, but there should still be on some snow and ice on the hills for a while yet. Snowdonia lived up to its name when the HMC had their February trip to Cyn Dyli Hut during a weekend of fierce weather thanks to a long and continuing weather front right across north Wales. Typical! The stalwart members of the HMC, still headed out into the ferocious westerly winds though summit attempts were pretty much out the window.
There are still tickets left for the Banff Mountain Film Festival in London’s Union Chapel, Islington next week. If you’ve not been to se one of their films before its a great way to see extreme people undertaking extreme physical challenges in extreme environments. Check it out here:
http://www.banff-uk.com/
For our Easter trip we’ll be heading north of the boarder to venture into the wilds that is the Cairngorm National Park. We have secured 8 places at the award winning modern hostel offering cheap, self-catering accommodation but there is only 1 place left (at the time of writing). Book your place now to avoid disappointment.
Quiet, central location beside the River Spey and 5 minutes walk from shops, pubs, cafes, train and coach station. All bedlinen and towels provided. Free WiFi. Fully equipped self-catering kitchen. Cycle storage and car parking.
The Hostel has a drying room with heated boot rack. Coffee, tea and sugar is provided in the kitchen. It is located only 5 minutes from Aviemore railway station.
FYI – Other accommodation opportunities are available in Aviemore (eg SYHA) so don’t worry if all HMC places are booked up.
The magnificence of the Cairngorm National Park cannot be over emphasised but please do sign up to receive updates for the Scottish Avalanche Information Service http://www.sais.gov.uk/ before venturing out onto the hills.
Cairngorm National Park – our trip in March may have some white stuff all over it
In April, we will be heading back to Snowdonia for our Annual Dinner Meet and staying in the Pen Ceunant Hut. Hopefully we won’t have a persistent weather front right on top of us this time. The Hut can be found on the tourist path up Snowdon about 300m above Llanberis, Caenarfon.
There is ample parking outside the hut. From the hut there are wonderful views across the valley to Moel Eileo and also across Llanberis pass to Elidir Fawr. The accommodation consists of a common room, dining room, kitchen, Male and Female toilets and washing facilities, a shower and a drying room.
The Kitchen is fully equipped with a gas cooker, cooking hobs and microwave cookers. There are also fridges, kettles and toasters. All cutlery, crockery and cooking pot and utensils are present There is also a sink with a hot water heater. A group meal for the dinner will be organised nearer the time
The recognisable Snowdon Horseshoe and the hut we’ll be staying in
The AGM of the HMC this year will be held on Tuesday 19 April at 7:30 in Costwold, St Albans. We’ll be reviewing how the club is doing and its a great opportunity for members to have their say on any subject of the club. There will also be the usual elections for all committee positions so if you have an idea about the running of the club or want more involvement why not put yourself forward for a position.
The HMC will be looking for a new Chairman as Paul Hearn has decided to stand down having served five consecutive years on committee. Thanks Paul for all your hard work over the last five years.
If you are interested in a position and want to find out more, just speak to a member of the current committee about what we do. Doors open at 6:30 for time to stock up on some new kit.
A remote valley with towering mountains, cascading screes and a moody lake, Wasdale is an adventurer’s paradise. Whether you arrive by car, on foot or on a bike, the route into the valley is a challenge but the rewards are second to none.
Our campsite sits between Wastwater and Wasdale Head and provides immediate access to the highest fells in the Lake District, including England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike.
We are staying in the fantastic National Trust Campsite.The club has booked the campsite and paid in full, hence the money required prior to attending the event.
Wasdale Valley in full glory!
HMC Membership Renewal for 2016
The HMC membership fee from the start of 2016 is £22. The new membership fee covers the BMC subscription fees and will also help the club to maintain a healthy financial position to continue to support future events.
If you are renewing your membership for 2016, fees can be made by:
– e-bank transfer to the HMC account (SC 20-74-09) (AC 90371467) – please notify the treasurer by email
– sending a cheque made payable to the Hertfordshire Mountaineering Club (not HMC) to the treasurer or secretary.
– cash given to committee members at the pub socials.
Please note that if any of your contact or address details have changed since your last renewal please complete a HMC membership form providing your new details and send it to the Secretary together with your membership fee. Membership forms can be downloaded from here http://www.thehmc.co.uk/membership/
The opportunity to renew your membership expires after the 31 March to coincide with the HMC’s requirement to update subscription fees to the BMC each quarter.
IMPORTANT: Please note that membership privileges on the HMC website will only be available to members who have renewed by 31st March. Please renew by this date to ensure that you can continue to enjoy the HMC benefits including booking on events and receiving email updates.
Don’t forget that as a demonstration of support for our mountain rescue services in 2016, the HMC is offering the option to make an additional discretionary contribution of £3 as part of the membership renewal which will be given to a nominated mountain rescue charity. The contribution will be entirely optional. If you wish to make a contribution please add £3 to your membership fee.
All the best
Steve Deaville
HMC Secretary