The AGM returned for a second year to the Pennine Mountaineering Club hut at Stoney Middleton. This was a great venue and close to some excellent walking and climbing. On Friday afternoon, the early arrivers headed to Birchen and reminded ourselves about how to climb on the grit. It was good to welcome Rob over from Sweden. The other Scandi members who hoped to join us on Friday evening got stuck in Manchester airport overnight because of delayed flights. However, normal service was resumed with their arrival on Saturday morning with Jim waking us up before 7am and encouraging an early start at Stanage.
We had a wonderful day on the rock. Even though it was a busy Saturday at Stanage, there was plenty of room to spread out along the crag. Notable ascents included Rob and Steven seconding James up Congo Corner (HVS 5a) and Maria seconding Tree Surgeon Dave on Mississippi Variant (HVS) and Easter Rib (E1), and both of them following James up Queersville (HVS). Around 50 routes were logged for the day, and it was great to see new member Dan making his first big foray outdoors on real rock.
After the AGM back at the hut (see the minutes elsewhere on this website), we had a meal at The Moon in Stoney. Back in the day, this used to be a real climbers’ venue. It has smartened up now and become a dining pub, but still has photos of well known mountaineering visitors on the wall. The landlady said she was pleased that we were there to bring back the tradition.
On Sunday morning, we drove up to Froggatt Edge and enjoyed more fun on the rock before heading home. James and Rob entertained us with top-rope ascents of Downhill Racer (E4 6a) and TSDave led Chris up Valkyrie (HVS). The trip finished with three generations of Buckleys at the crag – Bill, James and Joseph – the future of the club now assured!
