Meet Report: 16-17 November 2019.

Following a long period of exceptionally heavy rain and in the run up to an election, 64 members and guests assembled for the 2019 Annual Dinner. By common consent political and Brexit-related topics were largely avoided. Despite indifferent weather the event was the usual social success with plenty of exercise taken by the nimbler of those gathered.

Friday afternoon saw a few arriving at Lowstern. Two took a walk from Stainforth over Smearsett and Pot Scars and back along their northern flank. Passing Stainforth Foss they saw several salmon leaping at the main waterfall but only one of them successfully gaining the next level. November is late in the season and given the swollen river it is unsurprising that most failed.

That evening a round was made of the Clapham watering holes, the Reading Room and the New Inn. The latter is now in new ownership and back in favour.

Saturday was cold and started damp. Four ascended Ingleborough from above Cold Cotes via Little Ingleborough. Their descent passed Crina Bottom before heading south to Slatenber and back to their car. While they were on this round the Club’s guest from the Wayfarers, Dave Ormerod, contacted the organiser by mobile apologising for his impending absence at the dinner due to a bug following his recent return from India. All credit to the Wayfarers, within 20 minutes they had found a replacement, Martin Tomlinson, who dusted off his dinner jacket and made his way to Settle.

Some 33 members attended the Annual General Meeting in the Settle Social Club which was chaired by the President, Rory Newman. This was followed immediately by an autobiographical presentation by the Cleveland Mountaineering Club’s John Dale. His exploratory adventures in caves and mines were illustrated by his excellent photographs spiced up with a few graphic video clips of some less edifying moments clearing obstacles.

The log fire at the Falcon Manor provided a warm welcome as all arrived for a drink and a chat before the meal. In the lobby were displayed photographs and videos of from this year’s meets to give those who hadn’t had the chance to be there a flavour of our activities.

The Falcon Manor’s food drew many compliments and the extended pauses between courses gave plenty of time for conversation and mingling but caused anxious moments for those with taxis arranged for the return to Lowstern. The brevity of the toast speeches suited the hour and the singing of “Yorkshire”  followed, led by Peter, Arthur and Ian accompanied by Anne Dover on the keyboard.

An inspection of water flow in Clapham Beck and the Ribble early on Sunday morning caused cancellation of the planned through trip from Short Drop Cave to Gavel Pot. This increased the numbers on the traditional Sunday walk to eighteen. Mick Borroff planned and led the party which was reduced by a few late arrivers at Stainforth who took modified or shortened versions of the 18km planned route.

The official route started with Stainforth Foss but increased flow rates now prevented any salmon leaping.

After Smearsett and Pot Scars a course was set for Wharfe, crossing along the way the Large party heading for Feizor.

Onward to the head of Crummack Dale via the sheep wash where lunch was taken and a text message was sent to Albert and Rachel back at Lowstern to delay the planned ham’n eggs meal as progress was a little slower than anticipated.  Not everyone had legs the length of Mick’s.

The long wall on the eastern edge of Moughton was followed south to Foredale Quarry overlook. The surprisingly exposed traverse of Moughton Scar’s ledge and descent of Moughton Nab led past Dry Rigg quarry to the minor road to Little Stainforth and a recrossing of the Ribble. The route covered new ground for several who thought they knew the area well.

The four-o’clock return to Lowstern was precisely timed to the preparation of the tea and a dozen hungry walkers tucked into the meal generously provided by Rachel and Albert.

Most then made their way home though a few lingered in Lowstern to tidy up the place on Monday morning.

The Club’s guests were:

Principal Guest, John Dale, Cleveland Mountaineering Club

Chris Elliott, Midland Association of Mountaineers

Martin Tomlinson, The Wayfarer’s Treasurer

Attending were:

Mick Borroff

John Brown

Derek Bush

Ged Campion

Bev Campion

Aaron Campion

Imogen Campion

Peter Chadwick

Robert Crowther

Ian Crowther

Karen Levine

John Dale, Cleveland MC

Richard Dover

Ann Dover

Paul Dover

Anne Dover

Andy Eavis

Lilian Eavis

Chris Elliott, MAM

Christine Elliott

Darrell Farrant

Ken Coote

Richard Gowing

Dorothy Heaton

Christopher Hilton

Jeff Hooper

Fiona Humphreys

Jason Humphreys

Judy Humphreys

Rebecca Humphreys

John Jenkin

Tim Josephy

David Large

Geraldine Lally

Alan Linford

Angela Linford

Anne Lofthouse

Tim Lofthouse

Harvey Lomas

John Lovett

John Middleton

Valerie Middleton

Rory Newman, President

Anca Pordea

Jason Lees

Ann Salmon

Arthur Salmon

Trevor Salmon

Barbara Salmon

Conrad Murphy

Michael Smith

Helen Smith

Richard Smith

Felicity Roberts

Richard Taylor

Gail Taylor

Martin Tomlinson, Wayfarer

Martyn Trasler

Nick Welch

Carol Whalley

John Whalley

Frank Wilkinson

64 attending: 42 members and 22 guests