Andrew Williamson on behalf of 4 CUHWC Members, March 2011

Following the success of last year’s First Aid Course, the club decided to run a second this year, bringing back the fantastic instructor, Louise. This was to be the same as the one from the year before: a Level 2 Wilderness First Aid Course. This aims to cover basic first aid skills, but places more of an emphasis on how casualties are to be dealt with in exposed and remote environments, as opposed to urban ones, where emergency services are seldom more than several minutes from the casualty (as opposed to hours in wilderness environments). Louise’s knowledge of many different scenarios and how to deal with them was truly first class. She has also had first-hand experience of dealing with many of the problems with which we dealt, thus being able to root the theory in real-life examples. The course was run at Girton, giving many who weren’t at Girton the opportunity to actually visit too. While the hillwalkers on this year’s course will still in greatest number (six of us - only four of them applied for and received AGTF funding), there were a few from other societies too, in order to fill the course – four from the Cambridge University Travellers’ and Explorers’ Club and one from the Cambridge University Rambling Club. One person had to pull out on the morning of the course.

Those who had been on first aid courses before (not many of us) recalled the standard ABC procedure for checking casualties. This was expanded to AAABCDEEE, with each letter representing the following: Assess Incident, Assess Patient, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Damage, Emotional Care, Environmental Consideration and Evacuation. It wasn’t long after the initial theory of the day that we were undertaking our first practical, which involved the AAABC letters of the above sequence. The day continued to focus on these aspects. Practicals and scenarios were in abundance, with the theory being nicely broken up by these. The grass and wooded area outside the room in Girton were ideal for these; although, initially we had used the middle of a small road due to the grass being wet… Thankfully this didn’t result in any real first-aid incidents. Being able to lie unconsciously was particularly appealing given many of those taking part were shattered after the second Cambridge term of the year. Some superb acting was seen during other scenarios, where participants were asked to have pretend panic attacks or otherwise. The first day concluded with some CPR-training on Little Anne, who failed to come around as a result. Given there is only a 0.02% chance of this occurring if the heart stopping wasn’t caused as a result of drowning or a lightning strike, I can’t say any of us were particularly optimistic to begin with anyway.

The second day moved onto the D (Damages) section of the sequence. These are normally the things that one will have to deal with in a first aid situation, including burns, cuts and fractures. There was also some work on spinal injuries, although Louise said she hoped none of us would ever have to deal with such things as it would really be a nightmare. Nevertheless, log rolls onto spinal boards were practised. Our scenarios during the second day moved into Girton’s Orchard, near to where lacrosse matches were being played. One of Girton’s second-year match commentators was particularly eager to ensure that we weren’t tourists trying to steal the Orchard’s apples (in March..?)! I think we did have a couple of ‘deaths’ over the two days’ worth of scenarios, but relative to the number of scenarios completed, this is probably acceptable. Some discussion of altitude was included in the day at one participant’s request. The day finished with some talk of what should be included in a first aid kit. SAM splints were something many of us hadn't heard of before the course, but which we now all thought were key first-aid items and as such will purchase one. During one scenario, one participant also demonstrated how this can be immensely useful for punishing a casualty whose illness had been stupidly self-inflicted as a result of lack of water and food...

I can say with some certainty that all had enjoyed the days and were now (more) equipped with the skills to deal with first aid incidents in mountain (desert, rainforest, river or volcano) environments. Hopefully, such incidents won’t need to be dealt with anytime soon, but having the skills to be able to do so makes us all much more confident about enjoying the time we do spend outdoors. (Only weeks after last year’s First Aid Course, several members did have to deal with a casualty on a canoeing trip; let’s hope this isn’t repeated this year.)

Anyone considering doing such a course in the future is strongly recommended to do so; everybody who regularly goes to such exposed and dangerous environments should be equipped with these skills. Of course, they also come in useful in urban environments too.

Andrew Williamson, 21 March 2011

Elena Yudovina, March 2011

The two-day winter skills course in the Highlands (Torridon) was an excellent introduction to winter mountaineering, covering the basics of moving on the snow, stopping yourself from moving on the snow, belaying, and abseiling. The NineOneSix instructors were very friendly and knowledgeable, especially about the local mountains (and where to find snow at the end of March), and open to suggestions of what to cover in the course. At a price of £87 for a two-day course and accommodation, it’s also a bargain!

Joe Hobbs on behalf of CUHWC, June 2010

Seemingly minor first aid incidents can rapidly become very serious in a wilderness situation where exposed to the elements and with no immediate access to hospital facilities and carrying only minimal amounts of equipment (ie when hillwalking). Priorities change and first aid becomes a much more inventive process of ‘making do’ with what you do have with you. A group of Cambridge hillwalkers attended a two-day wilderness first aid course at the end of Easter term 2010, in order to learn effective first aid knowledge, procedures and skills for a ‘wilderness’ situation...

Thursday dawned bright and early (very early for those who had returned home at dawn from May Week festivities...) and a group of fresh (and not so fresh)-faced hillwalkers found their way to Jesus forum ready to begin the eagerly anticipated Wilderness First Aid Course. Introductions revealed the tremendous scope of participants’ outdoor activities and the (rather limited) extent of prior wilderness first aid knowledge. Nevertheless, our trainer Louise was undaunted and optimistic. The day’s proceedings got off to a fascinating start, with an abundance of acronyms and acrostics to guide us through the twists and turns of basic wilderness first aid knowledge. Theory was complimented by practice throughout, with participants donning sunhats and shades to venture out into the ‘wilderness’ of Jesus College gardens for ‘live’ scenarios. Significant sleep-deprivation failed to manifest itself, even in unconscious casualties, and panic attacks were definitely energy-abundant, whether triggered by trees, feathers or other unusual ‘phobias’. On Friday, participants progressed to broken bones, allergies, serious wounds and spinal injuries. Unfortunately, having been told that spinal injuries can only occur after a 1m drop or a collision with a speed difference of 30mph, one participant demonstrated that it is all too easy for the memory to combine these conditions so that a 30m drop is needed before ‘spinals’ become worthy of consideration... Nonetheless, much was learned in the relaxed but conscientious atmosphere.

Overall, the course was a resounding success, teaching an enormous amount to all and much enjoyed. We greatly appreciated the knowledge and wisdom passed onto us by our brilliant trainer, Louise. But this appreciation became particularly real when a number of us found the need to apply our newly acquired skills less than a fortnight later, on an unofficial trip to the wild backwaters of the Norfolk Broads. It was a shock for some to see real blood in place of stripy green and yellow gaffa tape, to the extent that one casualty almost became two... However, the situation was salvaged by the other capable wilderness first aiders, with the help of a positive group spirit (bordering on general amusement), some trusty latex gloves (unfortunately a pair which had already had an intimate acquaintance with Jesus’ gardens) and copious amounts of duct tape (note: in climates liable to see some sun –probably no need to worry about Scotland or the Lake District – choose SILVER rather than BLACK duct tape, in order to avoid burns). Within two more days, wilderness first aid experiences multiplied to include severe shock, high impact collisions (human on human...), phobias (of fish...?) and grievous burning of the tongue (surprisingly difficult to hold under running water for an entire minute...). I hasten to reassure readers that none of these injuries were incurred whilst actually hillwalking. However, it only goes to show that the skills learned in a Wilderness First Aid course can come in handy in almost any setting or situation.

Report written by Kirsty Brown, 11/08/2010

Simon Willliams, Summer 2009

The ML training course run by Plas y Brenin is an excellent course for competent and experienced hillwalkers. In 6 days it covers pretty much all areas of hillwalking skills including advanced navigation, emergency ropework, emergency procedures, group leadership and campcraft. It develops your knowledge of the weather, the environment and the landscape.

The centre is very well run, the rooms are smart, the food excellent and the staff friendly and excellent teachers. The cost may be high but it is well worth it.

Ian Patrick, July 2009

Grant recipient(s): Ian Patrick
Course description: ISM Student Alpine Week
Course cost: £635
Grant awarded: £50

In summer 2009 I went on the Student Alpine Week course offered by the ISM, based in Leysin and operating throughout the Swiss Valais. The course focuses on providing someone with hill walking and a little climbing experience with the skills necessary to be a safe alpine mountaineer.

The course covered all of the necessary techniques to get started in mountaineering, and included many of the skills needed for scrambling and winter walking in the UK. Our guide was friendly and helpful, and tailored the course to suit the group as the week went on. We managed successful ascents of the Pigne de la Le and the Pigne d’Arolla.

After the course we held the club trip at Saas Grund, where we climbed the Alphubel (4206m) – I definitely feel capable of mountaineering with friends unguided after my experiences on the course.

The course is excellent value compared to similar non-student courses, and I thoroughly recommend it to any experienced walker itching to get up some alpine peaks!

Valerie Brandt, June 2009

A great course for those new to navigation is the Pete Hawkins Bronze map and compass course. You will be introduced to the nuances of navigating over the course of two evening lectures and two practice days in Tideswell, in the Peak District.

Pete goes beyond the Bronze syllabus and allows you to practise not just map reading, but also compass navigation in a small group setting. Pete has 25+ years of hillwalking experience, and knows how to tailor the course at an individualised level, making him an ideal teacher.

I learned a whole lot in a really relaxed atmosphere, and the course was easy to get to by public transportation. If you need a place to stay, I recommend Poppies B&B as is it as cheap as a youth hostel, is ideally situated for the course, and is actually quite nice! I certainly would recommend this course for beginner navigators!

Dave Farrow, 2009

The outdoor first aid course I attended was refreshingly different in content and way of teaching to other first aid courses I have been on previously. The excellent quality of teaching and interactive scenarios was a great way to learn, not just about treatment but also about the victim's point of view.

It was a hard two days, with over 8 hours teaching both days, but the result is well worth it. Since the course, I have felt much more confident about treating people in the outdoors and would recommend every hillwalker to do a similar course.

Caroline Hepburn, January 2009

On the first day of the unofficial New Year trip to Corrour, those of us who hadn't done any winter walking before hired a guide to teach us anything he thought we needed to know. We learned to walk using crampons and ice axes - uphill, downhill and sideways - and practised slipping (in my case often unintentionally) and grabbing the ice axe.

Learning ice axe arrests was good fun although our instructor felt we should concentrate on not needing to do one. We even tried some very easy "ice-scrambling". I discovered the truth in the phrase "the right tool for the right job" - in other words if you try to put Dave's size eleven crampons on Caroline's size four boots, Caroline will spend a lot of time carrying one of them.

Dave Farrow, Alex Pericleous and Simon Williams, Summer 2008

The Student Alpine Week course run by the International School of Mountaineering was attended by Simon Williams, Alex Pericleous, and Dave Farrow. They were also some duffers on the course. It started with two days of rock climbing, via Ferrata and general skills on mountains.

The third day was spent walking up to the Cabine D'Orny, where we learnt the basic of glacier travel, the use of ice axe and crampons, and roping up. The next morning we made an alpine start to cross the Trient glacier before a scramble, alpine style up the Agille Du Tour. The last day was spent on a rocky peak near the hut before walking out.

Many skills were learnt, and others improved, that will allow us to maximise our enjoyment and safety in the British hills. The quality of instruction was excellent, with the guides teaching rather than guiding and always willing to answer questions with well-reasoned answers. We would recommend anyone thinking of alpine peaks, winter routes in the UK or simply some fun and adventure to consider the ISM courses or similar ones run elsewhere.

Caroline Hepburn and Alex Pericleous, Summer 2008

Over the summer Alex Pericleous and Caroline Hepburn went to deepest darkest Sussex for a two day wilderness first aid course. After initial chaos (including nearly having to spend Friday night in a bus shelter) we were picked up in a landrover and taken to where we were meant to be. The first aid course took place in a forested area where we set up camp and were warned that if the rain came we'd still be first-aiding.

We practiced various techniques for bandaging, splinting, and recovery-positioning on each other. We improvised stretchers and splints from logs, coats, ropes, roll mats and pieces of rucksack frame and Alex (perhaps foolishly) allowed himself to be tied in a sleeping bag to a stretcher in order to be "carried off the hill". The resusi-ann was duly given CPR and even attacked with a defibrillator but as usual nothing could be done to bring her round. We learnt the signs of and how to deal with hyper- and hypothermia. We dealt with spinal injuries and made cervical collars from roll mats and triangular bandages.

The main feature of the course other than the teaching were the scenarios. These were very realistic (fake blood included) and we were told at the beginning to do exactly what we would really do. It's a lot harder to cut through a pair of trousers than it looks. Our scenarios were 1) walking along and randomly seeing a man lying unconscious in a stream (hopefully shouldn't happen too often), and 2) a member of our group went for the midnight toilet break and fell down a gully.

Since we were camping on site we were shown how to light fires using sticks and bows, although I don't think any of us managed it, and we built a shelter made of sticks and leaves. Apparently people have spent the night in these things and they are quite warm, but you tend to wake up covered in slugs. No one volunteered to try out ours! The course was very practical and useful for situations where you may find yourself somewhere where an ambulance won't get there in five minutes (up a hill maybe). We were encouraged to improvise in the lack of proper equipment - although triangular bandages have seemingly infinite uses.

Alex Tuck, December 2007

Grant recipient(s): Alex Tuck
Course description: 2-day Winter Skills course in the Cairngorms with Alpha Mountaineering
Course cost: £100
Grant awarded: £70

This course provided an ideal introduction to winter walking, and was very appropriate for the types of conditions that might be experienced on a club trip in winter. The course covered the use of ice axes and crampons, crossing/ascending/descending snow slopes, emergency belaying techniques, emergency shelter construction and testing for avalanche-prone conditions.

The skills acquired from this course will (and have already) be useful both for weekend and holiday trips in winter, as well as unofficial club trips (of which there currently seem to be an increasing number). I would encourage more grants to be made for this type of course, as these skills are only really useful if everyone in a walking group has them – so the more people in the club proficient in winter walking, the more opportunities there will be to put them into practise.

The guide, Nick Carter, was excellent. He seemed fairly competitively priced, and was extremely knowledgeable. We combined learning new skills with having decent walks (and bagging Cairn Gorm in the process!), and Nick was very efficient at replying to correspondence. He added some photos of our 2 days to his website, and provided a CD with many other photos on. I would definitely recommend him to others wanting a guide in Scotland – for walking, scrambling or climbing.

Will Carroll, August 2007

David Crosse, December 2006

First Aid is both about the basic knowledge to make a potentially life-saving difference and about having the confidence to deal with a medical situation. Being a regular hillwalker and also a classic Cambridge undergraduate medical student [i.e. one who might be able to tell you the metabolic intermediates in the Krebs Cycle or what receptors mepyramine works at (actually I probably can't tell you these anymore) but wouldn't have a clue about how to actually do anything], I though it was time I learned some useful practical skills!

The first day involved an introduction to first aid (with some refreshingly simple physiology), followed by practising putting people in the recovery position and doing CPR on (although it seemed more like trying to do GBH to) Annie, from which arose the important question of why all female resuscitation manikins have this name. We also looked at burns, choking and seizures. On the second day we dealt with bleeding and bone and muscle injuries and practised tying bandages and slings while our instructor regaled us with stories of all the bits of fingers cleared from the cutting machines in the factory he once worked in. Allergic reactions, shock, bites and stings, burns, hypothermia and low blood sugar were also dealt with. A special question about how to deal with broken teeth, should someone in a group manage to fall on a rock (Alex!) then brought that day to a close.

The two-day Activity First Aid Course was certainly an extremely good general introduction to First Aid if you have not done any before, and it is a suitable course for those wishing to do ML. The course is designed for those involved with outdoor activities and, indeed, all 5 of us on the course had specific involvement with such activities. That said, the "Emergency First Aid" or "Mountain First Aid" courses such as those run at Plas-y-Brenin would have more direct relevance to hillwalking, but in terms of value-for-money and convenience I suspect the St John Ambulance Activity course is one of the best around.

AGM Agenda, 7th February 2012

The agenda for the Annual General Meeting on 7th February 2012 is available to download by clicking the link below.

AGM Agenda, 8th February 2011

The agenda is available to download by clicking on the link below.

AGM Minutes, Tuesday 8th February 2011

Minutes for CUHWC AGM, 08/02/2011

Chair: Miss Jo Smith

Secretary: Miss Kirsty Brown

Apologies for Absence

• Ian Patrick
• David Pettit
• Rob Halbert
• David Ponting
• Mohammad Dmour
• Jon Matthews

President’s Report

(longer than Dave’s...)

For more information about this year’s trips, look at reports on the CUHWC website.

Statistics (as they seem to be popular):

• Of 41 new members attending Edale, 12 (29%) came back to a second trip (last year, 21%, previous year, 32%, so roughly comparable), and 1 came back on all 6 trips since.
• 77 new members this year, again more than last year (67), though less (fewer – Michael F) than the previous year (116).
• 7 people came on more than 9 trips out of a total of 14 trips (if you count day trips, which Dave F does not).
• Jo came on the most trips (13/14) and 2 people came on 11 (both committee members).
• There was nobody who only came on a day trip but no other trips, so day trips do not appear to appeal to entirely different audiences.
• In conclusion, most numbers and percentages are higher than last year, so the club is doing well.

Socials

• There have been a lot of club socials this year, and a great number of people came to these socials.
• Thanks to Jane and Bethan, and also to those who have booked formal halls at their colleges.
• Lunches every week.
• Pub meets every week – attempted earlier start time but hasn’t kicked off – inclined not to advertise it, and if people want to come earlier occasionally they should email the discuss list.
• Formals (Girton, Fitz, Jesus, Emma, Lucy).
• Excellent garden party + punting trip.
• Christmas curry.
• Annual dinner on Saturday.
• Unofficial (discuss list).
• A new club swimming social was introduced- will possibly be repeated (affirmed by Joe H).

Members

• There are 149 current members, roughly the same as last year and few fewer than in previous years (190 in 2009; 231 in 2008).
• The number of current members is expected to decrease over the next few years because of the change to the membership options. As there is now only annual membership from the date of payment available, there will be no current members who are inactive for more than 12 months.
• The Societies’ Syndicate seems happy with the changes to club membership options.
• The Syndicate grant is now for transport rather than BMC affiliation.
• Cost of membership now covers only BMC affiliation plus a little extra for kit.

Transport

• There are currently quite a few minibus drivers, but we always welcome more.
• Tom A has driven the minibus on most trips.
• Mohammad’s contribution to driving the minibus as a new member this year has been very helpful.
• Further interest expressed by Michael, Jo, Rowena - Possibility of a ‘try-it-out’ day.
• In general there has been no problem finding car drivers for trips this year.
• Good to rotate so people do not have to drive on every trip.

Other News

• The first edition of a new club journal, ‘High Society’, was released this year, edited by Dave F. This is intended to be an annual publication, and will hopefully be continued in future years, edited by the most recent ex-president. Jo is happy to produce one this summer.

• Thanks to Matthew for the new website, which looks great, is easy to navigate and is kept more up-to-date than the previous one. There are inevitably still a few things to sort out, such as enabling people to upload their own photos from trips. An online membership form and a way of integrating payment with this have been suggested. However, most online payment systems require a monthly fee, or an added payment for the person making a transaction. The increased ease of online payment is possibly not worth the extra cost, although cheques may become less common.

• There have been some very keen new members this year. It would be good to think of more ways of getting new members and freshers more involved in the club, by encouraging them to go to club formals, etc.

• Large exodus not expected this year.

• Trip numbers have been about right for the size of bunkhouses, etc.

Accounts

• There were a few minor errors in the originals sent out to the mailing list, which together add up to approximately £30 decrease in the net loss made by the club this year.
• Overall, trips this year made a loss as expected.
• The new membership system is not yet fully implemented due to current members continuing membership on the old system, making figures more complex this year. Money from membership fees should match BMC affiliation costs more directly in future years. The Cheviots trip made the greatest loss this year, due to both the distance and the number of people on the trip. However, the club does not visit this area very often, somewhat justifying the financial loss.
• Conversely the Seathwaite trip made a significant profit this year because it was so popular. This profit was invested in two pairs of club crampons after long deliberations.
• The figures for Socials are slightly misleading because the club has yet to receive an invoice for the Emmanuel formal. Overall, a loss was made, but the lunch float continues to next year so there is not a major problem.
• Caroline was owed £1.14 by the club, so this has been added to the £30 owed to this year’s social secretaries.
• BMC grant for an instructor on the last Michaelmas trip, for the second year running.
• The new membership structure simplifies the treasurer’s job because membership should directly correspond to the cost of BMC affiliation. This makes club accounts easier to predict.
• The new membership structure is also an improvement, because the club will no longer pay for inactive members to be affiliated to the BMC. This means that the Societies’ Syndicate Grant can be used for subsidising trips etc more directly in the future.
• There was not much extra equipment purchased this year: just the aforementioned crampons and a few extra maps.
• Vote to approve accounts: 26 in favour, 0 against

Andy Gibson Training Fund

• Application process has been clarified in the online description and application form (expectations of applicants, etc) - downloadable from club website – may get set up as a webform at some stage.
• Fund is well advertised on the website and in bulletin emails, but there have not been many applications.
• One award (£75) was given for ML training but the recipient was unable to complete the course, so returned the cheque.
• Joe H applied successfully on behalf of participants in the two-day wilderness first aid course at the end of Easter term (£180 towards a total cost of £600). Such group applications are popular with the applications committee, because a lot of people benefit at the same time. Future first aid courses will likely get similar grants. It was questioned whether anything has been done to speed up the process of actually receiving award money. This has previously been delayed by up to 6 months, so applicants would need to already have funds in place. The rules state that grant money should be received at the beginning of the term following the course. Having a deadline encourages people to apply with reminders etc, whereas fewer people may apply if awards were given on a rolling basis.
• The BMC instructor day was not funded by the AGF.
• A short annual report from the Fund would be welcomed, to improve communication between the club and the Fund.
• Dave F: Communication with the club is being formalised.
• Jo: The fund committee wants the president to take a more active role in decisions, etc, so it is definitely moving in the direction of improved communication.
• The Andy Gibson Training Fund is club money, although it is separate to the main club accounts.
• It is possible to apply to the Fund for the deadline in the term after a course, as long as the actual application is made before the course takes place

Statistics requested by Michael F

• 17 presigns were given for trips over the last year, excluding those for the president, safety officer and drivers. Of these, 6 were for non-residents of Cambridge (3 different people), 1 was a resident but a non-student and 10 were for current students unable to make sign-up.
• ~9 people came to a club formal but no weekend trips.
• 46 unique people came on holiday trips. Of these, 13 (28%) did not come on a weekend trip. 6 (13%) have never been on a weekend trip, of whom 3 were guests of active members. 6 did not come on a weekend trip this year, but have done in the past (mostly duffers).
• No current members are students at Anglia Ruskin, but Cambridge Regional College is represented.
• Overall mean % of undergraduates on a weekend trip (excluding Edale where student status is unknown), was 40% undergraduates (Weekend trips = 41%, day trips = 34%, holiday trips = 42%).
• 34% of people on trips are current-/ex-committee members, 41% of people attending...
• If a ‘person fail’ is defined as a person failing to gain a place at sign-up, there were 2 ‘person fails’ this year, excluding Seathwaite.

Other Points/Questions to Committee

• Seathwaite was very oversubscribed this year, and five people had to be turned down. Jo would not recommend oversubscribing to the future president, even though people dropped out before the trip and the beds were only completely full on one night (unfortunately the same night that two members turned up to stay). The most active members should not forget to tell the president that they want to come and assume the president knows without them telling him/her.
• Dave F: Are day-trips worth it?
  Committee (and others): Yes:
  Day trips and weekend trips are not appealing to different audiences (a concern in previous years), demonstrated by the fact that nobody only came on day trips. A lot of people told Jo that they enjoyed the day trips – positive feedback. The way day-trips are advertised is very important to their popularity.

Election of Officers

• President: Matthew Graham-26, RON-0
• Meets: Dave Mackenzie-20, Chris Wade-6, RON-0
• Social Secretaries: Kate Humphris and Joe Hobbs-25, RON-0, 1 spoiled ballot
• Safety Officer: Andrew Williamson-26, RON-0
• Junior Treasurer: Doug Hull-26, RON-0
• Membership Secretary: Mark Jackson-18, Chris Wade-7, Dave Mackenzie-1, RON-0

Other Business

Tom A: Minibuses

• Unhappiness with the Milton minibus being very cold. However, it is cheaper than the CCVR bus by ~£5 per person per trip.
• Extra CCVR discount: £259 for a weekend (vs advertised price of £313)
• So weekend trip (hire + fuel) = ~£380 (assuming 500 mile trip, current prices, 25mpg - £120)
• Milton = £315 for 500 mile trip inc fuel ie £64 cheaper.  
• Should we pay more to have a nicer minibus?
• Also important to know which bus drivers find most comfortable to drive, but this is thought to vary according to personal preference.
• Fuel costs are roughly comparable between the two buses.
• Agreed that the Milton bus should be used in the summer, but it may be worth paying more for the warmer CCVR bus in the winter.

Bethan: Proposed change in order of positions in future committee elections.

• Michael F: Current order was originally put in place because the President is the most senior position, Meets holds the next greatest amount of responsibility because club trips could not run without transport. Other positions are in a somewhat arbitrary order, but there may always be somebody running for more than one position who would prefer a position which is elected after another – it is rarely possible to accommodate the preferences of everybody.

• Agreed that it is not worth changing the constitutional order of elections.

• Simon T: Vote of thanks to the outgoing committee, particularly for the new website and the improved membership structure.

Cheese and Wine

• Jane and Bethan can eat two cream crackers each faster than Joe and Kate can – a future rematch was proposed.
• Following last year’s suggestion, two boxes of wine were purchased (and drunk).

AGM Minutes, Tuesday 9th February 2010

Chair: Mr Dave Farrow

Secretary: Mr Tim Middleton

• Apologies for absence

  • Jonathan Fife
  • Toby Speight
  • David Pettit
  • Caroline Hepburn

• Report by the President

  • The club is still running.
  • The club has enough money.
  • Not many Freshers this year and numbers are slightly down but trips are still full.
  • Planned change to finances (see Motion).
  • This is a long table. Simon Taylor is a long way away.

• Accounts

  • Loss of £1000 as expected.
  • The biggest loss was the Anniversary Trip due to the transport.
  • Trips make a consistent loss of £100 as planned.
  • Made £500 less from membership this year than last year.
  • Also had a much bigger Societies Syndicate grant.
  • For the first time this year we had £300 sponsorship from the BMC which funded an instructor to come on a trip. This was generally thought successful and ought to be repeated.
  • £150 spent on new equipment.
  • The Ceilidh raised £65 for Mountain Rescue which hasn't yet been paid from the account.
  • There is a £15.50 discrepancy between the spreadsheet and accounts book.
  • Ian: Is it right to refund formals when people don't come?
  • Oliver S: For Hughes Hall someone fell ill and at Johns things were disorganised because we didn't know the price.
  • In general agreed that unless a replacement was found or good reason why not then no refunds should be given.
  • Simon T: You have to apply to the Societies Syndicate a year in advance and they base what they give you on the number of members you had in the previous year so we are likely to get around £500 less this year.
  • Ian: We deliberately made a loss last year because there was too much money in the account. The incoming committee need to be careful to balance the books.
  • Oliver S: £200 for paying drivers will need to be put down on next year's accounts.
  • Vote to approve accounts: 24 in favour, 0 against.

• Andy Gibson Training Fund

  • The Andy Gibson Fund is still being advertised but people are only really applying for it in the summer term.
  • There have been a few rule changes this year and they now only give one Alpine grant per year. Hopefully the rules are also now clearer.
  • The Gibsons have donated another £1000 into the fund again recently.
  • The rules for the grant are on the website.
  • Simon W: Could they consider retrospective applications in the first few works of the next term?
  • Dave: It would require the fund committee to make the change.
  • Ian: Could the instructor on a trip be funded from Andy Gibson if the BMC stop giving us the grant?
  • Dave: It is possible to make a group application to the fund. It could come under this.

• Questions to the Committee

  • Simon T: What percentage of people who come on day trips only come on day trips?
  • Dave: 52%....[not actually calculated!]
  • Ian: A sentence should be added to trip emails saying that trips will still go whatever the weather.
  • Simon W: Should we get rid of the Lent term day trip?
  • Dave: Day trips aren't in the constitution. It's up to the committee.

• Motion

  • New motion proposed to allow committee to have freedom to change pricing and structure of membership to make clearer and fairer.
  • Previous committees have never changed things significantly anyway.
  • There will be a clause preventing retrospective changes so current members will not be affected.
  • It would make more sense for membership fees to cover the BMC affiliation costs and the Societies Syndicate grant to cover the deficit in trip costs.
  • Dave: Proposed new structure of initial membership of £15 and £9 to renew each year.
  • Ian: What if Societies Syndicate don't approve?
  • Simon T: Unlikely, they have lots of money.
  • Paul: We currently waste their money by affiliating course members to the BMC when they no longer come on trips. So we'll save them money!
  • Jo: What is the advantage of a higher initial cost?
  • Dave: Societies Syndicate will be sceptical of the money they give if we make large cuts in membership costs.
  • Dave: There will be a transient period as this new structure is brought through.
  • Ian: Should mandate new committee to give notice of changes.
  • Vote to approve motion: 25 in favour, 0 against.

• Election of Officers

  • President: Jo-26, RON-0
  • Meets Secretary: Tom-16, Joe-11, RON-0
  • Social Secretary: Jane and Bethan-27, RON-1
  • Safety Officer: Julie-6, Kirsty-3, Joe-18, RON-0
  • Junior Treasurer: Matthew-26, RON-0
  • Membership Secretary: Kirsty-23, Rob-4, RON-0

• AOB

  • Ian: Mandate new committee to give at least two weeks notice of any proposed changes to the club membership. This should be sent round the main email list.
  • This was approved unanimously.

• Cheese and Wine

  • It is indeed surprisingly hard to eat three cream crackers in a minute.
  • Next year a box of wine should be purchased.

Safety Policy

This is designed to show the various safety procedures incorporated into the planning and execution of a club trip. This policy will be made available to all members to make them more aware of the Club's position and responsibility regarding safety.

1. Destinations for trips are chosen appropriate to the time of year (both academic and calendar). In winter locations will be chosen to give options of easier walks which the conditions may necessitate.
2. When advertising trips, details are given about the nature of the area, terrain, likely walks, equipment/experience that would be advisable. Those lacking items of equipment or with questions concerning the nature of the walking should contact a committee member (particularly the safety officer or president)
3. Group size will vary in relation to the difficulty of the intended route. The members suggesting a route will decide on a suitable group size.
4. The committee will check that each route is suitable for the group size and experience, taking into account the current weather conditions. The committee can delegate this to a more experienced member if necessary.
5. The committee will ensure that there are enough suitable walks available on each trip, especially for less experienced and/or new members.
6. Route cards for each walk must be filled in properly and left with the committee. On return the committee should be notified if everyone is back safely or otherwise. Route cards include route, estimated time and distance, escape route, details of equipment carried.
7. The first named person on the route card is not responsible for any member on their route. They are responsible for ensuring the route card is filled out appropriately and that the appropriate equipment is carried by the group.
8. Each member is responsible for his/her own actions and decisions while on the hill. This includes navigation, route choice, turning back, and all other decisions made while on the hill.
9. No member is responsible for any other member, regardless of experience.
10. Routes are altered, changed, or abandoned according to changing conditions on the day - inclement weather, fatigue or injury.
11. Members that have little or no navigational skills are encouraged to acquire some on walks; there is ample opportunity for this to take place.
12. Each group must be carrying equipment in case of emergency (survival bags, group shelters, torches, first aid kits). The club has a few of the above items to lend out. The committee reserves the right to refuse people with inadequate equipment or experience to undertake walks.
13. It is the responsibility of the individual to inspect any equipment borrowed from the club, and to ensure they have adequate knowledge in respect of its use. Any problems or issues should be reported immediately to a member of the committee.

This document is complemented by Mountain Guidelines and Emergency Procedures (External link to MCofS website), which give basic advice to members.

In summary, it is a question of common sense over taking safety precautions at each stage, to ensure that trips suit the experience of the members and the prevailing conditions at the time, and that they have adequate equipment. The club role is one of advisor, but not instructor.

Club kit available for members to borrow

Here is a list of the kit available for club members to borrow. All kit loans are subject to the items not being required for club trips, and availability. Members are responsible for checking for any kit defects and should inform the committee if any are found.

If you wish to borrow kit, please contact the Safety Officer.

Kit brought on club trips

The following items are always brought on club trips; so, in advance of a trip, there is no need to email about borrowing any of them.

• Emergency shelters (7)
• Survival bags (4)
• First aid kits (5)
• Bunkhouse first aid kit
• Map cases (3)
• Relevant maps and books
• Headtorches (limited in number; email to reserve one)
• Compasses (limited in number; email to reserve one)
• Whistles
• Eating, drinking and cleaning stuff
• Ice axes* (if needed)
• Crampons* (if needed)

*Anyone borrowing club ice axes and crampons must understand the risks associated with their use, taking full responsibility for their own actions. A member borrowing kit from the club is entirely responsible for checking for defects in kit and should inform a committee member if a defect is found. Please consult this document for further information on crampon and ice-axe use and care.

Kit NOT brought on club trips, unless requested

The following items will only be brought on a club trip if the Safety Officer is emailed in advance of the trip. Please give him enough notice to pack up the requested items with the rest of the kit.

• Waterproof jackets:
  • X Small (1)
  • Medium (3)
  • Large (4)
  • XXX Large (1)
• Waterproof trousers:
  • Ladies' Size 12 (1)
  • Small (1)
  • Medium (3)
  • Large (2)
  • XX Large (1)
• Sleeping bags (3)
• Rucksack
• Pair of gaiters
• Red fleece top
• Windrush headbands
• Cow hat (1)
• Other assorted items, to include:
  • A set of dominoes
  • A cow puppet
  • A black Nike hat
  • A black hat
  • A grey neck warmer
  • Grey woollen gloves
  • A flowery hat
  • A SanDisk bag
  • A pair of wollen mitts
  • A blue Karrimor rucksack rain cover
  • A nail-balance puzzle (see here, for example)
  • A Tesco hessian bag
  • An Aldi 'Bag for Life'

Library

There is an extensive club library and map collection. Members are encouraged to borrow items. For a full list, go here.

Club Library

Here is a list of all of the books and maps that the club owns. If you wish to borrow any of the items listed below, please contact the Safety Officer.

Books

General guidebooks:

• Britain’s Highest Peaks – Jeremy Ashcroft
• Guide to the National Trails of Britain & Ireland – Paddy Dillon
• More Relative Hills of Britain – Mark Jackson

Lake District guidebooks:

• Scrambles in the Lake District, Volume 1: Southern Lakes – Brian Evans (Cicerone Press)
• Scrambles in the Lake District, Volume 2: Northern Lakes – Brian Evans (Cicerone Press)
• The Good Guide to the Lakes – Hunter Davies
• A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, Book Six: North-Western Fells – Alfred Wainwright
• A Companion to Wainwright’s Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells – Joan Newsome
• Wainwright’s Favourite Lakeland Mountains – Derry Brabbs
• Wainwright in the Valleys of Lakeland – Derry Brabbs

Other English hillwalking guidebooks:

• Peaks of the Yorkshire Dales: A Hillwalkers’ Companion – John Gillham & Phil Iddon
• Pennine Way Companion: A Pictorial Guide – Alfred Wainwright
• Walks on the Howgill Fells and adjoining fells – Alfred Wainwright
• Wainwright on the Pennine Way – Derry Brabbs
• Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk – Derry Brabbs
• Untrodden Ways: A guide to some of Britain’s lesser-known long-distance footpaths – Nick Channer
• Discovering the Pennines – Van Greaves

Welsh hillwalking guidebooks:

• Classic Walks in Wales – Steve Ashton
• Scrambles in Snowdonia – Steve Ashton (Cicerone Press)

Scottish hillwalking guidebooks:

• The Munro Almanac – Cameron McNeish
• Scrambles in Skye – J. Wilson Parker
• Wainwright in Scotland – Derry Brabbs

Hillwalking-type handbooks:

• Hillwalking: Mountain Leader Training Handbooks – Steve Long
• Safety on Mountains – BMC (this is a video)

Hillwalking history books:

• The Edge: One Hundred Years of Scottish Mountaineering – Cameron McNeish & Richard Else
• The First Fifty Years of the BMC: A Political History - no author given

Other books:

• The Underground Atlas: A Gazetter of the World’s [apostrophe missing in book title] Cave Regions – John Middleton & Tony Waltham
• AA Glovebox Atlas of Britain
• England: The Rough Guide – Robert Andrews et al.
• Mystery at Hawktowers and other stories – Chris Spencer
• Two Monsters – David McKee

Maps

Maps listed in the following order: BMC, Outdoor Leisure, Explorer, Landranger and Other. Then arranged in numerically-ascending order within each category.

Lake District

• OL4 (North-Western area) x 8
• OL5 (North-Eastern area) x 9
• OL6 (South-Western area) x 9
• OL7 (South-Eastern area) x 8
• Explorer 303 (Whitehaven and Workington) x 1
• Landranger 90 (Penrith and Keswick) x 1
• Landranger 96 (Barrow-in-Furness & Southern Lakes) x 1
• Alex Tuck’s Seathwaite-centred map
• Lake District Touring Map

North & Mid-Wales

• BMC Snowdonia x 1
• OL17 (most of northern Snowdonia NP) x 11
• OL18 (southern Snowdonian NP) x 4
• OL23 (Cadair Idris & Llyn Tegid) x 8
• Explorer 213 (Aberystwyth & Cwm Rheidol) x 2
• Explorer 214 (Llanidloes & Newtown) x 1
• Explorer 216 (Welshpool & Montgomery) x 5
• Landranger 115 (most of NP) x 3
• Landranger 135 (Aberystwyth & Machynlleth) x 3

Peak District

• OL1 (Dark Peak area) x 10
• OL24 (White Peak area) x 3
• Landranger 110 (most of High Peak) x 3
• Laminated maps for Edale

Yorkshire Dales / Pennines

• BMC Yorkshire Dales x 1
• OL2 (Southern & Western NP) x 5
• OL19 (Howgill Fells) x 5
• OL30 (Northern NP) x 4
• OL31 (Teesdale) x 4
• Landranger 91 (Appleby-in-Westmorland area) x 2
• Landranger 98 (Wensleydale & Upper Wharfedale) x 1

Brecon Beacons

• OL12 (Western & Central areas) x 6
• OL13 (Eastern area) x 2
• Landranger 160 (whole area) x 2

Scotland

• BMC Knoydart, Kintail & Affric x 1
• BMC Cairngorms & Lochnagar x 1
• BMC Ben Nevis & Glen Coe x 1
• Cairn Gorm & Aviemore (Explorer 403) x 1
• Knoydart, Loch Hourn & Loch Duich (Explorer 413) x 1
• Glen Shiel & Kintail Forest (Explorer 414) x 1
• Loch Alsh, Glen Shiel & Loch Hourn (Landranger 33) x 1
• Ben Nevis (Landranger 41) x 1
• The Black Cuillin of Skye (old Cicerone map)

Other English areas

• Exmoor (OL9) x 2
• The Cheviots (OL16) x 3
• North York Moors, Western (OL26) x 2
• North York Moors, Eastern (OL27) x 2
• Dartmoor (OL28) x 6
• Forest of Bowland & Ribblesdale (OL41) x 1
• Kielder Water & Forest (OL42) x 1
• The Cotswolds (OL45) x 3
• Eastbourne & Beachy Head (Explorer 123) x 4
• Chiltern Hills North (Explorer 181) x 2
• Malvern Hills & Bredon Hill (Explorer 190) x 2
• The Long Mynd & Wenlock Edge (Explorer 217) x 5
• Cheviot Hills & Kielder Water (Landranger 80) x 3
• North West Norfolk (Landranger 132) x 1
• North East Norfolk (Landranger 133) x 1
• Chelmsford (Landranger 167) x 1

Borrowing Club Ice Axes and Crampons

A Friendly Guide

Author: Dave Farrow, May 2011

Ice axes and crampons require knowledge for both care and use. Please take care of the club equipment as if it were your own, as it is expensive and we let you use it for free. Firstly, give it a good look over to see if anything looks broken or damaged. If you damage or lose something, please let the committee know ASAP. They only bite if you don’t tell them.

Care

Crampons and ice axes are metal, and they get used in water (in the form of snow). This means they rust very quickly. Make sure after every walk (even if you didn’t use them) that you get them out and dry them out fully.

If they have got dirty, please rinse them in water before drying, as dirt can speed up rusting.

Ice Axes

Ask someone to show you what length will be best, and how to store it on your rucksack. Watch out for spiking people in the eye while walking around. To dry, take them off your rucksack and leave somewhere dry, where they won’t hurt anyone.

Crampons

Before using, make sure you have adequate boots (ask someone if you're unsure), and get someone to help fit the crampons to your boot. Some club crampons have two bars - use the correct one and don’t lose the other one. Practise putting the crampons on and off, with gloves on.

To dry, take them out the protecting bag, dry the bag and both crampons. Shake off the snow and water (outside the bunkhouse), then leave in a safe dry place to ensure no moisture is left anywhere on the crampons.

At the end of the trip, try to dry them out as much as possible before handing them back to the Safety Officer (but please don’t take them home).

Knowledge

There are many members that are able to help you out - just ask someone that looks experienced. Below are some basic techniques that you should know the first time you go out. Remember the club does not provide instruction or leading and you are still responsible for your own actions.

Ice Axes

Used basically as a walking stick to give extra support, but there are tips and tricks to make sure you don’t fall too far if you are that unlucky. Ask someone to demonstrate and try for yourself:

• How to hold an axe & its normal use
• Self belaying & self arrest

Crampons

Just walk like John Wayne. The biggest problem is tripping over yourself - make sure you practise before getting somewhere too scary. Ask someone to demonstrate and try for yourself:

• Walking along the flat (snow and ice)
• Walking on sloping snow (up, down, traverse)

If you plan to regularly use axe and crampons, get someone (an experienced member or instructor) to go through winter skills in more detail. Getting your own equipment is recommended as it frees up club equipment for others.

Kit Lists

Personal on the hill:

• Walking boots (waterproof), with warm socks
• Waterproof coat
• Waterproof trousers
• Suitable walking clothes – synthetic is best; no jeans
• Spare fleece
• Warm hat and gloves
• Water bottle (at least 1 litre )
• Headtorch with spare batteries
• Rucksack with waterproof liner (e.g. sturdy bin liner)
• Sufficient food for lunch and snacks
• Emergency food

In addition in winter take:

• Sunglasses and Suncream
• Extra warm layers (thermals)
• Spare gloves
• Gaiters
• Ice Axe / Crampons (if you don’t know how to use these, ask a committee member, or plan your walks to avoid using them)

The following items may be useful if you have them.

• Map (and map case)
• Compass
• Gaiters
• Sunglasses and Suncream
• First Aid Kit
• Whistle
• Survival Bag
• Thermos flask for hot drink
• Goggles (in winter)

Each group should also carry between them:

• Group shelter (large enough for everyone)
• Group first aid kit
• 2 maps (at least)
• 2 compasses (at least)

For the bunkhouse:

• Sleeping bag
• Food for breakfasts / lunches
• Toiletries
• Dry clothes

Mountain Guidelines

Do nothing in haste; look well to each step; and from the beginning think what may be the end. Edward Whymper, "Scrambles amongst the Alps"

Although the possibility of accident when on the hills can never be totally eradicated, it can be reduced. Equally, in the event of an incident, the chances of survival can be improved if everyone is suitably equipped. These safety guidelines set out a basic, mandatory framework within which Club members can operate. It is hoped that many of you are familiar with their content; we do not mean to patronise or discourage anyone.

It must be stressed that it is the responsibility of the individual to ensure they follow these guidelines. Any person inadequately equipped endangers not only themselves, but also their companions, and so cannot expect the club to allow them to participate on walks.

Whatever the weather conditions, wherever you are, you should observe the following guidelines.

1. Carry everything in a rucksack, the contents of which are in a tough, waterproof plastic bag, with room over the top to make a seal. About 25 to 35 litres is adequate for a daysack.
2. Carry or wear several layers of clothing, including a hat and gloves. Synthetic clothes are best – jogging trousers, fleeces etc.
   • Cotton garments are not advisable, especially next to the skin, as they are not warm when wet.
   • Jeans especially should not be worn; they are uncomfortable and very cold when wet.
3. It is essential to carry or wear a hooded, waterproof jacket, and waterproof trousers even in good conditions.
4. Wear a supportive walking boot with a decent tread. Waterproof boots are recommended (either leather, or lined fabric). Boots not intended for hillwalking are unsuitable.
5. Take plenty of carbohydrate (bread) and energy rich food (chocolate).
   • Emergency rations should also be carried and only eaten in an emergency.
   • Plenty of liquid should be carried - water is good and refreshing in summer. In wintry conditions, a flask of hot drink (soup/coffee/tea) is welcome.
6. Carry a map and compass and know how to use them.
   • Basic navigation skills are not difficult to pick up; ask a committee member or experienced club member if you wish to acquire some.
7. Carry a simple first aid kit containing plasters, bandage, tape, safety pins, painkillers, nail scissors/penknife. Also paper and pencil for recording details of an injury. Personal medical details could also be useful e.g. allergies.
8. Wear a watch. Especially in winter, be aware what time it gets dark and plan your route accordingly.
9. Carry a torch (with spare batteries).
10. Each group should have at least one whistle, group shelter and group first aid kit.
11. Leave note of your intended route, including escape route. Do not feel obliged to follow this religiously if it entails unnecessary discomfort or danger. It is important to know when to turn back.
12. If at any time, you fell unwell or unhappy, let the others in the group know and take appropriate action. To continue under such circumstances, endangers yourself and the party.
13. Winter hillwalking involves more potential danger. The basic summer equipment is required, as well as more serious equipment and clothing e.g. a thermal base layer, gaiters, balaclava.
    • An ice axe and crampons should be carried and used if conditions require it - an ice axe is no good strapped to a rucksack when there is snow on the ground. The walker should know how to use both.
    • Most club trips do not require this, although given the period covered by the academic year, everyone should be aware of the dangers.

If you have any queries on the above, please contact a member of the committee for further advice. These guidelines are not intended to alarm anyone, but to safeguard club members in the event of the worst happening. By sticking to the above, the likelihood of this is very much reduced. An adequately equipped person will find their hillwalking far more enjoyable.

This document is a designed to be read along with the Safety Policy and Emergency Procedures.