Wobbly Bob

finally worked out the sequence.  It proved every bit as strenuous and difficult as I had imagined.  The knowledge that Charles had this to come did make me smile however.  The rain started to come down heavier, this  climb was proving to be fun.  Onto a ledge. A quick breather. A short wall led to a mantle shelf onto a slab. A crack running diagonally across proved the means of ascent, and also offered the means of protection. Charles followed, and attempted an approach I had backed off on, due to a significant lack of any decent holds.  Shortly after he joined the flying trapeze.  Dignity restored he then continued to join me on the top. 

The downpour that ensued rendered all further climbing pointless.  Charles read my Real Ale guide while we headed on into Glossop. A festival in Symmondly, in June, the book revealed! We investigated and were rewarded with Ales such as Wobbly Bob, Pendle Witch, Falcons Talon, and Well Hung.  The happy climbers returned to the campsite and explained to the others they'd found a nice family pub not far away.  Suzanne looked a though she'd been in a wet tea shirt competition and won!  A pleasant evening, spent discussing staying power, followed by an adult session on a bouncy castle (watched by Albert) rounded off the day. 
 
Sunday dawned bright and dry. Anne, Suzanne and her son James joined the spice boys on a trip to Tintwhistle Quarry.  Making up the first route, Charles lets Phil lead a route with more grass than Glastonbury Festival.  The next route is on good rock with various styles of ascent (and descent!).  A further route to the left sees one of the girls swear as she gets her foot stuck in a crack.  A number of photos are taken during the day in the hope of getting them on page 3 of Crux.

(Some have made it to the Rogues Gallery)

The weekend ends and sees a brief return to pack the

Crowden, June 27th-29th

I eyed the landscape with suspicion. The rock had a fresh wet leather look. This was not what had been planned for the weekend. Laddow rocks, more than 2 miles distant, hid in the mist.  The choice was clear.

Crowden Great Quarry, long since abandoned, is an interesting venue.  Approaching from the Southwest it is all but hidden until a final revealing moment.  The rock soars for well over 100ft, in a sweeping semi circle (roughly!) giving the impression of a huge amphitheatre.  Today no audience was to be found.  The place was silent, other than the spice boys, dripping rock, and a few sheep. 

Charles found the first route; in the middle of the quarry. A two pitch VD, that tempted him with its dripping curves.  He took the first pitch, and much to his surprise, the wet rock proved it had not lost all of its frictional properties.  I took the second pitch, a chimney, with a short wall above. My natural preferences led me to bridge up the outside, only the gear being placed within.  On reaching the top I discovered that the stake, mentioned in the guidebook, had long since gone.  Much wandering about eventually revealed some suitably wet cracks.  Belay rigged up and Charles shortly joined me at the top.

I picked out the next route, not from the guidebook, but through wet and misted up glasses. It looked about the grade from below, but what did I know.  Half way up the grade began to reveal itself to me as I reached the crux.  A bulging overhang with a balance move above, not the HVD I had guessed at( a VS 5a the guide revealed later).  After trying 3 different approaches and backing off each time I 

Bangers & Mash

The annual Bangers and Mash will be held on 5th-7th November 1997.  This traditional event, held at the Snowdonia Centre, gives you the chance to relax as the Committee take strain and cook for you. (Don't worry we haven't poisoned anybody yet - allegedly)

Bring the fireworks and help see the event off with a bang !

Charles White

Charles who recently enjoyed a stag do in Newcastle (and returned - surely some mistake), will be married on the weekend 27th September to Carolyn Nutting.  Pictures and story in next edition of Crux. (Stag pictures to highest bidder)