The recent cold spell signalled the start of winter when navigation skills are more important than at any other time of the year – winter conditions and short hours of daylight mean we all have to make an extra effort with navigation. The GPS training course run by John McPartlin last Sunday afternoon helped about ten Glenmorons to use their GPS’s to greater effect than just getting a position fix, and many thanks to John for showing us how to navigate more effectively in a white out ……… and on a similar theme, the MBA item in this newsletter includes a short report of a navigation problem caused by a trig point not being at the location shown on the OS map, apparently to avoid several features being superimposed on each other. So, to quote the motto of the former Royal Scottish Automobile Club – ‘Gang Warily.’

This is the last newsletter of 2005 and on behalf of the committee may I wish every Club member a very happy Christmas and best wishes for 2006.

Henry

Hopefully you enjoyed the first shift of the new season and are looking forward to the months ahead. Talk of a cold winter is encouraging, for the use of all that expensive kit currently languishing in the attic.

The Committee has been looking at establishing a policy on the care of club equipment. This has proved to be an onerous task and much thanks must go to Bill for the time and dedication he has put into it. Documentation is being developed to allow us to monitor its age, state, use and any incidents that may affect its safety. A full inventory has been compiled and equipment needing replacement has been identified. Bill will hopefully be piloting the paperwork in the next few months prior to a discussion at the AGM about equipment, our needs and its care..

The First Aid kit has also been renovated. If you have cause to use it please notify the co-ordinator of the meet so we can arrange replenishment.

Have a good, exciting and safe winter season.

Gordon

The latest edition of JMT News included the following piece:

‘Hillwalkers’ support for JMT path work

Glasgow Glenmore Mountaineering Club has donated £250 to the John Muir Trust’s paths and maintenance work. We are very grateful for the contribution, especially from such dedicated hillgoers!

The Schiehallion path project is now in its final stages, and we are involved in repair work to the Glen Nevis path at Steall meadows, due to start this autumn.

The GGMC makes an annual donation to the repair and maintenance of hill paths, and last year chose the National Trust for Scotland’s Sole Trading Project.’

This is possibly a first for the Club, the chance to go greyhound racing – if you can run 300m in 16 seconds, then you too can chase the hare! It’s a £4 entry fee, minimum bet is 50p on the Tote but there is no need to bet – just watch and enjoy the racing from 8-10pm. There is parking nearby, in car park (£2) or on nearby streets. The No. 20 bus goes all the way from the Great Western Road. If you want to find out more about greyhound racing, visit www.thedogs.co.uk. We meet at the entrance at 7.45pm or see you inside!

Meeting at 9.30am in the public car park in Luss, these hills are ideal for the shorter daylight at this time of year and offer lots of opportunities, especially for Graham-baggers. You may even plan to enjoy a drink in one of the pubs afterwards. No need to put this part on the route card!

The Inchnadamph Lodge (Assynt Field Centre) is booked for the nights of 30^th December to 2nd of January. There will be the traditional Hogmanay ceilidh and Gordon is organising a communal meal on similar lines to last time for one of the nights. Check out the website www.inch-lodge.co.uk.

Carol Hunter has a hobby taking the piss. While we are trudging up the hills in the rain, she is taking urine samples from elite athletes and trying to bang them to rights, in order to ensure fair play at athletic events. She’s looking forward to the Olympics.

Meal at Di Maggio’s Ruthven Lane at 6 pm. Please let Hugh know if you intend eating.

Roger and Ann Dean extend an invitation to all Glenmorons to come and tramp their local hills and then experience that famous Edinburgh hospitality. You’ll have had your tea?! Not this time, there will be food and drinks on offer after the walk, but you will be expected to put on your poshest accent for the day.

Meet at Roger & Ann’s house

Imbibe in the spirit of the bard, a talk and tutored tasting on the “Classic Malts” of Scotland! Smell, taste or swallow – it’s up to you! Usual time of 7.30 but please note change of venue. Parking is tight and there are a number of one-way streets. It may be better to park on Hyndland Road and walk down Queensborough Gardens. Pre- meet meal at Cottiers Restaurant, off Highburgh Rd. at 6.00pm. Easy walk to Bowling Club.

This month sees the welcome return to a popular and well equipped hostel nestled beneath the magnificent Mamore Mountains and having easy access to both the Glencoe and Nevis ranges. After a hard day on the hill, what could be better than being fed, watered, and entertained by fellow Glenmorons offering their take on the traditional "Burns Supper"

The hostel can accommodate 39, and a cheque for £30 to Hugh reserves a place for the weekend, inclusive of the Burns’ supper meal.

Janice Gray is the Access Officer of SRPBA, the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association,  previously known as the Scottish Landowners’ Federation. Janice will talk about how land managers and recreational users of the countryside can help achieve harmonious co-existence. Venue to be confirmed for 6pm pre-meeting meal.

Sunday     12^th February: Rest and Be Thankful - Arrochar       OS 56 GR NN 229 074

Just for a change, meet at Rest and Be Thankful car park at 9.30am, (you can always drive back to the lochside car park if you wish to do the Cobbler by the direct route). This is a popular area for a day meet: short drive and maximum time on the hills which will hopefully be clad in their winter best. Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime and a large selection of nearby Corbetts, notably the Cobbler itself and the magnificent Beinn an Lochain. Also Ben Donich and The Brack.

It is not that far to Lochgoilhead (OS 56). Beware of messy approach to Beinn Bheula.

Vaughan has worked in forestry since 1969 and now manages 33,000 acres of woodland. Vaughan will talk about the history of forestry in Scotland, current and future policy in both forestry and the timber industry…. so if you have any questions about forestry then you must come to this meet. He is also a keen mountaineer, being a founder member of Oban MC and is on the management committees for the Glenbrittle and Alex McIntyre huts. Venue to be confirmed for 6pm pre-meeting meal.

Exclusive use of this well known hostel, much loved by the Club. Cost £ 23 for.the weekend, bed linen provided. Bill will need definite numbers two weeks in advance to advice on provision of beds.

Please send cheques, made payable to Glasgow Glenmore Club, to Bill McIntyre.

The nearest Munros are Sron a'Choire Ghairbh and Meall na Teanga, described in the SMC Guide as "elusively situated". However, they are well placed next to a forest road for a walk-out at dusk! For Corbett baggers there is also Ben Tee and, heading south is Beinn Bhan in Glen Loy.

Kintail, with its enormous selection is not far away and the Forcan Ridge is a treat in winter.

At the indoor meet on 3^rd November a preference was shown for the Dolomites to be the venue for next year’s foreign meet. More news to follow later.

Still not quite got round to buying a copy? Need an additional copy? Lost your copy? Is yours so dog eared that you need another!

A mine of information about the Club, hillwalking, and its members. Fully illustrated with black and white and colour photographs.

Copies of 'How You've Changed! Fifty Years of the Glasgow Glenmore Club' are still available at indoor meets or by contacting Caroline Thomson. Price £10.

Makes an ideal Christmas gift. Go on treat yourself. You'll be laughing each time you pick it up!

Some of our members will already be aware that the Club lost one of our most distinguished honorary members, Eric Langmuir, on 18^th September, after a relatively short illness. Eric was known to many of our members (and ex-members), mainly through his years as principal of Glenmore Lodge (1963-70) and also from his close association with mountain rescue and the Scottish Mountain Leadership Training Board. He was made an honorary member of G.G.C. many years ago and gave talks to the Club on two of his many outdoor interests, "Avalanches" (about which he was an acknowledged expert) and skiing the "Haute Route" in the Alps.

Although Eric pioneered many climbs in Scotland and the Alps, he will surely always be remembered in Scotland for his first ascent of the first climb on Etive Slabs, "Spartan Slab" – still a classic.

His association with S.M.L.T.B. resulted in his book "Mountaincraft and Leadership", a fitting memorial to his lifetime interest in mountain recreation.

His interest in all outdoor pursuits included sailing, gemstones and in his "retirement", orienteering and his enthusiasm for everything he tackled was infectious.

Eric was chairman of M.R.C.S. for a period and for his contribution to mountain rescue was awarded M.B.E.

Despite his many achievements, Eric always remained very approachable and will be remembered and much missed by his family and his many, many friends in the outdoor world.

Congratulations to Stella Lowder who successfully achieved her Munro compleation on 18^th September, on Meal na Teanga.

Much more than just a film festival this is a must for your diary. There is a full and varied programme of entertainment, including lectures, films, activities and exhibitions. Guest speakers include the renowned climber Catherine Destivelle, recognised and admired as the most adventurous and exciting female climber in the world. Other guest speakers include Nick Bullock and Andy Kirkpatrick two well known and highly respected climbers.

Further highlights, include winter mountaineering workshops, indoor rock and ice climbing workshops and exhibitions of art and photography.  For further information call, 01397 704394, email info@mountainfilmfestival.co.uk or visit www.mountainfilmfestival.co.uk.

Book early.

The following instructional BMC books and videos have been purchased for the Club Library:

They are all full of valuable information for all members and can be obtained on loan from Connie Thomson, Librarian, at Club indoor meets or by prior arrangement.

Autumn Newsletter

The usual news of bothy conditions and renovations in all areas are included in this issue and among other articles,news and letters were

Annual Report

As well as a full financial statement for the year, this report included a general description of what the MBA does, a list of current office bearers, yearly reports from all areas and a Review of Activities throughout the year, including a major project at Loch Chiarain (N. of Blackwater Dam) and a summary of the number of person/days(1075) over 67 work parties over the year.

Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society (ScotWays) News.

Annual Report

This Report gives some idea of ScotWays’ many and varied activities throughout the year and includes, among other articles:-

Included with this Report was an advance version of a leaflet entitled “Rights of Access to the Countryside in Scotland” – essential reading for all hill-goers!!

The MBA Newsletter and Annual Report and Scotways’ Annual Report and the leaflet on access are all available from the Club Librarian, Connie Thomson