Minutes Of Colmcille Climbing Club AGM

City Hotel, Derry, October 26th 2007

Present:

Alan Tees, Margaret Tees, Martin McGuigan, George Carleton, Michael Hassan, Peter Cooper, Anthony Feeney, Andrew Tees.

Apologies:

Keith Monaghan, PJ, Bill Magowan

Agenda:

1. Minutes from last AGM and matters arising
2. Election of new officers
3. Winter meets list
4. Climb Fest 2008
5. Membership Fees
6. Any other issues

Minutes:

The minutes from the last AGM were read out and particular note was made of the previous year's fees, which were set at £25.

Election:

Marty wished to stand down as chairman and it was felt that someone at the forefront of the club's activities should take the position. The previous year's officers were thanked for their work over the year. A note was made to give Pete Smith special thanks for his continuing work with the website, despite being an inactive climber. The database of climbs on the site is regarded as second to none and is very popular.

Chairman: George was proposed by Anthony and seconded by Alan. Secretary: Anthony agreed to a second term as secretary and was proposed by Marty and seconded by George. Treasurer: In Geoff's absence it was suggested that he continue as treasurer. Proposed by Alan and seconded by George. Environmental Officer: Marty agreed to take this post. Proposed by Margaret and seconded by Pete Cooper.

The roles of Training Officer and Children's Officer had been taken by Bren Whelan and Rosie Brennan in the previous year. In their absence it was proposed that they remain in these roles unless they specifically decline, in which case they may remain vacant.

Press Officer: Pete Smith was unanimously voted into this role as he has always done a sterling job so far.

Winter Meets List 2007 / 2008:

It was decided to have a number of "wet and dirty" weekend days, at least once a month, to walk the hills and abseil to examine and clean routes. These days out would of course require wet weather gear and waterproof boots. This would alternate with mid week climbing wall sessions at the Ozone and St Columb's Park. Exact dates will be fixed in a schedule to be displayed on the website.

Suggestions were:

1. Bingorms to walk and or abseil. To be organised by Marty.
2. Barnesmore Gap west. Pete Cooper.
3. Doochary bouldering day. Marty.
4. Fairhead bouldering. George.
5. Xmas abseil at Craig nan Brack, Poisoned Glen. Alan.
6. Mournes climbing weekend, weather permitting, possibly staying in Meelmore lodge. George.
7. Cruit Island. Pete Cooper.
8. Happy Valli Crag for Xmas party in Jan. Valli / Alan.
9. Scottish trip in March. George / Anthony.

Climb Fest 2008

After the resounding success of the 2007 Fest it was felt that we should definitely have a repeat in 2008. There was much dicussion of whether to continue to use Culdaff or go "on the road", possibly to Gola or Glencolmcille because of the proximity of Malin Beg, Muckross etc. However it was felt that the latter option would require a lot of investigation and organisation but could be a distinct possibility for 2009.

The club looked at other options for remaining in Culdaff for 2008, such as camping near the football pitch, which would have the added benefit of in situ toilets. However preventing the crowds from drifting onto the actual pitch, which would have to remain clear, could prove difficult. These and other options will be discussed in a special Climb Fest meet early in 2008.

Membership fees:

It was unanimously decided to keep the club fees at £25 but to urge members to pay before the end of November to ensure that they are covered by MCI insurance. Insurance cover is to be highlighted in an email to all members. £18 of the fees goes towards this MCI insurance. As for previous years the cost of hosting the website will come out of the club fees and should be paid to Pete Smith.

A.O.B.:

Constitution

Pete Cooper suggested that the club should have a distinct set of aims and these should be highlighted on the website. Margaret thought that in order to be a club you have to have a standard constitution so Alan will check for such a document. Anthony will also check with Pete Smith whether he has something like this, possibly on the website already.

Rogues Gallery

Andrew Tees also suggested that the Rogues Gallery on the website be updated. Anthony will check with Pete Smith if he can sort something out on this.

Bolting Policy

There was much discussion of the club's attitude to bolting. Some members had used bolted limestone routes in the UK that would have otherwise been unclimbable / protectable. Others has used bolts on European sports routes. There were several places mentioned around Ireland that could be climbable if they were bolted but are otherwise too dangerous. However in Ireland Marty proposed that the club follow a fairly strict bolting policy along these lines:

1. The club supports the traditional climbing ethic of Ireland and members should not be bolting routes or placing other fixed devices.
2. No member should bolt because he or she feels it is necessary. A climb or crag should not be dragged down to one individual's ability. Members are asked to refer to the bolting and good practice guides drawn up by the MCI: see below. However, if a club member finds an exceptional instance then he/she should consult with other club members and affected parties, e.g. local climbers, to gain a concensus of opinion. This is neither a pro- nor anti-bolting stance.

Members are asked to refer to the bolting and good practice guides drawn up by the MCI:

http://www.mountaintraining.ie/index.php?uid=5&lnk=information http://www.mountaintraining.ie/index.php?uid=3&lnk=information

Close

There being no other business the meeting was brought to a close.