News and Announcements

Hello Bowliners and friends,

It's the Cornwall meet this weekend, hooray! We're looking forward to some exciting times so come and join us if you're not already coming. Those that are camping don't forget to send your £25.50 to the club account ASAP (and email me, Zoe Pickering and Dave Toach to let us know you have paid)!

There has been some mixed conditions in the Alps this summer. Several groups of club members have been making the most of the breaks in the weather and having some exciting experiences. We look forward to the club slideshow later in the year to hear all about their adventures. In the meantime why not head over to the BMC Midlands area meeting on September 10th which features a talk on Alpine experiences by Nick Colton (see attached flyer for full details)!

We are pleased to announce that the club will be getting a brand new website this week. Our new site not only features all the great content from the current website (thank to everyone who has contributed and especially to Robin Richmond for setting up and maintaining the current site). But it will also provide a central place from which we can email out information to members, share events, and also provides for group email facilities so members can share their adventures and easily make plans for trips! We will be switching our main website address (www.bowlineclimbingclub.co.uk) over to the new site on Wednesday evening. If you would like to take a look at the new website now you can find it running here http://www.thepotters.me.uk/ (but please note that not everything is transferred across yet). Any feedback/comments are welcome!

Hello Bowliners and friends,

Hope you all had a fab weekend and managed to dodge the showers and find some dry rock. I hear there was climbing in the Peak on Saturday with birthday boys Tony and Loz climbing Goliaths Groove, and Suzie Imber grabbing her first gritstone lead, well done guys!

Just a reminder than we have our Cornwall meet coming up (23rd-25th August). Lot's of people have expressed interest but don't forget to send your £25.50 to the club account ASAP (and email me, Zoe Pickering and Dave Toach to let us know you have paid)!

And this coming weekend we are heading to our lovely hut in Snowdonia to do some general maintenance. Please come along and help if you can, contact Paul Parker (07866 987902).

And now for this weeks evening meets:

Tuesday evening:

- Running - Meet at the main Bradgate Park car park in Newton Linford at 7:00pm. Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

- Cycling - Meet at the 'Old Hare and Hounds' pub in Anstey at 7pm. Road cycling around the lovely local countryside. Contact Paul Barrett (07580 379067).

- Bouldering - Our regular bouldering meet at The Climbing Station in Loughborough from 6pm. Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

Thursday evening: 

- Climbing - Meet at Markfield Quarry from 6pm for climbing. If the weather is no good we will fallback to The Tower. For the latest updates on whether we will be outdoors or indoors contact Andy Railton (07894 533629)

Upcoming meets (see our website for full meets list):

- August 16th/17th - Hut care meet, Contact Paul Parker (07866 987902).

- August 23rd-25th - Cornwall meet - Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

- September 6th-13th - Lundy meet - Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

- September 13th/14th - Club hut meet, Climbing, Cycling, Walking, MTB - Contact Bob Crosby (07934 475926)

Andy Potter
BCC Meets Secretary
07796 220055

Hey Everybody,

It is wall to wall sunshine here in Windsor Great Park where I am currently leading my Explorer Scout group at the awesome WINGS 2014 international camp. They do have some climbing going on here, but sadly my request for an onsight Gritstone Edge did not transpire. So I hope you are all our making the most of the lovely weather. I shall be joining you all again for the rest of this years meets from next week.

Mentioning meets, we have the awesome annual trip to Cornwall coming up in less than three weeks time (23rd-25th August). If you want to grab a place at the campsite with us you need to send your £25.50 to the club account ASAP (and email me, Zoe Pickering and Dave Toach to let us know you have paid). Full details are in the attached flyer!

We have an extra meet this month, on the weekend of the 16th/17th August we are heading to our lovely hut in Snowdonia to do some general maintenance. The hut is a fantastic facility for club members to use. With just a little bit of care and attention every now and then we will keep it tip-top condition for when we need it. Please come along and help if you can, there is no charge for staying at the hut if you are helping out. Contact Paul Parker (07866 987902). 

Tuesday evening:

- Running - Meet at the main Bradgate Park car park in Newton Linford at 7:00pm. Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

- Cycling - Meet at the 'Old Hare and Hounds' pub in Anstey at 7pm. Road cycling around the lovely local countryside. Contact Paul Barrett (07580 379067).

- Bouldering - Our regular bouldering meet at The Climbing Station in Loughborough from 6pm. Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

Thursday evening: 

- Climbing - This will be probably the last week for Thursday climbing in the Peak as the evenings are already starting to shorten (Boooo). If you fancy heading out for a climbing contact Andy Railton (07894 533629)

Upcoming meets (see our website for full meets list):

- August 9th/10th - Peak Weekend meet, Climbing Cycling, Walking, etc. Contact Andy Railton (07984 533629)

- August 16th/17th - Hut care meet, Contact Paul Parker (07866 987902).

- August 23rd-25th - Cornwall meet - Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

- September 6th-13th - Lundy meet - Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

- September 13th/14th - Club hut meet, Climbing, Cycling, Walking, MTB - Contact Bob Crosby (07934 475926)

Other stuff:

- The is a small group taking part in the Long Mynd Sportive (60 miler), if you fancy helping to build a good size peloton get in touch with Paul Barrett.

- Check out another of the BMC's zoomable Topo's of Cloggy!

Andy Potter
BCC Meets Secretary
07796 220055

Hey Everybody,

What a super time we had in North Wales this weekend! A big thanks to Dave, Anni, Tony, Ilari, Paul, Cath, Laurence, Louise, Mikey and Alex for making it a fun time. There was a big walk around the Carneddau on Saturday in the blazing sunshine, whilst those with small legs (and parents) headed to the RAC and Sheep Pen bouldering areas. The days activities were followed up with a well earned BBQ and drinks back at our lovely club hut. On Sunday there was climbing and cycling for the big people, whilst the little people visited the Slate Museum, again in glorious sunshine (it's a hard life but someone's got to do it).

Hopefully you were all able to get out an enjoy some adventures of your own this weekend. If not then why not take advantage of the great evening activities we have going on this week. 

NB: We have a club committee meeting this Wednesday evening, 7:30pm at the Black Horse in Anstey, all club members are welcome!

Tuesday evening:

- Running - Meet at the main Bradgate Park car park in Newton Linford at 7:00pm. Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

- Cycling - Meet at the 'Old Hare and Hounds' pub in Anstey at 7pm. Road cycling around the lovely local countryside. Contact Paul Barrett (07580 379067).

- Bouldering - Our regular bouldering meet at The Climbing Station in Loughborough from 6pm. Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

Thursday evening: 

- Climbing - Our regular Thursday night climbing meet, everyone welcome including beginners. This week we will be at Birchen Edge from 6:30pm. As usual if the weather is adverse then we'll be indoors at The Tower. To get updates on whether we will be outdoors or indoors contact Andy Railton (07894 533629)

Upcoming meets (see our website for full meets list):

- August 9th/10th - Peak Weekend meet, Climbing Cycling, Walking, etc. Contact Andy Railton (07984 533629)

- August 23rd-25th - Cornwall meet - Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

- September 6th-13th - Lundy meet - Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

- September 13th/14th - Club hut meet, Climbing, Cycling, Walking, MTB - Contact Bob Crosby (07934 475926)

Other stuff:

- The is a small group taking part in the Long Mynd Sportive (60 miler), if you fancy helping to build a good size peloton get in touch with Paul Barrett.

- Check out the BMC's zoomable Topo's of Cloggy!

Andy Potter
BCC Meets Secretary
07796 220055

Hey Everybody,

A bit late with my email this week, busy time at the moment, and I think I'm still recovering from the weekends adventures. Bowliner's were out in force across the country with the Lake District and Snowdonia being the destinations of choice. I hear that walking in the rain was de-rigour in The Lakes on Saturday but Sunday saw sunshine and lots of lovely climbing, perfect!

Meanwhile over in North Wales I was learning never to underestimate how tough a 'Diff' in the Ogwen Valley, in the wet, in your walking boots, can be. Long story short I did successfully lead 'Gully and Slab' at Clogwyn y Tarw, but not without falling on my gear 4 times and also ending up massively run out with no gear and nothing to stand on (well nothing that I could actually grip anyway), it was jolly scary for a few minutes. Thankfully good gear placements and a good belayer (thanks Angeline) meant there was no harm done (other than hurt pride). And to cap it all if we had just gone with Loz, Tony and Rob instead, we'd have been enjoying sunny climbing on Tremadog... Dohhh!

But our Sunday was much more successful although we did back off from climbing at Gogarth South Stack due to the sea mist. Sport Climbing at Castle Inn Quarry was the backup plan and then we nipped up to the Llanberis Pass and grabbed a route on Clogwyn y Grochan before packing our bags and heading back home. A cracking weekend, looking forward to the next one, oh wait that will be this weekend then!

Yes that's right it's another hut weekend. So rather than reading about the adventurers why not come and share in them. We still have space at the hut so come and join us whether it's climbing, cycling, walking or just chilling out! 

Tuesday evening:

- Running - Meet at the main Bradgate Park car park in Newton Linford at 7:00pm. Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

- Cycling - Meet at the 'Old Hare and Hounds' pub in Anstey at 7pm. Road cycling around the lovely local countryside. Contact Paul Barrett (07580 379067).

- Bouldering - Our regular bouldering meet at The Climbing Station in Loughborough from 6pm. Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

Thursday evening: 

- Climbing - Our regular Thursday night climbing meet, everyone welcome including beginners. This week we will be at Slawston Bridge from 5:30pm. Good area for cycling/walking too. As usual if the weather is adverse then we'll be indoors at The Tower. To get updates on whether we will be outdoors or indoors contact Andy Railton (07894 533629)

Upcoming meets (see our website for full meets list):

- July 26th/27th - Club hut meet, Climbing, Cycling, Walking, MTB - Contact Bob Crosby (07934 475926)

- August 9th/10th - Peak Weekend meet, Climbing Cycling, Walking, etc. Contact Andy Railton (07984 533629)

- August 23rd-25th - Cornwall meet - Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

Other stuff:

- Want to get access to all issues of the BMC's Summit magazine, check this out!

Andy Potter
BCC Meets Secretary
07796 220055

Hi Everyone,

Normally I'd be itching to be out doing something at this time of day but I'm quite happy sat here because if I stand up my legs will ache. This is as a result of doing my first Mountain Marathon at the weekend, which was totally brilliant. I would definitely recommend the Saunders Mountain Marathon for anyone who's been tempted to give it a go. We had great times throughout and it was great to be accompanied by fellow Bowliners. Well done to everyone who took part, looking forward to next year already!

And whilst we were running round the Lakes, Andy Richards was clocking up the firsts at Bamford Edge with his first HVS 5a (Neb Buttress). Followed by his first lead fall on Twin Cracks, fortunately with no injuries sustained. Well done Andy!

NB: A group of us are planning to head to the hut this weekend 19th/20th July for climbing. Let me know if you'd like to join us (transport/food can be provided).

Tuesday evening:

- Running - Meet at the main Bradgate Park car park in Newton Linford at 7:00pm. Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

- Cycling - Meet at the 'Old Hare and Hounds' pub in Anstey at 7pm. Road cycling around the lovely local countryside. Contact Paul Barrett (07580 379067).

- Bouldering - Our regular bouldering meet at The Climbing Station in Loughborough from 6pm. Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

Thursday evening: 

- Climbing - Our regular Thursday night climbing meet, everyone welcome including beginners. This week we will be at Wildcat near Matlock from 6:30pm. As usual if the weather is adverse then we'll be indoors at The Tower. To get updates on whether we will be outdoors or indoors contact Andy Railton (07894 533629)

Upcoming meets (see our website for full meets list):

- July 12th/13th - Saunders Mountain Marathon -  Contact Michelle Aukland (07812 108919)

- July 26th/27th - Club hut meet, Climbing, Cycling, Walking, MTB - Contact Bob Crosby (07934 475926)

- August 9th/10th - Peak Weekend meet, Climbing Cycling, Walking, etc. Contact Andy Railton (07984 533629)

- August 23rd-25th - Cornwall meet - Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

Other stuff:

- If you are a keen or aspiring tri-athelete why not enter the Harborough Triathlon

- Or if a 'Sportive' is more your cup of tea then I told Mr Barratt will be entering this one.

Andy Potter
BCC Meets Secretary
07796 220055

Hi Everybody,

Did the Tennis and the TDF tempt you away from the hills this weekend? If so you missed out on a great climbing day at The Roaches, where Tony, Dick, Angeline, Marc and I spent a lovely day sunning ourselves... oh and doing some climbing too! Hopefully all those that went to Yorkshire had a lovely time watching the cycling.

This week we have all the usual activities on offer including Bouldering, Cycling, Running and Climbing. This weekend coming several Bowline teams are off to take on the Saunders Mountain Marathon... this will be my first time doing a mountain marathon... it was nice knowing you all!

Also, on the weekend of the 19th/20th July a group of us are planning to go to North Wales for climbing. All are welcome to join us!

Tuesday evening:

- Running - This week we are combining running with bouldering so will be running from The Climbing Station at 7pm. Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

- Cycling - Meet at the 'Old Hare and Hounds' pub in Anstey at 7pm. Road cycling around the lovely local countryside. Contact Paul Barrett (07580 379067).

- Bouldering - Our regular bouldering meet at The Climbing Station in Loughborough from 6pm. Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

Thursday evening: 

- Climbing - Our regular Thursday night climbing meet, everyone welcome including beginners. We are keeping it local this week, meet at Markfield Quarry from 6pm. As usual if the weather is adverse then we'll be indoors at The Tower. To get updates on whether we will be outdoors or indoors contact Andy Railton (07894 533629)

Upcoming meets (see our website for full meets list):

- July 12th/13th - Saunders Mountain Marathon -  Contact Michelle Aukland (07812 108919)

- July 19th/20th - North Wales climbing meet - Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

- July 26th/27th - Club hut meet, Climbing, Cycling, Walking, MTB - Contact Bob Crosby (07934 475926)

- August 23rd-25th - Cornwall meet - Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

Andy Potter
BCC Meets Secretary
07796 220055

Hi Bowliners & Friends,

A fantastic time was had at the Summer Meal with great times out on the hills and at the hut. Andy Richards has penned a little trip report which I will send around separately.

This weekend coming we have another 'Peak weekend'. Starting on the Saturday at The Roaches, aiming to arrive at 10:00am for 10:30am start below The Sloth route (big overhang) on the top tier and then in the Winking Man pub at 7pm. For Sunday we are suggesting either hen cloud, the skyline or Ramshaws rocks. If you prefer walking/cycling then we suggest meeting at the roaches tea rooms. For camping there is a site opposite the tea rooms called Homestead Farm (contact Reg Day, 01538 300419). 

Obviously the weekends plans are weather dependent so watch out for an update on Thursday or give me (Andy Potter) a call to find out what is happening!

NB: Please note that we are running at 6:30pm this Tuesday.

Tuesday evening:

- Running - Meet at the main Bradgate Park car park in Newton Linford at 6:30pm. Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

- Cycling - Meet at the 'Old Hare and Hounds' pub in Anstey at 7pm. Road cycling around the lovely local countryside. Contact Paul Barrett (07580 379067).

- Bouldering - Our regular bouldering meet at The Climbing Station in Loughborough from 6pm. Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

Thursday evening: 

- Climbing - Our regular Thursday night climbing meet, everyone welcome including beginners. This week we will be at Gardoms Edge from 6pm, we will be parking at the Robin Hood Pub car park and heading for Apple Buttress. As usual if the weather is adverse then we'll be indoors at The Tower. To get updates on whether we will be outdoors or indoors contact Andy Railton (07894 533629)

Upcoming meets (see our website for full meets list):

- July 5th/6th - Peak Weekend meet, Climbing Cycling, Walking, etc. Contact Andy Railton (07984 533629)
- July 12th/13th - Saunders Mountain Marathon -  Contact Michelle Aukland (07812 108919)
- July 26th/27th - Club hut meet, Climbing, Cycling, Walking, MTB - Contact Bob Crosby (07934 475926)
- August 23rd-25th - Cornwall meet - Contact Andy Potter (07796 220055).

Andy Potter
BCC Meets Secretary
07796 220055

Did you all get out to enjoy some of your favourite outdoor pursuits this weekend? Don't forget to let me know what you've been up too, particularly any notable achievements or funny stories to share with the club!

We had a great weekend of climbing in the Peak district. On Saturday a group of us found a surprisingly quiet Birchen Edge which meant we had pretty much free run of the crag. Which made for a great introduction for some potential new members who all climbed very well. On Sunday we upped the challenge at Curbar with the highlight of the day being Tony Hextall's fantastic lead of 'The Peapod' HVS 5b (which was great fun to 2nd).

For those of you making the most of our lovely club hut please note that the code for the keysafe is changed regularly. Make sure you contact Bob Crosby several days before you visit to get the latest code.

Also we are pleased to report that the club has been successful in all three grant applications we made to the BMC. This means that we will be able to purchase a new group shelter for use on meets/events. We will be able to offer club members a free training session on 'escaping the system' (more details to follow). And we will be shortly unveiling a new integrated website for the club bringing together all the club information, news, emails, events, etc into one easy to one attractive and easy to use location (again more info will follow soon).

Tuesday evening:

- Running - Our usual off-road running meet in the Bradgate Park area, see the Events area for full details. 

- Cycling - Road cycling around the lovely local countryside, see the Events area for full details. 

- Bouldering - Our regular indoor bouldering meet at The Climbing Station in Loughborough, see the Events area for full details.

Thursday evening: 

- Climbing - Our regular Thursday night climbing meet, everyone welcome including beginners. This week we will be in the Peak unless the weather is adverse in which case we'll be indoors, see the Events area for full details.

Andy Potter
Meets Secretary
meetsec@bowlineclimbingclub.co.uk
07796 220055

Our second of this years 'Peak weekends' is coming up this weekend. On Saturday we will be meeting at the Café in Calver (where the old Outside was) between 10:00-10:30 am for a coffee/tea (and bacon buttie). For those climbing we are going to go to Birchen's edge, which is particularly beginner friendly. There is also plenty of scope for cycling/walking in the area. Whatever you're chosen activity we are planning to go to the Robin Hood pub in the evening from 7pm onwards. 

We will be do more activities again on the Sunday and are planning to go to Curbar Edge.  If you fancy staying up in the Peak on Saturday the Eric Byne campsite is a 10 minute walk form the Robin Hood pub; there's no need to book but you need to walk your stuff in as there is no vehicle access. 

It would make sense to share transport so meeting up local to Leicester and sharing cars would be a good plan. We usually have a meeting place in Stanton under Bardon, just off J22 of the M1. If you want to share lifts let me (Andy Potter, 07796 220055) know so I can co-ordinate and give you the exact location/time to meet (probably 9am).

Tuesday evening:

- Running - Our usual off-road running meet in the Bradgate Park area, see the Events area for full details. 

- Cycling - Road cycling around the lovely local countryside, see the Events area for full details. 

- Bouldering - Our regular indoor bouldering meet at The Climbing Station in Loughborough, see the Events area for full details.

Thursday evening: 

- Climbing - Our regular Thursday night climbing meet, everyone welcome including beginners. This week we will be in the Peak unless the weather is adverse in which case we'll be indoors, see the Events area for full details.

Andy Potter
Meets Secretary
meetsec@bowlineclimbingclub.co.uk
07796 220055