President’s Desk
Hi all,
After three years of diligent stewardship Elaine has stepped down as president and also retired from the committee after 12 years as a club officer, making this my first official communication as the new Club President.
I’d like to begin by thanking those committee members that have stood down this year for their help over the past years. Elaine has produced a record of service like no other and I’d also like to thank Joelle for seven years on the committee organising our social events and movie nights; Alec for his wise contributions over the past two years; and best wishes to Fletch, who leaves us for Waikato Uni… but he’ll be back. Thanks too to Andrew, Chris, Conrad, Sophie and Stacey, who remain on board. We welcome Steve Ritson, Greg Sharman and Kevin Conaglen to the exec. Special thanks to Greg Banks, our booking officer; Charlie for the HiTac; and Carey Clow for maintaining the website. Elaine will be holding onto the club library until such time as alternative storage can be arranged.
Summer is winding down but there’s still plenty happening on the mountain before the snows arrive, with reports of new rock projects in progress near the lodge and some old classics getting a revisit. If the weather behaves there will be a trip up the Carrington Ridge this weekend. Steve Ritson, your new club Captain, is taking expressions of interest for a rock climbing weekend at Kawakawa Bay sometime in late April/ early May with some instruction for beginners. Please get in touch via his email (captain.tac@outlook.com), or talk to us at club night.
Don’t miss this month’s club night with Dr Mike Gill. Mike is a Climber and founding member of the Himalayan Trust and he’ll be talking about the 1960-61 Silver Hut Expedition. Also speaking will be John Loof talking about the Himalayan Trust’s current work with communities in the Solukhumbu; Angela Hampton a teacher at Stratford Primary School, talking about teaching the next generation about Sir Ed’s legacy; and Summit Challenge Ambassador Hasely Lobb, talking about climbing 8848m for Nepal in Taranaki. Lots to take in, should be a great night.
Note the change to our usual venue, this one’s being held at the very comfy 4th Wall theatre, Fitzroy.
The Department of Conservation have been in touch to remind us that there is going to be an aerial application of 1080 on the mountain during April. They will warn us 2 days in advance and a 100m radius around the lodge and the translator station will be omitted from the drop area. Watch out on the club face book page for further details.
DOC have also reported a family of rats lurking around Tahurangi Lodge. We will step up our trapping and pest hygiene as a result, but please ensure that you remove any rubbish and food scraps from the area surrounding the lodge and the within the lodge itself. The only rats we want to attract can belay.
The lodge upgrade project is nearing the end, with some minor tinkering still to be sorted out this month. There are no calls for another working bee this month but if required we will put out a call on the face book page. Thanks again to everyone who has made themselves available to help thus far.
Annual subscriptions are now due, thanks to everyone for paying promptly. Remember if you haven’t paid your sub by 1 June, you’ll incur a 20% penalty, and membership is forfeited if not paid by 1st July. Crikey!
Ivan Bruce
President