During the year I've had lots of entertainment just looking over the Heels of yesteryears. The odd thing is that nothing much has changed in a 40 year gap - in tramping anyway. The hills are always there, I guess, and the kind of bods that are attracted to the hills never change in their enthusiasm for and humour about tramping.
Trampers of the 40's and 50's had a lot of the same concerns that we have today, like pontificating about the relation of ground speed to slipping over backward ability and whether an acceleration or deceleration in velocity will affect this; like how to confront leatherwood - under, over or through; like the honourable art of pit bashing; like stumbling up a track late on a Friday night. Things like these never change it seems. maybe there is a trampers 'culture'?
Will things have changed in the next 40 odd years. Perhaps trampers (or whatever they will be called), for I'm sure they'll still be around, in the year 2020 will look back on this Heels and say "hey: they did that too".
Something that also struck me, about trampers and their articles, while doing Heels, is that people vary tremendously in their reactions to a particular event, climb, or tramp; what might seem like a mountain to one will be a molehill to another. What is five words for one will be a whole article for another. You might think I'm pointing out the obvious, but its interesting! I guess it is the personalities and the different experiences that make Heels and I hope this year's Heels has captured something of the personality of VUWTC 1985.
Finally I would like to thank John Edge for developing prints off the slides, to Viv Keane again and especially to Mike Sheridan for all his help and patience.
This will be the last time I put together Heels. I've thoroughly enjoyed my two years as Editor and although there are always hiccups, the job as editor wouldn't be the same without them. I wish John Edge, the new Editor, all the best for 1986.
Nikki Wright
I've decided to blame that ageing specimen Michael James Sheridan for this report being late. Why? - well why not, after all it was he who way back in 1980 convinced me to join VUWTC and get involved. I did and that's why i'm doing this!! Its interesting that as I write my last report as President that it should be his better half who awaits this literary piece.
Looking back over 1985 one must say the year has been characterised by its variety both in terms of the tramping and the involvement of members. Club meetings are perhaps the best measure of support and these have varied between packed houses such as the Freshers meeting, to the quiet end of term sessions when varsity commitments seem to detract from the lure of the hills. I have been intrigued by the strong interest in snow trips this year. in every case the visits to Egmont and Ruapehu have been very well supported while traditional tramping trips have met with mixed response. I'm not sure if this is a reflection of the Chief Guide's emphasis on climbing or the irresistable lure of the snow - a mixture of both I suspect.
This year like any other has had its moments, with several media attractions taking the limelight, yet they reflected well on the club's instruction standards. The 'Maungahuka Boys' by all accounts enjoyed their aerial walkway, courtesy of Helicopter Airways and suffered little except for the spuds - maybe? The second SAR affectionately labeled the 'Iles Operations' reinforced, as did the first, the skills of Vic members who, given a difficult situation, have commanded themselves and the club with their clear and calm handling of the situation.
I guess the one area of concern has been club gear management, where I feel we have all been lax. To be honest, with the stock of gear we now have it is imperative that more care is taken. Please return borrowed gear promptly and don't leave it in vans, buses etc for others to collect, it's too easily lost, - believe me your support will be appreciated.
Well having put in my plug for gear, I would like to thank the 1985 committee for their collective efforts. Of the 3 committees I have chaired, this year's has been the most relaxed and this I think has been reflected in the way the club has operated. There are some special efforts I would like to recognise. Firstly Murray, for his quietly efficient handling of the secretarial matters, secondly Nigel for keeping the purse strings tight enough to make us efficent although he must learn not to panic, thirdly good ole short legs (I'll carry your pack) Speden who picked up the Gear Custodial Service when Tony's work conflicted. Lastly my personal thanks to Mike R who has given excellent support to me over the year and has provided the club with his own blend of tramping/climbing in 85. I wish Mike and his team the very best for 1986.
To conclude I must say I am encouraged by the number of students becoming involved in the club, especially on the committee. I personally believe the club is more successful when it has its administrative base on campus and this has been achieved for 86.
So after 3 terms in the President's Chair, I'm heading to that so called "Elder Status" in the club, where first year's get you brews at meetings and push your wheelchair into Smiths Creek!! I leave you with HEELS 85, a superb record of V.U.W.T.C's activities over the past year and a tribute to Nikki and her team for their efforts to bring us such a quality magazine.
See you in the hills.