This issue appears to be article dominated - in fact there is nothing but articles! Unfortunately there is no problem page due to the tragic death of Auntie Girdlestone. Hopefully we'll find a replacement in time for the next issue. In the meantime, any psychological problems you may have can be referred to the 24hr counseling service kindly provided by the committee (excluding publicity officer and assistant). Phone, fax or e-mail them, day or night, and they'll be happy to listen to your problems.
There is also a distinct lack of gossip in this issue - either you all lead extremely uneventful lives or no-one really cares enough about your activities to write them down on paper. This is sad, as I know the gossip page bears the same priority as the accident and death page in FMC Bulletins.
Thanks to those who wrote articles. Also thanks to the shops who agreed to advertise - this helped our financial situation substantially and I'm sure members will bear this in mind when purchasing winter tramping gear, processing photos etc. Finally, don't forget the August issue of BAAA and Heels. I'll be pestering you about that very soon. The hunt for the malicious person who pinched the BAAA envelope from the noticeboard, and then the noticeboard itself, continues ... love Rachel
The club is here to help facilitate YOUR tramping, not just through the club trips, but also by getting you to organise your own activities. So if you're not getting what you want out of the club - you should put something in - stand up and Participate! We're mostly friendly and probably won't bite your head off.
As far as the year so far - something must be going right - membership is up about 25%, we broke the 200 barrier the first time for a few years. It was also great to see 60 of you heading into the Tararua's for Freshers, I think most of you enjoyed it, but never again will I organise it! Hopefully you've made a few more friends, and had an adventure into the great outdoors.
And as for the rest of the year - there's plenty of tramping left -
we're into winter now, so bring out these ice axes, and get into the warm
fuzzy snow. The AIC is a great chance to actually learn how you are meant
to handle it. Then put it into practice down south in Nelson Lakes during
mid-term. Well I've rambled on enough - so get along to our meetings, our
social events, and of course get into the bush - enjoy the tramping life.
Baaa
Nige.
People go into the hills for different reasons. Some are escaping
their normal life, others want to get to those last few huts or few kilometres
of track they haven't been to before or they just want a relaxing weekend
where they can appreciate nature. The important thing to remember is that
different people go tramping for different reasons and those reasons should
be respected. The group members' enjoyment, safety and fulfilment of their
goals should be the aim of the trip.
Now that my philosophical quote is out of the way on with the year. One of the main issues at last years AGM was trying to get female participation in the club to match membership. I don't know what percentage of the membership females occupy this year but they have easily made up 50% of those on club trips this year. In fact there is one guy who has had a male:female ratio on each trip he has been on of 1:4, 3:5, 1:3. On Bushcraft the trouble was trying not to have a group of 3 females and only one male!
In general the trend is that the same people who went on Freshers and Bushcraft are coming on the later trips which shows they are being looked after on their first trips with the club and finding it a warm and friendly place. This can only be good for the club and hopefully we will be able to build up our skill levels this year and leave the club with a greater number of leaders at the end of the year.
On a parting note there are lots of good trips coming up in the year, A.I.C., two social trips and lots in the Tararuas. The hot tip is for Mid Term to Nelson Lakes and I hope to see you all there.
Baaaa
Love Caroline