THIS year has seen a rather distressing but inevitable break with tradition – the demise of the annual journal. In part this was due to an unfortunate accident to last year’s Journal Editor at a rather critical time for its production, But .html reason, and one that will become more serious in the future, is the financial position. Costs inevitably rise and this not only affects production but it also means that advertisers are reluctant to make the C.U.M.C. journal part of their budget. To those advertisers who do appear within we are most grateful, and as always we extend our thanks to the printers, Elphicks, who have been patient through a year of. indecision.
This year we have, therefore, two years’ revenue and so have been able to include a few extra photographs as well as articles covering two years of club activity, Whether future journals will cover two years depends on many factors, but it seems a pity to drop the yearly journal. Perhaps a change of format is required.
Now to less weighty matters – that of club membership, which seems to be taking the healthy upward turn; from about 100 in ’72/73 to over 120 this year. In part this may be due to the successful introduction of a discount three year membership Next year should tell us more.
The annual dinner last year was held in Derbyshire for a change. A riotous time was had by all, entertainment being provided by Alsatians and Solicitors. Coupled with a weekend’s climbing it made for a successful time; we shall, however, not be returning to Derbyshire for this year’s dinner, which is due to be held in Cambridge – just too late for this editorial.
Climbing in the club has seen a change over the past two years with the departure of the two leading lights, Alan Rouse and Mick Geddes; however, the club seems to be adjusting and is regaining its former momentum with the influx of potential talent.
Bar leaving many people at the Roaches and a breakdown on the A1, the meets secretary has been coping well in the face of the petrol crisis and the meets are becoming more adventurous, with more weekends away from Cambridge. Further information on climbing in the club is contained in the climbing notes.
Over the past two years we have had a full and varied lecture programme – a glance at the list will confirm this – but almost invariably these are poorly attended, especially for the lesser known speakers who are no less interesting. This seems a pity when one considers that this is one of the major items of the club budget and a lot more than many other clubs provide. So get along there on Fridays, you lazy sods!