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P TWMC climbers on Abbot's Way (HVS 5a) in Berry Head.


What is someone's first meet like? Our New Members Events are a relaxed evening top-rope climbing at Harrison’s Rocks, Bowles Rocks or a local wall. Our New Members Rep will arrange existing members to greet, welcome and climb with you. We’ll choose a section with some easier climbs for a gentle introduction. It’s a great chance to meet other newbies and get to know us, we often have a post climb social together.


Are they much different than what happens at a typical meet? A New Members event is similar to a regular club night, we promise not to sandbag you on your first time out!


What else does your club do? We host several club-wide social events including summer BBQs, a Christmas Curry, local Banff Film


Festival showings, as well as joining talks and events, such as the Women’s Trad Festival.


Why is your club unique? Despite the paradox of being based in south east England and having ‘Mountaineering’ in our name, the heart of our club is top-rope climbing on the short local outcrops. Our Sandstone club nights are brilliant, we mix in and share ropes so you can climb more routes (if you wish) and receive tips from others. If you enjoy this soft rock, master the mantelshelf move, and become friends with slopers, then climbing other rock types will be a breeze.


How does a member progress from newbie to someone experienced enough to go out without a leader or instructor? We know that people have different aspirations, availability and preferences


for learning. Some may like to follow the ‘apprenticeship’ approach of seconding experienced members. Many members progressed via this route and we run several trips suitable for those with less experience; they’ll be relaxed and social. The club is also an advocate of professional instruction; three years ago we designed a training subsidy scheme to incentivise members to develop their skills, and share this knowledge with others in the club. It’s really exciting to start seeing the rewards of this as people step up and conquer new challenges.


What's the most exciting story from your time in the club?


Pushing your trad climbing always seems to produce some interesting climbing tales and mini epics. I recently heard of one involving a belay device in the sea, a self-rescue and a pro-climber


kindly helping out two experienced members at Pembroke. All ended well, but too embarrassing to print.


Why do feel clubs are important? Clubs are important because of the connection they give you to other climbers and walkers. People naturally dip in and out of sports as they balance family, work and other social commitments. The great thing about being in a club is that you can always find someone ready to get out on the rock, offer encouragement or commiserations, and laugh with. Meeting like-minded people from different backgrounds and experiences, in an inclusive environment, is what clubs are all about for me.


Follow the TWMC on Instagram @theTWMC


SUMMIT#105 | SPRING 2022 | 59


PHOTO: TWMC COLLECTION


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