60th Anniversary Meet to Lochearnhead, Saturday, 28th March, 2015
Present: Matt Adams, Iain Arnott, Stuart Barr, Tony & Andrea Bloomfield, Geoff Bone, David Briggs, Sue Burns, Rosemary Cameron, Robert Campbell, Keith Cocks, Maureen Davidson, Andrew & Michael Haswell, Bruce & Gill Hogg, Peter & Helen Ilieve, Douglas Johnston, Hannah Jones, Tony & Fiona Kinghorn, Teun Krikke, Audrey Litterick, Alasdair Macdonald, John McGruer, Anne Moore, Anne Morrison, Graeme & Judith Morrison, David Reid, Steve Roberts, Alan Ross, John & Ruth St Clair, Brian Shackleton, Hillary & Rona Sillitto, Tim & Alice Simons, Paul Thompson, Ruth Tibbs, Andrew Walker, Neil & Clare Williams, and Mike & Marion Wood [47].
While various myths have grown around the Club’s origins, it is beyond dispute that an inaugural ascent of Ben Vorlich was made in April, 1955. For documentary proof we can turn to Alan Ross’s recent biography of our founder member, F A Evans, which includes a monochrome photograph of Johnny Baines standing on the snow-clad shoulder of the mountain. (His tweed jacket and amply cut flannels might raise suspicions of a studio photograph and painted backdrop, but in fact such attire was common not only on homeland hills but also further afield, as witness the classic snap of Geoff Bone similarly tweed-jacketed on the Matterhorn’s summit in 1952.) Ben Vorlich bore our first tentative steps, and to its tutelary precinct we return in the vigour of manhood to celebrate our anniversaries.
Saturday’s forecast was not encouraging: wind southerly veering south-westerly by about midday, mostly 50-75mph; walking difficult even at low levels; severe wind chill, feeling as cold as -16°C; cloud-base between 500 & 850m. It is testimony to our members’ hardihood and respect for tradition that fully 28 people, in various combinations, undertook the ascent from Ardvorlich. In the policies of that ancient house, daffodils and rhododendrons hardly stirred, and a blink of sunshine belied the tumult in the upper air. In truth the mountain itself was providing shelter, which dwindled as height was gained and the wind veered towards the west. Beyond the bridge, the path became increasingly exposed and windswept. Mitts were donned and hoods drawn tight against the gale. Ice axes and poles were deployed, in a vain attempt to maintain balance. Boots slithered on soft snow.
The north ridge of Ben Vorlich is known locally as Sgiath nan Tarmachan, the Ptarmigan’s Wing. That bird is a famously fast flier, well able to ride the upland gale while the earthbound visitor staggers. At a height of 800m on the Sgiath, the Club’s meteorologists recorded a wind speed of 66mph, and the lighter members of the party found themselves blown over by gusts. Though the summit was now just a quarter of a mile away, the decision was taken to abandon the attempt on Ben Vorlich. The descent was accomplished in good order, with Alasdair playing the retreat “The Battle is Over” as the party crossed the spating burn. Here, in a sheltered hollow, whisky was served and Ruth’s flapjacks were eagerly consumed.
By 4pm almost fifty members, ex-members and guests had gathered at the Lochearnhead Hotel. Over tea and scones Mo regaled the company with tales of the early days, when women were treated respectfully and a Hunter’s bus conveyed the FMC as far as Zermatt, where the mighty Rimpfischhorn was climbed. Brian continued the narrative, describing the period from the ‘70s onwards and marvelling that a young climber could now progress from Grade II to Grade VI winter routes in a single season. Finally the President, Audrey Litterick, spoke about the Club’s currently robust health but imminent need for new blood.
As if in response, Alasdair’s pipes now revived the party. Mo and Ruth danced a jig then cut the celebratory cake [see photo], so launching the FMC upon its seventh decade.
Across the loch, the scudding clouds were giving way to blue skies.
