Meet now full!
All are welcome - come on a walk or climb, make new friends / walking / climbing partners and strengthen existing friendships. If you can only come on one meet this year then make it this one!
It's a great opportunity to meet other club members over a weekend in the outdoors with the comparative comforts of a hostel to return to in the evening. There will be food, drink and general celebrations.
We have exclusive use of YHA Ironbridge Coalbrookdale, a beautiful grade II listed building in the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site. The weather will I'm sure be sunny but if not, the last annual dinner demonstrated that Rockhoppers aren't put off by a bit (or a lot) of water - we'll go out for a walk whatever the weather. If it does get wet and getting wet isn't your thing then there are 10 family-friendly museums and the area is "littered with industrial archaeology and brimming with tea rooms, pubs and eateries."
The nearest sizeable hill is The Wrekin - a respectable 407m high, and topped with an iron-age hill fort. The river Severn, with the Iron Bridge, is a short walk from the hostel. If you want to go climbing then there is even a crag of local interest.
The general plan for the weekend is:
Friday night - arrive by car (or, preferably train - Telford is very close). Make yourself at home and settle in the lounge with a beer or tea if it's not too late.
Saturday day - head out for a walk (or a climb for the hardy) or maybe even take a raft trip before returning to the hostel and getting your party clothes on for:
Saturday night - a sit-down dinner (with rather nice food - any dietary needs let me know). Bring your own drinks. with an awards ceremony and voting for "Rockhopper of the Year" followed by entertainment and a general opportunity to kick back, have a chat and perhaps try table bouldering.
Sunday - go for a walk, visit a museum or archaelogical site before heading home.
The cost is £70 per person for two night's accommodation, two breakfasts, dinner on the Saturday night and entertainment (traditionally a ceilidh but - and you'll like this - something different this year).
If you would like to travel by train then it is only 2hr11 minutes from Euston to Telford Central - probably quicker than driving. Please indicate in the trip notes if you would consider taking the train and I will see if we can get a discounted groupsave ticket.
Any questions please ask!
Small print
As is standard for many events now, everyone must have either had both vaccine doses or a negative NHS Covid-19 Lateral Flow Test taken no earlier than the Wednesday before. This is to help avoid the Annual Dinner being memorable for the wrong reasons. We will have use of up to 17 rooms and we will try and spread people out as far as possible.
Guests must either join the club before coming on the Annual Dinner or have separate individual (or family) BMC membership for insurance purposes.
There will be separate female-only dorms and families can, of course, have a family room. There is also space for up to four people-friendly, dog-friendly dogs. If you would like to bring a dog please let me know before booking so I can check there is space.
Payment Required!
One of the following payments is required for this meet at the time of booking.
B&B, dinner £70.00