Weardale Ski Club update

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

What a fantastic ski season we had this year - 45 days of some of the best snow seen for many years - lets hope that it is a sign of a change in weather patterns. We took all the hangars off the tow lifts on the 9th of May and the next day there was a significant covering of snow though it didnt last very long. We could have opened quite a few more days this season if it wasnt for a shortage of tow operators and we are keen to train new people up to help with the operation of the lifts - preferably people who live fairly close and are prepared to help run the tows and manage the lift queues etc. Any new operator would be trained up and would always work alongside an experienced operator who would have overall responsibility. This would also free up others to attend to jobs like pisting the runs, maintenance and ongoing repairs etc. If anyone is interested then we will offer training at forthcoming work parties talking of which we have 2 dates set at the moment - Sunday 6th + 27th June. Work parties start at 10 am and everyone is welcome and indeed we try to encourage as many as possible to attend. The club is all run by volunteers who put in many hours each year to ensure that you get to ski/board - this is your chance to put something back into the club. This year we have a huge amount of work to undertake and we will be having several more work parties - dates to be announced later via email and on the website. We need people with skills like electricians, mechanics but also need unskilled workers as a lot of the jobs simply require being able to hit a nail with a hammer or use a shovel.

Competition winner - the winner of the "Do's + Don'ts" competition in the last newsletter was won by Alistair Mackay who won a £50 travel voucher from Stanhope Travel - many thanks to Jon + Sam who give us good support and offer excellent value holidays (they say they can match internet prices). Congratulations to Alistair and look forward to hearing what you do with the vouchers.

Planning a marriage? If you are planning a marriage this year and are a keen skier or boarder BBC3 "Don't tell the bride" are planning a new series and are looking for a suitable couple to whom they will give £12000 towards their wedding. I don't know the details but presume it entails being filmed and shown on the series  and assume the wedding must take place in a ski resort but I could be wrong - if interested or know anyone that might be email weddings@renegadepictures.co.uk

Finally can I thank all those who have supported Weardale Ski Club this season - the snow was fantastic but created an enormous amount of work and strained the committee at times. The unprecedented influx of new members forced us to close membership and for a while stop day members - I apologise to anyone who we upset but the decision had to be made in the interests of longstanding members and also safety. We will be sending out renewals later in the year - via post, email and on the website. Please don't apply beforehand for membership, as some have already, until the renewal notice is sent out - any sent now will be returned.

Hopefully see many of you at the work parties

Steve