WSC update

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Winter has arrived and the fells of Weardale have already had a couple of light dustings of snow. Time perhaps to think about putting the winter tyres on and checking the snow chains still work? The slopes have been prepared for the season and everything is in order for when we get enough snow to get the skis out. More snow is forecast - my son's girlfriends sister has a friend in the Met Office which has forecast a significant dump of snow in the near future so there you have it!!

There are only 2 days left for existing members to rejoin without having to pay the late/joining fee and we are filling up fast with approximately 150 places left before we close membership. We will still allow day members through the week but weekends are reserved for members only. If you have procrastinated in rejoining now is the time, just follow the link to join online https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?event_id=812

AGM - a reminder that the WSC AGM is being held on Tuesday 13th November at 8pm in The Honest Lawyer, Croxdale, Durham DH1 3SP. All members are welcome to this and we have changed the format to make it more interesting. The AGM will be kept fairly brief and will be followed by an excellent slide show and talk by Stuart Gallagher on his recent trip to Antarctica, a slide show that has already received great acclaim.

Discount days Both Nevisport and LD Mountain Centre in Newcastle have agreed to offer members of WSC discount once again and we do really appreciate their support. They offer 10% discount all year round on production of a valid WSC membership card and on the weekend 24/25th November Nevisport will double this to 20% discount and LD to 15%. This can save a significant amount if you are planning to upgrade your equipment or clothing but to ensure they keep offering us this discount we must be seen to be using it so please go that weekend and wave your WSC card around.

Improvements You should all notice several improvements this season. Apart from repairing and maintaining all the equipment, snow fencing, cutting the grass etc we have installed a second webcam to give you a better idea of the snow conditions, have upgraded the website which I am sure you will find a great improvement, have fitted solar panels to try and keep all our batteries charged up and are in the process of installing a new composting toilet system in the lodge which has also had a "deep clean". Thanks to all those who have contributed hours of blood, sweat and occasionally tears to ensure this work has all been done.

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Hopefully see more of you at the AGM in a couple of weeks.

Steve

Weardale Ski Club + VIP tickets to the ski and snowboard show

The Weardale Ski Club ltd

1. Membership

We have now opened membership to new members on a "first come first served" basis. We are nearly 2/3 full and will close membership once we reach our limit. Existing members have been sent instructions on how to renew online and new members can join online by following this link - http://www.skiweardale.com/membership.html The membership fee is £35 for an adult but for new members there is a "one off" joining fee of £20 per household in the first year. Existing members do not pay this £20 if they rejoin before the end on October but after the 31st October it becomes a late fee (assuming we have any places left).

2. Ski & Board Show Tickets Birmingham 2012 (26^th – 28^th October)

Snowsport England have free tickets for this which give access to the VIP lounge as well. These are available to any member but they will only allocate them to me on a named basis - if anyone is interested let me know your name and I will obtain a PDF document which acts as a ticket but only for the person named on the ticket. Snowsport England need to have names by 23 October. There will be a SSE stand at the show please encourage your members to come across and say hello – we are looking forward to seeing them.

On the Saturday afternoon of the show will be the annual club and volunteer awards. To nominate your club or one of your volunteers for one of the awards please go to:   http://www.snowsportengland.org.uk/news/2012/09/snowsport-england-club-and-volunteer-awards-2012 a great opportunity to celebrate the great work being done by our clubs and volunteers.

3.AGM - a reminder that the WSC AGM is being held on Tuesday 13th November at The Honest Lawyer, Croxdale, Durham DH1 3SP. All members are welcome to this and we have changed the format to make it more interesting. The AGM will kept fairly brief and will be followed by an excellent slide show and talk by Stuart Gallagher on his recent trip to Antarctica, a slide show that has already received great acclaim - more details nearer the time.

4. Shelving - We are wanting to kit out the new garage with heavy duty shelving (Dexion racking or similar) so if anyone has any old heavy duty shelving or knows where we can get some cheap then please let me know.

5. Fence boards - We are getting very low on fencing boards for the snow fencing - if anyone has any suitable - ie old pallet boards or similar that we could use then lease let me know.

6. Finally I am sad to report the recent death of Ray Dent who many of you will remember from the early days of WSC. He used to run Glenwhelt Farm that you pass on the right halfway up to the slopes and now run by his son Ian (some of you will have been towed out of snow drifts by Ian!). Ray was very supportive when WSC was first set up (and also interestingly involved in setting up the Teesdale and Weardale search and mountain rescue). Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Steve