I have been an active climber for about 20 years and in that time I have remained a loyal member of the CMC.

You could call me an all-rounder, with Deep Water Soloing being the only area of climbing I haven’t tried. However, I have a particular love of Scottish Winter/Mixed and Alpine climbing (I should have been born in the Highlands!)

Being Chairman of Chelmsford Mountaineering Club is a real joy. I particularly love to see so many new members thrive and develop after joining the club. It’s also great bringing new members together and seeing the bonds and friendships that develop as a result.

Favourite area: Ben Nevis - A lifetime of climbing on one mountain.

Favourite winter route: Orion Face Direct (Ben Nevis)

Favourite rock route: Dream Of White Horses (Gogarth)

Favourite piece of kit: Too many to mention, but my DMM Cortex Ice Tools probably win.

Dream route: Cassin Ridge on Denali (closely followed by Infinite Spur on Mt Foraker and the Eiger (1938 route).

Favourite hill food: Easy… My next door neighbour’s flapjack! (She makes me a tray if she finds out I’m heading off on a trip!)

I joined the CMC in 2023, having returned to the sport after a 30+ year absence period.

The club is a pretty good bunch, encompassing a wide range of interests and capabilities. That said, all are made welcome and encouraged to the local indoor walls, club trips and of course, to the pub where tails become taller as the alcohol levels rise!

I am a keen Alpinist and rock climber at home and in the hills (in all terrain and weather) and particularly enjoy the type II fun. I’m now back into Winter climbing and Alpine mountaineering, but seeking a second-time-round to avoid the unplanned bivis in the Mont Blanc massif!

Favourite area: North Wales - Having lived, worked, climbed, walked and cycled in the area; even the occasional lap of the 14 peaks and Karrimor International Mountain Marathon (Not too shabby for a boy from Essex!).

Favourite climb: Too old to remember… But I have some fond memories of Nose Direct (Dinas Mot) and Overhanging Bastion (Castle Rock of Triermain).

Favourite hill food: Whatever the Alpine Hut Warden is cooking when I’m in residence! But on the hillside, anything with peanut butter and jam is a good start.

Having grown up alongside the CMC, I rekindled my love for climbing over lockdown and joined the club at the end of 2021. I still consider myself to be relatively new to climbing and the CMC has proved the perfect place to develop my skills and knowledge. I was keen to improve my technique and the club provided an opportunity to learn from existing members.

As a result, both indoor and outdoor, my climbing and confidence has come on leaps and bounds since joining, with no sign of stopping anytime soon. I’m excited to continue learning via the many trips planned by the committee and members.

Favourite area: Sennen - On a sunny day the sea cliffs of Cornwall could easily be mistaken for the Med!

Favourite hill food: Banana Bread (Preferably with chocolate chips).

Future plans: Getting stronger to push my lead grade and exploring more international climbing opportunities.

I discovered my love for climbing when a quick Google search one afternoon lead me to taking a leap and joining the club (having absolutely no climbing experience beforehand) and wholeheartedly, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

I’m delighted with how much I’ve learned so far from the club and I’m incredibly optimistic about what’s to come. The opportunities the club has provided for me to not only improve my technique tremendously, but genuinely learn about such a huge variety of aspects within climbing has been outstanding.

Favourite area: Still have much to explore, but so far, Chamonix.

Favourite hill food: Mug Shot pasta in the winter, a nice cheese sandwich (preferably Gouda!) in the summer.

Future goals: Become confident to lead a trad route outdoors.

I’ve always had a love for the outdoors, but never really branched out far beyond hiking. With that in mind, I decided to see what all the fuss was about and joined the CMC in late 2022, and I’ve not looked back! It has allowed me to go to some amazing places and meet even better people.

Since joining the club, my climbing has come on massively, both indoors and out, and with the support of the club and its members, I’ve learnt how to Trad and Sport climb. Going forward, I’d love to tackle some higher peaks and more challenging climbs further afield.

Having benefitted from the generosity of the club, I’m looking forward to carrying this forward and organising some great trips with Barry this year!

Favourite Area: The Alps, followed by the Peak District (grit is life)

Favourite Hill Food: Tangfastics

Future Goals: Tackling some higher peaks and improving my confidence on lead

I have always been keen for adventure and a physical test. I joined the CMC in 2021 after completing The Three Peaks and realising how much I loved the mountains, but was completely clueless as how to progress.

Thanks to the dedication and generosity of the CMC members, I like to think I've made some progress and have had the privilege of being given the opportunity to climb sport, trad and winter at home and abroad. I’ve even had a crack at altitude in the form of Mont Blanc and Toubkal.

I am looking forward to the year ahead and the potential it holds, and hope to be able to give something back to the club that has been so good to me.

Favourite area: North Wales/Spain.

Favourite hill food: Homemade banana bread.

Future plans: I would love to be able to test myself by increasing the altitude I have already achieved.