Jamfest 22-23 June 2019

After what felt like an eternity of rain across the UK, the sun finally came out and provided us with perfect weather for the weekend. The Downes hut was freshly opened after building works, and we were all set to go. There were a few ‘minor’ rule changes for the format this year, which resulted in some teams (you know who you are) getting a little serious. Let the fun begin…

Teams spread far and wide, some more than others, and there was much secrecy about plans. We kicked off at 10am (ish) and set off in search of jamming points. Sometime around 6pm onwards, the teams returned to compare spoils. Oh my word. Chris Moran and his ringer friend Ed ran all day to as many crags as they could (nine!) and climbed as much as time would allow. Surely must be in the lead! Not to be, Jenny DeHoxar and Flavio took an alternative approach and climbed everything (29 routes) on local crags, finishing on Cave Crack (!) and pipped Chris and Ed by a handful of points. A mighty effort.

Other teams of Jim Walton and Andy also put in a fine and competitive showing, as did the South West contingent of Bob Peters, Will Hornby and Arlo. Sheffield team of Paul Winder, Mun Leung and Nigel Bassam were very close on their heels. The rest of us mere mortals took a perhaps more leisurely approach and had a fantastic day out.

Back at the hut, a fine spread of food was very kindly supplied by Jenny and Astrid, which was most necessary and enjoyed by all. Thanks very much both for that, much appreciated.

Strangely, some teams then went out again the next day tick off more jamming routes. Masochists. Other teams took advantage of the good weather to enjoy a more sedate approach to climbing.

Thanks very much all for making it a great weekend, and I look forward to seeing many of you next year when there will be more routes and almost certainly another change in format…

Attendees: Peri Strachiano; Rikki Price; Mark Kemball; Dave Viggers; Terry Fletcher; Bob Peters & Arlo; Astrid Saxby; Andy Saxby; Philippa Saxby; Will Hornby; Paul Winder; Mun Leung; Ray Sharples; Keith Turton; Chris Moran & Ed; Jenny DeHoxar & Flavio; Jim Walton & Andy; Graham Titterton

Graham Titterton

Photos by: Mark Kemball, Jim Walton, Bob Peters, Paul Winder.