Nostalgia

by Jim Munday

I first joined 'Sektion England' in 1964 to go on the Combined Rock and Ice Course. The course was led by guide Serafin Fender from Solden, moving from hut to hut. The course cost 46gns by rail. Membership was 12/6d with a joining fee of 8/6d. I also did a tour 'Through the Zillertal' travelling by Sleep Coach.

Sleep Coach
Photos by Maritime Car

ln 1964 the Club was based at F & W Ingham's office in Old Bond Sheet, Audrey Salkeld was Secretary and later became a noted writer and mountaineering researcher. In 1968 the Club moved to the offices of Ramblers' Holidays in Finchley Road in North London when Jill Riseley was Secretary. Jill was very keen on tennis and ski touring but left in 1972 to marry an ardent cricket fan. Diana Penny, became secretary just before Ramblers moved to Welwyn Garden City. Both Jill and Diana were active in the Club attending meets and lectures. Diana moved on in 1975. Ollie Scarfe became secretary 1976-79 and was replaced by Doreen Dolwood 1979 -1998: she and husband Wilf were both active Club members.

Sleep Coach interior

In the 1970s and 1980's I was very involved with the club serving on the Executive (boring) and Social Committees.

Sleep Coach exterior

I remember earlier Chairmen: Hywel Lloyd (1972 – 1976, still active with the Alpine Club), Gerry Russell (1977 - 1982), Bank Manager Geoff Pearson (1983 - 1988, and President 1989 - 2000, who had competed as a professional runner in his teens), followed by Tony Freake (1989 - 2001 and also President 2001 - 2009).

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