How to join the Cleveland Mountaineering Club

At the bottom of this page you will find a e-mail address to use to request more information and a membership application form.

But first - read on…

What does Club membership offer?

• The opportunity to meet like-minded mountain enthusiasts of all ages and with a wide range of mountain - based interests.
• The chance to attend weekly rock-climbing meets at the local crags in the summer - or at local climbing walls in the winter.
• The chance to attend regular weekend meets at mountain venues throughout the UK.
• The chance to join the annual Club summer expedition to a European mountain venue - the Alps, the Pyrenees or the Dolomites for example.
• An annual dinner, usually held on Saturday night in a Lake District venue in November.
• The chance to share transport and reduce costs when visiting distant places.
• Regular slide-shows on winter evenings.
• An annual photographic competition
• A healthy discount on gear at a number of retail outlets.
• Club T-shirts
• A quarterly newsletter and an active website.
• Use of the Club Hut in the Lake District
• Reciprocal arrangement for use of Chamois Club Hut in Snowdonia
• Third party liability insurance for your rock-climbing and mountaineering activities, through the BMC (British Mountaineering Council)
• Reduced (upgrade) membership of the BMC
• As an affiliated Club, joining the Cleveland MC actively contributes to the aims and objectives of the BMC, including maintaining local access to crags

What do I need to join the Club?

A genuine, active interest in any -or all - forms of mountaineering. We cannot, for example, accept or retain applicants who only want to use our Club Hut in Patterdale without playing a regular part in other Club activities.

The Club is predominantly a rock-climbing club so rock-climbing skills and experience will be a great asset.

A willingness to join in with Club activities and make a contribution to the Club. (e.g. help out with the maintenance of our Club Hut occasionally.)

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be an experienced rock-climber to join the Club?

The answer is "yes" - and - "no." Experienced climbers and mountaineers are always welcome. Beginners too are always welcome, however, it would be unfair to expect Club Members to take responsibility for beginners with no equipment or experience so you should learn the basic skills at a training centre or with experienced friends before joining.

Every Club Member accepts that their mountain activities are carried out entirely at their own risk. Neither the Club, nor individual members can accept any responsibility for your safety.

Will the Club teach me to rock-climb?

No. That is best left to the experts. Further down this page you will find links to a number of possible sources of training and instruction. However newcomers to the sport will get plenty of encouragement from experienced members.

Will I need my own equipment?

Yes, all Members provide their own gear (…and you will find that all climbers will rarely, if ever, lend their gear to others for safety reasons.) If rock-climbing is your interest you will need your own basic rock-climbing equipment and the know-how to use it safely. You should also have an understanding of mountain and climbing safety techniques. You will however find that experienced members will enjoy helping you to gain experience.

Do I have to live in Cleveland?

No - but it helps since most Club activities are centred on the Teesside / Darlington area.

How much does membership cost?

Annual Membership Fees are due in January each year and must be paid before March 31st. Current membership fees (October 2007) are:

Individual £15

All club benefits i.e. BMC 3rd Party Insurance, newsletters, use of CMC and Chamois Club huts, discounts at certain gear shops.

Family £30

Spouse / partner and children under 18 of a member may be Family member. Both adults are entitled to all benefits of membership.

Junior £7.50

Junior members over 16 but under 18. Parent/guardian consent required.

Young £7.50

Members over 18 but under 21 years of age.

Country £7.50
A member who leaves the area. Receives newsletter but not entitled to other club benefits.

The fees may change annually and a pro-rata fee may be applied if you join late in the year. Check with the Club Treasurer before paying.

How do I join?

1. Please send an email to the Secretary (link at the botto of the page). Somebody will contact you and make arrangements to welcome you to one of our evening or weekend meets.
2. Turn up at the meet. These take place on the local crags from April to October and on local Climbing walls in the winter months. We also have a Thursday night social meet in the Jet Miners in Great Broughton (mostly in the winter months - starting at about 9.00 pm)
3. Attend a few meets, get to know a few members and find two members who will propose and second your application.
4. Your membership gets approved at the next committee meeting, you pay your subs and you're in…

Where can I learn to climb?

The following list may help you to find suitable instruction for newcomers to rock-climbing. Not all offer in-house courses but may know of other sources of instruction.

• Rock Antics Climbing Wall - Newton Aycliffe
• Sunderland Climbing Wall
• Hartlepool Boulder Park
• Newcastle Climbing Wall, Eldon Leisure Centre
• The British Mountaineering Council provides a wealth of information and services for climbers
• Smartboys on-line has details of local walls and a few training tips.
• The North York Moors National Park site has details of training centres.

 

For more information on membership, please send your details in an e-mail to