Club History
The Himalaya became an attraction to members as opportunities widened in the 1950s with members active on Annapurna, Disteghil Sar, Trivor, Kanchenjunga, the Menlungtse area and in the Caucasus. With experience gained two major expeditions were organised by the Club and led by Joe Walmsley. The first, to Masherbrum (K1) in the Karakoram in 1957 came to within 300 feet of the summit, (25660 ft). The second was to Everest's neighbour, Nuptse, when the summit at 25850 feet was reached on two successive days. Further expeditions have taken place in the Hindu Kush, Karakoram and Nepal.
Small but well-organised expeditions have continued to be made to many of the world's mountainous regions. Greenland has become increasingly popular: in 1982 an enterprising party repeated Nansen's first crossing. Members have crossed South Georgia following Shackleton's remarkable feat and most recently a member failed to kite from the South Pole - due to a complete absence of wind.
Nearer home, the Alps have provided members with routes from the North Faces to gentler levels. During the yearly Alpine Meets routes have varied from exacting to modest according to circumstance: septuagenarians etc. are allowed (a little) discretion. (Peter Harding soloed the Matterhorn, aged 70). Brian Cosby became the second member to complete the 4000 metre summits in 1982.
North America became popular in the 1980s and has become increasingly so. The big walls of Yosemite are a great but not the only attraction, the Lotus Flower Tower in the Yukon, the Devil's Tower in Wyoming and the Grand Canyon have been climbed and explored.