Hi there team. Spring is here and with it warmer weather and a chance to get out and about in hills more often.

That is not to say that many of you have not been doing this over winter. Over 50 people have been through the snowcraft programme in the third term. The success of the programme has been a tribute to the organisational skills of Rene B along with his team of instructors and cooks. Thanks to you all for your efforts.

Congrads to all of you who got out there and participated. Everyone gave it a go, particularly the second weekend group who had to put up with somewhat trying conditions. The other groups, in particular the one-day group had awesome weather. It’s not often that you get to stand on Castle Hill Peak under a clear blue sky with hardly a breath of wind.

Now that you have learnt the skills make sure you put them to use. I would recommend that all of you make the effort to go on at least one day trip this season to cement the skills that you learnt. Otherwise next winter you will be going "um err where does this strap go….etc", when doing up your crampons. But whatever you do, make sure you exercise your common sense and act SAFELY. That is don’t bum slide with crampons on, don’t do rolly polly’s down snow slopes, and ALWAYS wear your helmet.

Bushball was a real success thanks to the efforts of Tina and Jonno. I unfortunately missed the party of 1999 but I heard good reports. I heard a rumor that the big possum managed to stay vertical for an hour longer than last year. However when he did become vertically challenged it was curves other than that of a vodka bottle that were his undoing.

Well I am usually on the receiving end of the gossip and smut dished out in this newsletter, but as this is my last president’s piece I thought I should engage in some of my own. What exactly did our trips officer mean when he asked someone to ‘hold my thingee while I grab the belt’? And as for the big possum himself I think he was hallucinating when he uttered ‘I’m getting all these greasy hands all over my body’ at the first aid course. Also I have difficulty believing his assertion that the risk of hypothermia is increased for women who wear underwire bras. As for the committee, there has been a secret love triangle going on this year, which everyone seems to be aware of except for the participants themselves. Oh the trauma of forbidden love. Pity it’s not socially acceptable for one woman to have two boyfriends…

Committee election time is hear yet again, once again we’re looking for a President, Club Captain, Treasurer, Trips Officer, Instruction Officer, Secretary and Publicity Officer for next year. [And a newsletter editor! – Ed.] It looks good on your CV and is a great way to get involved in the Club. If you’re keen give your name to the Club’s secretary Emily Tuffley. If you need more info then talk to Rene or I at a meeting.

While I’m up on the soapbox please make an effort to write some TROG reports this term. Time is running out and we need as many as possible. There are RICH rewards for those who contribute.

Also this term, we hope to have a few more social events/outings, the first will be a mini-golf night, and the second will be an end of year kinda party/drinks thing with a special theme in a unique location. More details on this and other events will be sent by email closer to the time.

While I know that the fourth term is invariably extremely busy for most people, do make a real effort to get out for a tramp or two. It is really important to have a break from the tedium of study. When you’re up in the hills all the problems of university and exams seem miles away, and they are quite literally.

Always REMEMBER

YOU WORK & STUDY TO LIVE, NOT LIVE TO WORK & STUDY.