General Information for Members

GDPR
The club take privacy seriously and will only use members personal information to administer the management of their membership.

The data held was provided by members and is held securely. It is used solely for the purpose of the management of Southport Fell Walking Club, including its operational needs, and is not declared to any other organisation, person or third party not directly connected with the running of the Club.

From time to time we may contact members through any of the mediums of post, telephone or email. Email is the preferred method of communication and email addresses are restricted in circulation to those with management responsibilities within the Club.

Photographs
Any person who objects to photographs of themselves being shown on the sites should approach the photographer personally, or inform the ‘web master’ in confidence, who will respect their wishes.

If a member objects to any picture or comment, it will be removed as soon as possible.

Nothing distasteful or inappropriate is permitted.
Pictures of children are not permitted.
(In future only Christian names will be used on the Blog)

If going above the snowline in winter, these guidelines should be followed:
Ice axe - a long walking axe is needed, not a short technical climbing axe.
Crampons and appropriate boots

Walking boots and crampons are graded for compatibility. Boots are graded from B0 to B3 and crampons from C1 to C3 as follows:

B0 - these are the commonest type of boot, which are too flexible to be usable with any types of crampon. They should only be used below the snowline.

B1 - these are slightly more rigid boots, which will accept flexible crampons, graded as C1. This combination should be adequate for nearly all normal fell-walking above the snowline in the UK. Crampons come with varying numbers of spikes - 10 is usually enough for normal winter walking, but if you might progress to steeper slopes then consider buying 12-point crampons. Many have anti-balling plates fitted and these are very effective at preventing snow build-up so are well worth having.

B2 - these are stiffer than B1, and will take either C1 or the articulated C2 crampons. Used for more severe winter conditions.

B3 - these are rigid, high-altitude boots, which will take C1 or C2 or the rigid C3 step-in crampons. Used in the most extreme conditions on the highest mountains.

All the above items of clothing and equipment are essential in order to enjoy the hills in safety. The Committee feels justified in asking for all of the above requirements to be met, because without them, your safety and the safety of others could be put at risk.

Out of respect for the members’ comfort and safety, dirty boots, ice axes, crampons and bulky gear are not allowed on the coach and should be stowed in the lockers. Any wet gear should be sensibly contained and stored to avoid discomfort to others.

Plannning and Choosing Walks
Leaders are requested to email their intended route to the secretary by 5pm Thursday at the very latest, prior to the Sunday walk.

On the Friday, all members who have booked on the walk will receive an email with all those routes. This will enable members to choose their walk before the Sunday outing. A copy of the email with those routes will be printed and brought on the coach; there is no need for leaders to bring a written card.

Private groups MUST bring a copy of their route and hand it to the transport secretary when boarding the coach.
Names will be taken on the coach by the transport secretary.
New members are encouraged to consult the leader and/or other members regarding their choice of walk.

Leading Groups
Leaders can limit the numbers they intend to lead and use their discretion as to the individuals making up their party, having regard to the grading of the walk, conditions and capability of the intending participants. Leaders will normally give reasons for the exclusions and it should be appreciated that any exclusions are in the members’ own interest and safety.

Members Walking Alone or in a Private Party
Members can walk on their own, but this is restricted to established members who have extensive fell-walking experience and have demonstrated good navigation skills.

Members walking on their own or in a private party must inform the Transport Secretary of their intentions with a route card and in case of emergency solo walkers should carry a small Identification Card which is available from the Transport Secretary. (The Committee have the right to request a change of route for reasons of safety if they judge fit.)