It’s that time of year again, when the shorter days mean that climbing is largely left for the weekend (for most people). With the holidays coming up, it’s also a good time to catch up on those things that we keep postponing, but still have to be done at some point.

This year the MCC has been particularly busy. In addition to the regular committee meetings, we have maintained our ever popular outdoor meets (monthly in winter, weekly in summer), with the last one held a little more than a week ago, in Gozo. We have also just completed another successful semester of Kids Zone events, finishing off with an outdoor event last weekend. This year is also the second time running a Degree Plus course for the University of Malta, teaching the basics of sport climbing to a group of eager students.

And of course you all know about our recent successful application for affiliation with the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) and our part in the formation of the European Union of Mountaineering Associations (EUMA). Club resources have also been instrumental in the setting up new routes, such as those at Magħlaq Cave, and in re-equipping some of the older lines. We continue making progress, jointly with the MRCC, in the titanium rebolting project with the generous support of the MTA.

We cannot do all this without your support. This is where we appeal to all local and visiting climbers to renew their membership or to join the club. We do our best to keep membership fees low to make the sport as accessible as possible. In return for your membership fee you get the use of club equipment during our regular outdoor meets, access to the artificial indoor climbing wall, and a 10% discount on purchases of climbing and outdoor equipment from Mochika Outdoor Life in Qormi and the Surplus & Adventure Equipment Store in Mosta. You also get that special feeling of knowing you have contributed to the growth of the sport in Malta.

Finally, we also value your time and effort. If you think you can help out with any of our work and activities, please get in touch with a committee member. Even something as simple as helping out with belaying during club meets makes a big difference. If you are qualified in accounting or law, your help would be particularly appreciated.

Thanks once again for your support and we look forward to meeting you at the crags soon. Or pop by for the film night and Christmas drinks event on 22 December.