As well as the social benefits of enjoying the outdoors together with other like-minded people, and the opportunity to learn from those of greater experience and knowledge, there are many benefits of YMC membership which can be more formally recognised.
Programme
The Club arranges a programme of climbing and walking meets throughout the year. Every other weekend there is either a Sunday venue or a full weekend meet. There are weekend meets in Wales and longer meets in Scotland, including a Winter Meet. There is a programme of evening climbing meets at a local crag or (during the winter) a climbing wall.
In addition to the programme, impromptu meets are arranged through the internet “Meet-Up” facility. The Club organises various other events throughout the year. These include training days/weekends, slide shows, Tuesday lunch gatherings, a bonfire weekend, a Burns Night weekend, and an annual photographic competition for a range of cash prizes and trophies.
Newsletter
The Club publishes a quarterly Newsletter containing details of forthcoming events, reports of Club administration business, Club news, articles of mountaineering interest, and Meet Reports. Articles for inclusion may be sent to the Editor by post on paper or disc, or by email.
A “Newsletter Writer of the Year Competition” is held annually: a winning article and two runners-up are chosen from the past year’s published articles and reports.
Club Cottage
The Club owns a property in the Coppermines Valley above the village of Coniston in the Lake District; the “Club Hut”. The property comprises a small cottage for use exclusively of Full Members and their guests. Full Members may obtain a key for a deposit of £20: please contact the Hut Booking Secretary for information. Aspirant Members may only use it as guests of Full Members or when attending a Hut Meet. The small, Members’ Cottage adjoins and is connected to a larger cottage with three dormitories, each of which can be booked by Members and by groups and the general public. The small and large cottages are used by the Club for weekend Hut Meets several times in the Club’s annual programme. Both cottages are fully equipped with modern facilities. To be sure of a bedspace booking is essential and made through the Hut Booking Secretary. See the separate “The Hut” webpage on this website for more details.
BMC Affiliation
YMC is affiliated to the British Mountaineering Council and plays a part in national and regional policy development, and benefits from BMC services. Further, provided renewal of Full Membership is completed by 31 January, Members of the YMC (but not children), residing in the British Isles but not elsewhere, are covered by world-wide BMC Third Party Liability Insurance. Note, this is NOT personal comprehensive accident insurance. Aspirant Members are covered until the expiry of their 12 months’ membership. For full information of the cover see the BMC website www.thebmc.co.uk , “BMC Insurance Centre”, “Clubs”.
Affiliation to BMC also entitles YMC Members to one complementary copy of BMC’s Summit magazine per year, which is posted out.
Those YMC Members who belong to other BMC affiliated clubs, and as a consequence may have paid more than once for that affiliation, may claim a refund from BMC.
Discounts
Discounts are available at many outdoor sports shops on production of a current YMC Membership Card.
Publications
The YMC produces two celebrated rock-climbing guide books “Yorkshire Gritstone”, and “Yorkshire Limestone”. Members of the Club may purchase the latest editions of these guidebooks at a discounted price: contact the Club Secretary for details.