HIgh House memories sought
The club was originally formed in the early 1930's by K Shoes of Kendal as a benefit for their employees but the club has now been independent for almost two decades. In 1934 the club acquired the lease to High House for conversion into a hostel and this building has since formed the basis of the club’s existence. The book will give a history of both the club and of High House.
The late Harry Griffin in his book The Coniston Tigers mentions High House as being one of the oldest climbing club huts in the Lakes, after the Robertson Lamb hut belonging to the Wayfarers’ club in Langdale and his own Coniston Tigers hut in Coniston. At that time there were no Youth Hostels in the Lakes. Griffin would no doubt have known many former club members including Sid Cross, founder member of the Langdale Mountain Rescue Team and a leading climber of his day who became a personal friend He would also have known Howard Somervell, surgeon, mountaineer and missionary who made two Everest attempts, his second being part of Mallory’s ill-fated 1924 Everest expedition. Howard Somervell was a member of the family that owned K Shoes. Over the years the club has also had strong links with Kendal Caving Club which still has a strong Fellfarers membership. Members also had a presence in Kendal Mountain Search and Rescue Team in its early days.
“Amongst the things we would like to know are which famous climbers and mountaineers have stayed at High House and did any club members accompany them on their exploits, no matter how seemingly insignificant?”, said Roger Atkinson, Chairman of the club and himself a former leader of Kendal Mountain Search and Rescue Team. “And there must be plenty of memories out there, be they tragic, happy or highly amusing."
After 75 years the club feels it has a story to tell which will be of interest not only to former members but also to others in the mountaineering community. The club membership is still primarily based around the south of Cumbria but many people who have had dealings with the club have since left the area. The club is hoping that their appeal will reach these people, especially if they have information that may be of interest.
If you can help K Fellfarers Roger Atkinson may be contacted on 01539 732490 or by email at fratkinson@hotmail.co.uk. The club is affiliated to the BMC and you can get more details about the club by visiting its website at www.kfellfarers.co.uk. High House is also available for hire and details may be found in the Huts section.