Meet the Committee
Piers Harley | Chairman
I have been an active climber for about 20 years and in that time I have remained a loyal member of the CMC.
You could call me an all-rounder, with Deep Water Soloing being the only area of climbing I haven’t tried. However, I have a particular love of Scottish Winter/Mixed and Alpine climbing (I should have been born in the Highlands!)
Being Chairman of Chelmsford Mountaineering Club is a real joy. I particularly love to see so many new members thrive and develop after joining the club. It’s also great bringing new members together and seeing the bonds and friendships that develop as a result.
Favourite area: Ben Nevis - A lifetime of climbing on one mountain.
Favourite winter route: Orion Face Direct (Ben Nevis)
Favourite rock route: Dream Of White Horses (Gogarth)
Favourite piece of kit: Too many to mention, but my DMM Cortex Ice Tools probably win.
Dream route: Cassin Ridge on Denali (closely followed by Infinite Spur on Mt Foraker and the Eiger (1938 route).
Favourite hill food: Easy… My next door neighbour’s flapjack! (She makes me a tray if she finds out I’m heading off on a trip!)
Paul Haxell | Treasurer
I joined the CMC in 2023, having returned to the sport after a 30+ year absence period.
The club is a pretty good bunch, encompassing a wide range of interests and capabilities. That said, all are made welcome and encouraged to the local indoor walls, club trips and of course, to the pub where tails become taller as the alcohol levels rise!
I am a keen Alpinist and rock climber at home and in the hills (in all terrain and weather) and particularly enjoy the type II fun. I’m now back into Winter climbing and Alpine mountaineering, but seeking a second-time-round to avoid the unplanned bivis in the Mont Blanc massif!
Favourite area: North Wales - Having lived, worked, climbed, walked and cycled in the area; even the occasional lap of the 14 peaks and Karrimor International Mountain Marathon (Not too shabby for a boy from Essex!).
Favourite climb: Too old to remember… But I have some fond memories of Nose Direct (Dinas Mot) and Overhanging Bastion (Castle Rock of Triermain).
Favourite hill food: Whatever the Alpine Hut Warden is cooking when I’m in residence! But on the hillside, anything with peanut butter and jam is a good start.
Imogen Hewing-Powell | Secretary
Having grown up alongside the CMC, I rekindled my love for climbing over lockdown and joined the club at the end of 2021. I still consider myself to be relatively new to climbing and the CMC has proved the perfect place to develop my skills and knowledge. I was keen to improve my technique and the club provided an opportunity to learn from existing members.
As a result, both indoor and outdoor, my climbing and confidence has come on leaps and bounds since joining, with no sign of stopping anytime soon. I’m excited to continue learning via the many trips planned by the committee and members.
Favourite area: Sennen - On a sunny day the sea cliffs of Cornwall could easily be mistaken for the Med!
Favourite hill food: Banana Bread (Preferably with chocolate chips).
Future plans: Getting stronger to push my lead grade and exploring more international climbing opportunities.
Sophie Monaghan | Comms Officer
I discovered my love for climbing when a quick Google search one afternoon lead me to taking a leap and joining the club, and wholeheartedly, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
While I am still fairly new to climbing, I’m delighted with how much I’ve learned so far and I’m incredibly optimistic about what’s to come. The opportunities the club has provided for me to not only improve my technique tremendously, but genuinely learn about such a huge variety of aspects within climbing has been outstanding.
Favourite area: I still have much to explore, but so far- North Wales.
Favourite hill food: Crackers and Percy Pigs.
Future goals: To continue building confidence lead climbing and explore more outdoor opportunities.
Jamie Gallo | Members Rep
I have always been keen for adventure and a physical test. I joined the CMC in 2021 after completing The Three Peaks and realising how much I loved the mountains, but was completely clueless as how to progress.
Thanks to the dedication and generosity of the CMC members, I like to think I've made some progress and have had the privilege of being given the opportunity to climb sport, trad and winter at home and abroad. I’ve even had a crack at altitude in the form of Mont Blanc and Toubkal.
I am looking forward to the year ahead and the potential it holds, and hope to be able to give something back to the club that has been so good to me.
Favourite area: North Wales/Spain.
Favourite hill food: Homemade banana bread.
Future plans: I would love to be able to test myself by increasing the altitude I have already achieved.
Richard Long | Members Rep
Like many people, I started out hill walking and scrambling- I then got to know some climbers and decided to have a go. I’ve been climbing off and on for 20 years and joined the CMC in 2023. I enjoy a mixture of trad and sport routes, especially multi-pitch routes. I've dipped my toe into winter climbing, but can't call myself a winter climber yet! I still enjoy walking and scrambling- basically just being out in the hills.
Favourite area: Snowdonia for the variety of climbing, walking and scrambling available.
Favourite climb: Some that stick in the mind are Dives/Better Things (Dinas Cromlech). Diamond Solitaire (Lundy) and Wall Street (Cormorant Ledge)
Favourite piece of kit: A sling if it’s making a big thread!
Favourite hill food: Rather predictable… But it’s got to be a flapjack.
Future plans: To just get out climbing more.
Brad Gizzi | Meets Officer
I joined the CMC in early 2022. I’ve always been drawn to the outdoors and have competed in a lot of different sports. I immediately fell in love with the sport of climbing, probably because it so perfectly combines physical challenge with a wild landscape.
My aim has always been to climb in the greater ranges and tackle big alpine routes, so joining a club and learning rope skills was the first step in this journey. Three years on and I haven’t looked back. I like a mental challenge as much as the physical, so i’m happiest winter climbing, mountaineering and placing my own gear on a trad lead.
The CMC for me has been a great place to meet likeminded people, make new contacts and climb all over the world.
Favourite area: Scotland, followed closely by the Alps.
Favourite hill food: Homemade flapjack & Ritter Sport Dark Whole Hazelnuts. Kabanos. Sherpa Tea. I could go on..
Future goals: Himalayan peaks.