After years of climbing, camping, and conquering the outdoors with UBES, Beth has taken the wheel as this year’s President. From her early days showing up in fluorescent green to her now-iconic sheep headband, she’s become a core part of UBES lore — equal parts organiser, motivator, and chaotic good.

She’s the kind of leader who’s always got a plan, a snack, and a questionable dance move ready to go — even if she runs out of water or camps in a church (we’ve all been there). Whether she’s leading a trip, cooking up a storm, or hyping up a tent full of soggy UBESters in sideways rain, Beth brings energy, humour, and a whole lot of heart.

With years of experience and a deep love for every muddy adventure, windswept summit, and unhinged game of ratchet screwdriver, Beth is here to make sure UBES stays wild, welcoming, and unforgettable.

RFA(2), WS, RPS

Climbing officer, Social Secretary and now Vice President! Stan has done it all! This year he’s back for yet another year of mildly organised chaos. Despite this being his 3^rd year on committee, he never wavers in his enthusiasm and energy for UBES. He’s honed his teacher voice from his Camp America days – didn’t you know he did Camp America? – and he’s now ready to herd a squad of freshers into a sandwich making machine or coax them up a hill in sideways rain.

When he isn’t in the alps or climbing some crag that’s preferably not in the Avon gorge– he’s saving lives as a medic. And yes – he will try and diagnose any ailments you might have. Whether you need some advice on building anchors, or that cough that’s been annoying you – Stans your man. He has seemingly endless conversation starters (although don’t get him started on ultra processed food) and is just about one of the friendliest UBESters I can think of. Filled with energy, and an air of mischief, there’s never a dull day with Stan, and I have no doubt he’s goanna be great this year!

RFA(2), WS, JCAMT, RPS

Joining the extensive cohort of UBES engineers, George is jumping headfirst into the vital role of UBES treasurer. Classically compensating for being locked in his room studying all week by spending his weekend up any mountain he can get to!

Growing up in the Brecon Beacons with DofE instructor parents, George has certainly taken after them to become a bit of a mountain goat! So if you’re ever trying to get your expenses approved, just head towards Blorenge and there’s a decent chance you’ll find him there! Although him and his satnav are slightly known for ‘scenic’ detours on the way to huts, give him a map and a mountain and you are in very safe hands! Especially if your mission is to find and break lots of ice!

Whether he is scaling peaks, sorting spreadsheets or ensuring all the adventures don’t manage to bankrupt UBES, George is kind, dependable and just the right amount of chaotic. His organisation will definitely come in handy with the many expense forms sent his way post trip! Plus he has donkeys! Which he keeps way too quiet for how cool it is!

Coming into the role of Secretary is the one and only Beth Collins! Discovering UBES was a “happy accident” for her, having not hiked before joining the society. Since then, she has never let personal adversity stop her from becoming a seasoned outdoor pro, having trekked the West Highland and Beacons Ways and recently completed the GR221 in Mallorca.

As a zoology student, you can always count on Beth for some animal-themed antics, such as taking selfies with sheep whilst wearing her signature sheep headband, or general (fun) chaos out on the hills! As a certified snack connoisseur, she puts all others to shame, including but not limited to bringing a cheeseboard up a mountain!

Beth is an incredibly kind, patient person, which will be needed as she keeps us and all our meetings in check in her role as Secretary!

WS, RPS

Eleri’s love of shouting ‘take’, eating giant strawbs and complaining about her knee pain are but a few of the reasons that she is one of this year’s climbing officers!

Her idea of a fun family holiday is packing as much outdoor gear as possible into the car (to the detriment of leg room) to travel around Europe hiking and climbing; trademark UBESter behaviour. An avid Via Ferrata-ist (yes that is a word), Eleri has recently discovered that she can lead trad climbs and is keen to develop and pass on her newly-found skills in the coming year.

Her logistical prowess will ensure that weekends run smoothly and that fellow climbing officer Lorenzo doesn’t get too carried away with wild trip ideas.

RFA(2), RPS

Introducing Lorenzo – the man who can turn last-minute into fully planned before you’ve even found your backpack. There’s a spontaneous trip leaving tomorrow!? – You probably heard it from Lorenzo first! He’s packed… and yes, the Cornish pasties are ready.

When Lorenzo isn’t home in Florence or Sheffield, you can find him in his home away from home… namely Flashpoint. He can occasionally be spotted zooming down Park Street on his bike or dangling off a route in Avon Gorge and some say to even have spotted him in Queen’s Library, probably plotting his next, bigger, better and wilder UBES adventure!

Whether he’s climbing bridges, losing feeling in his feet for 8 hours in Scotland or pulling a drop knee on a new route, Lorenzo is always buzzing with enthusiasm proving that he is a true UBESter! Best put by the man himself: ‘any day in the hills is a good day!’.

RFA(2), WS, RPS

Introducing Luke, one of your new General Kit and Safety Officers! A seasoned UBESter who has made appearances on many UBES trips, from Snowdonia and the Lake District to the yearly Scotland trip — you name it. With a knack for logistics and a suspicious enthusiasm for spreadsheets, Luke genuinely looks forward to locking themselves away in the dungeon that is the UBES Stores – storing tents, counting kits, folding maps, etc etc.

When not wrangling roll mats or rationing storm shelters, Luke is a familiar face at UBES Pub every Wednesday, fuelling up for their next hike. They’ve ticked off Winter Skills, endured a cous cous-heavy Summer Exped through the Chartreuse (and lived to complain about it), and can often be found at Queen’s Café recovering from it all. Whether they’re organising group shelters or delivering niche rants about traffic bulbs mid-hike, Luke brings unshakable enthusiasm, experience, and a bit of chaos to all things kit and safety.

RFA(2), WS

Meet Nathan, a Kit and Safety Officer from Hong Kong who’s a backpacking lover and gear fanatic! Nathan’s always up for adventure, with all the kit needed plus a little extra (slightly to the detriment of his bank account). Any kit related questions can surely be answered by him because of his vast knowledge and ever growing collection.

Nathans passions stem from hikes to Tai Mo Shan and now he’s off this summer to take part in an exped through Mallorca. Hopefully his new hobby of photography, won’t weigh his bag down too much with a hefty camera. At least they won’t get lost as Nathan knows all things maps, after doing the navigation skills trip with ubes and, more impressively, a field course as part of his degree where he learned to draw maps to OS standard.

His course, civil engineering, will also (hopefully) translate well to completing tent repairs with his trusty tool box and structurally analysing UBES shelves to ensure they don’t fall over. Nathan has truly embraced UBES culture, with his favourite game being the classic ratchet screwdriver he’s ready for another year of cheese and pickle sandwiches and is enthusiastic to be in the mountains again.

Spending most of this Summer in south America and having previously travelled to many other far flung places throughout the world, there’s probably no one better suited to the role of expedition officer than Rai. Unable to stay at a walking pace, Rai derives pleasure from running obscenely long distances throughout the mountains, often taking part in ultras and trail races.

This passion is not just limited to the mountains however, Rai is also a huge fan of the south west coast path (who isn’t??)! Very friendly and approachable, feel free to ask any questions about trips – she’s been on just about every type in just one year. Equipped with several pairs of running shoes and strong opinions on how Strava should be updated, Rai has everything she needs to take the UBES year by storm and make everything run just a little bit faster 😉

Passionate about the mountains, addicted to the cold and ready to full send his role as expeditions officer – Meet Sam, a new member of UBES committee. In another world, he could’ve been Kristoff in frozen – though there may be a-bit of a gear upgrade involved (think animated crampons, Olaf in Gore-Tex etc.). Rumour has it that If you look incredibly closely at the Toblerone logo – you might just see him, ice axe in hand, frolicking through the Alps.

Sam is also a fan of backpacking in the Lake District, I mean who can blame him. In other words, if you’re into out there climbs, scrambles and ascents in bracing conditions, or share a love for the Dolomites and extra grippy metal overshoes – Sam Homer ladies and gentlemen.

RFA(2), WS

After 10 years exiled in Chamonix, Emily has returned to the UK to show us how it’s done! Meet Emily, our development officer!

She’s got experience, technique, and courage to take on anything thrown at her. She’s been known to eat nuts out of dog poo bags, but that’s just an occupational hazard when you’re a vet student. When Emily isn’t talking about climbing or her love for totems, she’s talking about her dogs, Alfie and Stan! She’s always up for a climb, be it the gorge or the leafy, lichen-covered cliffs of Wintour’s — and you can count on her to have something to say about them! On UBES climbing trips, Emily is usually halfway up a route before the rest of us have tied in! Full of enthusiasm and determination, Emily is always a safe bet to climb with.

Most importantly, Emily is the UBES stores abroad – ready to host weary UBESters on her sofa and join them on all manner of random side quests! And of course, she’s on a personal mission to convert every UBESter into a die-hard Poco Loco fan! In short, if you’re looking to develop your skills, a couch to crash on, and an unsolicited burger recommendation, Emily’s the one!

WS, RPS

After risking hypothermia when tackling the Lake District in shorts, how Maddie survived her first year in UBES is a medical mystery (and, yes, she is a medic). Now she’s taking on the mighty role of Social Sec and, if first year is anything to go by, expect big ideas, bigger adventures and an alarming amount of porridge!

Maddie has already shown she’s up for anything, whether its routinely diving into freezing lakes, frolicking across fields or somehow convincing other UBESters to join her in choreographing a dance routine to Euphoria. When she’s not solo travelling in South America or wild camping in the Dolomites, you can catch her crossing Clifton Suspension Bridge during a suspiciously long run (which, concerningly, she describes as “fun”).

Whether it’s lake bagging or the Scav hunt, Maddie can conquer anything she puts her mind to, and we are sure she’ll bring the same unstoppable energy into next year. With her drive, imagination and infectious enthusiasm, UBES couldn’t be in better hands.

Guys, get ready, it’s Maz! One of your social secs for 2025-26, Maz has it all. When she’s not barbecuing on her terrace, cycling across the suspension bridge or dancing the night away in fancy dress… she’s most definitely up a mountain. Maz somehow combines being the most hilarious, chatty and welcoming person out there with being an absolute queen of the outdoors. She takes on solo backpacking trips, wild camping and even spent days helping her injured mother take on a long-distance trail.

Maz is guaranteed to make every social a success this year with her pure enthusiasm for UBES and everything outdoors. A chemist at heart, she knows the importance of all the reactions that go on inside us when we finally touch grass. You can rely on good snacks, good chat and good vibes… and that’s when it’s -1 up a summit. Get ready to watch her ceilidh, pub crawl and bring the party to cheese and wine… it’s going to be quite a year!

Whether it’s rolling, sliding, or losing her bum on the way down a mountain, Anna promises to bring a healthy dose of chaos to her role as Postgrad Officer! With two years of UBES as an undergrad and a Chemistry PhD now underway, Anna brings both experience and enthusiasm to her role supporting the postgrad crew.

Anna started hiking with her family at the age of 6, venturing through the Alps, Dolomites, and Pyrenees on their multi-day summer quests. While a brief teenage hiking rebellion did occur (a rite of passage, really), she came back speedier—and somehow even more chaotic.

Bitten by the bug of chaotic adventure, she’s climbed her way across Europe and is always down for a cheeky bagging bimble, no matter the weather. These days, she’s got her eyes set on conquering fell running, mostly with the goal of getting to the fun part: running downhill. So, if you’re a new or returning postgrad, Anna will always be a friendly face and willing climbing victim. Just don’t try waking her before 9am—she will sleep through anything.

WS, RPS

After 2 years as webmaster, Tom returns to committee as postgrad officer! As a seasoned UBESter – he was a walk leader on many of the committee’s first hikes – he now looks forward to sharing his knowledge (and maybe even his famous focaccia recipe) with the next generation.

Tom can be spotted by his orange coat (though he will insist that it is yellow) and is a big fan of ceilidhs and sea shanties. He will happily introduce you to the Rattlin’ Bog song, though do so at your own peril – it’ll be in your head for weeks! Tom is friendly, kind and enthusiastic, and always willing to pore over a map. If you’re looking to start planning hikes or to develop your confidence in leading others, Tom is the person to go to! He has two Scotland trips under his belt and has been known to talk lovingly of his dream ice axe… He is also a keen backpacker – ask him about his rambles in the Brecon Beacons this Spring!

ML(t), RFA(2), WS, RPS

Fresh off the boat from a New Zealand placement, Sam has returned to Bristol with a newfound passion for lugging banjos and boats uncomfortable distances. He was on the committee for the Canterbury University Tramping (backpacking) Club last year bringing the insider knowledge from middle Earth.

In his spare time he likes doing dishes which comes in handy on UBES trips – although the amount of porridge he eats makes him not the most efficient. If you don’t like relentless optimism then avoid this orangutang at all costs. He is itching for a bike-packing trip after doing LEJOG, and would be helpful as a bike buddy with experience as a bike mechanic. His lack of interest in maps and eat-on-the-move walking style has made some trips take more fun and memorable routes, which is ironic given he’s organised an orienteering event. If you have any questions about ginger hair dye or getting attacked by rare bird species, Sam’s the man.

WS

Meet Alyssa – our new Communications Officer and quite possibly the kindest soul you’ll ever meet. A third-year vet student with a heart as big as her love for cats, Alyssa is always there when you need her! She’s a natural at bringing people together with her empathy, humour, and genuine love for connection.

When she’s not wrangling horses or smashing it at the gym, she’s off exploring new corners of the world, chasing sunshine, good food, and maybe the perfect playlist. Trust us – you’ll want Alyssa in your corner this year. Thoughtful, reliable, and endlessly warm, she’s got UBES spirit running through her like a mountain stream (but with a bit more sass and a love for snacks). Get ready for some top-tier comms and even better company.

Down-to-earth and endlessly caring, Alyssa is the perfect person to keep everyone in the loop this year – whether that’s sharing important updates or just spreading a little joy through your feed.

RFA(2), WS

Meet Regina! There’s no one better suited to be your EDI Officer. Regina is an incredible listener, endlessly kind, and always ready to lend a listening ear. She tackles every mountain and every problem with unwavering determination.

A true girl boss, when she’s not scaling mountains, you can find her anywhere—at a yoga or pottery studio, exploring cafés, traveling to places you’ve probably never heard of, surfing waves, galloping on a horse, or creating art in a painting studio. Conversations with Regina are never boring, so if you’re ever unsure who to talk to at events, she’s the one to go to!

After a year of being treasurer, Josh is back for another year on committee, this time as the president of UBES! He has all the key qualities of a great UBESter, he is cheerful, adventurous and has a love for all things whimsical. He has a particular knack of bringing musical instruments on backpacking trips, goodness knows how he fits them all into his backpack! 
His commitment to UBES is seen in the number of trips and events he’s been around for this year, always being great company on a hike or climb. He is friendly and chatty and sure to make any newcomer feel welcome and at ease. His conversations are always entertaining, ask him about Tube Cheese, ‘Lanshans’, and potential vehicles that could be used to get off a mountain – the most recent idea has been a Jetpack! 
ML(t), RFA(2), BMC-SS, WS, RPS

Jane is one of the friendliest and most down to earth people you’ll ever meet. If UBES were a person, it would most definitely be Jane! She is a truly adventurous soul, with a genuine passion for the environment and love for our community.  
In her previous role as expedition officer, her organisational skills shone from Dartmoor all the way to Scotland (the greatest trip ever). Now, she is ready and waiting to welcome a whole new generation of UBESters.  
If you ever need advice, inspiration, or just a chat to a familiar face, Jane is your go-to! She is filled with knowledge and stories: bike-packing adventures, hiking in the Himalayas, trail running, geography field trips and (of course) many adventures in the stunning Scottish Highlands.
ML(t), WS

Keeping the Saunders dynasty strong, Beth is armed and dangerous with the card machine for a year of looking after the (sadly not gold and shiny) UBES treasure as this years treasurer! Easily spotted in her bright green coat or bright green car (the lime on wheels) or probably some other bright green attire, she has stormed into UBES in just half a year and is now your quintessential UBESter – wherever possible enjoying being in the mountains, on a climbing wall or in a tent. Despite her fierce competitiveness in a game of ratchet screwdriver, Beth is a chill and chatty person to be around and always comes prepared with a big smile and great energy, rain or shine.
RPS

Incoming Secretary from the esteemed role of Kit and Safety officer, Joel is perfect for the role and is generally a wonderful human being all round. UBES is very lucky to have him 🙂 
Whilst his Earth Sciences background means that he can go into the mountains and call it ‘work’, he’s a keen (and very fast) runner, and a seasoned backpacker, from the Peaks of the Balkans to Slovakia, plus many a UBES weekend and two Scotland trips (that ice axe is still lurking somewhere up that mountain…)  
 Joel has also done Winter Skills and Mountain Leader training (on which we learnt, amongst many a mountain skill obviously, how lethal a combination red wine chased with Yorkshire tea can be), so couldn’t be better prepared for another UBES year ahead.
ML(t), RFA(2), BMC-SS, WS

Harry began his climbing journey at UBES intro to climbing just two short years ago and has since become one of the strongest climbers in the society. Having done a learn-to-lead trad course last summer and recently completed his Rock Climbing Instructor training in Snowdonia, he is well equipped to pass on his skills to climbing newbies over the coming year. When not being an academic weapon in the Fry Building library, Harry can usually be found at flashpoint, redpoint or somewhere in the Avon Gorge. On the odd occasion that he’s not climbing, he’s probably hiking in the Lakes or at UBES pub. Harry’s other skills include tiramisu-making and mixology. 
RCI(t), RPS

After finding herself in the deep end traversing Sharp Edge on her first ever trip, it’s a wonder Ella ever came back, but a year on she has become a committed UBESter. 
From humble beginnings a year ago as an indoor boulderer who would “never do anything as scary as trad climbing”, Ella has been overcoming a pesky fear of heights and conquered massive multipitch excursions in the Avon Gorge and Snowdonia, plus she might actually be starting to prefer lead climbing! She is keen to encourage a new generation of UBES climbers and continue the legacy of Monday Bouldering! 
After completing the Skye Trail and a mountain skills course in Snowdonia this summer, she is ready to jump headfirst into the new UBES year with a hunger for more climbing and scrambling (weather permitting!). She is also excited for the final year of her Biology degree – if you have any burning questions about colour-changing woodlice, Ella is the person to ask!
RPS

Fresh off an exped to Poland, esteemed Northerner Nina is our new general Kit and Safety officer! When not proclaiming her love for the lake district on a hike (the longer, the better!), she can often be found running around the harborside at ungodly hours of the morning as part of the UBES run club. She has a wealth of knowledge from her years spent outdoors and loves teaching to pass it along. A chemistry PhD student, Nina looks forward to expanding her ‘stores empire’ this year as quartermaster for the local scouts and now also overseer of the infamous UBES stores! 
FA, WS

A resident American from the State of Georgia, Aidan is very approachable and friendly and can always be found at the pub – he boasts to have never missed a UBES pub, even joining before getting properly involved in the society. A keen hiker, Aidan is often surprised when a tough hike turns out to be tough, but armed with his certified ‘willingness to suffer’ he always powers through! After being ‘slightly broken’ by the summer exped to Corsica, Aidan is back for another year despite having recently graduated from his engineering degree. A self-claimed skilled climber, Aidan will be bringing his extensive kit knowledge to his new role as Climbing Kit and Safety Officer this year!
RCI(t), BMC-SS, WS, RPS

Newly appointed for the prestigious position of Expedition Officer at UBES. Monica is a seasoned hiker, pro gardener and a certified tent-enthusiast (she never leaves the house without one!). Hailing from the rugged and wild Bannau Brycheiniog national park she is no stranger to the outdoors (it’s rumoured that she first walked up Pen-y-fan at 2 years old!). You name it, she’s hiked it. From the remote deserts of the Pacific Crest Trail to the wet and windy West Highland Way, she’s done it all. And she’ll be putting this extensive trekking experience to good use this year, both as a ‘walk leader’ and through her committee role, helping in the organization of numerous exciting expeditions to Scotland (whoop whoop) and across Europe over the summer.  Her passion for the outdoors and commitment to fostering an inclusive community make her a integral part of the UBES team. 
So, if you see her say hi! You’ll most likely find her at the end of a long hike taking a refreshing dip in a lake, enjoying a good pint at the UBES pub or smashing it on the climbing walls. She’s super friendly, chatty and your go-to UBESter if you’re ever in need of a pair of freshly knitted socks.
RFA(2)

Introducing Joe, one of the new expedition Expedition Officers for UBES! Standing out as a rarity within UBES, Joe brings a keen enthusiasm for water-based adventures spending lots of his time white water and sea kayaking in the UK and further afield in the alps!! Coupled with a love for hiking and climbing, Joe is a versatile outdoorsman with a thirst for exploration. 

As a dedicated physical geographer, Joe’s knowledge of the natural world adds depth to his outdoor pursuits. Embracing the simplicity of tent life, he finds solace in the great outdoors, whether he’s navigating challenging waters or scaling rocky cliffs. Joe is particularly excited about planning the Scotland winter trip, eager to dive into the details and create an unforgettable experience for everyone who joins us up north!

Furthermore, Joe can’t wait to chat with everyone about their exciting summer adventure plans and lending a helping hand to turn those dreams into reality. With his infectious enthusiasm and genuine interest in others’ experiences, Joe is set to foster a community of outdoor enthusiasts within UBES. Get ready for a season of thrilling expeditions, shared stories, and unforgettable memories under Joe’s capable guidance!

WS, RPS

Growing up in the Peak District, Lily is no stranger to hiking or climbing. In the Peaks or in the Lake District, she would often be found out in the mountains with family and friends, whether on two feet, two wheels, in a lake or halfway up a crag!  
An ardent lover of the outdoors, she carries a wide range of skills and knowledge into next year. From walking & scrambling, to rock climbing and a growing experience mountaineering! She’s ready to bring together all these different aspects of UBES fun, and to expand the skill and experience of UBES as a whole! 
When not half-way up Jacks Rake, swimming lengths in Sickle Tarn, or generally in the mountains, she can be found enjoying our weekly UBES pub and plotting her team’s win next Scav Hunt. 
BMC-SS, WS, JCAMT, RPS

*Queue: David Attenborough on the mic*  
And here we have spotted a wild Stan in his natural habitat, climbing the walls of Redpoint and chatting up the Monday Boulderers. He’s a rather rare creature – when he’s not chugging bananas and acting as THE Academic Weapon of Park Street Pret (medic saving lives over here – very cool, but we can’t let him know it), he’s usually up a mountain, up a wall or teaching some other UBESters how to follow him there.  
Some recently uncovered facts about Stan: he’s actually called James, he’s got a ~secret~ twin brother, and did you know he does Camp America?! Previously the UBES climbing sec, Stan shall return from an American-Dream summer to take up the role of best-social-sec-ever (alongside Charlie, of course 😉). His class chat, endless energy and love for anything (and everyone) UBES makes him perfect for the job, no doubt he’ll smash it! 
WS, RPS

Fresh from the River Dee, Charlie is a ray of sunshine from the land of movie stars (oh wait wrong Hollywood).  A master of persuasion, Charlie can convince anyone to have fun, whether it be lake bagging or a trip to Thekla its impossible to not have fun around Charlie! Going into her 4th year at Bristol she is an expert of all things to do! Favourites include BBQs on the downs, freezing dips in Clevedon Lake and saving stray dogs (I made that on up). When Charlie isn’t in the water she’s on it, busting out moves on her stand up paddle board or maybe taking a floating nap. 
 With Charlie in charge of the social calendar you are guaranteed to be busy and entertained, squeezing in everything from coffee shop crawls to taking on 10 before 10 we are in for a very fun year! We might even have time for a wind mill protest – they do kill whales after all… 

Alfie dons many alter egos, the most famous being Alfredo Cruz. Back from being the climbing officer last year, Alfie is ready to become one of the oldies of UBES in his postgraduate role. Keen as ever to tell you about why Norwich City is one of the best football teams, Alfie is sweet, kind, and most of all less funny than his counterpart Gaurav. A climbing fanatic, Alfie will be keen to get you climbing the plastic rocks at Redpoint and Flashpoint and help you learn how to lead climb in no time! Alfie has also become a Scotland fan, having been up three times now with UBES: the famous SCOTLANDDDD winter trip, the West Highland Way, and most recently River Dee.
His time as Postgrad officer will surely be filled with more climbing, running, and drinking, and he will gladly do all three at the same time if he could! He looks forward to meeting you. 
WS, RPS

Ever wanted to be serenaded with a song on a ukulele? Or experience the many vegan wonders of the world? Or question your very existence through an eye-opening existential conversation? Then look no further than the one and only recently graduated and incoming postgrad officer Gaurav! Gaurav first experienced the wonderful worlds of hiking and climbing through UBES, developing a wealth of knowledge throughout (except using crampons). Gaurav is perhaps best known for his ability to run forever through the hills and will be forever keen to go on a run with you! Although maybe best not to ask him about his Yorkshire 3 peaks experience… 
Gaurav has a love for music and dance, in particular folk and jazz. If you end up on a run, hike or climb with Gaurav you will be sure to have a great time, you can ask him anything, and he will use his unique but wonderful sense of humour to keep you entertained for hours on end!
WS

After his impeccable first year as webmaster, Thomas returns to committee for a second round (just scroll a little to see why). He’s a very keen UBESter, bringing heaps of enthusiasm to trips and socials, getting stuck in to walking, climbing and winter shenanigans and you can always trust him to have homemade focaccia on hand.  
Thomas loved the Scotland trip last year, enjoying the company just as much as the scenery. He was also blessed with a snowy Lake District which has inspired him to get involved with more winter fun.  
This year, the website is going places. Thomas has big plans to enhance the world of webmastery both online and behind the scenes working on the trip organisation system. As a seasoned committee member, Thomas knows what a good trip looks like and is looking forward to sharing that with a new generation of UBESters on trips and expeds across the country. 
ML(t), RFA(2), WS, RPS

Need some cool knowledge from a wise traveller? Look no further! Charmaine has visited the Balkans, North Macedonia and the UBES Poland exped recently this summer, just to name a few, so her expertise in exploration is unmatched.  
Alongside travelling, Charmaine loves running but it also very artsy- having an interest in museums, art exhibitions, writing and poetry! Although she does hate coffee, perhaps why she falls asleep very easily watching films… Being from Asia, Charmaine is a sucker for Asian food and LOVES spice. 
Coming from Singapore where the outdoors is non-existent, she knows how scary starting out can be; so speak to her to be eased in! Being the previous Equalities Officer, she has a strong passion for social issues and is also a complete workaholic having loads of part-time jobs (running a food stall, being a relief worker at a youth hostel etc…).  Is she gonna be the best Communications officer or is she gonna be the best Communication officer? 
RFA(2), WS

Want a sing-a-long buddy when you’re in the mountains? Prav’s got your back. Catch him singing cheesey pop tunes to Nicki Minaj or Ariana Grande in the hills, or waffle with him about dinosaurs. Prav’s also an avid runner and swimmer (legend says he’s really quick), so if you need a training buddy, you know who to go to.  
In the day-to-day, being a medical student forms a huge part of his identity. Caring for others and having this heart of gold is evident through his experiences volunteering at his local care home and local library. Moreover, he’s constantly trying to find new ways to be more environmentally sustainable, so if that’s something you care about as well, hit Prav up for a chat or two!  
Prav’s also got loads to talk about when it comes to food. With an Asian heritage, he loves his spice (Nando’s extra hot is his go-to). Having worked at Subway before, he also claims to be a “pretty good sandwich artist”, but not sure about that though, since he got banned from cutting cheese in UBES… Anyways, his boundless knowledge about everything, lived experience and strong sense of social justice makes him the perfect fit for your Equalities Officer! 

Following a busy summer trekking in the Himalayas and working in the coolest job as a glacier guide in Iceland *, Eva is back for another year of UBES fun! It stands testament to the wonderful character of mountain folk and Eva’s warm friendliness, that after a year as Social Secretary, she isn’t fed up with meeting UBESters. Instead, she’s been elected to become the face of the Society as President, only partly in a bid to distract herself from complicated Biochemistry matters. Expect to see her Eva-rywhere! When not on a mountain, you may well find Eva bagging a lake: with Icelandic blood that flows alongside the quintessentially English passion for tea, the cold doesn’t bother her anyway…  

*both of these activities are otherwise known as “Making The Rest Of Committee Very Jealous”
ML(t), RFA(2), WS, RPS

Isaac is an organisational powerhouse and is responsible for most of the things that work successfully in the society. He is very caring and generous with a keen skill for poem writing and pub meme making. He holds cheese, maps and Moel Siabod very close to his heart making him a perfect and entirely quintessential UBESter.  
If looking for Isaac, he would be most likely found roaming his beloved Dartmoor taking everyone’s new Facebook profile pictures, in the Highbury vaults pub wearing his iconic red coat or else in line in Biomed waiting for his daily soup. He also can commonly be spotted in a café following a walk, where he will delight in telling you that his first word was ‘cake’. 
ML(t), RFA(2), WS

One of the chattiest people you will ever meet, Josh is friendly and approachable and will engage you in conversation on the most random of topics, just beware the awful puns that he intersperses into his chatter! Many of his favourite topics include anything Snowdonia, especially the Ogwen Valley, along with his many (although not serious, we are hoping) plans as treasurer of UBES. These show an emerging theme for buying random vehicles for the society including a bus, jetpack, squirrel suit, or hovercraft (though the use of this is currently unknown), with an aim to discover a new easier way to get off a mountain – maybe the squirrel suit is the solution? 
ML(t), RFA(2), BMC-SS, RPS

Ready for another year of seeking out cliff edges, scrambling through the mountains and using just the right level of bossiness to keep the rest of committee on track, Robyn is taking over the reigns as the new secretary! As a keen hiker for as long as she can remember, she is all set to take the mountains by storm (although hopefully not in a storm).  
When not wandering in the mountains in her trademark teal outfits, she will probably be off with animals (just a casual day as a vet) or with folk soc, for which she is also their band leader. She loves a good ceilidh, so be sure to look out for her at any of those, or no doubt in the sun, snow or rain enjoying a UBES trip. 
ML(t), WS

Stan is a fellow midlander who is too forgotten about when the classic pub discussion of the north-south divide’s boundary comes up! Despite these origins he is now a nomadic ubster found on many of hills and mountains! At the start of last year Stan was a rather ground dwelling man, however following the typical UBES evolution he has gained his climbing claws and is now one of our new climbing officers!  
He loves meeting new people, encouraging us all to give new things a go and is an incredible friend to many ubsters so make sure to have a look up and see if you can spot him – harness and all! 
RPS

As someone from Norfolk, the flattest county in the whole of the UK, it’s a great surprise how much time Alfie spends in the mountains or climbing up walls! He now spends little time at sea-level, instead honing his climbing skills bouldering indoors at Flashpoint or learning to trad climb in the mountains. 
During his time in UBES, Alfie has also taken on a Spanish alter ego named Alfredo Cruz. If you are ever struggling to find Alfie or Alfredo, be sure to check out Flashpoint or Redpoint, where he seems to spend the majority of his university life. He will be sure to provide a friendly face, and is always keen to help and encourage others to try new things! 
RPS

Meet Jack, our general kit and safety officer! Most likely to be found hiking, running or in Sainsbury’s (apparently?!). With years of hiking experience under his belt, his knowledge and enthusiasm regarding kit and walking is a force to be reckoned with!  
He truly is a long-distance wizard, having already ran the Yorkshire 3 Peaks and completed the Two Tors Challenge. Not to mention future endeavours, such as straight-line missions… 
Jack is a very laid back and friendly guy who will always be willing to answer any of your kit & safety queries, no matter what! 
BMC-SS

Joel has quickly become a seasoned UBESter this past year: a regular on weekend trips, the winter Scotland trip, the Balkans in the summer, and now taking up the role of kit and safety officer! He’s a friendly and enthusiastic hiking adventurer, and a keen and experienced runner (close to 1000 runs!). He’s also our resident lifeguard, for any lakebagging mishaps… 
His knowledge, organisation and first aid training means the UBES kit is in capable hands! You will often find him roaming his much-loved Lake District or running around Bristol (super speedy). Always happy to help, you can feel free to ask him about anything from athletics to UBES kit queries from his freshly organised UBES Stores! 
ML(t), RFA(2), BMC-SS, WS, RPS

A long-standing member of the noble house of Frubesheim, Tommaso is UBES’s resident Italian and one of a growing number of earth/life scientists slowly taking over from the engineers’ monopoly!  
Hugely knowledgeable, kind and enthusiastic, he’s an awesome companion on any adventure, whether that’s mini bivvying expeds, or weeks-long circumnavigations of countries – ask him about the lap of Andorra he completed this summer! That, or his seemingly very frequent, and very cool trips to the Bahamas in the name of scientific research (can it be a UBES trip next time please?) 
Tommaso’s also a great chef, making even infamous slop taste fantastic. He’s a keen runner, part of last year’s UBES half marathon/10k team, and working towards his Summer Mountain Leader qualification. Never seen without a smile, he’s always willing to chat and a great friend to everyone in UBES. 
ML(t), RFA(2)

Having ascended from the ultimate UBES fresher to this esteemed council of wise mountain-folk, Jane is ready to be granted the rank of Expeditions Master. This geographer’s passion for the planet makes her your perfect guide to the world’s last great wildernesses.  
Once she’s made her glorious return from the high Himalayas this Summer, she’ll be hard at work making sure you’ll be able to enjoy only Scotland’s greatest sauna this New Year’s. Keep an eye out for her (potentially quite chilly) Summer Exped and don’t be scared to approach her with any questions about starting up your own adventures: you’re in friendly and capable hands! 
When not in the mountains, she may be sighted running at great speeds, cycling vast distances, or behind the till in Alpkit dispensing free tea and advice! 
ML(t), WS

Need inspiration for some crazy adventures? Jim’s the man to go to. As the outgoing expeditions officer he ran the Peaks of the Balkans, having tasted his first UBES exped in Romania. He is frequently away climbing and hiking, acquiring and practising new skills.  Whether in planning large expeds or smaller more local trips, Jim is your man! 
Beyond this adventurous demeanour is also someone who remains grounded in the everyday challenges of pursuing a life in the outdoors, such as the expense of good kit. He’s got all the life hacks and backdoors to navigating these as the broke students a lot of us are! So catch him at Highbury for some life hacks or great conversation. 
ML(t), RFA(2), BMC-SS, WS, RPS

Our resident veterinarian, painter, and Mendips Queen!  The life of our parties and light of our lives, Jas’ friendly face welcomes new and old UBESters alike. Ascending from silly UBES-fresh to Scav-hunt champion in meteoric style, Jas has become an integral member of the society. But she’s not done yet, and for her next trick will deliver a year of spellbinding socials and piquant pubs.  
Her friendly face can be seen above the crowd for easy location and is the first port of call for any mammal medications or mountaineering matters. Be sure to ask her about bear evasion, northern light spotting, and raft exploration for regaling of endless tantalising tales of the Yukon’s tundra.  
WS

Jacob is definitely not just another ubes engineer, he is: the cheese board carrying, whiskey drinking, sauna loving, rocket launching sailor… I know quite a mouthful especially when munching a sticky cheese and pickle sandwich! 
 With that all being said, he is an absolute necessity on the UBES weekend check list and can only be described as a multitool of human being- whether that be fixing broken down cars, taking fantastic photos, a seasoned sock wrestler, banana bread baker and a new potential title – Everest base camp conqueror following his Himalayan adventure this summer! 
WS

Hannah’s a bit of an anomaly in the postgrad community, doing her 4th year in Physics means she hasn’t technically graduated yet! She has been a steady and enthusiastic presence in UBES for her third year now, Hannah’s excited to meet new climbers, to continue to be part of the postgrad community and to build it – and that includes movie nights! 
Her favourite place to climb is Redpoint, she’s Welsh at heart, and as a Walk Leader with UBES she’s looking forward to going on lots of trips, especially a climbing trip; after all, it’s her third year climbing as well! 
RPS

Anna is a true postgrad and will be on a year out next year, although is unusual for being one of the rare non STEM students in UBES. She is looking forward to the climbing sessions and trips in the coming year, and having just completed a trad course in Snowdonia is eager to share her newfound knowledge. Anna is fairly new to UBES having only joined last year, but has become a staple sight every Wednesday afternoon at Redpoint! She is excited to be a part of the postgrad community this year, and is hoping to become one of the UBES bakers. 
RPS

 
Joining towards the end of his second year, Thomas has since thrown himself at all things UBES (seriously: climbing, running, walk leading, nav training, lake bagging, slop cooking – the list goes on). It’s no surprise he quickly earned the adoration of the society, and with that the 22/23 UBESter of the year title! * 
Thomas is a great friend on and off the mountain/climbing wall and is excited to welcome freshers and seasoned UBESters alike. Equipped with a Computer Science A-level, Aerospace Engineering studies and a healthy dose of a ‘can-do attitude’, he is more than ready to tackle the behind-the-scenes tech that keeps UBES running! 
*Bringing focaccia on every trip he went on, and even some he didn’t, may have had something to do with it… 
ML(t), RFA(2), RPS

For those who have been around in UBES, Emily is no stranger. As the outgoing Kit officer, she has handled all the administrative and logistical load an outdoor society could possibly have. She has been an incredible asset to UBES and we’re glad to have her around for this year doing communications!  
As someone who has actively pushed herself to grow in UBES, she knows how it feels to be a more inexperienced fresher and so she is ever the advocate for the underdog. Feel free to catch her for a chat whenever; and possibly find comfort and strength in pushing the boundaries that we have set for ourselves.   
ML(t), RFA(2), WS, RPS

Every conversation you have with Charmaine will lead to a new and exciting discovery. She lives for positive adventures in every part of her life, From running Danish marathons promoting awareness for eating disorders amongst athletes and children, to working in Calais refugee camps. What defines her adventures is never her, but the causes she supports, and the people she helps.  

In this vein she could not be a more perfect Equalities and Diversity Officer. Many in committee understand adventures but Charmaine looks to support the people within them. We can say with complete confidence she will be the friendliest face to support you, no matter what arises.
If you need support in UBES this year Charmaine is an amazing port of call, ever up for run, climb or natter about a good book and equipped with a fantastic confidence around social issues.
RFA(2), RPS

David is a UBESter for life (since the very first trip of his first year in 2019), which makes him perfect to be UBES President for 2022/2023. He has somehow wound his way through the committee as both Kit & Safety officer and Webmaster, and (hopefully) now knows exactly what it takes to run UBES. David is hardworking, innovative and a brilliant mountaineer. He is working towards his Mountain Leader Qualification and has been trained in how to lead scrambles (his actual ability to do so remains to be determined). He has just finished a Year in Industry placement at GKN aerospace and is keen to make his tenure as president a flying success too (groan…). If you are ever in need of someone to discuss absolutely anything with (literally, we don’t know how he has opinions on some of the things he has opinions on) or just a friendly chat, David is your man. He is looking forward to continuing the work of previous committees to make UBES more qualified, sustainable, and accessible. If David isn’t for some reason doing something UBES-related (this is probably going to be a rare occurrence), you may be able to find him working on his engineering degree, but this depends mostly on whether your navigations skill are up to the maze that is the Queen’s Building. 
ML(t), (R)FA(2)

Jack is relinquishing his control of the UBES social calendar to take on his biggest challenge yet…as the vice president! But fear not; two years running folk society has taught him a thing or two, and he’s more than ready to rise to the task. Friendly and approachable, his cheery smile will brighten even the rainiest of days of the mountain. From the suspension bridge, to the SU, to the occasional mountain, Jack is always ready to show off his folk dancing moves and will call a Ceilidh at a moment’s notice. Tireless on the dance floor, he’ll be out dancing all from the first note to the final polka. Hailing from Germany, Jack has a (un stereotypically) great sense of humour, although be warned, his puns have been known to be fatal! Having completed his ML(t) and first aid courses Jack is an experienced hiker who is always up for a chat (favourite topics include bridgea, water, and all things folk!) 
ML(t)

Migrating from deepest darkest Devon with his Fiat Punto, Isaac has stormed into committee as Chancellor of the Exchequer (aka Treasurer). With a calm and measured approach to numbers, he has the experience to tackle the complex financial systems that govern UBES trips and to (finally) achieve the long-term goal of affording dehumidifiers for weekend expeditions.  
Away from the Treasury, you can always find Isaac calmy navigating across the windswept mountains, rounding his expert geography knowledge! Always armed with his trusty camera, he encapsulates the UBES hiking experience with his professional photography, many of his images appearing on other committee Facebook profiles! When back in the urban jungle of Bristol, he can regularly be found in the Highbury Vaults, keen to recount his many expeditions across the wilds of Dartmoor, Interrailing from Spain to Slovenia and his annual pilgrimage to the Isle of Scilly.  
P.s. Any knowledge in the directions to the Lonely Mountain to find the long-forgotten gold must be passed to Isaac! 
(R)FA(2)

UBES has its fair share of James’. Yet, there is only one James Harris (at present!). Our secretary for this year is unmissable in his trademark hat and can often be found within sight of a railway line, hence he has earned the nicknames “Hat James” and “Train James” to distinguish him from the others of his species.  
As a Geophysics student, he also has a particular penchant for rocks and mining and is guaranteed to be a font of all random knowledge on all trips. This, plus years of stomping over Dartmoor, stood James in excellent stead for his role as an Expedition Officer last year and now, fresh from his summer expedition to Romania, he returns to committee once more to keep us and all our meetings in order as Secretary.  
It’s relatively hard to find something James hasn’t done, which means you can talk to him about pretty much anything: scuba diving, gliding, sailing, plus of course mountains! Oh, and did we mention railways? Don’t forget to ask him about Garratts in Snowdonia… 
ML(t), (R)FA(2)

Rocking her iconic denim jacket and welcoming smile, Clodagh is always easy to spot at the crag, climbing gym or UBES pub. She is a responsible and caring part of our team and along with her medic training, you know you are safe in her hands. This Ed Sheeran lover has climbing running in her bloodstream and she’s surprisingly down to earth given how much time she spends off the ground!  
Most resoundingly, Clodagh is passionate about getting more people to enjoy what she loves (climbing duh!), so come along to a Wednesday session and see what it’s all about. 

Sian arrived in UBES with a bang in the second term of last year, quickly becoming our best climber, sailor and crab impersonator all in one go.  
She is a powerhouse of the society, being one of very few to have attained RCI training. Her passion for expanding the society’s skills base and experience is unmatched, however, her talents don’t stop there! She has no problem exploring all the aspects of climbing from bouldering in the gyms to trad climbing in the gorge.  
She is a keen walker, an excellent cook with a disposition of sunshine and has a healthy obsession with LOTR. 

If it’s a freezing lake, a climbing wall or the new shelf in stores, you will find Emily there. This silent lake bagging warrior has shown not only great bravery in the outdoors but also isn’t afraid to carry out very scientific research in the form of pub crawls.  
She’s clinically brilliant on the spreadsheets and lethal at the logistics- however, one of the kindest and most endearing characters at UBES. Care to approach the Hobbit of UBES store and you’ll find no query is too small and she is always eager to help. 

Our kit and safety officer for climbing this year is Tilda, the most red-headed and distinctly English Italian you’ll ever meet. Tilda always and kind or a stern word for every occasion making her the perfect person to handle inventories and club safety. She is medically trained which serves our madcap UBES very well, and is an excellent group manager causing many a mental scar on subjected sandwich makers.  
Tilda is a keen climber with hopes to assist the climbing officers in their plans for skill development and trips. She also has high hopes for a new generation of organized UBES kit borrowers aiming to streamline and computerize our current systems. Her wood nymph aesthetic serves her well as a fan of Moomin, wearing bottle green and taking very good care of her plants, which she loves very much. She has an outgoing and loving personality and is a joyful friend.  

Returning from the secretive laboratories of the physics department, last year’s treasurer Ben is taking up the reigns as this year’s expedition officer.  

Taking the mantle of expedition officer brings the mental labyrinth that is the winter Scotland trip (with aims to find a good sauna after a day on the mountains) and the keys to the continent with the Summer Expedition.  

When not on the hunt for a vertical outcrop or Grade 2/3 scramble, you can find Ben recounting his escapades in Chamonix and Snowdonia and what climbing kit will be needed for the next project. Beyond the UBES frontiers, Ben is a keen scuba diver, kayaker and Muay Thai specialist.

Meet Jim, a quintessential UBESter and this year’s Expeditions Officer! Last year Jim started out with a bang and made a name for himself as the king of lake bagging. Since then, his skills have known no bounds and extend to first aid, navigation and most importantly, reaching things on high shelves.  
Undoubtedly the most active fresher of last year, Jim also has aptitudes for Pokémon trivia, wearing t shirts too small for him and losing his teeth. If you feel energized by entertaining conversation on a walk, Jim’s the one to turn to! His remarkable knowledge about the outdoors means he’s always quick to help with a piece of thoughtful advice but he will also inspire you with his tales of adventure from UK backpacking to the wilderness of Thailand and Romania.  
Best advice for the nervous fresher arriving at their first UBES pub. 1) Walk into Highbury with all the confidence you can muster 2) Look Jim across the room and introduce yourself. 3) You have a friend for life!  

Qualifications include: Lego Land driver’s license, beavers knots badge, ‘that fresher’, Lord commander lake bagger, and pen licence (his words, not mine)

ML(t)

George is one of UBES most energetic and extroverted members. You’ll find him either on a climbing wall or at the pub and is a pleasure to talk to. As the UBES resident chef, he is an excellent cook, as anyone who goes on a trip with him will know. No one can challenge the planning ability of this Viking wannabe, who has been on trips that stretch from climbing in Bolivia to fell running in the Isle of Skye! George is incredibly sporty, having done the Welsh 3000, an iron man, and often running for charity. 
ML(qualified), RCI(t), CLC

“Man, myth, legend a man of many talents. Always to be found at pub and house parties. Creator of the death punch and king of Mendips. Much like a bridge troll he sets the most engaging and befuddling puzzles. Don’t ask about what goes on in his basement, Ex cult leader”  
-Arya Rassi 2022 
Arya makes it his business to know everyone, he is an energetic and chaotic man who never shies away from a conversation. A car journey with Arya is never boring, as he has a Spotify playlist for any occasion. Super friendly and kind, and has the best stories, especially after a summer as chaotic as his.  

Raef’s warmth, enthusiasm, and expertise in all things outdoors makes him an invaluable asset to the UBES team. Technically not a student anymore (adult job… ewww) he still manages to fill all his weekends (and many of his evenings) adventuring. Although walking was Raef’s first love, he’s broadened his horizons into all things mountaineering and climbing over the last few years and is well on his way to becoming a certified RCI. One of the most welcoming people you will meet, if you are after some route advice or trip inspiration – Raef’s your man! When not off somewhere amazing, or climbing at Flashpoint/ Redpoint, he enjoys dinner parties and board games. His Exped goals for this year… a 4000m peak and pack-rafting! 
ML(t), RCI(t), (R)FA(2), JCAMT, RPS

The tale of the Skeng has long been prophesied within the elder scrolls of UBES, however now word has spread far across the middle-webmaster of his emergence, the one and only Ben Heath.  
He may be the man to save the trip system and destroy the one Charding to rule them all! The evidence is certainly leaning this way… our resident computer scientist is certainly a wizard behind the keyboard and has begun his great adventures. From Ben’s extensive backpacking knowledge to his maps of the javascript dungeons, if correctly identified he holds many key artefacts for a fresher to discover.

Emma is the greatest social media committee member this society has ever seen. She is also the first but don’t let that take away from the achievement.  
Spearheaded by this forward thinker, our branding and outreach will never have been better after her influence. With her faithful panda chalk-bag by her side, Emma has earned the title of UBES mum and has mastered the art of conversing with looks.  
While her reliability rarely falters, she has been known to struggle with handrails, especially post Mendips! Always kind, always friendly, Emma is a great person to seek out for advice and comfort. 

Former cool kid and current UBESter, Lauren is our second ever Equalities Officer. She has big shoes to fill, a tall order for someone so small.  
Behind her stature stands enough energy to conquer any task, including mountains, international cheese disputes and justice within UBES. Lauren will passionately defend anything she believes in and with a law degree behind her she is equipped to do so. She’s our most friendly face, is more than happy to hear your concerns and will go above and beyond to make sure UBES has a place for everyone. 

Introducing you to our 2021/22 president… Ewan!! He has been bringing his love for adventure and the outdoors to UBES for four years and has finally made it to centre stage after taking on the role of treasurer and webmaster in previous years. After being away on a year in industry at Jaguar Land Rover, Ewan is back studying Electrical Engineering and ready for all things UBES. Ewan loves a weekend in the mountains, isn’t afraid to rack the miles up in his estate car and will out-sing you at our socials. With many years of experience in the mountains and a background in scouts, he is by far perfect for UBES president. If anything breaks, or life gets you down and you need a friendly ear, Ewan is always there to help. He is both a great friend and a real asset to have in the society. Ewan is looking forward to working in a team to run our wonderful society and help get us back in the mountains. When he isn’t at the pub, up a mountain or hanging out on rocks, you will find him using his navigational skills in the maze that is Queen’s Building. 

ML(t)

Jodie, last year’s secretary, has come back for more: as UBES Vice president! And we are thrilled to have her back. She battled through the complex covid restrictions last year, so we can’t wait to see what she can do without those holding her back! An Essex gal through and through, she grew up into scouting and hiking from a young age, completing the coast to coast when she was only 12! When taking a break on a long ol’ hike, you may find her getting in a lake bag – or even just in her spare time in and around Bristol! She has been an amazing contributor to the society in the past 4 years of the society, driving and leading walks all the way though. And would you believe it, when she’s not up the mountains or at a UBES social, you may find her bell ringing(?!). Clearly a woman of many talents. Any questions, just give Jodie a ring, her experience is extremely valuable to the society! 

ML(t), WS

A keen outdoorsman, scientist, and a jack of all trades when it comes to societies, Ben is our financial wizard for this year. He has been involved with several groups in previous years including tennis, Muay Thai and kayaking, but has chosen to prioritise UBES this year (Who wouldn’t?). As a 3rd year physicist, Ben will happily talk your ears off about quantum, or prove his maths genius and dive deep into a discussion about finance; much like Liam Neeson, he has a very particular set of skills that will make him the perfect custodian of UBES’s bank account this year. With many successful summits in the Cotswolds, wider UK, and European and American national parks, Ben is an experienced hiker and just as happy to talk for hours about the joys of the USA’s North West Pacific as go on an exciting new weekend adventure and test out all the skills he learnt at ML training over summer. 

ML(t)

 

On first glance you may confuse George with a viking, with mighty beard and golden locks. However don’t let his appearance scare you off, if you engage him in conversation you will find it hard to stop him going on about his passion for the outdoors and the various expeditions and trips he has planned! Always up for an adventure whilst climbing, George loves a wet slab and a good crack! Sometime he activiely seeks out the wet rock just to spice things up. After a big day in the mountains, the pub calls to George, and so it is inevitable that he finds himself with a pint(s) of guiness where if your not careful he’ll start to sing. Having recently done his RCI Training, he is looking forward to teaching new members the basics of climbing and taking them out on the rock.

Max is one of those Jack of all trades types…except well he’s actually pretty good at alot of them too. Makes alot of sense then that in just a few years Max has developed a passion for climbing and will be one of this years climbing officers. Max is always up for a climb or a hike especially with his unwavering optimism. He always manages to explain how it probably won’t rain, regardless of how bad it is currently raining. He is also partial to a dram (though is still unsure of its precise meaning) and wont be found too far from the squeak of a harmonica. Max has big plans for the future including a climbing expedition to Tajikistan. After which he hopes people will believe that he actually does live near Snowdonia…and not nearer Shrewsbury.

Entering her third year of UBES and just fresh off from her ML training, Merryn is ready to step up as your general kit and safety officer. From the Peak District, she has been in the caving club’s grasp since she joined uni. UBES is blessed to having (partially) stolen her this year, where she will trade in the physical caves to what can be described as equally gremlin-like stores. You can trust she will keep the stores in order this year! 

ML(t)

Entering his fourth year of UBES, Edgar has accumulated a wealth of experience, driven by the pure love of the mountains. Living close to the Alps, he has plenty of opportunities to appreciate his favorite mountain chain, setting off on adventures whenever he can. From a debut in the Scottish Highlands, his hiking pursuits have not been limited to the French Alps, and have also taken him further afield; from the Pyrénées, the Dinaric Alps, to the Dolomites and Iceland. As well as chasing summits, he can often be found putting in massive miles on his bike, utilising his aerodynamic engineering knowledge. This year, he is taking his alpine enthusiasm to the kit store, and will always be happy to chat about hiking plans.

Upon first glance, you would think Francis to be a veteran UBESter having been on every trip since the dawn of time – but no! Joining UBES just last year while starting his Engineering PhD, he might be new to UBES but he is not new to the mountains! Taking part in two other mountaineering societies in his time, at Oxford and Coventry, he is an old hand in teaching people about outdoor skills, climbing and mountaineering. 

His area’s of expertise range from Alpine Mountaineering to fell running, sailing to cycling, and when asked what type of climbing is his favourite he will simply reply ‘All of them’.

Extreme outdoor prowess aside (Don’t ask him about Kyrgyzstan) , Francis is a super easy going guy who is always happy to help out a fellow UBESter, grab a pint down the pub or go on an adventure.

ML(t), (R)FA(1) WS JCAMT

Where to start with Ben. The man is no stranger to organised fun – in fact he broke many records on his first trip. Record number of people standing on a pot, record speeds sledding down Pen-Y-Fan on his survival bag, and ask him about his secret Brecons record. An absolute athlete, this man’s hobbies include running, swimming, cycling, bouldering and of course drinking. A loyal man to the society, he is going into his third year of UBES. A veteran of Scotland, on this very trip Ben grew close to a very special someone (not you Monika). Ben is often caught telling a few harmless fibs. A pint of Thatcher’s in hand, he might not introduce himself as Ben at all. But once you get to know him, you’ll never forget him. He is a funny, approachable, and friendly guy. If you’re lucky enough to have a chat with him, you’re in for a treat! UBES is in for a fun year if Ben will be organising socials.

With a couple of marathons and a geography degree under her belt Bronwen felt befriending post grads and ensuring equality for all were the next challenges worthy of this accomplished and outgoing UBESter. Whether it be running, cycling or wild swimming Bronwen is keen to get outside and wears her watch tan line like a medal of honour. Her enthusiasm for outdoor activity is only matched by her passion for yoga and for encouraging people to try yoga. She even went as far as to run weekly online yoga sessions last year, keeping UBESters both flexible and mindful during the dark days of lockdown. Often described as the mum of the group, she’ll be ready to assist you with sun cream, snacks and an acoustic cover for a bedtime lullaby. This is one UBESter who isn’t afraid to go the extra mile!

Julian is genuinely one of the most wonderful vibrant people I’ve ever had the pleasure of chatting to; he makes everyone around him feel included and welcome. Not only that but he may just be the king of snacks when it comes to UBES trips! When he’s not armed with homemade baked goodies, he’s sure to be carrying some other sweet treat, including mini eggs which he remarkably has all year round! Some of his other infamous treats include peanut butter and raspberry jam brownies and cocoa date balls. But don’t be fooled by his bougee sweet tooth because Julian is also a sucker for the UBES classics including slop, porridge, and cheese and pickle sandwiches. Unsurprisingly, being born and raised in Sheffield, Julian has an active dislike for flatness and thus, he ended up a UBESter who only feels at home in the mountains. And when he’s not in the mountains, Julian can be found running (probably up a hill) or climbing at Redpoint or Bloc (he clearly just loves heights). Other fun facts about Julian include that he is doing a PhD in Robotics (cool or what!!!); he joined UBES in 2018 but didn’t make it on a trip until 2020 (shame shame I know thy name); his favourite drinks are tea and tequila (not necessarily in that order); he shares his birthday with Harry Potter; and he’s always prepped to boost group morale on a walk. We can promise you, Julian does not disappoint, he is a true UBES gem!

Some say that he can only walk towards The Highbury Vaults, but somehow manages to navigate the winding corridors of Queens Building. Some say that he only drinks his port in trees native to Hampshire. Some say he has so many rucksacks that he has rucksacks to carry his rucksacks. All we know is that he is called David and like his ancient namesake will defeat the Goliath sized beast that is the multitude of UBES IT systems, fending off disorder and danger with wit and vigour. To prepare for this task David has been rambling and scrambling across the country in style for years, comfortable both “at home” in the UK’s national parks, and further afield hiking in the Austrian Alps… Covid has given David the opportunity to perfect his risk assessment skills, which taken together with with his mountain leader training this summer, means he is a safe pair of hands on the mountain. His calm and collected personality along with his enthusiasm and a computer science A level will set him in excellent stead to provide you with the tech you need, when you need it. 

ML(t), RFA(2)

Introducing you to our 2020/21 president, also known as the ‘woman in turquoise’….Ellen was born into the role of social sec and will continue to spread her sunny, approachable, bubbly attitude to anyone in her vicinity. 

She loves a good mountain stomp- always happy to have a ramble, a lake dip and a lovely chat in the sunshine. You’ll no doubt come away feeling as positive as she is, and maybe even with some latest ubes gossip too 😉

RFA(2), WS

When it comes to the mountains, Leila’s done it all. Asking this outdoor enthusiast if she wants to go on an adventure is like asking her if she’s an identical twin – the answer will be a resounding YES. After a year of being behind the scenes making sure our Kit is up to scratch, she’s lifting the curtains to take center stage.   

With 4 years of UBES under her belt, countless trips and so many smiles gifted she’s looking forward to working in a team to run our wonderful society! But don’t worry, she’ll make sure to keep the President in check, ensuring Ellen won’t turn all the UBES branding to turquoise!

ML(t), RFA(2), BMC-SS, WS, JCAMT

Ah yes, William Hunt, some call him the “Rishi Sunak of the mountains”. Born and bred on the edge of the Brecon Beacons national park, it’s safe to say Will has been racing up mountains his entire life. An experienced UBESter, throwing himself into the society over the past year, hailed as committee material from day one! Absolutely blitzing the mountains at almost every UBES trip, with a glorious sing a long – his personal bests seem to be Champagne Supernova or anything from the LOTR soundtrack – or some seriously deep conversations about space and time, classic hiking natter. An exceptional student: we at the committee have no worries about his ability to handle some serious numbers £££ (but seriously Will, calm down on the lottery tickets). Quite the connoisseur of ales, it’s safe to say you’re more likely going to bump into Will at the pub rather than on Tyndall. Alas, Will is a lovely and friendly face amongst members, let him lead you through the mountains as he provides key financial stability to our society. William Hunt, an honourable man. Did I mention he holds a world record in organised fun? A story for another day.

A veteran of UBES at three years Jodie knows what it takes for there to be successful UBES adventures. A keen bean for mega long walks, mountains of all kinds and she is always a smiley face. Top skills include: fast typing, UBES love, lots of trips. Jodie will be our organisational wizard for 2020/2021 with many of the courses and skills she will be organising already completed she’s got the know how too!

Jumping from secretary to climbing officer this year means Aaron is trading a keyboard for a hangboard. This fare, Devon lad still thinks ‘Bristol is basically the north’ despite being very experienced in all things UBES. Whether it’s in the pub, on the mountain or at the crag, mentioning the SpaceX mission or Tesla will launch a long chat involving physics. Note that shuttles in the context of badminton will also rally a conversation. No matter the climb, Aaron’s knowledge of gravity and friction is especially handy when thinking about pulling yourself up the wall. You can always count of Aaron to be smiling with a cider in hand at the end of the day to welcome you back from your adventure. 

RFA(2), WS

Claire has built a reputation this year for her love of lake bagging, unfriendly relationship with UBES punch and joyful enthusiasm for jive. The highly charged triplet has jumped from president of modern jive to climbing officer of UBES but that does not mean she’s going to stop being the life of the party. Although she hadn’t mountaineered before university, you will commonly see her on climbing trips with friends, conquering the mountains of the UK and inventing new trip lunches (currently cheese and pickle wraps), all while balancing her Biomed degree. She may be one of three but her passion for the society and its people makes her one of kind! 

RFA(1), WS

Some say that he can only walk towards The Highbury Vaults, but somehow manages to navigate the winding corridors of Queens Building. Some say that he only drinks his port in trees native to Hampshire (a county apparently full of Kit and Safety types). Some say he has so many rucksacks that he has rucksacks to carry his rucksacks. All we know is that he is called David and like his ancient namesake will defeat the Goliath sized beast that dwells in the SU dungeons (more commonly known as the Kit Stores), fending off disorder and danger with wit and vigour. To prepare for this task David has been rambling and scrambling across the country in style for years, comfortable “at home” in the UK’s national parks and further afield hiking in the Austrian Alps… His calm and collected personality along with his enthusiasm and knowledge of gear will set him in excellent stead to provide you with the kit you need, when you need it.

A little known reality about Barney is that despite studying Physics, Barney does actually enjoy the great outdoors. He’s the type of person who wears a bow tie to any event you invite him to, perfectly illustrating his residence in the county of Hampshire. In fact, he has completed the entire length of the South Downs Way, as he will likely tell you if you ever venture into a conversation with him. When he’s not climbing at redpoint, you can find him in the Highbury Vaults, swigging back his signature Hawk’s ginger beer. However unconventional he may be, Barney is the type of man you can count on, and that comes in handy for a kit and safety officer.

There are many reasons why people give their life to UBES. Some do it for the friends, some for the experience of the great outdoors and some for the sheer physical suffering. But Edgar is one of the only UBESters I’ve met that is motivated entirely by the mountains. You’ll quite often see him just staring off into space, daydreaming about peaks and cols. He’s that guy who is always having a fantastic time even when it’s raining and horrible because he’s still in the mountains. He’ll talk excitedly at length about his next exped plans, just be careful if you don’t want an extended conversation! Described as UBES’s “Human Adonis”, Edgars constant enthusiasm and mysterious French background makes him one of the most intriguing members of this year’s committee. 

WS

Upon first glance, you would think Francis to be a veteran UBESter having been on every trip since the dawn of time – but no! Joining UBES just last year while starting his Engineering PhD, he might be new to UBES but he is not new to the mountains! Taking part in two other mountaineering societies in his time, at Oxford and Coventry, he is an old hand in teaching people about outdoor skills, climbing and mountaineering. 

His area’s of expertise range from Alpine Mountaineering to fell running, sailing to cycling, and when asked what type of climbing is his favourite he will simply reply ‘All of them’.

Extreme outdoor prowess aside (Don’t ask him about Kyrgyzstan) , Francis is a super easy going guy who is always happy to help out a fellow UBESter, grab a pint down the pub or go on an adventure.

ML(t), (R)FA(1) WS JCAMT

Ever since his mum mixed Stella in with his formula milk, Jimmy has had an unquenchable thirst for fun. Growing up in the Wiltshire countryside, Jimmy soon realised there was nothing to do there except drink, and that he did. When not dreaming about cold pints on tap, Jim can be found walking the hills, on his mountain bike or even sledding down pen-y-fan on a survival bag. An avid fan of Lord of the Rings, the peep show and much more, you can expect about 10% of this man’s dialog to be direct quotes. Jimmy is an all-round approachable and friendly guy. If you join him on a group walk or at the pub you will be graced with great conversation and humour. We all have an exciting year ahead with him organising socials.

Since venturing across the Atlantic in search of new adventures, Cripsian has thrown himself into UBES life. Despite studying engineering mathematics, he is friendly and approachable; making him the perfect choice for social secretary. Having completed his walk leader training, he is reported to be one of the very few who are able to escape from the maze that is Queens building, a secret he will take to the grave. From the heights of half dome to the rain soaked mountains of England, he is always smiling and ready to regale all present with details of his voluminous high end audio collection. When not hiking he can be found drinking a cider in the Highbury Vaults, playing with tech, or lecturing people on his overpriced umbrella.

From the shadowy backseats of UBES, Alex Modell has risen to the challenge of both post grad officer and equality and diversity officer. A notorious mathematician, strategist, and as is his namesake suggests, he is the model citizen. However, don’t let his clean aesthetics fool you, for it is said he is only calculated in theory. With an obsession for spicy food and a lust for the wilderness, this dark horse isn’t scared to lose a shoe or two in the bogs of Ben Nevis. If your idea of an adventure starts at the pub and ends in a ditch, as the previous president of the UoB Real Ale Society, Alex will ensure you make your way there, indulging in no less than the finest ales found in Bristol’s local breweries. 

RFA(2), WS

One half of your post-grad officer post-duo this year is the Bristol veteran Edd Gough. Having lived in Bristol for 6 years, Edd knows the Bristol streets like the back of his hand and if you ask him nicely, he might even show you round them on the back of his Yamaha XJ600 (in Edd’s words, “it’s really f***ing loud, it’s the loudest motorbike ever”). When Edd isn’t jaunting around the countryside or indulging in his passion for pie-making, you’ll find him building robots in the basement of the Bristol Robotics Lab as part of his PhD. All in all, Edd is one the friendliest faces in UBES and a sea of calm in even the most stressful of situations.

Our President has embraced the many aspects of UBES; from the hills of the Lakes, Snowdonia and Scotland to far flung backpacking in the Pyrenees, High Tatras and Bosnia. It is safe to say that Cass is a veteran of many a UBES trip and social and a true all-round mountaineer. 

Having left the confines of stores, Cassia knows the ins and outs of the society and is ready to lead us on to future successes.

However as much as it is important to know the president is nice, approachable and committed to UBES with the background and skills to back this up, the more interesting facts (given without context as is imperative) are: numerous memberships of various girl bands, communes and the like, a continued victory against Helios and the rest I am sure you can find out through a chat at the pub or on a UBES walk.

ML(t), RFA(2), BMC-SS, WS

Stepping up as Vice President in his (record-breaking) 4th year on committee is The Man, The Myth, The Legend – James Wheeler. He is by far the most qualified man for the job, with many years of experience mountaineering, and a background in the Scouts. Over his time in UBES he has collected numerous impressive titles, including Mendips King, Scav hunt winner, UBESter of the Year, and “Master of the Fire”. 

He is always ready to help, whether you need some walking route ideas, a whisky drinking-partner, or even boat-handling advice, James is your guy – he is a both a great friend and an accomplished leader to have in the society.

When he isn’t “going to play on some rocks”, at the pub, or bivvying in Leigh Woods, he can be found in the Maths department completing his PhD.

ML(t), RCI, RFA(2), BMC-SS, WS, JCAMT, IWHC

If anything breaks, if you need advice or if life gets you down, talk to Ewan. Last year he threw himself into UBES, exercising his love for the mountains and epic days out. As well as looking after the money this year, he’s also great at looking out for people. You will usually find him “fixing” his phone, navigating the maze that is the Queen’s Building or climbing with his mates. At our numerous socials, he may out-sing you, but he won’t outdrink you! Ewan is one of the most genuine people you will meet this year. 

RFA(2)

A-aron. From a ‘quaint’ village in Devon to the big city life, this young lad always loves escaping back to the countryside. Born and bred on the hills of Dartmoor, he knows every tor like the back of his hand (that he’ll be holding a cider in, obviously). When not on the hills this fresh-faced man can be found ‘theoretically’ doing physics, hitting the badminton courts and getting drunk on cider. Having a laptop, ability to type, and basic English (cidre) skills made him fully qualified for the role of secretary. Out on the hills he’s the one pushing his limits, but also the one that’ll fall back if you need company or dry gloves. His love and compassion for the society, and everyone in it, shines out of him; or maybe that’s just his sunburn…

THE George Rich is back as climbing officer for 2019/20. Now in his 3rd year of UBES, George has continued to grow into one of the most competent and skilled climbers in the society; he’s even done a bit of route setting recently! He’s also no stranger to an epic alpine route, having spent another season out in Chamonix. George is over all just a super approachable and chill guy, always up for a laugh and a cheeky pint at the pub, and we’re so lucky to have had him as social sec last year. We’re so excited he’s back as climbing officer as he such a patient and encouraging teacher. Maybe even one day he’ll become the next Supervet if he excels in his degree as much as he has excelled in climbing. 

ML(t), RCI(t), RFA(2), BMC-SS, WS, JCAMT

Clara is that one person at the climbing wall who says, “just do it like this,” and then casually puts her leg above her head – reflecting her lifetime of ballet and general ability to be bendy. She is potentially the keenest of UBESters, having been on 6 summer trips around the world, and will never turn a climbing trip down. Unlimited enthusiasm, love of rock and friendly personality make her the ideal climbing officer. When not at the wall Clara can be found studying physics. Clara is fizzing with psyche to get people on real rock and teach them all that she knows. 

ML(t), RCI(t), BMC-SS, WS, JCAMT

Despite having just a year of UBES under her belt, Sian will have no problem stepping up as General Kit and Safety Officer, having been raised essentially as a mountain goat in the Snowdonian hills; hiking, scrambling and climbing her way through the mountains at every opportunity. Too bad that charming Welsh smile suffered at this year’s AGM through an unfortunate encounter with a crate of cucumbers, however she does reassure us that this is no reflection of her ability as kit and SAFETY officer! Sian’s energy and enthusiasm makes her a really friendly face and easy to talk to on any weekend trip, and if you have a question about anything rocky, she’s the one to ask as UBES’ resident geologist (… Google also works if you’d rather not join in on geologist rock licking …). When she isn’t found somewhere vertical, or talking about her favourite kind of fossil, she fills that mountain-shaped hole by sketching and painting them, so it’s fair to say she is qualified for this role on keenness alone! We’re all sure she’ll show her new role the same enthusiasm as she has to her first year of UBES and help keep all of us and our gear safe. 

BMC-SS

Entering her third year of UBES, Leila is one of our most enthusiastic and friendly members. More than a year of working at Cotswolds has trained her up well for tending to all your kit and safety needs this year. But don’t be fooled, although she will often be seen dwelling in the stores-cave (like a much lovelier Gollum), her mind will always be in the mountains. A peak-district gal born and bred, an all-round scrambler/hillwalker/hiker/climber and a ski-season veteran, Leila is no stranger to the outside world! Even her (rugged climbing) injury last year could not stop her from studying all things mountainous and glacial, and now she has recovered, be ready to see her adventure further than the pub once more! So, know that Leila and her beaming smile will look after your spirits as well as your kit! 

ML(t), BMC-SS, JCAMT

One of the best people to have as your friend in the society. Many of us think that there are many clones of him as he is such an excellent multitasker. Hence why he is both the Expeditions Officer and Webmaster on committee this year. Last year Charlie managed to go on several UBES trips and run the Yorkshire Three Peaks trip despite being on a year abroad in Germany. 

If he is not running the UBES website, organising running and cycling groups, smashing his degree or learning multiple languages, he can often be found speeding ahead or going on his own mini missions on UBES walks with his walking poles and big toes.

Despite being a computer scientist, Charlie is surprisingly approachable, social and has great witty banter. He is an amazing asset to the society, and we are so excited to have him back in Bristol and on committee this year.

ML(t), WS

Never seen without a smile on her face, Janine is one of the friendliest members of the society! She’ll happily share with you her love of mountains, food, caving, geography and much more. However, beware of the potential language barrier: Janine speaks a strange dialect from London, so you may need to find a phrasebook to understand her frequent uses of peng and gassed. 

She may have only been in UBES for a year, but in that time she has become one of the keenest beans: she went on almost every trip last year, including both summer trips, putting her in good stead for leading many exciting expeditions this year. We’re expecting incredible catering on them!

ML(t), WS

Danai is a true explorer – if he is not at the top of some mountain you will find him hiking or climbing somewhere around the globe. He is also a geologist, which might explain why he loves mountaineering so much… or maybe why mountaineering loves him. You might think this is already quite impressive, but wait, there’s more! He is a very talented photographer, easily one of the best in UBES. When going to epic locations his camera is always ready to grasp the beauty of the landscape. His linguistic skills are on par with the rest as he speaks multiple languages including Thai and Spanish. On the flip side, he seems to always be late, but that’s okay as we all know nobody is perfect. Rest assured that the future of expedition management is in good hands. 

RCI(t), AMF

The coolest, bubbliest wee lass Scotland has to offer with a love of ceilidhs, Braveheart and the word ‘groovy’. No one’s really sure if her degree title is actually real or if she just made it up, but we do know that socials will be in very good hands this year. With her experience as Korfball’s social sec last year (she probably made that sport up as well), we’ve been blessed to steal her away, meaning you may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her at the pub this year. When she’s not partying with UBESters she’s getting herself tangled up in a challenge she’s agreed to on the hills/climbing wall that she later regrets, but she won’t allow herself to back down and will well and truly smash it; one of her most admirable traits. 

WS

Picture this: after 15k of trudging, you’re on a mountain frantically digging around in your bag for one last bite of energy. The rain is soaking through your boots, you can’t go on, the end is nigh… and then… “Hello, friend!” You spin round and see a turquoise beacon of hope (a short beacon but a beacon nonetheless). How can her clothes be so coordinated, how can her grin be so cheesy, and how, HOW, can she still have the energy to go out after this‽ That little bundle of sass is Ellen, a gal who revels in acroyoga and organised fun. In her armoury she holds an impressive array of dance moves, from jiving to clubbing; a comforting variety of hugs which she will dispense generously; and, most importantly for a social sec, she can survive the worst hangovers that wine-drunk can offer! What more could a society want? 

FA(2), WS

Completing his PhD in computer science, Axel takes care of all things postgrad. Whether you are new to UBES or not, don’t hesitate to go talk to him. The worse thing he could do to you is to charm you with his friendly face and his French intonation. You will usually find him at Bloc, at Redpoint on Tuesdays or working out. Indeed, being able to do one arm push-ups needs training! His secret: no need for alcohol to have fun at the Highbury Vaults! Come and join him on Wednesdays – if you are lucky, you might hear him play the ukulele. But be careful and bring ear plugs: it sometimes may sound like a dying goat! 

Being in his group on hikes is a good trick if you want to change your profile picture: Axel is a camera king and captures magic moments on the trips with his professional gear. In short, Axel is a friendly guy to have around you in all situations.

Camille jumped straight into UBES in her first and only term at the University of Bristol in TB1 last year (2018). She attended every trip, went on almost every social, attended every Wednesday climbing session and made an excellent friendship group from it. She is also a very keen lake bagger, having now taken up the hobby back home in Switzerland. What a keen bean! She is one of the sweetest, most wholesome girls in UBES, and has an excellent way of warming herself up (penguin). It is a shame we had to lose her to Hamburg in second term, but I hope we get to see more of her next year if she chooses to make the occasional appearance. 

WS

Rozzle-B, Roberto Brigadoon, The Bryster, R Bae. Going into his third year of UBES and fresh out of his previous role of Expeditions Officer, Rory will be leading us both up mountains and to greatness as President. Want to get on his good side? Give him a quality single malt whisky. Don’t want to get on his bad side? Avoid the ‘Do you want to build a snowman?’ song at all costs. Having described his relationship with mountains as “a love-hate thing”, he’s spent time adventuring in a variety of places, including Scotland, the Balkans, Georgia (country not the state) and Chamonix. Despite Rory’s mountaineering talents, this isn’t what he’s best known for amongst UBESters… stick around and you may be lucky enough to hear his bellowing rendition of Loch Lomond. All in all Rory is just a fun-loving guy with a heart as big and beautiful as his smile! 

ML(t), RFA(2), BMC-SS, WS, JCAMT, RPS

Now entering into her fourth year of UBES, Claire knows what’s up. Her ability, levelheadedness, and all-round gumption are well known, and, when combined with her extensive experience and irrepressible love of the mountains, it seems very possible that she may literally be perfect. Having done an excellent job keeping everyone in the society both kitted and safe as Kit & Safety Officer last year, she’s decided to emerge from her weird lair in the stores cupboard and join us surface-dwellers in order to rule over us all as V.P. and make sure the President does his job. A Yorkshire lass born and raised, she does an excellent job at disguising her contempt for us southerners, but it’s clear that she feels truly at home when she’s back up in the mountains, hiking up a hill or indulging her passion for rock climbing. 

ML(t), RCI(t), FA(2), BMC-SS, WS, RPS

If Helen is not checking emails or enjoying the marvels of the English language in her degree, you will find her in her natural habitat: the Lake District. Having completed all 214 Wainwrights by the tender age of nineteen, this Cumbrian lass is not one to shy away from a challenge. Her dual love for mountains and minute-taking makes her an asset to the team in her momentous role as secretary. Helen has been a major part of UBES ever since she was a fresher, and last year she managed to come on all but one trip and even braved the Balloon Bar stage to talk at a UBES Short Talks evening. She is an ever friendly face and is always up for a good conversation – particularly if it involves D of E. Did I mention she loves D of E? 

ML(t), RFA(2), WS

Knowing the dexterity and love with which she cares for/fondles the happy animals of Langford, the UBES accounts will undoubtedly be safe in Molly’s hands! Not only is she a leading light of the UBES veterinary contingent, but she’s a trouper on any trip and is always full of energy and enthusiasm. Where the generic UBESter can claim to possess commonplace traits as a climber, walker, scrambler or navigator, Molly’s talents supersede even the very best as our very own resident artist. That’s right, when you see a cow strutting its stuff down the catwalks of Paris sporting UBESwear bearing Molly’s logo, you’ll wish you had said hi to THIS lovely lassie in the Highbury! 

RPS

Math enthusiast / badass M.C., Tom is a fantastic UBESter, impossible to miss on whichever mountain or rock he finds himself due to his full head of voluminous curly hair, usually blowing dramatically in the wind. Often found being super chilled in his hammock, Tom can be relied upon to provide lots of laughter on his walks with his contagious chuckle, as well to give quick mental maths on walk pacing. Rumour has it he once managed to buy Snowdonia out of sausage rolls. 

After two years of UBES adventures, from mountaineering in Scotland to climbing in the Avon Gorge and being on the winning team of Mendips 2017, Tom is ready and willing to pour all of his enthusiasm into looking after all the kit and ensuring everyone stays safe.

ML(t), BMC-SS, WS, RPS

Walking, climbing, camping… is there anything Cassia can’t do? In her two years of UBES experience she has grown into one of UBES’ finest members. She’s a veteran of summer trips to the High Tatras in Slovakia and the French Pyrenees, as well as hiking, climbing, backpacking, and winter mountaineering trips across the UK. Most impressively, she’s managed to do all of this without ever getting sunburnt – maybe not too impressive in somewhere like Scotland, but she is ginger. Her dedication, dependability, and experience in all walks of UBES life make her ideal for advice on all things kit, and we’re sure she’ll keep stores in tip-top shape. 

ML(t), BMC-SS, WS, RPS

The responsible one. Who would guess that Hazza only started climbing a mere year and a half ago? Unlimited enthusiasm, a healthy dose of psych, and far too much chalk make for one formidable climbing officer. If 3 years of vet school have taught her anything, it’s the humble fist jam. Good jamming cracks are in short supply here in Avon, hence Hazza can often be found practising on the cows out at Langford. Joint winner of the 2017/18 lake bagging competition, Hazza has a reputation for greatly extending walks to sample that one lake “just over the hill”. Fearless or crazy? Only time will tell. Always to hand with great advice, whether it be climbing, mountains, lake bagging, safety, gear, gear sales, pink waterproofs, gin, gear sales – she’s your gal. 

ML(t), RCI(t), BMC-SS, WS, JCAMT, RPS

Humble as they come, Will is the self-proclaimed best chemist in his year, best archer at uni, and is fairly average at climbing too. Don’t be intimidated by his lofty credentials, he is very friendly and will show his rack to anyone that asks (or doesn’t). A man full of many surprises, he has also been known to strip down to his sparkly boxers in Scottish winter for an impromptu photo op. If you really want to get him excited, ask him about his tricams or retro 4CUs. Often found in the Highbury Vaults, Redpoint, or on a cliff somewhere, Will is an incredibly caring individual who is geared up for a year of teaching and encouraging people to climb. 

RCI(t), WS

Stepping up as social sec in 2018/19 is the Great George Rich. Despite being last year’s youngest member, George is low key one of UBES’ top climbing talents, and, quite frankly, a machine. He’s most likely to be found on ambitious routes with UBES old timers, away running some crazy mountain marathon or at the Gorge when he should probably be revising. George is a pretty chill dude and tends to just go with the flow, making him super approachable and one of the best companions on a UBES walk. His wild hair also reflects his fun personality and George is almost always seen cracking up and having a giggle. So if you see the ‘fro from afar, know that he’ll be 100% up for a chat and will most likely laugh at all your jokes, even if they aren’t that funny. So all in all, George really enRICHes the society. 

WS, JCAMT, RPS

‘She puts the ‘Hor’ in Horlix’, Meg is an easygoing, bubbly and sociable person, and living in the Lake District means she’s no stranger to a fell. She’ll always be the first person to strike a pose whether in the club or on the hill, and will welcome you with open arms if you join her in her interpretative dances. Commonly referred to as Messy Meg Guy due to her true love of the sesh and all things booze, we can’t wait to see what socials she plans this year! Meg is a true treasure and can be sure to bring laughter and an infectious sense of humour to all events, and she always has a smile and time to talk. When she’s not hiking, dancing, drinking, or adding to her Pre-Party Playlist, she might be found studying English. 

WS, TD

Bouldering, not even once… Claire has returned from her year away at Oxford Uni to reign over all things postgrad and to continue her not-so-secret love affair with Bloc (every UBESter’s favourite bouldering wall). Watch out, or she might just charm you into becoming a boulderer too. She’s been all over the UK, but Claire’s hiking, climbing, and cat-spotting pursuits have also taken her further afield; from Fontainebleau, Chamonix, and the Pyrenees, to the Dolomites, Slovenia, and Georgia. Her hobbies include charming Georgian men on horseback, making us look like gods and goddesses in expedition photos with her camera skills, and, in her free time between climbs, sometimes doing Synthetic Biology research. 

ML(t), WS, JCAMT

James is to UBES as the mighty ash Yggdrasil is to Norse mythology. Like an ash tree, he is very very tall. But this analogy goes far deeper. As the branches of the tree extend and connect the 9 realms of the Norse cosmos, so too does James connect the many different UBES worlds; of walking and climbing, of camping and bivvying, of microadventures and expeditions. The longest lasting member of the committee, who has certainly been on more UBES trips than anyone else and won more UBES accolades than any other over the years, he is one of the foundation stones of the society. For outdoorsy advice or a helping hand, James is certainly the man to ask, and whatever tool you need will almost certainly be found in his bottomless pockets. The main (and perhaps only??) difference between James and this relentlessly anthropomorphised tree is that James is a big, big fan of fire. 

ML(t), RCI(t), RFA(2), BMC-SS, WS, JCAMT, RPS

Writing a committee bio is hard, although having Cat as the subject makes it is slightly easier. I mean, you could talk about her years of committee experience, her adventures around the globe (California’s Sierra Nevada, Lofoten, the Caucasus, the Alps, Austria, and more), or how her various outdoors skills and accolades make her suited for the role. But obviously what you really want to know about are all Cat’s stories, the sort of gossip that only three years in UBES can produce (although of course we have to save the really controversial stuff for blackmail in the next NUBES). Of the plethora of potential topics, I’ll leave just enough to intrigue you and let you discover the full extent of these tales yourself up a peak, on a cliff or at the pub: cult membership, Orange, the birth of The Goat, Jägermeister, Tim’s destructive abilities and POS valley. There are many more, and the list will surely grow as this year’s shenanigans unfold. #bringbackAmbrose 

ML(t), RFA(2), WS, JCAMT, RPS

After a year spent living in the UBES stores as Kit and Safety Officer, Alice has finally set her sights on leaving the country. A girl with apparently limitless amounts of time, when she isn’t jousting, dancing, writing erotic fiction, getting disturbingly close with cows, or helping raise orangutans, she is a devoted UBESter. 

You’ll find her leading walks on almost all our trips, on outdoor micro-adventures around Bristol in the evenings, climbing or teaching at Redpoint, and at the pub every Wednesday savoring one and a half pints of cider. Alice is one of our friendliest faces, and we’re happy in the knowledge that our most exciting trips will be masterfully managed by her trustworthy hands. Whether she’ll manage to keep Mark in line remains to be seen…

ML(t), BMC-SS, WS, RPS

What’s up with Mark Waddoups? A question many of us have tried to answer over the year he has graced us lesser UBESters with his presence. Like a fine wine, he has taken a long time to mature, saving the best of his 50 years experience for the UBESters of the here and now. Always down for a pint or five, be prepared to spend many a pleasurable hour at Bloc or in the pub with this most amiable of fellows. Renowned for his talkativeness and feted for his friendliness, you will never meet a nicer guy. UBES’ resident elder, second in command of Expeditions and ambitious mountaineer, he will rise to any task you choose to give him. Just don’t ask him to wash the porridge pot! 

ML(t), WS

Charlie is the true definition of a dedicated UBESter. Whether he’s coaxing the UBES running group with his ambitious routes, attempting to run the Yorkshire Three Peaks (because why not), or finding any excuse whatsoever to bag a lake/get naked for those all important challenges on the UBES socials, you can be sure that he’ll be upholding the spirit of UBES in everything he does. Despite only being in UBES for a year, he’s become an essential part of the society, and we’ve done our best to get as much Charding in our lives as we can before he disappears off to Germany for his year abroad. His relationship with us will certainly survive the long distance, and in the meantime he’ll be using all his computing knowledge to steal personal data from your hearts. As newly-appointed UBES Archaeologist his mission brief also includes unearthing Munich’s underground mountain society. 

WS

Since Molly joined UBES last year she’s thrown herself into all the society has to offer, coming on a whopping 8 trips and becoming a regular fixture at the climbing centre and the pub. 

Unfortunately you won’t be seeing her around Bristol much this year, as she’s taken the society’s aim a bit too seriously: she’s on a year-long expedition to the Alps, under the guise of a year abroad. Look out for reports on her progress on the UBES blog. That said, she’ll probably find her way onto several trips anyway: she managed to get herself to the front of almost every queue last year.

When she’s not running away to the mountains, Molly is either in Tescos or studying Chemistry. One day she may even make the groundbreaking discovery of how to stop her hands feeling cold!

WS

With great power comes great responsibility and, as King of the commons, Tom Kilcommons’ watchful eye will undoubtedly mean a strong and stable year ahead. He was a true treasure(r) to have on the committee last year and I think we can all agree he did indeed master the web. 

Now back without a vengeance and an exciting new-found passion for climbing (Former President Jono watch your back), Tom will lead the committee to ever loftier heights and exciting adventures! Often found near the Queens building talking to sculptures, Tom is enthusiastic, dedicated and too damn clever for his own good, and one things for sure; he’ll be a better President than Trump #fakenews.

Not just a pretty face, Phil shows his experience as a veteran of last year’s committee. After serving his time as climbing officer he has come back again to help Tom lead us into a new year of UBES adventures (and continue slowly converting UBES into a climbing society). Being awesome and a patient climbing teacher isn’t all he has to offer though, he’s a seasoned hiker and an all round chill dude. Don’t be intimidated by his chiseled cheek bones, he’s super approachable.

Our esteemed treasurer, Ollie is full of (sometimes hare-brained) plans to keep the UBES finances in order over the next year. When he’s not busy keeping a watchful eye on our spending, Ollie is equally at home on the mountain or the climbing wall and has recently completed his ML training, ready to lead all kinds of exciting walks on our trips. His enthusiasm knows no bounds (nor does his confidence), and he can always be relied on to provide some distraction half way up the mountain. Just don’t get him started on giraffes.

Will she take the faff out of UBES? Only time will tell… This girl dreams of empty inboxes and organised emails. Right from the start Meg has been fully committed to UBES, diving head first into all that it has to offer and as secretary she doesn’t plan on stopping now! She’s a friendly face that welcomes conversation in both English and French. Having had a variety of adventures from climbing in Portland to conquering 4000m peaks in the Alps, Meg has a wide range of mountaineering knowledge. If she can’t be found in Bristol scaling the walls of bloc then she’s probably in Tignes polishing off her alpine skills. Meg also enjoys ridiculously long runs, biking and cheese. She really loves cheese. She is a fantastic asset to the team keeping the rest of the committee in line and making sure everything runs smoothly.

First there was Cook then Livingstone, Scott, and Shackleton but now, with dashing Cumberbatch-esque looks and a wit to trump all others, Rory Bryson is a force to be reckoned with. Having joined UBES in first year, he’s made quite a splash during his short time and promises to make a truly brilliant Expeditions Officer this year. Rory accompanied UBES on its Summer expedition to the Georgian Caucasus and no doubt has heady plans for his own expedition next year.
Whether found happily in the Highbury or high in the hills, Rory always keeps his characteristic cool and charismatic charm about him. You’ll never find him flustered on a fell or ever scared on a scramble. Indeed, little can get between Rory and a good adventure.

How does one even begin to describe the UBES magnificence that is Rhadre Villiams*? As a veteran of the great earwig battle of 2017 and many a chacha shot battle, you can rely on Rhadre to cater for all your exped needs in style, from diving into icy tarns and launching rockets with his jet engine of a stove to summoning cute kittens at a moment’s notice. With a hiking CV packed to the brim with group and solo trips in the UK, France, Switzerland, Romania, Morocco, Iceland, (deep breath) Slovenia and Georgia, there’s little this seasoned UBESter can’t handle. Caution: may contain DEET.
*(as recently re-christened by Azeri border guards).

It was obvious that Val needed to be on this year’s committee, but also equally obvious that none of the pre-existing positions would be able to contain such a man. We therefore proudly introduce UBES’s first Exploratory Expeditions Officer. Val has recently spent 4 months in the Caucasus mountains of Armenia and Georgia, during which he completed the first thru-hike of the proposed southern corridor of the Transcaucasian Trail. Traveling solo, he covered 1500km and also spent several weeks trail-building and exploring the wider Caucasus region. On weekend trips he is equally ambitious, and he usually manages to find a few willing victims to accompany him on his “walks”. Val is keen to expand the exploratory aspect of our expeditions (hence the title), and his initial plans sound just as epic as we’ve come to expect from him. As a Society we are excited for whatever brilliant adventure Val cooks up next, and only hope that he remembers that the rest of us are just human.

Having learnt to climb through UBES herself, Chloe is back again to pass on her passion for all things rock! Also a keen watersports girl, and formerly on the Canoe Club committee, she has an impressive number of strings to her bow. Despite being a fourth year vet, Chloe still finds plenty of time to get stuck into all things UBES, is regularly a friendly face on trips, and enthusiastic about teaching new folk to climb (and old folk to climb even better!). Passionate about all things climbing, mountains, and safety, Chloe is a great asset to the UBES committee this year.

Archie has been teaching UBESters to climb for the past two years. If you want to learn to climb indoors, outdoors, bouldering, sport or trad – he’s your man! UBES climbing is heading in an exciting direction with Archie’s plan to take it to the next level by organising our first climbing expedition! 

Archie claims to have a ‘love-hate relationship with walking’ and that ‘it’s complicated’. But with a bit of sweet-talking and the promise of the opportunity for multiple lake bags, Archie can be convinced to commit to a walk of almost any length and ascent. From walking to Cheddar Gorge on two hours sleep after a night out to bog slogs, Archie is always up for an adventure and will keep you entertained with his puns! He also has an unusual talent for getting remarkably accurate contour representations imprinted on his feet after long days out on the hill – notice the picture. Just ask him about the ‘Grand Day Out’ and you’ll see just how much he loves walking! MLt RPS

Claire, Claire, the climbing extraordinaire! As a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, UBES is incredibly fortunate to have Claire as our very own kit and safety officer for all aspects of rock climbing; beastly bouldering, scintillating sport and terrific trad. Claire boasts a beautiful accent from God’s own country, Yorkshire, which coincidentally hosts her favourite rock type, gritstone! Her love of the wild has taken her throughout the globe, from Corfu to her favourite haunts in Scotland. Above all, Claire has a burning passion for being really, really safe. Whether you’re with us at the pub, or psyched to use a harness for the first time, our guardian angel will be there to keep you out of trouble.

Though her irresistable smile might well lure you onto many a trip, don’t be fooled by her charming personality. Alice is one of UBES’ finest members, and is prepared to run her stores with ruthless efficiency. You’re in safe hands; as long as you don’t lose any of her kit, you can look forward to many a delightful convo on the hills. A competant climber, too, Alice has risen quickly through the UBES ranks, and you’ll probably find her anywhere vertical in the city or the mountains.

Lovable, smiling, bubbly, energetic, and ginger. Zoë is the Social secretary that will always have a smile or time to listen to you. Zoë is adventurous and is always up for trying new things. She might seem easily corruptible and prone to peer pressure, but don’t let this fool you. Her innocent outlook is merely a cunning disguise so that she will one day work up the ranks and eventually create a UBES dictatorship. 

If you have come to your first UBES social on your own, look for this crazy girl and she will validate you by nodding at your every word. She might even take a few shots with you. She will make you feel like the funniest person in the room by laughing at everything you say. But be warned…her laugh has been known to cause plane crashes, since the sound waves can travel at unparalleled speeds.

Faye is a fearless, freewheeling and fiery female, who, as a 3rd year English student and passionate climber is no stranger to a touch of alliteration and some rock. If you ever find yourself on a walk with this fun-filled, Italian-loving individual you can be sure to be guided to the best wee-spots and be entertained by a torrent of sexual innuendo. Her ability to body traverse pretty much anyone stands her in good stead as bearer of organised fun, and if lost, she can easily be found by following the excitable and contagious laughter that often accompanies her. She is, quite frankly, a wonderful specimen and can be relied upon to bring merriment, hilarity and probably also alcohol to any situation-essential characteristics of a successful social sec.

Currently studying to become a doctor of Psych. Sam is the one to turn to if you ever require a little more hype to accomplish a climb. Has an unmatched ability to rally the mind games plaguing both beginners and the experienced. Known haunts stretch from Sheffield’s gritty crags to the Cornish coastal cliffs and most vertical rock-faces in between. He also remains our resident filmmaker and can regularly be spotted roaming the crags with camera and tripod in hand.

A strong climber, an extremely experienced hiker, and a trustworthy friend. James is in many ways the ideal UBESter. Across his 30+ weekend trips he has gained an incredible expertise at the most important parts of UBES life, such as body traversing, drinking old rosie, and frightening freshers. 

With a mildly worrying talent for starting fires, and a very worrying number of knives, James is prepared for any situation. Delve deep into the depths of his pockets for anything you might need, from a pen to the kitchen sink. We’ve yet to encounter anything that James can’t MacGyver his way through.

Dripping in accolades from his progress through UBES, James is the 2015 Mendips King, 2016 Scavhunt winner, and the 2016/2017 UBESter of the year. It’s only a matter of time before he becomes UBESter of your heart.

MLt FA2 WS BMC-SS FA

Lucy, or ‘Lux’, is one of UBES’s most multicultural members. Very well travelled, she has had many adventures abroad and is fluent in Spanish. A keen mountaineer, this girl is exactly the companion you need when sheltering from an unexpected snowstorm in the Brecon Beacons. Friendly, down-to-earth, and great in a crisis, our webmaster has some excellent ideas for making UBES easy to access and virtually incredible (see what I did there?!). Keep an eye on this page, folks! OFA

A Computer Science student with a serious case of wanderlust, Catherine got hooked on mountains in the Lake District at the age of 4 and has been obsessed ever since, with experience on backpacking and mountaineering trips in the UK, California, Norway, and the French Alps. As one of last year’s Expeditions Officers, she led the UBES trip to Georgia this summer. She’s excited to be spending this year as Foreign Correspondent for UBES studying auf Deutsch in Austria – although her UBES family will be sorely missed! Fellow Foreign Correspondent Darius reckons the German saying “you can steal horses with her” sums it up, meaning she’s game for any adventure!

Although with us but a short time, Darius has proven himself a committed and enthusiastic UBESter. Last year he was a near permanent fixture at any UBES event, from weekend trips and Scotland, to climbing and socials, and anyone who made it to such an event would remember his consistent smile and eccentricities such as a “slight” obsession with Feliz Navidad or removing his trousers atop the Carneddau. As such I am confident in saying that while he is now back in his home country and separated from us geographically, I am sure we have not heard the last from this UBESter and will have plenty more adventures to come.

Father of UBESkind and a man of many puns. If you can’t find him solving the codes to the next-gen internetty thing, you can find him in any of the following places (weather dependent): upon a giant rock, in Highbury Vaults, buried in Decathlon sales, or sleeping in a crate in the Student Union stores. He may not be a man of mystery upon his whereabouts, but he does possess mystical levels of enthusiasm for all things rock, mountain and gear. His appearance is somewhat ‘PhD’ but when he hits the dance floor he transforms into a Michael Jackson/Drake uniqueness, putting the rest of Lounge’s inhabitants to shame. Wearing a colour scheme boulder than any climbing wall (…see what I did there), he is the UBES icon in style and grooviness. And if you’re struggling to get to sleep in that cosy sleeping bag of yours, Our UBESdad can lull you into a dream with his legendary tale of Farooq – I promise it’s a good one.

Grout, Groutster, Groutasaurus Rex… Emily. Don’t be fooled, she’s there to keep Jono in check. Now with two years of UBES tucked safely under her belt, along with a host of hill know-how, Emily is the Vice President UBES needs (as well as the one it wants!). With a passion for conservation, veganism and making people happy she’s always out to make her walks the best. Seriousness aside, make sure to catch her groovy moves in Lola Lo’s and her tuneful Disney renditions after a hard day’s walking…

Whilst we all wish to sport a beard as dashing as his, Alasdair’s glorious features have returned to the committee once again! After a successful stint as an Expeditions Officer last year, Alasdair has returned to keep the committee in check once more, and ensure democracy reigns over all things UBES. As a UBES elder, and self-styled secrete-ery (the now official pronunciation), we can all look forward to a fabulous year and, who knows, he might even treat us to some stand-up comedy.

Tom claims to be a second year engineering design student, but only a fool would believe that. Based on his organisational skills and general competence, the best estimates put him at around 40 with a spoiled goddaughter and a troubled nephew that his steady hand is gradually setting straight. So efficient is Tom that being treasurer alone is not enough to keep him entertained, so he is taking on the role of webmaster as well. It is likely that he will indeed have mastered the web by the end of the second term.

THE ‘Swiss Army Man’. James pockets are a true mystery to UBESkind: his trousers carry kit for every occasion. Metres of rope, lighters and a first aid kit are few of the things we have seen him carrying. One question needs to be answered: Is he a wizard or simply a timelord with his TARDIS-like pockets?!
2015 Mendips King and one of 2016 Scavhunt winner, James has proven to be always ready for challenges. An excellent climber, he will always be there ready to push you beyond your limits.
This young Scout leader earned title of master of fire on several different occasions, lighting a wonderful fire for the AGM and, allegedly, even in a pub. Just like the other members of the committee he rarely misses a trip to the pub on Wednesdays where you can have an interesting conversation about anything and find out some interesting facts about fractals.

Peter D Rosso; UBESter, Italian, insomniac, fun, hiker, climber, enthusiastic, photographer, lovable. These are all words that could be used to describe our General Kit and Safety officer. However there is far more to Peter than can be expressed in a paragraph, almost any UBESter can offer you a story about Peter, just ask about Patrica, his choice of food, or lake bagging, there will always be a tale to be told. In the previous year of UBES he has attended everything UBES had to offer, so if you are looking for a dedicated UBESter for a trip, as a climbing partner, or just need to return that tent you borrowed some indeterminate time ago then Peter is the committee member for you.

Fresh from his year in industry, ‘steady bread Naish’ is ready to take back UBES by storm this year. A keen mountaineer and skier with heaps of UBES experience and trained in the dark arts of limbo and bakery tracking on expeditions in Morocco and Norway, John is ideally qualified for plotting epic adventures, and UBESters will be in capable hands under his leadership on expeditions. Rumour has it that bread is the source of all his superhuman powers.

Whether you’re on a 12-hour day on Ben Nevis or holed up in an airport for a night, Catherine will always have something interesting to talk about (even if it is her lost baggage). If not, prompts such as asking about the John Muir trail, her orange Jägermeister hat, or where she wants to go for her summer trip will usually do the trick. You might actually get a proper answer from her, rather than the usual “Somewhere with mountains”. And if you’re worried about Scotland? Never fear for Catherine is here – quite at home on rock, soil, snow and in tents, she’s also adept at planning things early and can be relied on to get things done.

Having been climbing for two years now Phil is already very competent, being comfortable indoors top roping, leading sport and even, within the past year, leading many trad routes in the gorge such as Giants Cave Buttress. Through experience he is aware of the many issues that can be faced by others during climbing and can deal with them all, anyone being taught to climb by Phil is in safe (and sexy) hands. Few men look half as dramatic as Mr Ecclescake when climbing outdoors, with his shoulder-long, thick, brown locks blowing so care-freely in the breeze. His climbing skill, cool head in all situations and damn fine man bun are an inspiration to us all. Phil will do an amazing job at organizing awesome trips and teaching many new members of the society to climb.

Fraxineus Lucus Regis
Spotting Notes:
Can be distinguished from others by long flaxen hair, an unusual metal trinket through its lip and a peculiar circular hole in the earlobe, it is currently suggested that this hole is used to store food for the winter but field sightings still yield this hypothesis inconclusive. 

Where to see:
Ashley King is commonly spotted residing in a variety of places. They have an unusual predilection to spending time dangling off the sides of large rocky cliffs across the UK. There have also been many reported sightings across the King upon the summit peaks of many of the UKs National Parks. Known also to migrate to mountains around northern Norway and the Alps during recent summers.

Behavior:
Show strong comradery amongst similar species. Demonstrates aptitude in all disciplines of Mountaineering, Climbing and Walking. A valuable find for any keen wildlife watcher.

Curly hair and beautiful smile, who could not fall in love with this guy. He takes you up every mountain within no time, he’s got humour, vigour, wit and style. If you need music he will inspire you with timeless tunes, if you need to get out and have a good time, he parties with you through day and night. Don’t wait too long to meet him, he might be off to the next mountain top, and you’ll regret if for the rest of your life.

Now in her third year as a UBESter, Luise is always ready for a party. If you can’t find her in the ASS you’ll always find her at a gig or riding her bike down Gloucester road. She’s in nearly every society (and committee) at uni, and loves life in the outdoors. Wise UBESters have solved many of the world’s most puzzling mysteries, but if you can solve the mystery of how this fun-loving German can juggle her social life, UBES, windsurfing, sustainability whilst simultaneously doing a degree you will hold the key to success. With her impeccable music taste you can expect some banging tunes at next years socials.

Enthusiastic, dedicated, and all round nice guy, Nathan encompasses all it means to be a UBESter. Whether he’s hurtling up a mountain side, hanging out with the postgrads at UCR, or just working it in lounge, Nathan does it all with style. His charm, friendly exterior and over 4 years of experience in UBES make him invaluable on the committee, and put him in great stead to rule over all things Postgrad.

Duncan, the King of UBES and Queen of our hearts, has returned to chair the committee this year. Having spent a year holed up in stores, sorting kit and scaring off mice, he is more than prepared for this new challenge. But fear not, Duncan has not changed. He is still reliably tired, and most importantly, happy and friendly.

An absolutely cracking mountaineer, heaps of fun and all around lovely girl – Rebecca is this year’s Vice President. With trips all over the world under her belt honing her ice-climbing, alpinism and mountain skills she encompases all things UBES. With masses of determination to get things done, Rebecca will be a fantastic asset to the committee and society alike.

Ciaran lives life on the edge, he plays with fire, literally. He brings to the committee an armoury of unique talents including juggling, jive dancing and extreme sarcasm, which will no doubt brighten any Wednesday afternoon at the info point. Out on the mountains, Ciaran’s unending supply of biscuits and dry wit prevails even on the wettest of days. Don’t mess with him, as a faithful member he’s not afraid to reclaim your valuables in order to keep the UBES account in the black.

Words fail when attempting to describe the entity that is Lucy Vass, though if anyone could manage this epic feat it would surely be our secretary extraordinaire herself. An active and committed UBEster and just generally a great person, her secretarial abilities will no doubt save us all from the chaos the rest of this committee would cause.

Enthusiastic, charismatic, male. These are but a few of the words that describe Jono Hawkins. A seasoned climber before he arrived at the University of Bristol he has wasted no time in proving to everyone just how good at the sport he is. The many lead climbs he has completed in the gorge to date are evidence enough of this. When not climbing he is a truly lovely and approachable fella and is more than happy to share his extensive knowledge of climbing kit and safety with a new generation of UBESters.

A lean, mean, crazy-fringed outdoor machine, Ash is at the ready to help UBESters with their kit AND safety needs. With trips to Morocco and the UK’s national parks under his belt, he’s got plenty of experience to keep everyone happy on the hills and stores ship-shape. In his own words, he’s “survived almost 20 years of life without even dying once” – what more do you want?!

Usually found sporting a fine beard and serenading you with his penny whistle Alasdair has always been one of the keenest UBESters. Having gained an extensive amount of experience from his many trips he can also add the ability to recall the lyrics to any song imaginable, an encyclopaedic knowledge of birds and being recently crowned lake bagging champion to his list of many skills.

Though on the outside Adam may seem to be all smiles and cheeriness, underneath that huggable exterior are even more smiles and cheeriness. This intrepid Northman is notorious for being impossibly photogenic, his inner and outer beauty burning themselves onto the camera. Come down to Redpoint on Wednesday afternoons to admire his chiselled calves or just to bask in the company of one of the happiest UBESters out there.

Emily. Also known as Grout. She is a perfect companion for hiking, mountaineering and chatting. Shares a strong passion for animals, travelling and everything green. Always keen to be the last one to leave every UBES social event. Her high pitched singing voice and variety of facial expressions make her an unforgettable UBESter!

She’s a feisty Russian determined for UBESters to have a good time! Whether it’s climbing up the mountains or boogying till the early hours, Angelina is the keenest bean in UBES. Not only is she an excellent walker, but her walking trousers have created a lightning bolt through the mountains.

With two years on the UBES committee, current climbing officer Laurence’s experience on the hill and within the society cannot be questioned. His enthusiasm for all things UBES is infectious and rest assured climbing in the society will go from strength to strength with him in the role.

Joe Bocking… The Joe that Bocked… Bocking the trend since 1995… An avid UBESter with a penchant for cartoons as well as climbing. A regular on the Wednesday climbing sessions he’s always happy to lend a hand to anyone. Catch him halfway up a wall or in the pub… you’ll regret missing his puppy dog eyes otherwise!

Enthusiastic, dedicated, and all round nice guy, Nathan encompasses all it means to be a UBESter. Whether he’s hurtling up a mountain side, hanging out with the postgrads at UCR, or just working it in lounge, Nathan does it all with style. His charm, friendly exterior and over 3 years of experience in UBES make him invaluable on the committee, and put him in great stead to rule over all things Postgrad.

If you don’t see a lot of Emily this year it’s for a very good reason; the young Huntress has embarked on a sabbatical to promote the good name of UBES in the Chamonix valley, and possibly learn a little French between trips to the mountains. If you do get the chance to say hi before 2016 though, you’re in for a treat – every bit as friendly as she is fierce, Emily is equally at home in the hills and in the pub.