2025 will be remembered as the first year in recent history that the MRCC ventured abroad on a trip for members. It started in June with a single day trip to Ispica in Sicily to one of my favourite crags in the south of the island called Wild. This was a success, so we planned a second trip to south Sicily, this time to Vizzini, a little further north, and for a two-night stay, which gave us three days of climbing at three different crags, another great success!
However, this was not the only development worth noting during 2025. Thanks in large part to the dedication and availability of Matthew Azzopardi and Mark Sansone in particular, but also of Carolina Pontt and Nicola Gatti, we were able to continue with our weekly Sunday morning or afternoon Club Climbing Sessions. These have transformed the club. It afforded new members a convenient day in which to get to experience and fall in love with our favourite sport. New member retention has skyrocketed with so many of you having become regular, passionate climbers with your own equipment, your own climbing partners and your own ambitions as climbers. This is what the club is all about: introducing people to our amazing sport, then providing the regularity and support for them to grow and develop as climbers, eventually gaining independence and true membership not only of the MRCC but also of the climbing community.
The growth in sustainable membership has also provided the MRCC with a regular income. This comes from the small annual membership fee we charge, and donations received from one-time participants. With this money, we have been able to upgrade all the club equipment to new and modern kit as befits a thriving club. The excess funds are regularly channelled into purchasing new titanium bolts and top anchors that help us continue to make sport climbing in Malta and Gozo safer, while relentlessly developing new routes for the enjoyment of both local and visiting climbers.
Thanks to all of you who have made 2025 such an exciting and vibrant year for the club. We look forward to making 2026 at least as good and maybe even a little better. Onward and upward, as we say!
