Clwb Dringo Porthmadog was established in 1953, the same year as Sherpa Tenzing and Sir Edmund Hillary climbed to the summit of Mount Everest, a truly memorable year in mountaineering terms. The origins of the club were partly in the existence of a thriving Scout Troop in Porthmadog, some of whose senior scouts had gained their Mountaineering Badge, or Climber Badge and as a result had become enthusiastic climbers and were keen to continue their mountaineering experience. Today this first young intake of Clwb Dringo are still active, two of whom are still rock climbing to a very respectable standard!

With this in mind, a few interested persons, which included Showell Styles, the acclaimed author and mountaineering guru met to discuss the formation of a mountaineering club. As a result of this discussion a first meeting was held in the Scout hut on the 25th February 1953 at which ten people were present; these pre-founder members are named in the Minute book as :

Showell Styles.
G.E.Owen.
E Lloyd Evans.
W.M.Richards.
D.E.Humphreys.
Iorweth Jones.
Herbert Jones.
Dewi Jones.
Glyn Jones.
James Roberts..

In these early days when mountaineering was generally thought to be a rather reckless, irresponsible  pastime, it is encouraging to note that all of those listed were local, and quite respectable figures in the society, not really the type of person you would expect to behave irresponsibly by climbing mountains!

Following from this initial meeting a general meeting was held on March 19^th 1953 in the Girl’s Club (in Snowdon Street?) A committee was elected : Miss G. Thomas; Miss J. Humphries; W.M.Richards; David E. Humphreys; H. Jones; and R.W.Trumper. The club rules were adopted and a subscription was fixed at 5/- for seniors and 2/6 for juniors. The name of the club Clwb Dringo Porthmadog was established (suggested by Dewi Jones, who is still on the committee)