Touching number 10
10 Oct 2008
When I first entered the building I was aware I was talking about coaching and climbing to Neil Gresham. Sorry Neil, but I was trying to focus on what was around me, we can discuss the other stuff some other time. I know climbing is the reason we were there, but some of the people there, let's face it, you can see down the pub. There were a few new people to meet, famous faces from the climbing world and then of course Gerry Sutcliffe, the Sports Minister. It was a great occasion and Leo Houlding gave a superb speach summing up what it is to be a climber, whilst at the same time drawing out issues facing us as climbers today as funding has been drawn away to Olympic mainstream sports.
Let's get down to the details... Downing Street is a beautiful property and and incredible 240 staff work there full time. Priceless art adorns the walls and one of the first things you pass as you enter the hall and swish along the corridor is a Henry Moore reclining woman. Spotless decor, chandeliers and interior design to the highest standards. To be honest I learnt more about Downing Street chatting to David the facilities manager for half an hour afterwards, when everyone else had left. Jonny Garside (pictured above - photo by Alex Messenger thank you) knows a bit about art and right at the end mentioned 2 'Turners' I had missed. Believe me, I'm no expert, but when you get the opportunity to see things like that... Anyway David was marginally frustrated I'd not noticed them the first time round but he kindly whisked Jonny and I through to the White room to observe the said Turners. This is the room where Nelson Mandela and other such dignitaries have gathered, met, discussed and stood. On the way back down we stepped past pictures of all previous Prime Ministers aligning the stairwell, important figures staring back.
It was a wonderful priviledge visiting Downing Street.
Lovetoclimb in Turkey
06 Oct 2008
Mel redpointing Kapt'n Kirk 6c+
So here we are, Steve (McClure) and I, post the first lovetoclimb holiday, back in Blighty, wrapping up against the crisp autumnal air. After breakfasts outside, having golden crags to ourselves and swimming in sparkling fresh water, we have a warm glow inside. The coaching holidays were a great success with many people either reaching new highpoints in their climbing or revitalised with climbing inspiration.
Over the next week or so I'll gather up shots from the 2 weeks. I'm afraid my photography skills are terrible and I'm about ready to put my camera in the bin, but some great shots are floating around. I'll also write a piece about the week... look out for that.
Meanwhile.........
