With risk assessments in place and Covid tests done we were finally on the road to Cornwall. Such a highly anticipated meet after the struggles of the last 18 months. I didn’t dare hope that it would go ahead until I finally opened the door into the Count House!
We were blessed with pretty good weather so keeping the hut well ventilated and eating / socialising on the terrace were easy. The carefully restricted numbers meant that some people weren’t able to stay the whole time, indeed a couple of families stayed down at the North Inn in Pendeen for the second week to allow others to stay in the hut.
Covid rule of six
The storm which came through in the first week was short lived and only caused a bit of rocking to the vehicles. But it was so lovely to see friends again and to get out on the rock together. We did get to the beach and go coasteering, but mainly we climbed. Many of the young people made admirable progress in their trad climbing skills. Florence (aged 10) climbing multi-pitch at Chair Ladder then later going on to lead her first two climbs at Haldren Cove. Chris being given ‘advice’ by Philippa and then going on to lead a couple of routes with her. Lucas doing his first proper abseil into Sennen. The Headland family going out together with Kate and Ella keen to lead. Ben and Tom climbing together and tackling the Bosi classic VS’s. Hannah with Graham in tow on the ridge having fun. The Pickin boys wearing their Dad out with their desire to do more climbing. The Crawshaw girls embraced the atmosphere of the meet: Kirsty showing her skills bouldering the Count House wall, one to watch in the future, and Hannah got the short straw and had to climb with the Saxby’s – she even declared that multi-pitch climbing was fun if you had good people to climb with! It was lovely to see young people enjoying the delights of trad climbing and learning the skills which will keep them safe should they continue with the sport in the future.
There was one young person who was in a different league however… Tom Pearce (aged 15). He spent the meet constantly looking at routes and planning his tactics. He sent various classic E3s and E4s leading Simon up Thick Wall Special amongst other routes. His bouldering on the hut wall showed off his skills, his style very smooth and measured and close to vertical. However, Tom really had us all on the edge of our seats when we were at Sennen and watching him attempt Demolition (E6 6a). Crispin was called in to belay with specific instructions to run backwards if he should fall. He set off moving steadily over the first section and placing his gear in the break. Then the tough, blank looking section. At first he moved smoothly, then he was more cautious. He moved back down a move or two. Up again, down again. All smooth and in control, but we could hardly watch. And then he did it, finding the slopers on the next ledge and success. Just the last section to finish and he had it in the bag. Crispin did a great job following using a completely different climbing style – using his long levers to power through the moves.
We all felt so blessed to be able to go on a meet again and to be with friends after so long away from people. In the time away young people have grown up and matured and have developed into people who would be great ambassadors for the club if they wish to join. Their enthusiasm for climbing is inspiring. It has been a privilege and great pleasure to be able to lead the meet for so many years. I have many great memories from years gone by and have met so many people who have become close friends. I’m handing over the leadership of the meet next year to Paul Headland and I am very confident that it will continue to be as popular as ever.
Astrid Saxby
fantastic write up Astrid and inspirational commentary on the next generation.