I began climbing at the end of the 60s so enjoyed a couple of years with no harness and hawser laid ropes. I still recall my first route, Brown Slabs on Shepherds, what a struggle, and I have struggled ever since, albeit at a higher grade. Living in Carlisle it was an easy train/bus or hitch out to Keswick where I mis-spent many weekends climbing in Borrowdale, my spiritual home. Over the years I have moved around the UK for work, but I only moved to places with easy access to good rock. Mountain crags are my preferred location, although I can be partial to a bit of easy sun-rock bolt clipping if the bars and restaurants are good enough. I joined FRCC in 1985. Throughout my climbing life I have benefitted from the numerous high quality guides that the club has produced with regularity and am now pleased to be able to put something back into their continuing production. I also represent the club and climbing community at the annual meeting to agree restrictions to protect nesting birds.