06/05/07

Accident at the Cuttings...

Tom Beaumont on the first ascent of 'Ultrasonic Shoulder',
Dungecroft quarry

There was a serious accident at the Cuttings last month, when a climber fell from 'Mindmeld'. The injured climber, Marta, was airlifted to Southampton hospital, and then subsequently moved to Poole hospital. She is continuing to make good progress in her recovery from back injuries, and we're sure all of the Dorset climbing community wish her a speedy return to full health. And as always, be careful out there!

Bournemouth 'Hot-rocks' climbing wall will be closed for a period while exams and exhibitions take place( between 14th May until July 05th)

Formerly a frequent visitor to these parts, Dave Pickford recently made a flying visit to make an onsight ascent of 'Atonement'(F7c), at the Promenade, as a warm-up! Dave is obviously on good form at the moment having made the first ascent of a new E9 at St Govans Head and an impressive onsight ascent of 'Spacehunter'(E6/7) at Cheddar Gorge. On the new route front developments at Dungecroft Quarry continue with Tom Beaumont adding 'Crowbar Assassin',(F6a+) and Jeremy Whittles adding the superbly named 'Die Screaming with Sharp Things in your Head',(F5). Over at Blacknor North the obvious gap between 'Wolfgang Forever' and 'Appleturnoverload' has been plugged by Yann Genoux to give the excellent 'French Connection UK' (F7b+).

More parking problems have arisen at Grangecroft Road(parking for Blacknor South,see below). A combination of reduction in parking places whilst ground works are completed and increased visitor numbers over the spring has led to residents placing a sign in the car park informing climbers that if the car park is full then "park at Portland Bill". This is obviously impractical, but please park courteously and discreetly away from the residential area immidiately surrounding the climbers car park.