Complete re-set

Once the aggregate has finished, we'll leave the problems up for a couple of weeks until Andy and co. arrive to completely re-set everything, including the orange traverse I've spent the last three months trying (and failing) to do.
We have an all-star cast of routesetters this time, including Andy Long (chief routesetter for BRYCS), Jason Pickles, Percy Bishton (part-owner of Climbing Works, NEC skymaster routesetter) and Ian Vickers
One of the most positive responses we have had since opening is to the quality of the routesetting, so we intend to maintain this by changing problems regularly.
A whole new set of screw-on holds has been ordered, so there is the potential for even more variety during the next route-set.

Last Day of Aggregate comp!

Today is the last chance to tick off those remaining aggregate problems- the competition closes at 10pm tonight. It has been frantic the last few days, with all emotions from delight to disappointment. I think we already have a winner in one or two categories, but it is wide open for 2nd and 3rd place.
Prizes are winging their way to us from various suppliers- we will hold a prize-giving some time next week depending on how soon the prizes arrive. There will be hundreds of pounds worth of prizes given away!
I will let people know of the exact time and date via the blog or some other means.

Aggregate- last few days

With the aggregate finishing in a bit over a week's time, there has been a flurry of activity, with the leads in the various categories changing on a regular basis. Once the aggregate is finished we may leave the problems up for a bit longer, but it won't count towards the competition, unfortunately!

NICAs scheme now running!

We have now got two of our first NICAS candidates- James and Theya- most of the way through their level one certificate, and several others have signeds up to the scheme. For those who don't attend regular instructed sessions such as the childrens club, we are doing extra Friday tea-time sessions for training and assessment.

NICAS Logbooks due in today

For those of you who are waiting for your NICAS logbook, we have a delivery due in today at around 4pm. These will be available on a first come-first served basis, although we will be ordering more of the logbooks. The logbooks cost £4 for level 1-2 and £7.50 for the hardback level 3-5 logbook.
If you can't get down in the next day or so let us know if you want us to put one to one side for you.

New Childrens Wall

The new childrens bouldering wall is now finished ready for putting the holds on. Thanks to Stuart Chidlow for the artwork- the wall will have short reach problems designed specifically for younger children.