Photo of the Month - October 2001

Having reached out as high as the International Space Station in September 2001 Photo of the Month we have another Scout reaching great heights but this time under his own steam. Although he is held secure by the safety rope you can see, it is a great challenge to pull yourself up on the small handholds all the way to the top, without tiring and losing your grip. The photographer is Nick Varney, who is the Cub Scout Leader of Mellor Cubs, part of 1st Mellor and Marple Bridge Scout Group, Goyt District, Greater Manchester East. Here is the story of the photo from Nick.

Mellor and Ludworth Cubs held a joint Pack Holiday on the weekend of 13th to 15th July 2001. Taken at this Cub Camp at Linnet Clough Scout camp, the photo shows Neil, one of Ludworth Cubs, as he reaches the top of the climbing wall, Neil received an award for his efforts getting there. The boys are climbing as part of gaining their Cub Scout Challenge badge, which I ran for Mellor Cubs, and our sister pack Ludworth. We awarded 15 challenge badges at the closing ceremony of the weekend. The photo was taken with my Assistant Cub Scout Leader's wife's digital camera, by me, from the top of the climbing wall.

At Photo of the Month I have another reason to be pleased to see this photo. Linnet Clough used to be my local camp-site when I was a Venture Scout Leader in Stalybridge. During this time I was asked by another leader "Curly" Bob Taylor if I would help with building the extension to the old climbing wall. With the help of some local Venture Scouts we attached the new wooden panels to the old wall and the new uprights that allowed the wall to be extended. Later on the hand-holds were added by other volunteer workers.

Update: Nick reports that the wall has just been revamped with big posh doors, and new routes (even an overhang on the back, they also have a abseiling ramp for wheel-chairs and other special needs users.)