ClimberMayJune2020

http://www.climber.co.uk MAYJUN 2020 3

UNPRECEDENTED TIMES

Bringing this issue of Climber together has been logistically challenging
in every respect as we are currently in unprecedented times with the
coronavirus Covid-19 affecting everything we do. The UK has gone into
virtual lock-down (it should have been sooner?) to, fi nally, help stem
the fl ow of this devastating disease. It is without doubt the most
challenging Editorial I’ve written.
In the short to medium term it will affect many businesses with some
possibly closing for good as a result, and that includes many outdoor and
climbing focused businesses. Everything will be caught up in this including
climbing walls, route setters, outdoor retailers – many who are small
without the fi nancial power of bigger retailers, photographers, outdoor
instructors and guides to name a few. Climber magazine will also be
affected with a potential downturn in sales.
So, what can we do now and when we, fi nally, see the light at the end
of the tunnel? I know that fi nances for many people will be tight but please
help support our industry when making a spending choice including, at the
moment, online purchases. It may make a difference to these businesses
surviving in the long term – Climber included. You can help Climber by
taking out a subscription, buying the digital version or even back issues.
You can fi nd details on the Climber website or check out the subscription
ad in this magazine.

Something else that I decided against was fi lling this magazine’s news

pages full of Covid-19 news. With this moving so quickly anything that

was included would be well out of date so for up-to-date news go to the

website. There’s also an abundance of articles, training and skill tips,

videos, interviews, etc on the website with more to follow to keep you

entertained and engaged whilst at home.

Just as Climber went to print news came in that the Olympics will be

postponed for a year and this issue features an interview with Percy Bishton,

the chief setter for the climbing competition there. My dilemma was whether

I should pull this because of the postponement, but Percy is an interesting

chap, it’s not all focused on the Olympics and it’s a good read, so it stays in.

Within the pages there are many destination features and, yes these are

currently off-limits, but they won’t be in the future and they give you something

to look forward to. There’s also a training feature on hangboarding so if

you have, or can source one, following these tips you can at least hit the

crags stronger than ever. Apologies if this Editorial sounded heavy, though

with luck by reading the mag cover to cover it will help lift the spirits.

Until next time follow government advice and above all be safe.

David

THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS

Mark Reeves

Mark is an active climber and author. He is based in North Wales

where he runs a small business coaching climbing through

snowdoniamountainguides.com He has a particular passion

for North Wales trad climbing, especially the sea cliffs of Gogarth.

Keith Sharples

Keith is passionate about photography, climbing and the

outdoor adventures which he’s ‘enjoyed’ now for well over

40 years. A long-time resident in Sheffi eld, Keith has climbed

extensively in the Peak and Pennines as well as the rest of

the UK and Europe and beyond. His written and photographic work has

been published extensively in both the specialist and the general press.

Bruce Goodlad
Born on the west of Scotland Bruce cut his teeth on the classic
climbs of Scotland in summer and winter before progressing
to the Alps. He has spent almost 25 seasons climbing and
guiding all over the Alps where he now lives in Saint Gervais
with his wife and son working full-time as a Mountain Guide. Bruce is the
Technical Director of the British Mountain Guides.

EDITOR’S THOUGHTS

http://www.climber.co.uk MAYJUN 2019 3

Gear: Bruce Goodlad, Kate Scott, Keith Sharples
Design: Rod Harrison
Publisher: Simages Media Limited
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This magazine is printed by Warners Midlands plc

Submitting material: Articles may be submitted to the Editor

via email ([email protected]). Original material must

be submitted and will be accepted on the basis that the author/

photographer accepts the assessment of the publisher as to

its commercial value. Articles may be shortened and edited

and may be used on the Climber website for no additional

payment. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited

manuscripts and photographs. Climber magazine wishes to

emphasise that all views and opinions expressed in articles

and reviews are those personal to their authors and should

not be taken as reflecting the views of the magazine.

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© Simages Media Limited 2020

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it.

Editor: David Simmonite – Editorial email: [email protected]

Niall Grimes

Niall is a writer, talker, podcaster and climber born in

Derry, Northern Ireland, in 1968 and resident, since 1991,

in Sheffi eld. He writes articles, tells stories, makes videos

and publishes books mainly around the act and culture of

climbing. He will wise up some day, we hope.