In reply to Juniper Jen:
Hi Jen.
I live in wickford so know all to well the perils of the flatted county. Have you been to high sports in Basildon ?
There is a really good crowd down there. On Mondays there is a new starters club where there are a lot of people of all ages who are just getting in to climbing. It's a real friendly place I started down there about 2 years ago as a solo climber (with some experience). But have never had problems finding a belay.
If you want to I don't mind meeting you down there one time and introducing you to people.
There are regular trips away to do real climbing which are usually just for whoever wants to come along.
Send me a private message if you want more info. If not I hope to see you at Basildon.
Alan