UKC

1980s North Wales Climbers

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 MGriffin19 21 Jan 2021

Hi everyone! 

I am currently in my third year at Bangor University and in the process of writing my history dissertation. My research looks at the development of climbing in north Wales during the 1980s. 

I am looking for anyone who might have some knowledge or experience from this period that they would be willing to have a chat about. This could be through email, messenger or via a video chat. It would be great to hear from some climbers who perhaps took part in the culture, route setting or just climbing in North Wales during the 80s! 

Otherwise, any recommendations of literature etc that might be useful would be much appreciated. 

Thanks to all  

 Big Bruva 21 Jan 2021
In reply to MGriffin19:

So now I could potentially be the subject of a history dissertation! Not many nails left to go... 

 nniff 21 Jan 2021
In reply to Big Bruva:

Indeed - how to feel instantly old!

Roadrunner6 21 Jan 2021
In reply to MGriffin19:

I'd contact Ray Wood or George Smith, both are still in the area aren't they. Ray wood is on social media, Noel Craine is around but he's elusive.. 

 Cake 21 Jan 2021
In reply to Roadrunner6:

Eric Jones, of Tremadog fame, might know a thing or two.

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OP MGriffin19 21 Jan 2021
In reply to Roadrunner6:

Thank you, I'll have a look and see! 

OP MGriffin19 21 Jan 2021
In reply to Cake:

Thank you, I'll have a Google and see what comes up  

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 Martin Haworth 21 Jan 2021
In reply to MGriffin19: Johnny Dawes should be able to help, he is on facebook

In reply to MGriffin19:

The new route book in Pete's Eats  llanberis valuable resorce material.

 Alex Riley 21 Jan 2021
In reply to freelunchprovider:

Mark Reeves has been working on a historical project about the slate, he’s probably a good source of info for that area.

Removed User 22 Jan 2021
In reply to MGriffin19:

> Hi everyone! 

> Otherwise, any recommendations of literature etc that might be useful would be much appreciated. 

> Thanks to all  

Try getting hold of a copy of the little black slate book. That'll point you in the direction of plenty who opened up the quarries. 

Stevie Haston might be lurking around somewhere and he was never shy.

 65 22 Jan 2021
In reply to MGriffin19:

I take it you are aware of this little gem.

youtube.com/watch?v=wdm9uGj4lZM&

Removed User 22 Jan 2021
In reply to 65:

> I take it you are aware of this little gem. youtube.com/watch?v=wdm9uGj4lZM&

That was absolutely awesome!

I didn't get there til the 90's (but still wore Ron Hills ). I loved climbing in the slate quarries.

I think I met Smiler up in Scotland years later, Stevie Haston had moved to France (I think) or was it Spain? He'd come back occasionally and you might see him at the climbing wall (the one in the old telephone exchange outside Llanberis) or giving a talk to BUMS. He spent most of the time telling Scottish Winter climbers how shit they were

Tim Emmett was there in the 90's but I can't remember who else was still around.

OP MGriffin19 22 Jan 2021
In reply to Removed User:

Ahh! 90s BUMS! I bet there is some stories there. As an ex- UMWC committee person the BUMS vs UMWC divide is still quite prominent! 

OP MGriffin19 22 Jan 2021
In reply to 65:

I am indeed, a little treasure trove of a video. 

OP MGriffin19 22 Jan 2021
In reply to Removed User:

Interesting, I have not heard of that one. I'll have a look round! Thank you! 

 Matt Podd 22 Jan 2021
In reply to MGriffin19:

Ah Yes, BUMS. You want to hear stories from the 80's! See if anyone will tell you about the UCNW minibus and the Ballachulish roundabout!

 Toccata 22 Jan 2021
In reply to MGriffin19:

Deep Play by Paul Pritchard has a few chapters on it and is one of the best climbing books.

OP MGriffin19 22 Jan 2021
In reply to Matt Podd:

Rolling mini buses perhaps? 

 robate 22 Jan 2021
In reply to MGriffin19:

Flying

 Hat Dude 22 Jan 2021
In reply to MGriffin19:

Possibly Iwan Jones who put together the 1993 Llanberis guidebook

 BenTiffin 22 Jan 2021
In reply to Matt Podd:

I was in BUMS 95-99 and it was folklore when I arrived.

 jethro kiernan 23 Jan 2021
In reply to MGriffin19:

The B.U.M.S infamous red books are meant to be kept in the university library, a mixture of climbing journal, gossip and slander, I was there 88-91

 Matt Podd 23 Jan 2021
In reply to BenTiffin:

It happened in the winter of 87, and yes flying was involved. I was in it, but can't say any more!

OP MGriffin19 23 Jan 2021
In reply to Matt Podd:

Amazing!!

OP MGriffin19 23 Jan 2021
In reply to MGriffin19:

I just wanted to thank everyone who has reached out and given some suggestions for my research, I have more than enough names to contact and books to have a read through now. Thank you again! 

 Matt Podd 23 Jan 2021
In reply to MGriffin19:

Lucky to be alive!

 jethro kiernan 23 Jan 2021
In reply to Matt Podd:

The tyre marks were still ion the roundabout in the BUMs 88 winter trip 😏

Tell me were helmets donned before lift off?

 65 23 Jan 2021
In reply to Matt Podd:

I moved to Glencoe in 1989 and I'm sure I heard about this, though cannot remember any details. This is a separate incident from the minibus crash involving Henry Todd and Jon Tinker, (the latter of whom was badly hurt) isn't it?

Also, did the BUMs have a very unPC/pornographic club T-shirt around then?

Post edited at 21:02

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