UKC

Andy Pollitt follows his interview with Chris Hamper with another of Britain's top climbers of the 80s, Mark Leach.

'Overall, the eighties were a little surreal, as I found myself climbing, living and hanging out with the world’s best climbers. I was just the belay boy to the climbing superstars.'

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In reply to UKC Articles:

Keep 'em coming! Enjoying every one.

In reply to Jon Read:

Agree - great stuff.

Mick

In reply to UKC Articles:

Andy, that was brilliant. The one thing that shines out from the '80s crew is just what a nice bunch of people they are. Even Birtles.
PS, 84 looks smarter than I remember it. Satellite dish?
All the best, Paul

In reply to UKC Articles:
Andy, another fab article, keep on rolling them out. The 80's, great era for climbing and fashion. A really good podcast by Niall Grimes with Mark Leach at http://www.niallgrimes.com/jam-crack-podcast/jcpc-025-mark-leach

In reply to UKC Articles:

Nice work Andy. I hope you're working your way through your address book with these interviews?

In reply to Shani:


Thanks Shani and all.
Yep, I have the next one in the bag, the following one 99% complete (and a real coup) and am more than happy to keep them going for as long as people enjoy them and The Management are OK with it.
Cheers,
AP.

In reply to AP Melbourne:

I'm just going to nip over to Chocky to see if you're sharing this down here. Probably not. I know life in Oz can be sweet but I am not sure they have the same interest in nostalgia that Brits do. Unless I include that geezer who keeps prattling on about Kim Carrigan. Great stuff, enjoyed reading it very much.

In reply to AP Melbourne:

So who is lined up next. Plantpot? Zippy? Basher? Horse? Scotch? Or maybe Dougie!

In reply to AP Melbourne:

You ran to the beat of Avalon AP? I'm picturing some sort of slo-mo huge lope?!

In reply to Karl Bromelow:


Cheers Karl but no, the interviews aren't Nati-centric but a Kim Carrigan one might prick up a few serious young lizards' ears hey! I don't have his address - anyone (via PM)? I have tales to tell ,,,,

Graeme - hi, close but no cigar, some real surprises soon though.

Thanks again,
And. xx

In reply to UKC Articles:

I saved that until now, as I knew it would be a good read.

Nice one guys - Glory Days!


Chris

In reply to AP Melbourne:

Smeg? Quent? TM (Leachy mentioning Helen made me think of him!)

In reply to Graeme Alderson:

Some interesting names, Graeme. Love the tale of how Little Smeg (not that we're allowed to call him that anymore) and Quent went up from an all-night party in 'Beris to do The Skull. Quent - for all his undoubted prowess - had apparently never been more than 60 feet off the floor (the bits of Stoney he frequented). Needless to say, much fun was had.

Happy days!

Mick

In reply to UKC Articles:

Hey AP, that was nice, Mark's voice rang out strong and clear.

In reply to Andrew Popp:

Thanks AP No2. You looked alright on that grit video on the other channel.
Cheers,
AP No1.