Bolton Mountain Rescue Team were kindly invited by Ian Hallam, Duty Officer at the University of Bolton, to attend an open evening for its new, indoor climbing wall. Here is a report by David Crawford on a successful and enjoyable evening.

“Team call out members David Crawford, Tony Dawson and Mark Scott took advantage of the opportunity to experience the new climbing wall at the University. Most other members were busy at our Ladybridge Hall Base / HQ welcoming potential new recruits to the team, so were not able to join us. The wall is located in the prestigious, modern, sports, leisure and health building in the centre of town, called Bolton One. On arrival, Mark was pleasantly surprised to meet ex-team member Blake Jackson, who was keen to learn how the team was faring.

We were shown to the climbing area, where Mark reminded our welcoming and friendly host, Molly Percival from the sports team, that he had taught her CPR as part of his day job at the University! The wall is an impressive 50 feet high with some challenging and overhanging routes to attempt. We tested our skills with varying degrees of success, with Mark taking the honours for completing the most difficult climb of the evening. Though on his return to ground we were concerned Molly might need her CPR skills for real!

At the end of an enjoyable evening we were all delighted to be given free membership entitling us to use the wall, and one free climb was credited for our next visit. We would like to express our thanks to all involved in looking after us so hospitably during the evening, and congratulate the University on creating such a worthwhile facility for the town.”