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Scouts' Climbing Wall Proposal, Combe Down Mines
February 16, 2009 2:18 PM
Cllrs Roger Symonds and Cherry Beath are supporting James Fishlock's calls for an underground climbing wall
Combe Down engineer, mountaineer and Explorer Scout Leader James Fishlock, has come up with the innovative idea of converting a materials shaft in the old stone mines into a climbing wall.
With the support of local ward councillors, James has had a positive response from the Council and from Hydrock, the stone mines contractor.
The funders of the stabilisation Project, Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and the Council have agreed in principle to the conversion, and have generously offered to donate the amount of funding that it would have cost them to infill the shaft.
For the past few months James has been in on-going negotiations with the Trustees of the site, the Vicar and Wardens of Holy Trinity Church Combe Down, seeking permission to convert the shaft.
James Fishlock said, "The climbing wall will be one of only a handful of underground climbing walls in the country, and a wonderful new facility for Combe Down and Bath. The wall would not only be a facility for the Combe Down scouts, but other scouts from the city and county as well as being available for local schools and youth groups. It is very rare that an opportunity like this comes along, and so we are very keen to make the most of it.
"Climbing is a good way to challenge young people and give them the chance to experience risk in a controlled way.
"In order to make this idea a reality we still have some way to go. We need to secure funding for three aspects of the project; the conversion of the shaft into a safe and useable space, fitting it out with climbing holds, and the provision of ropes, helmets and harnesses. At the moment we are looking for grant funding from various sources including government grants for getting young people active, from the Scout Association and other sources, but we are keen to find other organisations or individuals who may be able to provide funding for this exciting project."
Councillor Roger Symonds added, "Many people will be thrilled that a small part of the mines will be used. The project is sadly a 'total infill' exercise, but at least with this exciting scheme, just a little bit of our heritage will be retained."
Councillor Cherry Beath said, "Great idea James, this is a wonderful way to commemorate the Stone Mines with a community facility for young people to use and enjoy.
"This will be unique in Bath, and I am very thankful to David Keaton of HCA and the Stone Mines Project Team for their positive endorsement.
"I encourage anyone who wants to find out more how to help, to get in touch with James."
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