Mile End; now there's another climbing wall we don't visit very often.
I can't remember the last time I took a group just to climb at Mile End; probably more than a year ago. It is a popular competition venue though. The final round of last year's SIBL was here and the Italian Job, of course.
There have been some changes for the better: The flat panelling on the free-standing wall gives a much more competition-friendly surface and radiant heaters are long overdue.

Things got under way quite quickly considering Rob Dixon's stinking cold and his accompanying bad mood. The venue let us use their portakabin for our bags and we were quickly installed in there with Chris Powell analysing the fan heater for the best settings to warm the place without setting fire to it (much to Nathan's frustration).

Our climbers have become very efficient in their preparation at competitions. They understand the importance of inspecting the problems and planning their tactics. At every venue I see our less experienced climbers follow the old hands around the various problems picking up tips about best technique, which order to attempt the climbs and which ones to avoid like the plague.
I can remember back to our first competitions in early 2000. Everyone there (not just Dane Court climbers) was far less professional in their approach and the standard of the climbing was that much lower.

Back to 2004 and a look at how we did;
In the Male Open, Chris Joe Russ and Tom had a tough round against impressively strong old rivals.
Tom found himself some way off the pace with Tom Arnold and Trevor Nagler fourteen points ahead.
Adam Lincoln put in appearance and completed the trio gaining maximum points. Russ continued to rise through the positions finishing a pleasing fourteenth.

In the Junior Male category, Jason and David both notched up reasonable scores and continue to learn about the hard work and attention to detail that goes into performing well as a competition climber.
Nathan, Callum, Will and, surprisingly, Matt finished in positions around the low teens with Will making the top ten.
Joel Charley was justifiably pleased with his fifth place; particularly when the stronger, taller competition is taken into consideration.
One other Dane Court climber competed. Tony Musselbrook was returning to the competition arena after missing the last round with two broken fingers. He was still recovering so a top ten place would have been a bonus. What sort of performance did Tony turn in? I think, in the modern vernacular, one would say he was "on fire". First place with clear water between him and second place. An amazing comeback Tony. Well done.

Thanks to Mr and Mrs Pay for their support and , of course, Mrs Musselbrook who drove, put up with me getting lost in Lonon, judged and watched her son collect first prize.

Now we are looking forward to the fourth round at Brunel University on 1 February and an exciting one-off weekend comp at the Business Design Centre in Islington on 7 and 8 February.

Mr A

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