Helpfulness

A brief post just to compliment one of the staff members at the climbing wall yesterday. They don't patrol, and they don't police, which allows for a very relaxed environment. However, upon seeing a lady performing a belay in a not particularly safe manner, a tutor for the Saturday 'crag rats' childrens' climbing club paused as he walked past her, noticing the fault, and hesitating as he watched her letting her son down the last few metres of his abseil. After the boy was on the ground, he just motioned to the lady that perhaps she amend her practice slightly, as it was a more safe method to use, explaining exactly why. I didn't hear what he said, but saw the gestures. He was doing absolutely the right thing, and hopefully she will have taken that advice and used it.

Later on I noticed a gentleman assembling his climbing harness, which looked a little too elderly. What people can forget is that this relatively inexpensive piece of kit is technically Personal Protective Equipment, and therefore should be in perfect condition. He probably considered that it was, but how many falls can one harness take? Apparently, the staff at the centre have in the past banned people from using old equipment. I found myself hoping that one of them would notice and politely, but firmly steer this gent in the direction of something new! If you wouldn't wear a harness, don't lend it to a friend!

(Just had a quick google of lifespans of harnesses, and the general advice is 5 years max, and 2 years of regular use. If you've stored it in perfect conditions for 10 years, retire the equipment. Useful PPE checking tool here.)

OK, so this post turned out longer than expected. One more thing of note: the best samosas to be had ANYWHERE are located at the Milans sweet shop on Stoney Lane. They also do brilliant curries and sweets. But the samosas are just the best around. Say yes to the dips. Buy them warm, and buy more than you want - they freeze well.

Links
Milan Sweet Centre
Crag Rats climbing clubs for kids
Petzl checking of PPE guidance