Save Upperlimits Climbing Centre

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE 2/8/12

Upperlimits HAS BEEN SAVED from closure!!!

Through your support and the efforts of the club staff, climbers, their family and friends Leek College agreed to colaberate with Leek High School and gift the equipment to the climbing club. Leek High School has also offered their support to encourage the development of a community based climbing centre.

Thank you for your support.

Leek Climbing Centre as it is now known is carrying on with the regular programme of Kids Club and Squad training as well as providing a training centre for climbers of all ages and abilities.

To contact Mark at the centre contact: 07837881198

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE 6/3/12

At a recent meeting with Leek College principal, Rob Morrey we were told that UPPERLIMITS CLIMBING WALL WILL CLOSE ON 31ST JULY 2012.

Upperlimits has already closed down as a provider of outdoor pursuits activities for Leek College and, although the Kids Climbing Club is growing in numbers, it doesn't fit the criteria for further education. Therefore the climbing wall can no longer be part of the college.

BUT…
Leek College has pledged to extend the use until 31st July to allow climbers of all ages time to find alternative funding and management to keep the wall. They have also promised to include the users in any developments and support the users find independence.

SO…
With this aim a committee representing users and supporters is being formed to keep the wall open and running as a climbing facility for community use.

We would like to thank you for your heartfelt support and ask you to please offer what you can whether time, advice, or ideas that continue your support. Any help however small or seemingly irrelevant is powerful.

THE PETITION IS STILL ACTIVE.
Not only will it ensure fair treatment by Leek College, it will help to demonstrate the need a community climbing wall to secure funding.

It has already had an impact!

BACKGROUND
The kids club has been going for many years and has produced national climbing champions and influenced the careers of many young people, who have passed through the ranks to become instructors and move on to related employment.

Since relocating to Leek High Specialist Technology School from Longnor in 2011 kids club membership has outgrown one evening and now occupies two evenings of double sessions.

Upperlimits is unique among similar children's climbing clubs for the dedicated and individual attention given by the staff. Each child is befriended and helped by staff and more experienced youth members. Complex skills are taught through fun and peer support as confidence is gained through the risk taking aspects of climbing in a safe environment.

Many of the members are effected by difficulties from conditions such as Autism and Dyspraxia. The club provides an essential outlet for these young people to feel accepted and to achieve without the pressure of competition. For some it is their only social contact outside school.

The families who attend have found a rare welcome and exceptional tolerance for tag-along siblings with similar conditions. Many have not attended other clubs without fear of disrupting the session. Comfortable seating and beverages are thoughtfully provided while they watch.

With public access other climbers are welcomed at any time adding diversity and a greater pool of shared skills. The youth members particularly benefit from seeing adults climbing.

The centre is situated in Leek with no alternative closer than in Stoke-on-Trent 20 miles away which for most members would be too far to travel.

Upperlimits is not just a sports club, it is a life-line to many of its users past and present. It is essential that it remains open.