A little bit of history...

One of our regular customers, Graham Stringer, brought some photos into the shop that he'd unearthed at home. We had a delve through them and we thought that they definitely deserved a more public airing so that others could maybe identify some of the folk in them.

Malc Baxter in classic pose on a route in Dovestones Quarry

The photos are of local climbers and are probably from around the late fifties or early sixties. Prominent amongst the climbers seem to be Jim Heys and Malc Baxter – we'd welcome any feedback as to the identity of the others. Nearly all the climbing shots are in Dovestones Quarry with the exception of a few in Deepdale, Derbyshire. We're sure you'll agree that they provide a fascinating record of the local scene of that era and hopefully they'll stir the memories of a few of you out there...

We think these lads are Jim Heys and Malc Baxter – but who's the third?

On route at Dovestones Quarry

Jim Heys and another on belay at the Quarry

One of the things that will probably strike you is how clean and sound the rock at Dovestones Quarry is in these photos. For those of you getting all nostalgic and wanting to rush off and climb there again, bear in mind that the place is much different in character now. Several rock falls have taken place in recent years and although there's still good climbing to had in the Quarry, much care should be taken as it is very loose.

Jim Heys in the climbing apparel of the day

Anyone know who these lads are and where they might be now?

There are several more photos in Grahams collection that we don't have the room to put up here but that we have saved on disk here at the shop. Please feel free to ask to see them when you call in.