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Greenpeace activists have climbed Big Ben. Anyone know who they are? Perhaps it might be indescrete to mention names at this stage but are they UK climbers? One would think that Big Ben would be pretty tricky.
In reply to UKC News:
Yeah, they've got to climb all the way up the tower that it's housed in, first. Then, somehow, theyve got to get onto it.
After that comes the hard part...except for the lip around the base, it's completely smooth!
Yeah, they've got to climb all the way up the tower that it's housed in, first. Then, somehow, theyve got to get onto it.
After that comes the hard part...except for the lip around the base, it's completely smooth!
In reply to UKC News:
Will Big Ben now be included in Southern Sandstone? Any idea of the grade?
Will Big Ben now be included in Southern Sandstone? Any idea of the grade?
excellent to see.
Headline news, perfect publicity.
good tick, dont reconise them.
Headline news, perfect publicity.
good tick, dont reconise them.
In reply to Rob Naylor: irony is wasted on here...
In reply to Ian Hill:
some people clearly appreciate pedantry though
> (In reply to Rob Naylor) irony is wasted on here...
some people clearly appreciate pedantry though
In reply to UKC News:
Whether you agree with the war ir not, I agree with and applaude those two guys having the guts and commitment to do this to express there feelings. Perhaps if more people were prepared to go to these lengths our leaders would get the message
Whether you agree with the war ir not, I agree with and applaude those two guys having the guts and commitment to do this to express there feelings. Perhaps if more people were prepared to go to these lengths our leaders would get the message
In reply to john H:
They have also performed the secondary service of exposing the security at the Houses of Parliament as totally inadequate.
They have also performed the secondary service of exposing the security at the Houses of Parliament as totally inadequate.
In reply to Gordon Stainforth:
Indeed!!! but then there does not seem be any checks on who is let in!!! Blair and Hoon r let in daily
Indeed!!! but then there does not seem be any checks on who is let in!!! Blair and Hoon r let in daily
In reply to Gordon Stainforth: why is security an issue? if they're afraid they shouldn't be doing the job.
In reply to Jon Greengrass:
I think come Sept 11 the Houses of P could easily end up as a pile of rubble .. that's why I think it's an issue!
I think come Sept 11 the Houses of P could easily end up as a pile of rubble .. that's why I think it's an issue!
In reply to UKC News:
Know these faces?...
http://www.portlandclimbing.com/benclimbers.jpg
Looks juggy all the way.
Know these faces?...
http://www.portlandclimbing.com/benclimbers.jpg
Looks juggy all the way.
In reply to UKC News: From the bbc website "Police refused to discuss how the two men - named by the group as brothers Harry and Simon Westaway from Lewes in Sussex - evaded the tight security around the Houses of Parliament. "
In reply to UKC News: What sort of protection would you use to climb it, sounds like fun
In reply to Nikki:
they're regulars on the southern sandstone crags...i've seen them around many a time, in fact i have some photos of simon climbing at bowles in my gallery (i think).
they're regulars on the southern sandstone crags...i've seen them around many a time, in fact i have some photos of simon climbing at bowles in my gallery (i think).
In reply to Dave L:
I know both Harry and Simon Westaway, I know Harry better, I've climbed with him a fair bit and we did a fair few routes together in Ailfroide and Ceuse, they come from a really nice and I guess you'd say fairly bohemian family in Lewes. Harry has always been a ballsy climber not afraid to push himself to his limits . his brother is an artist, they also have a sister who climbs called Sally. They learned to climb on southern sandstone.
I'm not really surprise they've done something like this, they think deeply about these sorts of issues and they are friends with people like Johnny Dawes who have done similar protests.
I have to say it's got to be the most impressive so far considering the tight security these days.
Good work boys.
Peace,
James
I know both Harry and Simon Westaway, I know Harry better, I've climbed with him a fair bit and we did a fair few routes together in Ailfroide and Ceuse, they come from a really nice and I guess you'd say fairly bohemian family in Lewes. Harry has always been a ballsy climber not afraid to push himself to his limits . his brother is an artist, they also have a sister who climbs called Sally. They learned to climb on southern sandstone.
I'm not really surprise they've done something like this, they think deeply about these sorts of issues and they are friends with people like Johnny Dawes who have done similar protests.
I have to say it's got to be the most impressive so far considering the tight security these days.
Good work boys.
Peace,
James
this from guardian.co.uk
"Specialist climbing equipment had been used to ensure that there was no damage to the clock's structure."
What does that mean?!
"Specialist climbing equipment had been used to ensure that there was no damage to the clock's structure."
What does that mean?!
In reply to UKC News:
I was phoned up by a journalist from the Mail on Sunday this afternoon, relating to this. Since I am the safety officer for the University of Sussex (near Lewes) Mountaineering club he wondered if I knew them. I didn't so I couldn't say much. I probably wouldn't have said much even if I did.
CCW
I was phoned up by a journalist from the Mail on Sunday this afternoon, relating to this. Since I am the safety officer for the University of Sussex (near Lewes) Mountaineering club he wondered if I knew them. I didn't so I couldn't say much. I probably wouldn't have said much even if I did.
CCW
In reply to Gordon Stainforth: Per the beeb earlier, they crossed a couple of fences then started climbing. The Police watched them but decided they were not a security threat. Otherwise they would have taken further 'action'.
In reply to john H:
What war?
> (In reply to UKC News)
>
> Whether you agree with the war ir not, I agree with and applaude those two guys having the guts and commitment to do this to express there feelings. Perhaps if more people were prepared to go to these lengths our leaders would get the message
>
> Whether you agree with the war ir not, I agree with and applaude those two guys having the guts and commitment to do this to express there feelings. Perhaps if more people were prepared to go to these lengths our leaders would get the message
What war?
In reply to richard bradley cookiless:
Good old England. Fabulous achievement all round, I say!
> (In reply to Gordon Stainforth) Per the beeb earlier, they crossed a couple of fences then started climbing. The Police watched them but decided they were not a security threat. Otherwise they would have taken further 'action'.
Good old England. Fabulous achievement all round, I say!
In reply to Ridge:
IRAQ WAR, protest is about lies from Government, i.e. about WMD etc etc. Is anniversary of start of Iraq War today.
IRAQ WAR, protest is about lies from Government, i.e. about WMD etc etc. Is anniversary of start of Iraq War today.
In reply to richard bradley cookiless: Bit like when Dawes and ? (feeling stupid - just woke up, Jerry?) climbed Nelson's - they got a 10quid fine for some minor by-law infringement, and the cops couldn't/didn't want to plug them with anything else. Well, the other cap did - I remember a photo of Dawes wearing a kid on his shoulders as a disguise 20feet away while the cop wrote the citation!
Anyone know how the demonstration went in London today?
Anyone know how the demonstration went in London today?
In reply to john H:
Yes, but Ridge's point may have been the misnomer of calling it a 'war' when it was just an invasion of one of the weakest countries, militarily, in the world, done in the certain knowledge from our intelligence that they had NOT got WMD (otherwise we would never have gone in), cloaked in lies, a terrible diversion of resources away from combatting terrorism, indeed surely a stoker of the fires of terrorism. I am sure the world is a more dangerous place as a result of this foolish 'war'. Yes, the Iraqis have no doubt gained a lot, but I think the price the world may yet pay for this flouting of international law will be huge.
Yes, but Ridge's point may have been the misnomer of calling it a 'war' when it was just an invasion of one of the weakest countries, militarily, in the world, done in the certain knowledge from our intelligence that they had NOT got WMD (otherwise we would never have gone in), cloaked in lies, a terrible diversion of resources away from combatting terrorism, indeed surely a stoker of the fires of terrorism. I am sure the world is a more dangerous place as a result of this foolish 'war'. Yes, the Iraqis have no doubt gained a lot, but I think the price the world may yet pay for this flouting of international law will be huge.
In reply to Gordon Stainforth:
Yes, the Iraqis have no doubt gained a lot, but I think the price the world may yet pay for this flouting of international law will be huge.
Flouting which international war?
IMHO Sadam was/is evil and is well rid off. BBC poll = majority of Iraq glad coalition troops are in Iraq. War on terror is global and happening whether we like it or not.
Well done on these two chaps for sticking up for their principles, quite a ballsy protest! I'd love to hear an account of the climb!
Yes, the Iraqis have no doubt gained a lot, but I think the price the world may yet pay for this flouting of international law will be huge.
Flouting which international war?
IMHO Sadam was/is evil and is well rid off. BBC poll = majority of Iraq glad coalition troops are in Iraq. War on terror is global and happening whether we like it or not.
Well done on these two chaps for sticking up for their principles, quite a ballsy protest! I'd love to hear an account of the climb!
In reply to Gordon Stainforth:
Actually making the point that the 'war' has been over, at least technically, for a bit now.
But your point's a good one.
> (In reply to john H)
>
> Yes, but Ridge's point may have been the misnomer of calling it a 'war' when it was just an invasion of one of the weakest countries, militarily, in the world, done in the certain knowledge from our intelligence that they had NOT got WMD (otherwise we would never have gone in), cloaked in lies, a terrible diversion of resources away from combatting terrorism, indeed surely a stoker of the fires of terrorism.
>
> Yes, but Ridge's point may have been the misnomer of calling it a 'war' when it was just an invasion of one of the weakest countries, militarily, in the world, done in the certain knowledge from our intelligence that they had NOT got WMD (otherwise we would never have gone in), cloaked in lies, a terrible diversion of resources away from combatting terrorism, indeed surely a stoker of the fires of terrorism.
Actually making the point that the 'war' has been over, at least technically, for a bit now.
But your point's a good one.
In reply to Gordon Stainforth:
Great publicity, they made French TV, even some footage of the actual climb =)
> Good old England. Fabulous achievement all round, I say!
Great publicity, they made French TV, even some footage of the actual climb =)
In reply to andy farnell: Dunno, they didn't mention it
In reply to UKC News:
One would think that Big Ben would be pretty tricky.
Don't you mean "ticky"?
Sorry.
Tim
PS The most worrying thing about this event is that in spite of all the so called heightened security they got up to and onto what must be one of the most high profile targets in Britain!! That must really give the Public confidence in the ability of the "Authorities" to protect us against the likes of al qaeda. Well done lads for highlighting this.
One would think that Big Ben would be pretty tricky.
Don't you mean "ticky"?
Sorry.
Tim
PS The most worrying thing about this event is that in spite of all the so called heightened security they got up to and onto what must be one of the most high profile targets in Britain!! That must really give the Public confidence in the ability of the "Authorities" to protect us against the likes of al qaeda. Well done lads for highlighting this.
In reply to O'Sul: I know asnt Kosovo done without a UN mandate, not much said there. And its supposed lies, no facts yet, lets wait and see. So far the at lest 50% of Iraq think they live in a better place now.
In reply to andy farnell: I believe there is a competition associated with it, actually. Get arrested and successfully prosecuted, and you win 10-15yrs free accomodation, incl all bills, on Dartmoor - I believe there's some good bouldering there, having just watched Stick It.
Come to think of it "Stick It" may be punny here...
Come to think of it "Stick It" may be punny here...
In reply to UKC News: Yes, but what have they done on grit?
In reply to belfast_mark:
its 315ft?
they used ropes?
they place any pro?
multipitch????????????
answers?
its 315ft?
they used ropes?
they place any pro?
multipitch????????????
answers?
In reply to UKC News:
How did they use the climbing equipment? Did they have to hammer their pegs in to climb up?
> Greenpeace activists have climbed Big Ben. Anyone know who they are? Perhaps it might be indescrete to mention names at this stage but are they UK climbers? One would think that Big Ben would be pretty tricky.
How did they use the climbing equipment? Did they have to hammer their pegs in to climb up?
In reply to belfast_mark:
Well, it's man-made, strictly illegal, and possibly loose - so it should be an ideal Crag Of The Day!
Well, it's man-made, strictly illegal, and possibly loose - so it should be an ideal Crag Of The Day!
good photo on the cover of the Observer today. Looks like free climbing using ropes. There is guy just under the clock belaying the other bloke who is seconding. The pro isnt clear tho the belaying guy has it somehow attached above him, cant see any 'metally' pro. Looks hard!
In reply to UKC News:
Anyone got a link for this? The one on the threads doesn't download properly (is this because I'm on the intranet at work?)
Sxx
Anyone got a link for this? The one on the threads doesn't download properly (is this because I'm on the intranet at work?)
Sxx
In reply to UKC News:
Every time I've been past it I've thought about the climbing potential - suprised it's taken so long for someone to climb it. Given Blair's disregard for the place, it may have a future as a climbing wall.
As to the supposed "security breach", the police should realise that the best way to prevent people climbing such landmarks is simply to declare that its used as a nesting ground for rare birds, such as the pigeon.
Every time I've been past it I've thought about the climbing potential - suprised it's taken so long for someone to climb it. Given Blair's disregard for the place, it may have a future as a climbing wall.
As to the supposed "security breach", the police should realise that the best way to prevent people climbing such landmarks is simply to declare that its used as a nesting ground for rare birds, such as the pigeon.
In reply to brian crawford:
Nope. They got to just under the clock and stopped. Waited 6 hours, got a bit cold and came down.
Nope. They got to just under the clock and stopped. Waited 6 hours, got a bit cold and came down.
In reply to Chris the Tall:
I'm pretty sure it's been climbed before by Greenpeace again who unfurled a large banner a few years back.
And to the poster who thinks you can invade any old country just when you feel like it - no you can't, it's against international law. OK so no one likes Saddam but who gave him weapons and supported him in the first place.....surely not us and the Americans?
I'm pretty sure it's been climbed before by Greenpeace again who unfurled a large banner a few years back.
And to the poster who thinks you can invade any old country just when you feel like it - no you can't, it's against international law. OK so no one likes Saddam but who gave him weapons and supported him in the first place.....surely not us and the Americans?
In reply to Father Faff:
that was nelson's column i think...
> I'm pretty sure it's been climbed before by Greenpeace again who unfurled a large banner a few years back.
that was nelson's column i think...
In reply to UKC News:
Just thought I'd add, Big Ben is the bell inside the Westminster clock tower, not the tower itself. Relatively few people have ever seen Big Ben itself, and it constantly annoys me when I hear people (especially US tourists) crowing on about 'gee, look honey, Big Ben!'
Must remember to get a life...
Just thought I'd add, Big Ben is the bell inside the Westminster clock tower, not the tower itself. Relatively few people have ever seen Big Ben itself, and it constantly annoys me when I hear people (especially US tourists) crowing on about 'gee, look honey, Big Ben!'
Must remember to get a life...
In reply to Dom Orsler: Thats the point Rob Naylor was making (somewhat obliquely) above.
I must be the only one who thinks this is pretty irresponsible and selfish. I'm all for people peacefully protesting about issues that they feel strongly about. What I object to is the possible damage to a national monument.
So there!
So there!
In reply to Swirly:
Ay theng yew!
Stangely, as I was driving home this afternoon, I heard a report on Radio 4 referring to "the people who climbed St Stephen's Tower". There are still bastions of accuracy in some parts of the media, after all!
> (In reply to Dom Orsler) Thats the point Rob Naylor was making (somewhat obliquely) above.
Ay theng yew!
Stangely, as I was driving home this afternoon, I heard a report on Radio 4 referring to "the people who climbed St Stephen's Tower". There are still bastions of accuracy in some parts of the media, after all!
In reply to Trotter:
I say good on them, not an easy task and it took guts to do it.
Peace guys
> I must be the only one who thinks this is pretty irresponsible and selfish. I'm all for people peacefully protesting about issues that they feel strongly about. What I object to is the possible damage to a national monument.
>
> So there!
>
> So there!
I say good on them, not an easy task and it took guts to do it.
Peace guys
In reply to Dave L:
> So does anyone know them then? i do, lovely boys indeed, simon was my lovely boy until about a year agoish a bit more, we were at college together, very proud of them, arnt they great
In reply to Gordon Stainforth:
How do you know? Have you seen the inspector's report (the one that hasn't been prepared yet)?
> But the point is they didn't do any damage.
How do you know? Have you seen the inspector's report (the one that hasn't been prepared yet)?
In reply to andy farnell:
My freind who knows the people who climbed it said that the first pitch was unprotected, and the grade was 7B i asked him if this was french or english he said he didn't know but was going to get back to me on that one.
Antoine
My freind who knows the people who climbed it said that the first pitch was unprotected, and the grade was 7B i asked him if this was french or english he said he didn't know but was going to get back to me on that one.
Antoine
In reply to Simon Caldwell:
I think if there had been any obvious damage the police would have charged them by now, wouldn't they??
I think if there had been any obvious damage the police would have charged them by now, wouldn't they??
In reply to Gordon Stainforth:
Don't you people realise that the grade of this route is a question of national security.
If the grade was published, potential terrorists would be able to enroll at their local climbing wall, and as soon as they worked up to the grade in question they would be able to set forth and bomb the houses of parliament.
I think it best for all concerned if the grade be kept protected by the Official Secrets Act.
Alternatively an officially sanctioned sandbag grade could be anounced in order to lure pottential terrorists to their death. In which case th eexisting spikey railings should be retained adn not replaced wiht a new concrete wall as currently proposed.
Don't you people realise that the grade of this route is a question of national security.
If the grade was published, potential terrorists would be able to enroll at their local climbing wall, and as soon as they worked up to the grade in question they would be able to set forth and bomb the houses of parliament.
I think it best for all concerned if the grade be kept protected by the Official Secrets Act.
Alternatively an officially sanctioned sandbag grade could be anounced in order to lure pottential terrorists to their death. In which case th eexisting spikey railings should be retained adn not replaced wiht a new concrete wall as currently proposed.
In reply to kevin stephens:
Excellent idea, the officially sanctioned sandbag grade! It would be like an ancient garrotting with an ever increasing number of Al Queda terrorists impaled on the spikes.
Excellent idea, the officially sanctioned sandbag grade! It would be like an ancient garrotting with an ever increasing number of Al Queda terrorists impaled on the spikes.
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