UKC is Expanding: New Staff and New Developments

© UKClimbing.com

Nick Smith, our chief code master, has been busy. Things have been happening on his screen that we don't really understand, but the first phase is now complete which you can see if you go to our magnificent new home page.

New UKC Home Page

The page features a beautiful montage graphic which features on our latest news stories and articles - just roll-over the little images to see more about the stories, or sit back and watch the show. We also have a new 'Start Here' section which assesses who you are and presents you with links useful to you depending on how long you have been registered on UKC, and how much you have done with your profile, logbook and photo gallery. The rest of the page links in to all the other sections of the site and also features our latest video ...... which brings me to our new Video section....

Videos at UKClimbing

We have built a Videos area on the site, similar to the Photos area. Currently this area features videos that have been shown on UKClimbing.com over the last 12 months or so. The page allows you to browse and use older videos in a series of categories. We will be adding a user upload facility to this over the next month or so with user voting. It will be able to display videos from third party sites like like YouTube and Vimeo.

Staff Changes

At the same time we have taken on some new staff members to increase content on the site. Our previous part-time Gear Editor Kevin Avery has stepped down from his role to concentrate more on his other profession as a teacher. Kevin will still be testing gear for UKC and has recently written this excellent sleeping bag review: Pinnacle Sleeping Bag.

New staff are Sarah Stirling (Gear), Mark Glaister (Destinations) and Stephen Horne (Rockfax). You can read a little bit about each of them and what they will be doing for UKC and Rockfax in the info box below.

Sarah Stirling, 28, is an experienced outdoor writer and keen climber. She joins the UKC team as Assistant Editor and will be focussing mainly on the Gear pages of the website.

She is an English Literature and Language graduate (first class honours) and her work appears regularly in UK outdoor, adventure and travel publications. She has also authored or contributed to several books.

You can read more about Sarah on her own site: Sarahstirling.com

Mark Glaister, old enough to know better, has long been a member of the Rockfax team. He has authored many books including Dorset, Mallorca and Costa Daurada. He is taking on extra responsibilities as UKC Assistant Editor concentrating on the Destination Articles for the website.

Mark is a well travelled climber and his destination work has appeared in many climbing magazines the world over.

You can read a little more about Mark on the Rockfax Website.

Mark Glaister in Mallorca  © UKClimbing.com
Mark Glaister in Mallorca

Stephen Horne, 29, has joined the team in the role of Rockfax Assistant Editor. Stephen's background in computer design, alongside his extensive global climbing CV mean he has a great deal to offer the company in terms of both technical knowledge and climbing expertise.

His role will be mainly working on Rockfax guidebooks - layout, editing and design.

He enjoys all aspects of climbing, but after a few years spent working at Entreprise Europe in Grenoble, France, he has welcomed his return to the Peak District as his heart lies with British trad.

Stephen Horne in Pembroke  © UKClimbing.com
Stephen Horne in Pembroke

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12 Feb, 2010
I love the new page. Last one was looking tired and old. This one is a job well done. :)
15 Feb, 2010
Anybody know what route is Stephen on in the final photo?
15 Feb, 2010
Out for the Count... E4 at the Castle
15 Feb, 2010
Thanks Mick. I just found the Rockfax webpage for the Castle. Hopefully I'll be getting back to Pembroke in July, can't wait!
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