Bingley College Lecturers

Many thanks to Dave Barlow for the photo on the right of Wally Keay and his wife at what he thinks was the 3rd & 4th Years leaving do in 1976. Wally inspired many students to greater things in the Outdoor Activities Department.

Wally still is an important national figure in Outdoor Education. He writes books on navigation, mountain safety and leadership. He also was an active member for many years of the Wharfedale Fell Rescue, and helped set up the

Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team.

Lots of you will remember working with young people from Bradford Cinderella Club. Wally organised a "holiday" for these underprivileged children, while students got a taste of outdoor education teaching practise. A tremendous experience for the kids and young teachers alike. I recall the teenagers we worked with in 1975 came dressed the style of heart throbs, Bay City Rollers. Tartan Scarves and Spencers (trousers) with tartan trims. Just the kind of clobber to go canoeing and caving in.

Three lecturers can be seen on the right doing chores at Buckden House. Pointing at the camera is lecturer, rock climber, fell-runner, athlete, caver, canoeist and orienteer Pete Livesey.

Pete was known throughout the world for his rock climbing. A Brief History of British Mountaineering (Mountain Heritage Trust 2001) descibes the influence he had:- "...attention turns to Modern Times and the influence of focused climbers like the iconoclastic Pete Livesey. The Livesey phenomenon galvanized the British rock-climbing scene and a new vitality was injected into the pioneering of new routes all over the country."

Pete took up orienteering in his 40's and within two years was topping the rankings in Britain. He also had a remarkable record as a fell runner, including four consecutive top ten placings in the Karrimor Mountain Marathon. Sadly, he died of cancer on 26 February 1998.

The chap with the dark blue tie is Ray Stirling, Principal of the College when I was there. His daughter went out with a very famous soccer player (Glen Hoddle). The third lecturer I think is Tony Stuckey, head of science and keen outdoor activist.

ABOVE: You can see Outdoor Activities wallas with Pete Livesey (in orange suit) about to set off down some dark, damp hole.

Mick Balmer says this "caving pic is the old Leeds Uni 'hut' just off Alum Pot Lane at Selside near Horton in Ribblesdale. I suspect the party are preparing for an epic novice venture in Long Churn".