We’re all volunteers, who set up and run the club in our own free time, borne out of a love of climbing and the joy of community.
The committee are democratically elected by the membership every year, in our AGM in November.
Mike (he/him), Chair
I have been climbing on and off for 20ish years – indoors and out – and I am a qualified SPA (RCI) instructor. When I struggled to find friends who I felt comfortable to climb with I thought why not create a group to find them? And the club was born! My role as Chair is the overall shaping and organising of the club and supporting the committee and members to keep the club moving forward. Thank you to you all for helping me make this such a lovely club!
Josh (he/him), Club Secretary
I’d been climbing socially for around 5 years, but it really kicked up a gear when Mike and I started climbing outdoors between lockdowns in 2020.
I remember, when I first moved to Exeter, joining an LGBT community group made a huge difference in helping me feel proud of my sexuality, and feel at home in Devon. I really hope that the club, as well as introducing people to our brilliant sport, might do the same for others.
I organise committee meetings and take minutes, and look after the club’s website, email, and data.
Char (they/them), New Members’ Officer
Charlie is a South West based outdoor educator who has worked as a climbing wall instructor (CWI) and currently works as an outdoor educator for a young people’s charity. They are passionate about climbing, coaching people through fear, and growing the climbing community.
Char works to make the club a welcoming place for newcomers, and encourage everyone to be the best climbers they can.
Simon (he/him), Treasurer
I’ve been climbing for 4 years and got involved with the club in late 2021.
It’s my job to keep track of the club’s bank account/money; ensuring that people are up to date with membership payments, and monitoring money spent on equipment etc.
K (they/he), Training and Equipment Officer
K works as a professional rock climbing instructor (RCI) and can smash the toughest climb with the crimpiest holds, all with a smile on their face.
K organises our fabulous outdoor trips, as well as working on identifying the kit we need, looking after it (once we have it) and keeping an eye on training opportunities for the committee and club members.
Jack (he/him), Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Officer
I was introduced to climbing two years ago by my partner, and then we got involved in the creation of the club. At first, I wasn’t sure it would be for me, but I quickly became hooked and absolutely love it! Climbing is a great sport and having an LGBTQ+ community to share it with is magic. I’ve gained so much from it physically, mentally, and socially. I’m passionate about furthering my knowledge of LGBTQ+/intersectional inclusion in climbing by listening to marginalised voices.
Laura (she/her), Members Liaison Officer
Having never climbed before joining the club I gained such a lot in such a short space of time. Namely a sense of community and belonging which has been invaluable to me. As members liaison officer I am here to discuss any issues, questions or opportunities club members may wish to talk about. Listening to and reporting members feedback to the committee when appropriate and assisting with any issues that members may have in accessing the club. I hope you enjoy being part of this club as much as I do.
And you?
It takes a lot of different skills to run a club, and there’s always a chance to get involved. If you’d like to help, talk to a member of the committee. We could find specific tasks for you to help with, offer you a place on the committee as a non-voting member – or you could even stand for election.