Number in series 70; Year of publication 1986 - Fell and Rock ...

THE DAY I BROKE THE NEEDLEStan ThompsonIn summer 1941, as a young climber active in the Lakes prior to going intothe R.A.F., I saw a good deal of George Basterfield, particularly on Gable,where I often climbed with the few active climbers who were not yet doing warservice. George expressed great concern about the stability of three large blocksperched on the arete of the Needle, just below the Shoulder. (These can be seenon older photographs.)After some discussion and examination of the blocks, from which climbersfrequently abseiled despite their instability, George decided that they should be'removed'! Our help was enlisted, as we operated from Wasdale Head eachweekend and could get to the crag at a time when no-one was around andperhaps push the blocks off without danger to other climbers, walkers etc. —apart from a few of Joe Naylor's sheep! We set off one morning at 5am andclimbed up to the Shoulder by about 7am. It was the day that Germany andRussia declared war, so it is clear in my memory: a bright summer day with noonearound. Removing the blocks was easy. They were supported by a slenderfinger of rock, separated from the main rock of the arete. (It was around thisfinger that people threaded abseil ropes.) This flimsy support was easilyknocked out, and the three blocks, each about 2-3' cube, were very delicatelybalanced. It only required one shove with my foot from above to send them offinto space with dramatic effect! One landed in Needle Gully and is still there,one went across Gable Traverse, and the largest one bounded down the screealmost as far as the Styhead path — Mr. Naylor swore that he heard the crash ofthese descending stones in Wasdale Head! The Needle was altered in shapequite considerably and we were well aware that, in a sense, we had modified theFRCC emblem and all the badges etc. were now inaccurate. It was said that, forsome time afterwards, if one went into Abraham's shop in Keswick to buy apostcard of the Needle, the assistant would get an eraser out of his pocket andcarefully rub out the blocks before selling the postcard — the Abrahams were allfor moving with the time despite being a bit ancient in their shop-front display.Subsequently I got rather a strong note from the Club Secretary of the time —I think it was Mary Leighton — saying that I had exceeded my responsibilities(as a very new member) by altering the shape of the Club emblem withoutpermission! However, it was accepted that the blocks were very unsafe and thatwe had been acting on the instructions of a most venerable and famous memberin doing what George had suggested. I think we were forgiven? I hope so!! Itwas a memorable day for me (and for the world) and I always think of it when Iclimb the Needle and move up to the arete where the blocks used to be. I wasone of those who really 'broke the Needle'!157