The first caving shop

[Peter Burgess]

Ah, the Wells caving emporium known as Rocksport. Went into decline shortly after I started caving, and finally went out of business after a fire. In its last sad year or two, I seem to recall such items as skateboards and the like being on sale, possibly in a desparate attempt to stay afloat. Wasn't it run by Chris Bradshaw? I think it went under in the early 1980s.

 

[Wolfart]

I remeber Rocksports very well, if i recall it mystyriously caught fire

 

[chriscastle46]

After Rocksport Chris Bradshaw started Adventure Caving at Gough's Cave in 1982, later taking on a rosy-cheeked lad called, I think, Andy Sparrow. In 1986 things got worse when they employed Mr. Castle. Chris B. later started a business in France, but careful what you say, he's around again.

 

[Phil Brown]

So did Phil Brown start trading before July 1969? Or anyone else?

Hello. Phil Brown here in person.

We started around April 1972. We purchased all the stock and business from Dave Sweeting for the grand sum of £150.

Dave had started the caving business called Caving Gear around 1969.

Other caving shops that were around at the time are Cave & Crag under previous ownership. Alan Suttie the current owner might be able to shed a little light on this.

Also Whernside Manor when Ben Lyon was working there. He might have a few useful comments to make and is easily contacted at Lyon Eqpt in Dent.

Phil Brown (Caving Supplies)

 

[shotlighter]

Remember see caving gear for the first time in the local branch of Blacks (Hanley) in around 67/68. They had a pressed board helmet & stinky in the window together with some wire ladders etc. I was fascinated & this must have been the first time I was aware such a hobby existed.