Email 2005

Jeff Dukes

From: Jeff Dukes
Date: Wednesday, October 5, 2005 8:34 am
Subject: Clayesmore, The Coolins and Carl Verrinder

Dear Editor,

In the 1950s our Chemistry Master, Carl Verrinder (known usually by his initials CHPV) took a group of boys to the Isle of Skye each Summer; in theory to climb the Coolins. His enthusiasm for mountains had already awakened and interest in me and I chose, for my Chemistry Prize in 1953, James Ramsey Ullman's book "The Kingdom of Adventure - Everest". After reading it I loaned it to CHPV and never recovered it. He moved, when he got married, to another home and it got buried in all his possessions. I wanted to go on the 1953 expedition to Skye but my guardian decided it was too risky so I was refused permission. I often regretted not being to make the trip and it was about 30 years before I visited Skye for the first time. Being on my own, I climbed nothing but just indulged in sightseeing. This year, with my youngest son and his wife, I visited Wester Ross and "climbed" in the Applecross, Shieldaig, Torridon and Flowerdale areas. Whilst in Applecross on a beautiful evening it was easy to make out the Coolins across the water and it brought back memories of CHPV and the enthusiasm he engendered for mountains.

I wonder if any contributing OCs actually went on any of CHPV's trips to Skye and can tell us what they climbed and if there are any photographs of their trip?

Regards

Jeff Dukes (48-53)