Guess you could say that the Cave was first conceived in 2001 as it was then that the Trust started thinking about using an empty archway at Harrow Manor Way for some kind of community activity.
Given the height of the arch a climbing wall seemed a good idea and by the end of 2002 the funding was in place. We got planning permission early in 2003 and building work started in the July.
The actual wall began its journey from Yorkshire in August, arriving in Thamesmead in one metre blocks on the back of a lorry. Once here it took four days to put up. We were finally ready for business and we opened for bookings at the end of September 2003.
We got more sophisticated in 2004 when a toilet block and kitchen area were built. Next to come was the office which was put together by five firemen from Plumstead Fire Station - thanks guys!
By May 2004 there was so much interest that we started public climbing sessions. It was around the same time that we did our first birthday parties and you won't believe how popular they've become!
We brought in more qualified instructors and began training our own through the Trust too so that by the end of 2004 we had 12 new instructors on our books.
We took a massive leap forward in 2005 with more instructors going through training, many new clients and bookings going through the ceiling.
The arch has also had a make-over, being transformed from its original grey concrete into a vibrant and exciting place. It's called the Cave because that's what it looks like!
It's been an exciting few years for our humble arch under the Harrow Manor Way flyover and who know what's to come next?
