I AM a frequent visitor to Okehampton and as I drive from Exeter and see the moors looming on my left I always feel a surge of excitement and I usually find something fun to do in the area.

During my last visit I went across the border and tested my climbing skills at a spectacular climbing barn and some kids I know were heading there again last weekend. They also go to various tors on the moors, sea cliffs on the north coast and Dewerstone Rocks near Plymouth.

When I taught at Okie College a few years ago it was disappointing to see an unused, indoor climbing wall. Later at Trinity School in Teignmouth an excellent outdoor facility was also never in action.

I am a big fan of team sports but not every child is that sort of gladiator and often kids find a niche and a hobby for life in rock climbing or other alternative activities like kayaking, trekking, diving or even pot-holing. 

It is many years since schools abandoned team games on a Saturday morning so there are fewer kids playing football and rugby on a regular basis than there were when I was a lad but since then the technology — like climbing walls — has developed to provide cost-effective, safe, adventurous alternatives.

Why do our schools and our local authorities not provide more for our children? 

When I lived there I took kids and adults on a Sunday morning off-piste challenge and last weekend I led a couple of youngsters gorge scrambling up the Okement River and on to the moor. I have promised to find a guide to take us down Pridhamsleigh Pot-hole on my next visit.

Do these kids really need to wait for someone from Canterbury to come and organise stuff for them?

It will be more difficult soon . . . I move to Kazakhstan!

Tony Rudall

Heaton Road

Canterbury