Almost unique I think to British climbing is a long history of song writing! Over a hundred years literally dozens of ditties have been composed, some are I guess best forgotten, but some are classic such as The Karabiner King, Mountaineers Most Disingenuous The Bar Room Mountaineers, and The Man Who Watered The Climber's Beer (All included on this record).

Perhaps the most outstanding composer of such parodies was the late Dr Tom Patey. His songs such as The Ballad of Bill Murray, The Legend of Joe Brown, Red Pique (The Alpine Club song) and Onward Christian Bonington are both humorous and masterpieces of word play.

Earlier this year I decided to work with Paul Cherry of The Cotswold Studio to try to put together a CD recording the best of these. Included are 9 songs played and sung by Tom himself ( re-mastered off an old tape 40 years old obtained from Bill Brooker) and besides the ditties already highlighted are two songs I have written myself, The Road Song and The Boulder Freakie. And a number by Paul Cherry, Through Heavens Door.

This is a real stocking filler! If you wish to obtain one, send a cheque for £10 plus £1 for P & P to myself at: