Martin Kocsis's spotlight turns to one of the main movers and shakers of the mighty North Wales Climbing Action Group. A man who also occupies powerful trousers as Chair of the resurgent Cymru/Wales Open Meeting. He is also the inventor of the powerglide (see your slate climbing history). Enter Mike Raine.

I remember first meeting you in a Yorkshire pothole in 1992; you seem taller now. What’s happened since then?
I think I was on my stomach in a puddle at the time.

March 2007 and Bwlch y Moch - how is it for you?
It's looking good actually. It's a shame that the tree surgeon won't begin until November, so by March 2008 it really will be Top Of The Pops again. Right now over 40 routes have been gardened and there are new pitches at VDiff, VS and HVS.

Climbers in North Wales have seen some seismic changes since June 2006. Discuss.
Too right. We've got gardening at Tremadog, rebolting on slate, abseil stations on Clogwyn y Grochan, the new North Wales Rock guidebook, new Ogwen and slate guides in the pipeline and more to follow. It's the place to be. There's a real buzz around the "Pizza & A Pint" nights at the Galt Y Glyn these days. The other night there was a whole table full of rock stars new and old. There's also a slow realisation that new routing is not really the way forward anymore, we just need to look after the climbing we've got. There are loads of climbers both in-comers and locals just going out, having a good time and climbing routes. Global warming seems to have been a big help as you can now climb in a 'T' shirt right through the winter.

Why did you make the choice to get involved with the BMC?
I'm just a busybody who can't stop interfering.

Who was the most famous climber to have ever held your ropes?
My partner Dr Janet Sumner of the BBC and the Open University; she’s always on the telly.

People always moan about the BMC. Care to comment?
Well to be honest it's about time they campaigned to improve the road links to Lower Sharpnose isn't it?

What should the office staff be better at?
You're all wonderful, Martin, honest. Please let go of my arm.

As a Plas y Brenin superstar instructor, you must have taught some right wierdos. Care to expand on my theory?
Er, I'm not the superstar one I'm afraid, and I have to say that we only get nice people on our courses

Where next for BMC Cymru/Wales?
South Wales, then England, we're coming. Watch out.

Had any good cakes, recently?
I work at Plas y Brenin and our entire world revolves around the 5 o'clock tea and cakes. So yes, every day.

Any advice for people abseiling at Tremadog?
Edrychwch cyn llychio.

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