THE BOARDING HOUSE SINCE 1984

80's

1984- Opens, selling BMX Bikes, first shop in Exeter to stock Vans shoes.
1985- Starts stocking skateboards. Also have surf department.
1986- Sponsor first street comp at King William car park Exeter.
1987- Now also stocking Roller Skates. Teach Roller Hockey at Schools and Youth Clubs.
1988- Pay for the metal surface on the vert ramp at Countess Wear, Exeter.
1989- First shop in Exeter selling Stussy clothing. Also In-line skates.

90's

1990- Pay for the metal surface on the mini ramp at Countess Wear, Exeter.
1994- Start stocking snowboards.
1995- First shop in Exeter to stock DC shoes.
1996- Sponsor and construct the jumps/ramps for the BMX dirt jumping/street contest at Cofton Road BMX track, Exeter.
Start negotiations with the local council to re-use JLC BMX track, Exeter.
1997- Boarding House BMX riders filmed for Westcountry Television. Start Exeter Skate Aid, raising cash toward public skatepark. Sponsor benefit nights at the Cavern, proceeds going towards the Exeter skate park fund. Get permission from E.C.C. to work on JLC BMX track- arrange 300 tons of dirt and digger to work on jumps.
1998- Take 49 people to Mount Hawke skatepark, proceeds to E.S.A. Provide ramps at Arena Park, Exeter, to demonstrate to City Council number of participants. 200 people use ramps over 3 days. Sponsor BMX demo at Exeter speedway track. More Cavern benefit nights. Arrange BMX display on Quay. Organise and take Skateboarders to Mount Hawke for Westcountry TV filming.
1999- Continue negotiations with Council regarding provision of Skatepark. Again provide ramps at Arena Park, Exeter for 3-day event. More trips to Mount Hawke and Cavern benefit nights. BMX shows on Quay and at Phoenix art centre.

00's

2000- Get decision and confirmed site for Exeter Skatepark from Council. Give away hundreds of 'Spot Guides', a shop publication offering Skatepark directions. More Hawke trips and demos. Bring out 'Idiot Proof', a video show-casing the areas spots and talent.
2001- Exeter Skatepark is now a reality. Publish new free Spot Guide to celebrate! Still running Hawke trips, filming for new video. Sponsor fun-day at new Skatepark with No-Comply.
2002- Release new shop video, 'Snap'. Premieres to one hundred people in 'Bar Metzo'. Release third edition of Spot Guide (still free!). Liase with Council regarding a second Skatepark for Exeter.
2003- theboardinghouse.org goes live. Release new shop video, double feature- 'Digital Science' (skate) and 'Bad Intentions' (bmx). Host free Premiere to over 200 people at Barnfield Theatre. Design and build ramps at Flowerpot Skatepark for E.C.C. Build new skatepark for Tiverton Town Council.
2004- Publish fourth guide to skateparks, free from the shop. Celebrate 20 years supporting Devon's skate, bmx and blading scenes, stoked. Build new mini-ramp at Flowerpot for E.C.C., funded by E.C.C. and Sport England.