UBSS!
Welcome
to another Plague Times issue of the Newsletter! As you'll see, your
editors and others have been beavering (or rather badgering) away busily
to bring you another packed issue, but keep your contributions coming
or we'll be forced to unleash the Honey Badger of Doom, and you wouldn't
want that. Trust us, you really wouldn't.
The online social scene has continued with the popular pub quiz followed by pub chat. Bring your own alcohol. If you'd like to join in, keep an eye on the club's Facebook page. but if you're not on there and would like to join in, let us know and we'll get the links for the video calls sent over to you. Rumours that all conversations in UBSS invariably end up with discussions about a) poo and b) dolphin sex proved utterly true recently when we managed to talk about the latter for nearly an hour, with academic papers being bandied around and some very not-safe-for-work diagrams. One of your esteemed editors proved to know a surprising amount about the subject. (Hint, can't blame Mia in this instance as she was at the Hut.) In Linda's defence, dolphins are interesting!
So what topics did conversations always descend into in your day? You can tell us, we're broad-minded. No points for saying poo. Everyone talks about that. Don't they?
As you'll see, with lockdown restrictions easing, caving has been gradually restarting around the country. We'll bring you as much up to date information as we can in each issue. There's a lot to cover at the moment, so bear with us and keep reading. Most of this information has only come in during the past week.
We hope you enjoy our latest offering, and thank you all for your lovely email messages of support!
Back issues of this newsletter can be found here.
The online social scene has continued with the popular pub quiz followed by pub chat. Bring your own alcohol. If you'd like to join in, keep an eye on the club's Facebook page. but if you're not on there and would like to join in, let us know and we'll get the links for the video calls sent over to you. Rumours that all conversations in UBSS invariably end up with discussions about a) poo and b) dolphin sex proved utterly true recently when we managed to talk about the latter for nearly an hour, with academic papers being bandied around and some very not-safe-for-work diagrams. One of your esteemed editors proved to know a surprising amount about the subject. (Hint, can't blame Mia in this instance as she was at the Hut.) In Linda's defence, dolphins are interesting!
So what topics did conversations always descend into in your day? You can tell us, we're broad-minded. No points for saying poo. Everyone talks about that. Don't they?
As you'll see, with lockdown restrictions easing, caving has been gradually restarting around the country. We'll bring you as much up to date information as we can in each issue. There's a lot to cover at the moment, so bear with us and keep reading. Most of this information has only come in during the past week.
We hope you enjoy our latest offering, and thank you all for your lovely email messages of support!
Back issues of this newsletter can be found here.
Linda and Mia
REOPENING OF THE UBSS HUT
Following the further easing of covid restrictions, the committee has decided to reopen the Hut to club-wide use in compliance to current health guidelines. A new booking system is in place to prevent over-crowding: contact our student treasurer-turned-covid sec, Imogen Clement, on facebook messenger or by emailing her to reserve your time on Mendip. It's quick and easy! Just one other quick warning, please be aware that the ash tree on the left side of the gate as you face the Hut is a bit wonky. This has been reported to the Wills Estate and a tree surgeon will take a look. It may well be affected by ash die-back. Parking underneath this is not recommended!
The Hut is now supplied with hand sanitiser and face masks. The rules at present are up to three households at the hut at one time, with a maximum of six people in total, and only one household in the kitchen at any given time to abide social distancing advice. The full controls are below.
Have fun and stay safe!
Left to
right: Imogen, Henry, Mia, Merryn and Sam, very happy to be reunited
safely and back in Mendip. Note: these are members of the same
household.
Following the further easing of covid restrictions, the committee has decided to reopen the Hut to club-wide use in compliance to current health guidelines. A new booking system is in place to prevent over-crowding: contact our student treasurer-turned-covid sec, Imogen Clement, on facebook messenger or by emailing her to reserve your time on Mendip. It's quick and easy! Just one other quick warning, please be aware that the ash tree on the left side of the gate as you face the Hut is a bit wonky. This has been reported to the Wills Estate and a tree surgeon will take a look. It may well be affected by ash die-back. Parking underneath this is not recommended!
The Hut is now supplied with hand sanitiser and face masks. The rules at present are up to three households at the hut at one time, with a maximum of six people in total, and only one household in the kitchen at any given time to abide social distancing advice. The full controls are below.
Have fun and stay safe!
Mia
UBSS Hut COVID-19 Controls
- Social distancing (1m+) to be observed at all times.
- Wash hands and surfaces regularly.
- Encouraged to wear masks inside/where social distancing is difficult.
- Maximum of six people in any one group.
- Maximum of one group at the Hut at any one time.
- Maximum of two households in the main building at any time.
- Maximum of one household in the married quarters at any time.
- One household group using the kitchen at any time.
- Maximum of one household group sleeping in either hut at a time e.g. one in main hut, one in married quarters. Others to be in tents by household group.
- Toilet, Shower and Kitchen should be thoroughly cleaned after use and hands to be santised before and after use.
- Special care should be taken to clean items that change hands (e.g. hut keys, kitchen items, axes).
- Both huts must be thoroughly cleaned when a group departs.
- Records need to be kept for 21 days of people who use the hut to enable contact tracing should this be necessary.
- The UBSS COVID-19 Officer is Imogen Clement. Please email all requests for hut bookings to Imogen.
Please wait for a confirmation of your booking from Imogen before going
to the hut. Please include in your booking request the names of
everyone in your party and their household groupings. This information
will be kept by the COVID-19 Officer for these purposes only and will
only be released should they be required for contact tracing.
UBSS Committee
3.7.20
ROWDY IN ROD'S
Following the recent moves into our two new caver households, the not-so-fresh freshers congregated to the Hut for a weekend. Zac reports on one of our first post-lockdown trips...
I had wanted to do Bath Swallet and Rod’s Pot for some time given that it shared a name with my home town and is so close to the Hut, so on the Friday of our freshers’ trip to the Hut in late July while Henry, Imogen and Sam did a Swildon’s short round trip, Merryn, Mia and I made the short walk over to Rod’s with the intention to enter there, pass through to Bath for a peek, then come back out of Rod’s in the absence of a ladder.
At the time I thought the entrance was bloody muddy but I was soon to have that definition redefined as Mia, who was leading the group, took us down the top end of the incredibly muddy Murlis loop where I discovered that they really should start putting size limits on caves after getting stuck at the end of a crawl tube over a 15-metre-deep pitch (there was a traverse line but we didn’t have crabs).
Specimen B: Zac Woodford
Following the recent moves into our two new caver households, the not-so-fresh freshers congregated to the Hut for a weekend. Zac reports on one of our first post-lockdown trips...
I had wanted to do Bath Swallet and Rod’s Pot for some time given that it shared a name with my home town and is so close to the Hut, so on the Friday of our freshers’ trip to the Hut in late July while Henry, Imogen and Sam did a Swildon’s short round trip, Merryn, Mia and I made the short walk over to Rod’s with the intention to enter there, pass through to Bath for a peek, then come back out of Rod’s in the absence of a ladder.
At the time I thought the entrance was bloody muddy but I was soon to have that definition redefined as Mia, who was leading the group, took us down the top end of the incredibly muddy Murlis loop where I discovered that they really should start putting size limits on caves after getting stuck at the end of a crawl tube over a 15-metre-deep pitch (there was a traverse line but we didn’t have crabs).
Specimen A: Mia Jacobs
Taking a moment to rest, Mia scouted
ahead while Merryn caught up. Mia soon indicated that she had found the
way on so I followed only to find another tight squeeze that dropped
into a narrow rift at a right angle. I continued to follow Mia through
the zigzags despite starting to panic until we reached a much larger
rift that I could stand in (finally), which Mia suggested I use to turn
around in to exit the route. Examining her hastily taken photos of
Mendip Underground on her phone, which was wrapped in a plastic bag, Mia
decided that it was best for us to return to the entrance rather than
face more squeezes given her uncertainty about the route. If we had
known that we were next to the hanging rock chamber and were only one
crawl tube away from the main chamber I would have very much insisted we
go on rather than brave those squeezes again. But we did (although they
weren’t so much squeezes than crawls for Mia and Merryn, who are
smaller) and after much crying and whimpering on my part and some truly
excellent support from Mia and Merryn (both emotional and physical) we
made it out of the Murlis loop and made our way to the main chamber on a
much more comfortable route where we explored around, poking our heads
in many holes that we could go down but ultimately were too lazy to.
Specimen B: Zac Woodford
On the way back up, however, Merryn and
Mia took a scenic side route while I clambered to the top and gave Mia a
scare after turning my light off and waiting for her at the top of the
climb (some small pay back). We also stopped to stick our heads in a
side pitch to identify some ‘items’ (likely just rubbish) while
performing suggestive dances. [editor's note: see edition header.] It
was a short jaunt from there back out to the surface.
While all in all a relatively short trip in what’s supposed to be a harmless cave, we managed to turn it into an adventure.
Zac Woodford
CAVES OF MID-WEST IRELAND WINS PRESTIGIOUS TRATMAN AWARD
Caves of Mid-West Ireland, our centenary publication, edited by Graham Mullan, has won the caving world's top book prize, the Tratman Award, given by the British Cave Research Association, for publication of outstanding excellence.
The Award is named after former UBSS President Professor EK Tratman, who edited the first guidebook to the area, The Caves of North-West Clare in 1969. This was followed by Caves of County Clare, edited by Charlie Self and Caves of County Clare and South Galway, also edited by Graham. The latest guidebook expanded the area yet again. The writing team consisted of Dave Drew, Mike Simms, Linda Wilson, Tony Boycott and Linda Wilson, as well as Graham. With numerous other UBSS members, particularly the student contingent with survey maestro Ashley Gregg collecting field data and surveying. Lots and lots of re-surveying.
The award, first given out for the publications of 1979, was originally administered by the Ghar Parau Foundation when the foundation was a sub-charity of BCRA, but since 2019 (presenting the 2018 awards) when the foundation became an independent charity it has been directly awarded by BCRA. The judges are independent of the association and look not only for a high standard of writing and information content, but also factors such as the publication’s layout, print quality, binding and availability.
The judges also mentioned Graham’s involvement with the UBSS Proceedings, which they described as a long-term, highly praised and superbly produced academic title devoted to caves and their archaeology and exploration, which itself might have otherwise challenged the other commendations.
A full short list of the contenders for the award can be found along with a full article on Darkness Below. The book won against an exceptionally strong field, which makes the award even more special. Naturally, Graham (and his mum!) were very chuffed. What he didn't realise was that in my capacities as both BCRA Publicity Officer and Darkness Below editor I'd known about the award for several weeks, as the plan was to announce this in Descent and on Darkness Below simultaneously, as well as on all BCRA news channels, to make up for the lack of the usual announcement at Hidden Earth, which could not take place this year due to Covid-19. Sharon Wheeler, UBSS member and DB editor, wrote the story for the website and it was secretly loaded by Tony Brocklebank while Graham and I walked the dogs. The whole thing was organised like a military operation, and naturally, no plan survived first contact, as Sharon's electricity fell over the day before, and we had to haul Tony in as back-up in case it happened again! On returning, I had to gently poke Graham in the direction of the website to read the announcement.
After vowing that he would never again edit another guidebook, Graham is now hard at work on another with the working title Caves of South West Ireland, to be published by UBSS in conjunction with the Speleological Union of Ireland (SUI). The writing and editing team has been expanded to include those who know about areas that are outside our usual stamping grounds. Graham is still having fun and games trying to sort out the chapter on Cork!
Thanks to everyone who sent congratulation direct and on social media. The book involved a vast effort by numerous people, and in particular Graham as editor, and it was so nice to see both the book and Proceedings honoured in this way.
A predominently student trip to Co Clare, led by Ash, supported generously by the Tratman Fund (administered by Professor Mike Benton in Earth Sciences) will be visiting the area in September this year, provided Plague Times don't worsen.
Caves of Mid-West Ireland, our centenary publication, edited by Graham Mullan, has won the caving world's top book prize, the Tratman Award, given by the British Cave Research Association, for publication of outstanding excellence.
The Award is named after former UBSS President Professor EK Tratman, who edited the first guidebook to the area, The Caves of North-West Clare in 1969. This was followed by Caves of County Clare, edited by Charlie Self and Caves of County Clare and South Galway, also edited by Graham. The latest guidebook expanded the area yet again. The writing team consisted of Dave Drew, Mike Simms, Linda Wilson, Tony Boycott and Linda Wilson, as well as Graham. With numerous other UBSS members, particularly the student contingent with survey maestro Ashley Gregg collecting field data and surveying. Lots and lots of re-surveying.
The award, first given out for the publications of 1979, was originally administered by the Ghar Parau Foundation when the foundation was a sub-charity of BCRA, but since 2019 (presenting the 2018 awards) when the foundation became an independent charity it has been directly awarded by BCRA. The judges are independent of the association and look not only for a high standard of writing and information content, but also factors such as the publication’s layout, print quality, binding and availability.
The judges also mentioned Graham’s involvement with the UBSS Proceedings, which they described as a long-term, highly praised and superbly produced academic title devoted to caves and their archaeology and exploration, which itself might have otherwise challenged the other commendations.
A full short list of the contenders for the award can be found along with a full article on Darkness Below. The book won against an exceptionally strong field, which makes the award even more special. Naturally, Graham (and his mum!) were very chuffed. What he didn't realise was that in my capacities as both BCRA Publicity Officer and Darkness Below editor I'd known about the award for several weeks, as the plan was to announce this in Descent and on Darkness Below simultaneously, as well as on all BCRA news channels, to make up for the lack of the usual announcement at Hidden Earth, which could not take place this year due to Covid-19. Sharon Wheeler, UBSS member and DB editor, wrote the story for the website and it was secretly loaded by Tony Brocklebank while Graham and I walked the dogs. The whole thing was organised like a military operation, and naturally, no plan survived first contact, as Sharon's electricity fell over the day before, and we had to haul Tony in as back-up in case it happened again! On returning, I had to gently poke Graham in the direction of the website to read the announcement.
After vowing that he would never again edit another guidebook, Graham is now hard at work on another with the working title Caves of South West Ireland, to be published by UBSS in conjunction with the Speleological Union of Ireland (SUI). The writing and editing team has been expanded to include those who know about areas that are outside our usual stamping grounds. Graham is still having fun and games trying to sort out the chapter on Cork!
Thanks to everyone who sent congratulation direct and on social media. The book involved a vast effort by numerous people, and in particular Graham as editor, and it was so nice to see both the book and Proceedings honoured in this way.
A predominently student trip to Co Clare, led by Ash, supported generously by the Tratman Fund (administered by Professor Mike Benton in Earth Sciences) will be visiting the area in September this year, provided Plague Times don't worsen.
Linda Wilson (proud wife!)
RE-STACKED!
During recent renovations, some reservations were expressed about the stability of the chimney, so the committee called in local caver and builder Alan ‘Butch’ Butcher to take a look.
Butch gave a very reasonable quote for redoing any dodgy brickwork and dealing with the chimney pot and cowl etc. With help from Tony Boycott who opened the gate for him and probably hung around being useful, Butch got the job done quickly and within quote and we now have a shiny new chimney. The funny thing was that the old chimney pot wasn’t cracked, it turned out to be two separate halves wired together. Classic UBSS bodge job that lasted for many years!
During recent renovations, some reservations were expressed about the stability of the chimney, so the committee called in local caver and builder Alan ‘Butch’ Butcher to take a look.
Butch gave a very reasonable quote for redoing any dodgy brickwork and dealing with the chimney pot and cowl etc. With help from Tony Boycott who opened the gate for him and probably hung around being useful, Butch got the job done quickly and within quote and we now have a shiny new chimney. The funny thing was that the old chimney pot wasn’t cracked, it turned out to be two separate halves wired together. Classic UBSS bodge job that lasted for many years!
PIERRE'S HANGING GARDENS
No, this is not Pierre's. Nor any cave for that matter. We've just about exhausted our holiday photos, OK?
Merryn and Henry finally got underground after several months, choosing a Burrington classic to ease themselves back into caving life. Ease, did someone say ease?
On the Wednesday of our hut week Mia and Henry arrived from their idyllic holiday in the alps. Sam, Imogen and I had been placing bets on how quickly Henry would want to get underground, and sure enough that evening he instigated a Pierre’s Pot Hanging Gardens trip. I found myself strangely keen to cave despite enjoying the cosy Hut party, so decided to join him on a quick trip.
We slithered and squidged our way down Pierre’s so quickly that I barely noticed the bruises forming along my legs. I can’t remember whether I always got this beaten up caving, or if my ungraceful rock flopping style was a sign of lockdown de-skilling (pretending I was once skilled). Either way, I enjoyed being underground again after so long and found squeezing between cold slabs of rock strangely comforting.
Eventually we arrived at the famous phallic stal, both a marker point for the way into the hanging gardens and a useful hand hold for hauling yourself up a rock slab to the passage entrance. Henry found the way on by awkwardly squeezing down and behind the stal (thankfully I didn’t have to go through the Pierre’s arsehole like they mistakenly did last time).
A few more squishes and crawls and we began to smell a sweet scent of honeysuckle and lavender; the hanging gardens were getting close. Henry reached the chamber first and exclaimed in awe at the mystical beauty before us. Hanging stals laced in golden ivy and calcite white roses decorated the ceiling. Pretty pink and lilac flowers lined the floors and walls, an array of petunias, lavender, and pansies. Both speechless at the spectacle, we could hear the faint buzzing of the bees between the stals. The gardens certainly did not disappoint.
Henry went ahead slightly to find an awkward climb that petered out, so we decided to make our exit. Congratulations goes to Henry for finally completing the slot on the way out. I was far too keen for a pee and a beer to bother giving it a go. A pretty good first Mendip cave in while.
No, this is not Pierre's. Nor any cave for that matter. We've just about exhausted our holiday photos, OK?
Merryn and Henry finally got underground after several months, choosing a Burrington classic to ease themselves back into caving life. Ease, did someone say ease?
On the Wednesday of our hut week Mia and Henry arrived from their idyllic holiday in the alps. Sam, Imogen and I had been placing bets on how quickly Henry would want to get underground, and sure enough that evening he instigated a Pierre’s Pot Hanging Gardens trip. I found myself strangely keen to cave despite enjoying the cosy Hut party, so decided to join him on a quick trip.
We slithered and squidged our way down Pierre’s so quickly that I barely noticed the bruises forming along my legs. I can’t remember whether I always got this beaten up caving, or if my ungraceful rock flopping style was a sign of lockdown de-skilling (pretending I was once skilled). Either way, I enjoyed being underground again after so long and found squeezing between cold slabs of rock strangely comforting.
Eventually we arrived at the famous phallic stal, both a marker point for the way into the hanging gardens and a useful hand hold for hauling yourself up a rock slab to the passage entrance. Henry found the way on by awkwardly squeezing down and behind the stal (thankfully I didn’t have to go through the Pierre’s arsehole like they mistakenly did last time).
A few more squishes and crawls and we began to smell a sweet scent of honeysuckle and lavender; the hanging gardens were getting close. Henry reached the chamber first and exclaimed in awe at the mystical beauty before us. Hanging stals laced in golden ivy and calcite white roses decorated the ceiling. Pretty pink and lilac flowers lined the floors and walls, an array of petunias, lavender, and pansies. Both speechless at the spectacle, we could hear the faint buzzing of the bees between the stals. The gardens certainly did not disappoint.
Henry went ahead slightly to find an awkward climb that petered out, so we decided to make our exit. Congratulations goes to Henry for finally completing the slot on the way out. I was far too keen for a pee and a beer to bother giving it a go. A pretty good first Mendip cave in while.
Merryn Matthews
CHARTERHOUSE CAVING COMPANY LTD CAVES REOPEN
Following the updated advice from government, the BCA and the BCRC, the company is able to recommence visits to the caves under its management from Monday 13th July 2020. Visits are, of course, subject to the normal requirements of the access agreements and also to the additional recommendations listed below.
Chairman, on behalf of the Directors, CCC Ltd, July 11th 2020
G.B. Cave, Bat Passage shortly after its discovery in 1966. Photo courtesy of Geoff Fuller.
The
UBSS is one of the member clubs of the above organisation that covers
access to GB, Charterhouse, Longwood-August, Rhino Rift and various
minor sites and digs. As UBSS issues keys to these sites, please note
the following.
CHARTERHOUSE CAVING COMPANY LTD
RE-OPENING THE CAVES 13th JULY 2020
RE-OPENING THE CAVES 13th JULY 2020
Following the updated advice from government, the BCA and the BCRC, the company is able to recommence visits to the caves under its management from Monday 13th July 2020. Visits are, of course, subject to the normal requirements of the access agreements and also to the additional recommendations listed below.
- Until further notice each club is asked not to issue more than one key for each cave on any one day.
- Social distancing and hygiene protocols must be followed when issuing and returning both keys and permits. It is recommended that visitors use hand sanitiser before and after unlocking and locking cave gates.
- No cars are to be parked at Charterhouse Farm by request of the owners and no changing is to take place there. Parking for G.B. and Charterhouse must therefore be in the layby by the field entrance on the road.
- It is recommended that you have a plan "B" if you are likely to meet other cavers underground.
- Ash dieback is affecting trees throughout the Mendip area. Take care when using the permissive path through Longwood Valley especially in high winds.
- Plan for an alternative location if the location is already occupied, so as to minimise the risk of transmission of the coronavirus between groups;
- Noting that whilst some rural communities are content to see cavers, others may still be reluctant to have visitors, so check local information before visiting and take care when approaching any location;
- The ‘service’ provided by cave rescue organisations may be reduced and could take longer to arrive at the scene of an incident, so cavers and mine explorers should special care to reduce the risk of a call out;
- Follow government guidance on contact with shared tackle, hand washing / use of hand sanitizer and maintain an appropriate social distance where reasonably possible both above and underground, so as to minimise the risk of transmission of the coronavirus; and
- Keep a record for 21 days of whom you have associated with in case they subsequently realise that they are infected, so as to facilitate the government’s test and trace program.
Chairman, on behalf of the Directors, CCC Ltd, July 11th 2020
MORE MENDIP ACCESS NEWS
Eastwater entrance. Photo by Steve Sharp, courtesy of Mendip Cave Regisrty and Archive (MCRA)
This has just come in from the Council of Southern Caving Clubs (CSCC).
Eastwater Cavern and North Hill Swallet have reopened. The access arrangements have changed so please take the time to read them here
Recently received information indicates that Tyning's Barrows Swallet is closed due to coronavirus.
All the latest access news can be seen here.
Dave Cooke for CSCC
SOMERSET UNDERGROUND VOLUME TWO
Yay, caving!
The Mendip Cave Registry and Archive have now published volume 2 in their new series, Somerset Underground. This new book covers all known cave sites in West Mendip, the Burrington Area and North Mendip, happy hunting grounds for UBSS members. Priced at a mere £10, this stitched, flexibound, full-colour production has been especially designed for use in the field.
Bristol based members will be able to obtain copies directly from either Graham Mullan (07887 637064) or Tony Boycott (07776 183819).
Those further afield will soon be able to buy online from the MCRA’s website where volume 1 (covering Bristol, the Avon Gorge, Broadfield Down, the entire Bristol Channel and West Somerset including Milverton, the Quantocks, the Brendons and Exmoor) is now available again, as lockdown has been eased. Copies of volume 1, which was published in March this year, are also available in Bristol from Tony or Graham.
100 MEMORIES - SUMMER OF 1975 - LISDOONVARNA, Co CLARE
Fergus River Cave, Shingle Cavern. Photo by Jim Warny. (This isn't beyond the sump, but we have no photos from there. So if anyone can oblige...)
Prompted by a conversation on Facebook about Caves of Mid-West Clare winning the Tratman Award, former UBSS member Christine Greenall recalled one of her own experiences in Co Clare, and kindly wrote this up as part of our 100 Memories project.
It was the Summer Expedition to County Clare. There were a group of us young students there with Trat and Oliver Lloyd to further explore the Fergus River Cave. The weather was dry and sunny (perfect for exploring the sump).
Tony Boycott had been through the first sump with a bottle and had decided that it could be free-dived. There was only one way to prove this though – someone had to do it. That was where Rich Barker and I came in. We were not cave divers but had both done the Swildons 1-9 a few times and were up for the challenge.
The Fergus River Cave had few difficulties on the approach to the sump. On reaching the pool of blue water, Tony went through with a bottle and laid a line. It had been agreed that once the line was secured he would tug three times on the rope and we would follow.
It was both exciting and a bit scary at this point. I had every trust in Tony’s judgement but was about to do something that hadn’t previously been attempted. Sure enough the rope twitched three times. Rich and I looked at each other. I went in the water and picked up the rope, tugged three times to let Tony know I was coming and took probably the deepest breath I had ever taken.
The rope seemed to go down a long way but, just as I was getting a bit nervous, I went under the rock and started to rapidly surface. I emerged into a pool very similar to the entrance to see Tony sitting on the rock smiling. He had been right - the sump was suitable for free-diving.
After tugging the rope to let Rich know to follow, I joined Tony on the edge of the pool. We were in a large cavern with a lake in the centre. The sides of the lake were marbled and there were stalactites hanging down over the water. I thought it was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen and marvelled that I was the first person ever to see it without the aid of a diving bottle.
Going back felt very easy after the thrill of the first dive and that night in O’Connor’s was a rowdy celebration.
Christine Greenall and Rich Barker (left),
Graham Mullan (right), on the road outside Poulnagollum, in 1974. This
photo by Steve Warr appeared in the latest edition of Proceedings,
illustrating caving gear of that period.
I will always be grateful to UBSS, Professor Trat and Oliver Lloyd for giving me such great opportunities to discover new places and experience such exciting achievements as well as for the enormous fun on expeditions and pub nights. Thanks also to Tony Boycott for trusting our ability to complete the job and opening up the new section of the cave for non cave divers.
Fergus River Cave, Shingle Cavern. Photo by Jim Warny. (This isn't beyond the sump, but we have no photos from there. So if anyone can oblige...)
Prompted by a conversation on Facebook about Caves of Mid-West Clare winning the Tratman Award, former UBSS member Christine Greenall recalled one of her own experiences in Co Clare, and kindly wrote this up as part of our 100 Memories project.
It was the Summer Expedition to County Clare. There were a group of us young students there with Trat and Oliver Lloyd to further explore the Fergus River Cave. The weather was dry and sunny (perfect for exploring the sump).
Tony Boycott had been through the first sump with a bottle and had decided that it could be free-dived. There was only one way to prove this though – someone had to do it. That was where Rich Barker and I came in. We were not cave divers but had both done the Swildons 1-9 a few times and were up for the challenge.
The Fergus River Cave had few difficulties on the approach to the sump. On reaching the pool of blue water, Tony went through with a bottle and laid a line. It had been agreed that once the line was secured he would tug three times on the rope and we would follow.
It was both exciting and a bit scary at this point. I had every trust in Tony’s judgement but was about to do something that hadn’t previously been attempted. Sure enough the rope twitched three times. Rich and I looked at each other. I went in the water and picked up the rope, tugged three times to let Tony know I was coming and took probably the deepest breath I had ever taken.
The rope seemed to go down a long way but, just as I was getting a bit nervous, I went under the rock and started to rapidly surface. I emerged into a pool very similar to the entrance to see Tony sitting on the rock smiling. He had been right - the sump was suitable for free-diving.
After tugging the rope to let Rich know to follow, I joined Tony on the edge of the pool. We were in a large cavern with a lake in the centre. The sides of the lake were marbled and there were stalactites hanging down over the water. I thought it was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen and marvelled that I was the first person ever to see it without the aid of a diving bottle.
Going back felt very easy after the thrill of the first dive and that night in O’Connor’s was a rowdy celebration.
I will always be grateful to UBSS, Professor Trat and Oliver Lloyd for giving me such great opportunities to discover new places and experience such exciting achievements as well as for the enormous fun on expeditions and pub nights. Thanks also to Tony Boycott for trusting our ability to complete the job and opening up the new section of the cave for non cave divers.
Christine Greenall (UBSS member 1974-77, Secretary 1976-77)
A WEEK'S A BLOODY LONG TIME IN POLITICS
And it's been a rather extraordinary week in British caving politics, as Linda Wilson reports.
A week ago, Les Williams, who many of you will know better as the driving force behind Hidden Earth, resigned from his role as Chair of the British Caving Association (BCA), for personal reasons. This came hard on the heels of the resignations of the recently appointed Conservation & Access Officer, who cited infighting and general disrespect. The Publicity Officer had also recently resigned. These followed earlier resignations by the secretary and the webmaster. Phil 'madphil' Rowsell, who chaired last week's Council meeting in Les' absence, was co-opted as acting chair. Within a couple of days, Phil issued an impressively strong email in which he stated:
"The BCA has recently had an unprecedented procession of resignations, which quite frankly is unsustainable, and has to change. All those who have resigned have sighted “the infighting and complete disrespect for each other” being one of the main reasons. I too have to say that the level of infighting and bullying etc has been unprecedented with personal attacks on the UK Caving forum, complaints being filed, requesting access to personal emails, even threatening of court action." Phil went on to call for a period of reflection, saying: "I would like ALL council member to spend a period of time to reflect on their OWN behaviour (not other peoples but their own behaviour, not to blame others for actions but to consider the consequences of their actions) and understand that this must STOP if BCA is to move from this appalling state it has arrived at. Moving forward, I and the BCA Executive will not tolerate this sort of behaviour. Furthermore, what has happened in the past needs to be left behind and we need to concentrate on moving forward."
Please note that there has been no suggestion that Les was in any way involved in any of the unpleasant and I think all who know him will offer their thanks for all he's done for British caving.
The ink was barely dry on the above, metaphorically speaking, when Alan 'Butch' Butcher resigned as chair of the Council of Southern Caving Clubs, with another strong statement on his reasons, which I'll link to in the next newsletter once the minutes of the meeting that took place on 28th July that I attended as UBSS rep have been circulated. The meeting was chaired by Ed Waters, who did an excellent job. Ed started the meeting with a vote of thanks to Butch for all his work on behalf of CSCC over many years. Sixteen voting clubs were in attendance with 20 observers, including madphil for the latter part of the meeting, which lasted for four hours.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss whether proposals should be put forward to the BCA AGM. There were a long list of proposals and the first vote was whether they should be discussed at all, as some clubs wanted them thrown out without discussion. That proposal was put to a vote and failed by eight votes to four, with one abstention. So all proposals were debated at length and in a civilised manner (which seems to be something of a first in British caving at the moment). The proposals can be found online here, with reasons. The following will make bugger all sense if you don't take a sneak peak,
The end result was as follows: 6.1 Tied vote. Chair did not exercise casting vote. Proposal referred back to next meeting for further discussion. This will miss the AGM deadline but can still be progressed internally. 6.2 was passed by nine for, three against and three abstentions. 6.3 passed by nine votes for, two against, four abstentions. 6.4 passed by nine votes for, four against and three abstentions. On all votes, I voted for the proposals, as I thought they were well reasoned, and all these will now all go forward in the name of CSCC.
The remainder of the proposals were parked for further discussion, mostly on assurances from madphil that these issues won't be swept under the carpet. He will keep CSCC informed. I'll link to the minutes in the next newsletter, including other items of business. I was unanimously elected as CSCC rep to the next BCA meeting which is being held in August, If I can't make the meeting for any reason, Ed Waters will be rep.
The CSCC AGM will hopefully be held online on 26th September. Further details to follow.
All hail to CSCC secretary, Frank Tully, who had to do the meeting from his phone whilst in a parked car in Scotland, and take notes of a four hour meeting at the same time! That produced the best exchange in the meeting when Frank was seen to be waving his hand around. Ed as chair said: "Do you want to say something, Frank?" Frank replied: "No, I was just waving to the police." I'm pleased to report that he wasn't detained for suspicous behaviour in a parked car!
I had a very large gin or two at midnight French time after the meeting! More from thirst and a desire for booze rather than to recover. It was long, but a really positive meeting, well conducted and reasonable after an absolutely shitty time for British caving politics in general. I sincerely hope that madphil and others can start to heal the unpleasantness that has clearly affected our national body.
And it's been a rather extraordinary week in British caving politics, as Linda Wilson reports.
A week ago, Les Williams, who many of you will know better as the driving force behind Hidden Earth, resigned from his role as Chair of the British Caving Association (BCA), for personal reasons. This came hard on the heels of the resignations of the recently appointed Conservation & Access Officer, who cited infighting and general disrespect. The Publicity Officer had also recently resigned. These followed earlier resignations by the secretary and the webmaster. Phil 'madphil' Rowsell, who chaired last week's Council meeting in Les' absence, was co-opted as acting chair. Within a couple of days, Phil issued an impressively strong email in which he stated:
"The BCA has recently had an unprecedented procession of resignations, which quite frankly is unsustainable, and has to change. All those who have resigned have sighted “the infighting and complete disrespect for each other” being one of the main reasons. I too have to say that the level of infighting and bullying etc has been unprecedented with personal attacks on the UK Caving forum, complaints being filed, requesting access to personal emails, even threatening of court action." Phil went on to call for a period of reflection, saying: "I would like ALL council member to spend a period of time to reflect on their OWN behaviour (not other peoples but their own behaviour, not to blame others for actions but to consider the consequences of their actions) and understand that this must STOP if BCA is to move from this appalling state it has arrived at. Moving forward, I and the BCA Executive will not tolerate this sort of behaviour. Furthermore, what has happened in the past needs to be left behind and we need to concentrate on moving forward."
Please note that there has been no suggestion that Les was in any way involved in any of the unpleasant and I think all who know him will offer their thanks for all he's done for British caving.
The ink was barely dry on the above, metaphorically speaking, when Alan 'Butch' Butcher resigned as chair of the Council of Southern Caving Clubs, with another strong statement on his reasons, which I'll link to in the next newsletter once the minutes of the meeting that took place on 28th July that I attended as UBSS rep have been circulated. The meeting was chaired by Ed Waters, who did an excellent job. Ed started the meeting with a vote of thanks to Butch for all his work on behalf of CSCC over many years. Sixteen voting clubs were in attendance with 20 observers, including madphil for the latter part of the meeting, which lasted for four hours.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss whether proposals should be put forward to the BCA AGM. There were a long list of proposals and the first vote was whether they should be discussed at all, as some clubs wanted them thrown out without discussion. That proposal was put to a vote and failed by eight votes to four, with one abstention. So all proposals were debated at length and in a civilised manner (which seems to be something of a first in British caving at the moment). The proposals can be found online here, with reasons. The following will make bugger all sense if you don't take a sneak peak,
The end result was as follows: 6.1 Tied vote. Chair did not exercise casting vote. Proposal referred back to next meeting for further discussion. This will miss the AGM deadline but can still be progressed internally. 6.2 was passed by nine for, three against and three abstentions. 6.3 passed by nine votes for, two against, four abstentions. 6.4 passed by nine votes for, four against and three abstentions. On all votes, I voted for the proposals, as I thought they were well reasoned, and all these will now all go forward in the name of CSCC.
The remainder of the proposals were parked for further discussion, mostly on assurances from madphil that these issues won't be swept under the carpet. He will keep CSCC informed. I'll link to the minutes in the next newsletter, including other items of business. I was unanimously elected as CSCC rep to the next BCA meeting which is being held in August, If I can't make the meeting for any reason, Ed Waters will be rep.
The CSCC AGM will hopefully be held online on 26th September. Further details to follow.
All hail to CSCC secretary, Frank Tully, who had to do the meeting from his phone whilst in a parked car in Scotland, and take notes of a four hour meeting at the same time! That produced the best exchange in the meeting when Frank was seen to be waving his hand around. Ed as chair said: "Do you want to say something, Frank?" Frank replied: "No, I was just waving to the police." I'm pleased to report that he wasn't detained for suspicous behaviour in a parked car!
I had a very large gin or two at midnight French time after the meeting! More from thirst and a desire for booze rather than to recover. It was long, but a really positive meeting, well conducted and reasonable after an absolutely shitty time for British caving politics in general. I sincerely hope that madphil and others can start to heal the unpleasantness that has clearly affected our national body.
Linda Wilson
UBSS rep on CSCC
UBSS rep on CSCC
HOBNAIL HOLE UPDATE
King Cobble Hall, Hobnail Hole. Photo courtesy of Clive North (and many thanks to Dave King for sourcing this for us). From left to right: Richard Witcombe, Dave King, Simon Mead-King. The large cobble after which the chamber was named is on the floor between Richard's feet. Dave recalls it was visible from above before they enlarged the slot to drop down into King Cobble Hall.
The following info has been received about a lesser-known but still classic Mendip cave…
Hobnail Hole is once again open after dropping and making safe the large boulder in Black Pot.
Although the boulder has been made safe there may still be small loose stream washed shingle on various ledges. A reminder that Black Pot has a lot of chert nodules that may not be load bearing and may break off under load therefore do not rely upon them as secure foot and hand holds.
The Hobnail channel has once again been dug out of washed down shingle and silts and is currently taking the whole Thrupe stream.
Please use a ladder for descending and ascending King Cobble Hall - walls, roof and boulders may not take too kindly to flailing feet thrashing around.
If a through trip from Thrupe Lane Swallet is planned, a ladder can be rigged down into King Cobble Hall in less than 30mins.
Hobnail entrance gate is fitted with a CSCC padlock Thrupe Lane Swallet entrance has been cleared of flood debris.
The three renovated/converted farm buildings opposite the lay by all have new residents inc children. Please respect our new neighbours.
Dave King on behalf of the ATLAS diggers.
King Cobble Hall, Hobnail Hole. Photo courtesy of Clive North (and many thanks to Dave King for sourcing this for us). From left to right: Richard Witcombe, Dave King, Simon Mead-King. The large cobble after which the chamber was named is on the floor between Richard's feet. Dave recalls it was visible from above before they enlarged the slot to drop down into King Cobble Hall.
The following info has been received about a lesser-known but still classic Mendip cave…
Hobnail Hole is once again open after dropping and making safe the large boulder in Black Pot.
Although the boulder has been made safe there may still be small loose stream washed shingle on various ledges. A reminder that Black Pot has a lot of chert nodules that may not be load bearing and may break off under load therefore do not rely upon them as secure foot and hand holds.
The Hobnail channel has once again been dug out of washed down shingle and silts and is currently taking the whole Thrupe stream.
Please use a ladder for descending and ascending King Cobble Hall - walls, roof and boulders may not take too kindly to flailing feet thrashing around.
If a through trip from Thrupe Lane Swallet is planned, a ladder can be rigged down into King Cobble Hall in less than 30mins.
Hobnail entrance gate is fitted with a CSCC padlock Thrupe Lane Swallet entrance has been cleared of flood debris.
The three renovated/converted farm buildings opposite the lay by all have new residents inc children. Please respect our new neighbours.
Dave King on behalf of the ATLAS diggers.
OFD REOPENS
OFD. Photo courtesy of Peter Burgess from the Wealdon Cave & Mine Society. And yes, that is the person's belt. You thought it was something else? Surely not! For information, the photo was taken off the very high level section on the pitch route to the Columns - close to the surface and prime area for an expert to look for evidence of permafrost. It is less than ten minutes in from Top Entrance.
The following email has been received from South Wales Caving Club who run the access to OFD, for which the club has an annual permit. If you are intending to cave in OFD please take the time to read this carefully and follow the link to the full requirements as failure to stick to the new covid rules will result in UBSS losing its permit.
Just to update you, SWCC are planning to have OFD Open again this coming weekend - 1st August 2020.
There has been a massive re-organisation as a result of Coronavirus and a new set of guidelines rules and proceedures have been put together to make the opening of the cave possible sooner rather than later.
Can you pass the attached guidelines onto your members please. Its important that they are aware that Keys for OFD are now only available through the route described in the attached document.
Can I also stress that keeping the cave open depends on caver attitude when visiting, signing out keys, filling in log sheets etc. You will see that one of the new rules is an instant loss of Annual Permit for any club who's members fail to embrace and abide by the new system. Please can you stress to your members that SWCC wants to see everyone caving in OFD again but that we need the help of all cavers to keep everyone safe and the cave open.
Do let me know if any questions or queries arise.
Best regards
Gary
Gary can be contacted via the access email
As the document Gary refers to is very long, we have hosted a copy here so you can read this online. It can also be accessed via the cave access page on the UBSS website. You didn’t know we had a cave access page? Shame on you!
OFD. Photo courtesy of Peter Burgess from the Wealdon Cave & Mine Society. And yes, that is the person's belt. You thought it was something else? Surely not! For information, the photo was taken off the very high level section on the pitch route to the Columns - close to the surface and prime area for an expert to look for evidence of permafrost. It is less than ten minutes in from Top Entrance.
The following email has been received from South Wales Caving Club who run the access to OFD, for which the club has an annual permit. If you are intending to cave in OFD please take the time to read this carefully and follow the link to the full requirements as failure to stick to the new covid rules will result in UBSS losing its permit.
Just to update you, SWCC are planning to have OFD Open again this coming weekend - 1st August 2020.
There has been a massive re-organisation as a result of Coronavirus and a new set of guidelines rules and proceedures have been put together to make the opening of the cave possible sooner rather than later.
Can you pass the attached guidelines onto your members please. Its important that they are aware that Keys for OFD are now only available through the route described in the attached document.
Can I also stress that keeping the cave open depends on caver attitude when visiting, signing out keys, filling in log sheets etc. You will see that one of the new rules is an instant loss of Annual Permit for any club who's members fail to embrace and abide by the new system. Please can you stress to your members that SWCC wants to see everyone caving in OFD again but that we need the help of all cavers to keep everyone safe and the cave open.
Do let me know if any questions or queries arise.
Best regards
Gary
Gary can be contacted via the access email
As the document Gary refers to is very long, we have hosted a copy here so you can read this online. It can also be accessed via the cave access page on the UBSS website. You didn’t know we had a cave access page? Shame on you!
PARKING AT OGOF DRAENEN
Formations in Ogof Draenen. Photo courtesy of Fleur Loveridge.
The following email has been received from Sue Mabbett, the secretary of the Pwll Du Cave Management Group, via our representative on that group, Clive Owen.
I have been in contact with the landowner at Pwlldu, on access to Ogof Draenen, copied below is his response for any cavers who wish to visit Ogof Draenen:-
“We have no specific requirements for the entrance at Ogof Draenen as long as people follow the normal route in and out. Parking however is seriously getting out of hand though, as they have closed the road beyond the TV mast and walkers are now parking all over the place. If you could request cavers to park sensibly and allow access to the farm and the Centre it would be appreciated."
On the car parking, our traditional recommended area for parking on the left as you come from the ponds and opposite the track down to the Lamb and Fox, is no longer open as some large limestone blocks now stop access; so with everyone staying local and this car parking area now blocked off means there are limited parking spaces so please show consideration as requested.
Formations in Ogof Draenen. Photo courtesy of Fleur Loveridge.
The following email has been received from Sue Mabbett, the secretary of the Pwll Du Cave Management Group, via our representative on that group, Clive Owen.
I have been in contact with the landowner at Pwlldu, on access to Ogof Draenen, copied below is his response for any cavers who wish to visit Ogof Draenen:-
“We have no specific requirements for the entrance at Ogof Draenen as long as people follow the normal route in and out. Parking however is seriously getting out of hand though, as they have closed the road beyond the TV mast and walkers are now parking all over the place. If you could request cavers to park sensibly and allow access to the farm and the Centre it would be appreciated."
On the car parking, our traditional recommended area for parking on the left as you come from the ponds and opposite the track down to the Lamb and Fox, is no longer open as some large limestone blocks now stop access; so with everyone staying local and this car parking area now blocked off means there are limited parking spaces so please show consideration as requested.
SOUTH AND MID WALES CAVE RESCUE TEAM FUNDRAISING APPEAL
Photo courtesy of SMWCRT.
Many UBSS members cave in South Wales and always have done, so please dig into your pockets to support their appeal! The following was received from them. Please note that the crowdfunder has now ended but you can still support them by making donations direct.
To: Caving Clubs Active In and Visiting South Wales
Firstly, I hope you and your families are safe and well.
SMWCRT is reaching out to members of Caving Clubs who are regular visitors to South Wales caves for assistance at this time, because we need your help to raise funds for some important purchases.
As part of our 2020 modernisation program we are upgrading our radios and digital control equipment, as well as replacing our stretchers. Unfortunately, our expected funding has been diverted to COVID-19 causes, leaving the Team with a shortfall of £15,000 in our finances to cover the cost of these essential purchases.
Our existing stretchers are currently over 10 years old and need replacing. The new stretchers have been developed with input from our Team to give improved functionality. The switch to digital radios will allow for improved communications during a rescue and integration with other Teams and Emergency services. Digital incident control will make our base of operations mobile, allowing access to SARCALL and online resources from anywhere.
We have just launched a Fundraising Appeal which includes a crowdfunding campaign to raise the money required. We are asking for your support to help us reach our target.
Firstly - we would ask everyone who uses Facebook to Like & Share our recent Facebook crowdfunding posts. Liking the page and leaving a comment will also help boost our reach: https://www.facebook.com/smwcrt/
Secondly - please spread the word though your contacts and networks. Speak to friends, family and colleagues to ask them to spread the word and encourage anyone who can to donate to the appeal.
Thirdly - if you feel you can and would like to make a donation then you can do so via our Crowdfunding campaign.
The Crowdfunder ends on 15th July, so donations after this date can be made via the SMWCRT website.
Finally – we also have in place a couple of fundraising initiatives for online purchases via Amazon Smile and Easy Fundraising. Do let me know if you need details of how to engage with these.
Every contribution, whatever it may be, will make a difference.
Diolch yn Fawr / Many Thanks,
Photo courtesy of SMWCRT.
Many UBSS members cave in South Wales and always have done, so please dig into your pockets to support their appeal! The following was received from them. Please note that the crowdfunder has now ended but you can still support them by making donations direct.
To: Caving Clubs Active In and Visiting South Wales
Firstly, I hope you and your families are safe and well.
SMWCRT is reaching out to members of Caving Clubs who are regular visitors to South Wales caves for assistance at this time, because we need your help to raise funds for some important purchases.
As part of our 2020 modernisation program we are upgrading our radios and digital control equipment, as well as replacing our stretchers. Unfortunately, our expected funding has been diverted to COVID-19 causes, leaving the Team with a shortfall of £15,000 in our finances to cover the cost of these essential purchases.
Our existing stretchers are currently over 10 years old and need replacing. The new stretchers have been developed with input from our Team to give improved functionality. The switch to digital radios will allow for improved communications during a rescue and integration with other Teams and Emergency services. Digital incident control will make our base of operations mobile, allowing access to SARCALL and online resources from anywhere.
We have just launched a Fundraising Appeal which includes a crowdfunding campaign to raise the money required. We are asking for your support to help us reach our target.
Firstly - we would ask everyone who uses Facebook to Like & Share our recent Facebook crowdfunding posts. Liking the page and leaving a comment will also help boost our reach: https://www.facebook.com/smwcrt/
Secondly - please spread the word though your contacts and networks. Speak to friends, family and colleagues to ask them to spread the word and encourage anyone who can to donate to the appeal.
Thirdly - if you feel you can and would like to make a donation then you can do so via our Crowdfunding campaign.
The Crowdfunder ends on 15th July, so donations after this date can be made via the SMWCRT website.
Finally – we also have in place a couple of fundraising initiatives for online purchases via Amazon Smile and Easy Fundraising. Do let me know if you need details of how to engage with these.
Every contribution, whatever it may be, will make a difference.
Diolch yn Fawr / Many Thanks,
Tom Foord
Chairman, SMWCRT
Chairman, SMWCRT
POSSIBLE CHECC TRAINING WEEKEND IN SEPTEMBER
The following email has been received from the Council of Higher Education Caving Clubs (CHECC) about a possible training event in September. This is reproduced in full below. If anyone is interested in going, please contact Merryn.
Hi all,
At the virtual delegates meeting last month many of you said that having more training events prior to term recommencing would be beneficial to you. In this regard, I've been speaking to the new BCA council Youth and Development officer, Josh White, about getting some BCA funding to run two 'trainers weekends', one in the north (potentially at the YSS) and one in the south (potentially at the Wessex) in September before uni term starts. He is confident that the BCA will provide funds to cover these weekends in terms of accomodation and training facilities and perhaps also food, meaning that you will only need to cover transport.
The point of the weekend would be to make sure that those who expect to be leading university club trips and teaching caving skills feel prepared for this. This may mean just refreshing the skills of more experienced cavers in each club prior to the new academic year so you can all feel confident in your abilities, or it may be that you have some knowledge gaps you need to fill. I also see it as an opportunity for you all to get to know each other a bit better without having to worry about looking after less experienced cavers in your clubs. I'm envisioning an attendance of 3 - 5 attendees from each club, these being the people you expect to be leading trips during the next academic cycle and hopefully beyond that. If you think more than 5 people from your club would really benefit from coming then please let me know because this will change the budget.
If caving huts are able to open by this time, then the way I see the event running is similar to the regional CHECC events but with less people and more specific training. There will be skills-related sessions run by experienced volunteers covering topics like trip selection, reading weather patterns, navigation, equipment choice, how best to teach SRT to novice cavers, how to rig safely, and very basic first aid. There is also of course the opportunity to get underground with peers; I'm envisioning having several 'training stations' being set up in the hut for each topic on the first day, then the second day being a day to get underground to use any new skills and have a good time. This was the format used by CRO to train the cavers on their extended list and I think it is a good format. Specifically, the BCA training officer, Nigel Atkins, would like to come and lend a hand and also get your input on some training guidelines he is developing, you will hear more from me about this later.
If caving huts are not able to open then I don't think we will be able to run a weekend-long event unfortunately because there simply won't be suitable venues available within budget. However, what we can do is have several (more than two) one-day training events at, for example, climbing walls. For example, a day event in Sheffield for SUSS, NUCC and ULSA, one in Manchester for LUPC, MUSC and LUSS, one in Bristol for UBSS, Cardiff, Exeter and Plymouth and somewhere near London for ICCC, Kent and Reading. This is not ideal (geographically we can't please everyone) and will be more difficult to organise but providing the money is there we can make it happen. If this is the case I will need volunteers to look into venues for such one-day events.
I would like your input regarding dates, venues and the format of the event. What dates would be most suitable for each of you for this event? What do you think of the venue choices in the case of caving huts being available and not? Are there any topics you specifically really want covering? And are there any volunteers to help organise these events (eg to do shopping and cook food)? If you are thinking of coming, provisionally I would like an estimate of numbers (this can change, its mainly for BCA to know how much money to give us).
I think that's all for now, as always any questions just email.
Best,
Rob
Ash and Haydon fronting survey training in Goatchurch.
The following email has been received from the Council of Higher Education Caving Clubs (CHECC) about a possible training event in September. This is reproduced in full below. If anyone is interested in going, please contact Merryn.
Hi all,
At the virtual delegates meeting last month many of you said that having more training events prior to term recommencing would be beneficial to you. In this regard, I've been speaking to the new BCA council Youth and Development officer, Josh White, about getting some BCA funding to run two 'trainers weekends', one in the north (potentially at the YSS) and one in the south (potentially at the Wessex) in September before uni term starts. He is confident that the BCA will provide funds to cover these weekends in terms of accomodation and training facilities and perhaps also food, meaning that you will only need to cover transport.
The point of the weekend would be to make sure that those who expect to be leading university club trips and teaching caving skills feel prepared for this. This may mean just refreshing the skills of more experienced cavers in each club prior to the new academic year so you can all feel confident in your abilities, or it may be that you have some knowledge gaps you need to fill. I also see it as an opportunity for you all to get to know each other a bit better without having to worry about looking after less experienced cavers in your clubs. I'm envisioning an attendance of 3 - 5 attendees from each club, these being the people you expect to be leading trips during the next academic cycle and hopefully beyond that. If you think more than 5 people from your club would really benefit from coming then please let me know because this will change the budget.
If caving huts are able to open by this time, then the way I see the event running is similar to the regional CHECC events but with less people and more specific training. There will be skills-related sessions run by experienced volunteers covering topics like trip selection, reading weather patterns, navigation, equipment choice, how best to teach SRT to novice cavers, how to rig safely, and very basic first aid. There is also of course the opportunity to get underground with peers; I'm envisioning having several 'training stations' being set up in the hut for each topic on the first day, then the second day being a day to get underground to use any new skills and have a good time. This was the format used by CRO to train the cavers on their extended list and I think it is a good format. Specifically, the BCA training officer, Nigel Atkins, would like to come and lend a hand and also get your input on some training guidelines he is developing, you will hear more from me about this later.
If caving huts are not able to open then I don't think we will be able to run a weekend-long event unfortunately because there simply won't be suitable venues available within budget. However, what we can do is have several (more than two) one-day training events at, for example, climbing walls. For example, a day event in Sheffield for SUSS, NUCC and ULSA, one in Manchester for LUPC, MUSC and LUSS, one in Bristol for UBSS, Cardiff, Exeter and Plymouth and somewhere near London for ICCC, Kent and Reading. This is not ideal (geographically we can't please everyone) and will be more difficult to organise but providing the money is there we can make it happen. If this is the case I will need volunteers to look into venues for such one-day events.
I would like your input regarding dates, venues and the format of the event. What dates would be most suitable for each of you for this event? What do you think of the venue choices in the case of caving huts being available and not? Are there any topics you specifically really want covering? And are there any volunteers to help organise these events (eg to do shopping and cook food)? If you are thinking of coming, provisionally I would like an estimate of numbers (this can change, its mainly for BCA to know how much money to give us).
I think that's all for now, as always any questions just email.
Best,
Rob
MAMMOTH IN THE MEDIA
Our very own Whatley Mammoth has been on Twitter again! If you don't follow our furry friend, now's your chance to remedy that! Tweets courtesy of his museum teammate, student curator Nathan Cubitt.
Our very own Whatley Mammoth has been on Twitter again! If you don't follow our furry friend, now's your chance to remedy that! Tweets courtesy of his museum teammate, student curator Nathan Cubitt.
PHOTO COMPETITION
So, this time we might be making it easy for you all, or maybe not... No prizes for guessing where this was taken, but there will be a prize for guessing the subject of the photo. And to give you a sporting chance, we've included the notes on the back, which are worth deciphering.
So, who is it?
So, this time we might be making it easy for you all, or maybe not... No prizes for guessing where this was taken, but there will be a prize for guessing the subject of the photo. And to give you a sporting chance, we've included the notes on the back, which are worth deciphering.
So, who is it?
FICTION CORNER
Linda's offering this week is part of her aim to produce a drabble (a 100 word piece of fiction) for each of the Fellowship of the Ring characters in the Mines of Moria. This one looks at Gandalf's first journey through the mines mentioned briefly by Tolkien.
His footfalls echoed in the chamber, the sound magnified tenfold in the silence of the deep.
Darkness settled around him like a heavy cloak.
He had walked for ten days though the ancient halls of this world within a world and had seen no living soul.
Sometimes, at the very edge of his vision, he’d seen grey shapes, echoes of the former inhabitants of this dread realm, but whenever he turned his head, they vanished.
It was a long road, and when he finally emerged into the sunlight, the horror would be slow to fade, even for Gandalf the Grey.
Linda's offering this week is part of her aim to produce a drabble (a 100 word piece of fiction) for each of the Fellowship of the Ring characters in the Mines of Moria. This one looks at Gandalf's first journey through the mines mentioned briefly by Tolkien.
His footfalls echoed in the chamber, the sound magnified tenfold in the silence of the deep.
Darkness settled around him like a heavy cloak.
He had walked for ten days though the ancient halls of this world within a world and had seen no living soul.
Sometimes, at the very edge of his vision, he’d seen grey shapes, echoes of the former inhabitants of this dread realm, but whenever he turned his head, they vanished.
It was a long road, and when he finally emerged into the sunlight, the horror would be slow to fade, even for Gandalf the Grey.
LETTER TO THE EDITORS
In a new feature this week, we bring you an email received just after the last newsletter from Nick Patrick (student hon. sec. 1982 – 1984). Please keep the letters coming!
Hi
I’ve just watched the Sid Perou film about PSM. I was brought up on his films that he initially put out for a limited regional audience on BBC North (or was it Yorkshire TV?). Just the name Pippikin Pot still strikes me down with terror after watching his film in the ‘70s. A brilliant film maker. Then I moved to Bristol where they didn’t know the meaning of the word hard when it came to caving. Until I met Dick Willis! I was star struck. Steve McArdle introduced me to him, what a hero. Quite a nice bloke too.
All that ladder they took down PSM, I’ve long since moved over to rope and that SRT stuff but you still can’t beat a bit of ladder in a tight spot.
I hope everyone is keeping safe and well in Bristol. Thank you for the newsletter, nothing much changes in the student caving world which is very reassuring in these strange times.
Nick Patrick
In a new feature this week, we bring you an email received just after the last newsletter from Nick Patrick (student hon. sec. 1982 – 1984). Please keep the letters coming!
Hi
I’ve just watched the Sid Perou film about PSM. I was brought up on his films that he initially put out for a limited regional audience on BBC North (or was it Yorkshire TV?). Just the name Pippikin Pot still strikes me down with terror after watching his film in the ‘70s. A brilliant film maker. Then I moved to Bristol where they didn’t know the meaning of the word hard when it came to caving. Until I met Dick Willis! I was star struck. Steve McArdle introduced me to him, what a hero. Quite a nice bloke too.
All that ladder they took down PSM, I’ve long since moved over to rope and that SRT stuff but you still can’t beat a bit of ladder in a tight spot.
I hope everyone is keeping safe and well in Bristol. Thank you for the newsletter, nothing much changes in the student caving world which is very reassuring in these strange times.
Nick Patrick
I READ TO THE END, HONESTLY, I DID! I DID!!!!
Whatley mammoth definitely read to the end!
We know you all did, but whilst all animals are equal, some are more equal than others, and... drum roll... the lovely winner last month, edging his way up the League Table again is... Andy Farrant!
The entries in order were:
- Is this cheating? (Graham Mullan) (Answer: yes)
- Made it to the end, although fortunately not quite as epic as Dick’s trip to the PSM…! (Andy Farrant) THE WINNER!
- Dibs! (Megan Malpas) (Nope, beaten by Andy by 25 minutes!)
- I want to go caving..... Unemployment sucks! (Helen Frawley) (But it does allow more reading time!)
- Me 😊 (Gina Moseley)
- Meeeeeee! Cracking issue and I am still tittering at the film reviews and the fanfic. FT and I are mortally offended, though, that our quote from last time was given to Megan! (Sharon Wheeler) (Huge apologies to Sharon and the very erudite FT Bear, who reads every issue! We hope to have a photo of him sometime!)
- Heyo! Finally go this link to work! eh... yay caving!? (Zac Woodford)
- Very much enjoyed the film reviews! Whoever wrote those should be featured every month! (Sam Bowers' pet honey badger)
- This was released too early for me to ever win. Putting in a request for a committee meeting about student-friendly hours for the newsletter posting. (Imogen Clement) (Request duly noted, although no one has yet been able to clarify what a student friendly hour might be, so expect some improvisation to keep you all on your toes!)
- This game is mostly Jacob telling me I can't do things. (Eleanor Conole) (Ah, you haven't met the honey badger yet, have you?)
- Once I worked out how to get Yahoo mail to expand the width of the window, I was set! Great fanfic. (Jan Walker)
Hint for the lovely AB (Dr), to send an email to say you read to the end, click on the words below in blue!
Yes, I did, I read to the end!
THE END
Whatley mammoth definitely read to the end!
We know you all did, but whilst all animals are equal, some are more equal than others, and... drum roll... the lovely winner last month, edging his way up the League Table again is... Andy Farrant!
The entries in order were:
- Is this cheating? (Graham Mullan) (Answer: yes)
- Made it to the end, although fortunately not quite as epic as Dick’s trip to the PSM…! (Andy Farrant) THE WINNER!
- Dibs! (Megan Malpas) (Nope, beaten by Andy by 25 minutes!)
- I want to go caving..... Unemployment sucks! (Helen Frawley) (But it does allow more reading time!)
- Me 😊 (Gina Moseley)
- Meeeeeee! Cracking issue and I am still tittering at the film reviews and the fanfic. FT and I are mortally offended, though, that our quote from last time was given to Megan! (Sharon Wheeler) (Huge apologies to Sharon and the very erudite FT Bear, who reads every issue! We hope to have a photo of him sometime!)
- Heyo! Finally go this link to work! eh... yay caving!? (Zac Woodford)
- Very much enjoyed the film reviews! Whoever wrote those should be featured every month! (Sam Bowers' pet honey badger)
- This was released too early for me to ever win. Putting in a request for a committee meeting about student-friendly hours for the newsletter posting. (Imogen Clement) (Request duly noted, although no one has yet been able to clarify what a student friendly hour might be, so expect some improvisation to keep you all on your toes!)
- This game is mostly Jacob telling me I can't do things. (Eleanor Conole) (Ah, you haven't met the honey badger yet, have you?)
- Once I worked out how to get Yahoo mail to expand the width of the window, I was set! Great fanfic. (Jan Walker)
Hint for the lovely AB (Dr), to send an email to say you read to the end, click on the words below in blue!
Yes, I did, I read to the end!
THE END