Page 47
No 225 November 1966 The Belfry Bulletin – Volume Twenty – Number Eleven Annual List of Member’s Addresses. In accordance with recent custom, we are printing the list in the November B.B. Without increasing the size of the B.B., this means that half is taken up with the list We hope to minimise the delay caused in holding back articles by getting out the December B.B. early this year, so that in fact such a delay will only amount to two or three weeks. Information for inclusion in the Christmas edition of the B.B. should be sent to the editor as soon as possible, since it is hoped to publish this early in December this year. _______________________________________________________________________________________
Four to Gaping Gill …...by Roy Bennett. Although the Main Shaft has been booked on previous occasions, the weather had prevented attempts to ladder it. This was becoming a bit of a joke among certain of our Northern friends, and a weekend trip was arranged to remedy the situation. Numbers dwindled as the day approached, until there were just four from Bristol with the possibility of some more from London and Yorkshire. On arrival, no possibilities were found and the four set off with vast amounts of tackle to see what could be done, encouraged by reports of ‘little rain for a week’. Fell Beck was found to be quite low, and seventy minutes sufficed to dam it effectively and divert it into the Rathole. This was done by placing large stones and earth-filled sacks on top of turfs in a line at right angles to the steam on the smoothest part of the bed. Some additional work diverted more of the water into holes further upstream. This pleasant activity completed, attention was turned to the pothole itself. The only point where a straight pitch can be obtained is in the far right hand corner used for winch descents. The four hundred foot ulstron lifeline was rigged through a pulley belayed to a stake left in the moor above and a man sent out to sit on the edge of the ledge on the right hand side and feed the ladder down in the corner. A large block provided the main belay, while a tether was looped over an old iron spike on the far side to hold the ladder against any sideways slippage. A telephone cable was then sent down with a bag of stones on the end, and all was ready. It was decided by the rest of the party that Norman Petty should be first down, and he duly descended with only brief halts, lifelined by Keith Franklin. The usual whistle signals sufficed on the way down, with the telephone being used only from the bottom. Phil Kingston then joined Norman, who came up do that Roy could go down. On reaching the surface, Norman made the categorical statement that this was far preferable to Southern Stream Passage in Agen Allwedd – this condition is known as ‘horozontigo’. The actual descent is quite interesting. The first part is well lit and somewhat alarming; with the ladder dropping free to disappear past the ledge into blackness. The damming as done does not interfere with the lateral passage water, which comes in on the right to form an impressive unbroken waterfall of over three hundred feet – the highest in England. The ledge was put out of reach by the positioning of the ladder, but this was compensated for by the straightness of the descent. Below the level of the ledge, the shaft assumes a more benign aspect and the gravel covered floor of the Main Chamber appears quite near until one remembers that the ‘gravel’ is actually stones and boulders. A little lower, and one is on a level with the roof, the ladder drops across a knob of rock which makes a fine seat to admire the scenery. This viewpoint can be strongly recommended, with all the waterfalls visible and the walls of the Great Chamber receding into the blackness.
Page 48
B.B. 225/2 November 1966
Back on the surface, it had been raining for some time, and it was decided to start de-laddering. It was then that things started to go wrong – the ladders would not come up, even though pulling was tried from all possible positions. Keith fixed a rope a little way down in case the obstruction was right at the top, but to no avail. By this time, it was getting quite late and there was no alternative but to leave ladderless and despondent for the valley, and return in the morning. It seem fairly certain that the ladder was catching towards the bottom, and the best scheme would be for somebody to go to Main Chamber via Bar Pot and pull the ladder away from the rock with along rope, while it was being lifted from above. It rained quite a lot during the night and by the morning this was only a scheme, as a direct descent of the Main Shaft was ruled out. The Northern Pennine Club lent some tackle, and several of their members generously offered to lend a hand. Two of the party laddered Bar Pot, Roy going to the Main Chamber, while Phil came out to help on the surface. With a two hundred foot line attached to the bottom, the ladder was readily pulled clear of the rock, and it came up quite easily much to the relief of the hauling party. All that remained to do was to collect man and ladders from Bar Pot with apologies to the party who had booked it. They seemed somewhat surprised at the present day small size of B.E.C. parties. In conclusion, one may say – G.G. Main Shaft laddered – time, two days – and many thanks to the N.P.C. members for their much needed help. _______________________________________________________________________________________
Long Term Planning - 1 In accordance with the instructions laid down at the recent A.G.M., the first meeting of the Long Term Planning Committee took place at the Hunters on November 6th. The committee have arranged to meet monthly until its work is completed. The fist meeting began by electing a chairman (Pat Ifold) and a secretary (Alfie Collins) and then went on to agree on how the job should be tackled. It was decided to concentrate on one aspect of the job at each meeting – at any rate to start with. We realise that, later on, we shall have to do some backtracking – because later decisions we take will affect those we have already taken, but we will do our best to arrange matters so that this is kept top a minimum. One thing on which we are all agreed is that the meetings of this committee must not be allowed to degenerate into a general nattering session. There is a very great deal of hard work to get through. For this reason, we have reluctantly decided that we shall not be able to accept visitors at our meetings. On the other hand, the last thing we want to do is to stifle discussion outside the meetings, so we have decided to keep the club fully informed of our doings month by month via the B.B. We hope that members will write to us with their views and suggestions, but would ask them to keep to the ‘Subject of the Month’ so that we can work as tidily as possible. Any correspondence we receive will be read out and discussed at the next meeting of the Committee, so no member need feel that his views do not count or will be ignored. The subjects, in order of out dealings with them, will be described next, in some detail…. FINANCE
ACCOMMODATION SITUATION WORK PLAN MATERIALS, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
Whatever we decide will cost money. It seemed to us that we must therefore consider ways or raising a large sum of money as the first part of our job. Without money, anything else we discuss will be merely idle speculation. We have therefore put money first Once we can be sure that the project is possible we must think what sort of a Belfry we need, how many it should feed and sleep and what other facilities are necessary. Where shall we put this building? We shall be as open minded as possible here and may even consider other sites. How are we going to get it built? How much of the work, if any, can we expect members to contribute? How can we organise this to be sure of success? The actual drawing up of plans, preparation of detailed estimates etc., will come last after we have answered all the questions which seem to us to be necessary.
B.B. 225/3 November 1966
Page 49
This, then, is our basic working plan for the first few months. Having sorted this out, the meeting then went on to discuss the first of these headings – that of finance. This is what was decided….
Finance We don’t know, at this stage, how much money we are talking about. The situation will vary according to whether we can get any assistance from public funds, and in any case the sum will obviously depend on the size and type of building we later will decide on, and also the amount which we consider to be practicable of building by members. We must, however, start somewhere – so we took the arbitrary sum of £3,000 and set out to see how we could raise it. We think it should be emphasised here that this does not mean that the building will cost us £3,000. We have chosen this sum so that, whatever happens in the way of grants etc., we shall be adequately covered. We can always ask for less in the end. This is much easier than aiming too low and having to realise later that we must find additional sources of money. Bearing all this in mind, we suggest…… MEMBERS’ GIFT SCHEME. It has been suggested that an appeal be made for some club members to agree to donate (by Banker’s Order or by some equivalent means) a sum of £1 per month for a period of three years. While we realise that members in this category already have considerable commitments, we think that it might be possible to expect a response to an appeal of this sort to result in up to 25 members contributing. It is expected that members in this category will be mainly those who have been connected with the club for many years and that most of them will be life members. Amount expected……………….£900
Amount left……………£2,100
INCREASE OF CLUB SUBSCRIPTION. The B.E.C. subscription is about the lowest of any caving club in the country. This alone is no excuse for raising it, as owing to the way in which the club is run, it normally is enough to keep everything running. We have, in the past, raised some things, like Belfry Dues, for specific periods – to pay for such items as the installation of water, electricity and calor gas to the Belfry. In each case, this surcharge was removed as soon as the thing for which it was imposed was paid for. We thus feel that members need not feel apprehensive about any temporary surcharge. If this surcharge was 10/- p.a. for three years, it would bring in about £200. If, however, we made the annual sub. two guineas for three years only, reverting to its present value afterwards, we should undoubtedly lose some members. It is however, estimated that, even with this effect, we should obtain about £600. Present life members would not be affected, as it is expected that they would mostly be included under the first scheme. Incidentally, we expect the committee to investigate the case of any members who leave the club for three years and then reapply for membership when the rate has reverted to its present level! Sum expected…..£200 - £ 600
Sum left….£1,500 - £1,900
INCREASE OF BELFRY DUES. An extra 1/- would probably bring in about £150 in the three years. We could also run an appeal to visitiors for donations. Many visiting clubs are grateful for the ‘Open House’ policy favoured by the B.E.C. for many years, and will benefit from the new building. We might count on about £200 altogether. Sum expected…….£200
Sum left……£1,300 - £1,700.
MEMBER’S LOAN. So far, we have suggested measures designed to obtained money from (1) Those who have been staunch club members/Belfryites in the past (2) Those who are at present members of the club, and (3) those who use the Belfry at present. We feel that those who will obtain the main advantage from the new building should be
Page 50
B.B. 225/4 November 1966
called upon to pay their share of the cost This can be done by arranging a loan, carrying interest, which will be paid for by increased charges for the New Belfry (We really must find a name for it, incidentally – we can’t keep on calling every building the New Belfry. How about SUPER Belfry?) It is estimated that we could possibly raise £500 by this method. All this would leave between £800 and £1,200 to raise. Any other sums, we feel, must come from sources other than from members. One suggestion already made is to hold a Jumble sale which its sponsor estimates would raise over £100. Money from Public funds has not been discounted. We are investigating this and, providing no strings are attached, we are in favour of accepting any such grants which may be obtained.
Over to you! Please write in and tell us YOUR reactions to these proposals. Any suggestions you may have for ways of raising money, with offers to organise things will be welcome. Please keep to this month’s topic – FINANCE – and send your letters to the secretary, Long Term Planning Committee, at the following address: S.J. Collins, “Homeleigh”, Bishop Sutton, Somerset. _______________________________________________________________________________________ Information for inclusion in the Christmas edition of the B.B. should be sent to the editor as soon as possible, since it is hoped to publish this early in December this year. _______________________________________________________________________________________ The Council of Southern Caving Clubs have recently produced a Handbook which, besides giving information about the C.S.C.C. list requirements concerning access to caves in the South of England, and their secretaries; National and Regional Organisations, Reference groups, and accommodation available on Mendip. This 21 page mine of information can be obtained from, The assistant Hon. Sec. C.S.C.C., I.J. Standing, 4 Springhill Lodge, Spring Hill, Nailsworthy, Glos. 2/- plus 6d postage.
B.E.C. MEMBERS’ ADDRESSESS T Andrews J. Attwood R.J. Bagshaw M.J. Baker D Balcombe. R. Bater K. Barnes. R. Bater Mrs. R. Bater R. Bennett J. Bennett D. Berry P. Bird P. Blogg M. Bourne Miss S. Bowden-Lyle R.J. Brook N. Brooks R. Broomhead
186 Courtlands Avenue, London S.E.12 64 Main Road, Shortwood, Nr. Mangosfield, Bristol 699 Wells Road, Knowle, Bristol 4 ‘Morello’, Ash Lane, Wells, Somerset 49 Shelford Road, Trumpington, Cambridge 20 Woodlands Glade, Swiss Valley, Clevedon, Somerset 14, Riverside Road, Oxford 40, Thornleigh Road, Horfield, Bristol 7 40, Thornleigh Road, Horfield, Bristol 7 8 Radnor Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol 8 Radnor Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol 10 Green Lane, Avonmouth, Bristol City Museum, Queens Road, Bristol Hunters Field, Chaldon Common Road, Chaldon, Surrey 55 Argyle Road, Fishponds, Bristol 17 Rokeby Avenue, Redland, Bristol 6 130 Sylvan Way, Sea Mills, Bristol 6 9 Martin Grove, Normandale, Lower Hutt, New Zealand The Somme Co., R.M.A. Sandhurst, Camberley, Surrey
B.B. 225/5 November 1966 J.J.. Butler M. Calvert J. Churchward A. Coase Mrs C. Coase P. Coles S. Collins D. Cooke-Yarborough. N. Cooper J. Cornwell D. Craig B. Crewe I.M. Daniels J. Davey F.G. Darbon Mrs A. Davies Miss P.M. Davies G. Dell P.L. Derrick K.C. Dobbs N. Downes A.J. Dunn J.A.Etough B.M. Ellis C. Falshaw P.G. Faulkner T. Fletcher K. Franklin P. Franklin P.M. Giles K. Gladman D. Greenwood C. Green S. Grimes D. Gwinnel C. Hall N. Hallett M. Hannam N. Hart C.W. Harris D. Hassell R.J. Handy Hawksford, L/Cpl. A J.R. Henderson Miss A. Henley B. Hewitt J. Hill Miss D. Holden . Hobbs B. Howe Mrs Howe P. Hudson J. Ifold P. Ifold D. Irwin Miss P. Irwin Jackman, SAC A.
36 Tothill Street, Minster, Ramsgate, Kent 16 Wetherley Avenue, Old Down, Bath, Somerset 1 Jamaica Street, Bristol 53 Broughton Road, Croft, leicestershire c/o Lamont, 57 Etna Street, Gosfor, New South Wales, Australia 32 Derham Park, Yatton, Bristol c/o Homeleigh, Bishop Sutton, Bristol Lot 11, McKay Crescent, Orange, New South Wales, Australia 3 West Terrace, Westbury, Sherborne, Dorset 419 Whitehall Road, Street George, Bristol Flat 4, 78 Milson Road, London W.14 16 Pinewood Road, Midsomer Norton, Bath, Somerset. ‘Handsworth’, Pilgrims Way, Chilham, Canterbury, Kent 32 Cheltenham Gardens, Huddersfield Road, Halifax, Yorkshire 43 Arthur Henderson House, Fulham Road, Fulham, London Withey Lane, Neighbourne, Oakhill, Bath 410 Wells Road, Knowle, Bristol 4 c/o The Belfry, Priddy, Somerset 49 Mayfield Park South, Fishponds, Bristol 85 Fox Road, Pinhoe, Exeter, Devon 18 Coombe Street Lane, Yeovil, Somerset 63 Oakdale Road, Downend, Bristol 116 Newbridge Road, Brislington, Bristol ‘Knowkauns’, Combwich, Bridgwater, Somerset 23 Hallen Grange Crescent, Lodge Moor, Sheffield 251 Rowah Crescent, Langley, Middleton, Manchester Address unknown 52 Rockingham House, Lawrence Weston, Bristol 52 Rockingham House, Lawrence Weston, Bristol C.P.O.’s Mess, R.N.A.S. Yeovilton, Yeovil, Somerset 93 Broad Walk, Kidbourne, London, S.E.3 19 Gren Croft Avenue, Northrowan, Halifax, Yorks 12 Lytton Close, Northolt, Greenford, Middx. R.N. Test Squadron, A & A.E.E., Boscombe Down, Amesbury, Wilts Sgts. Mess, J.R.U. Royal Signals, Denbury Camp, Newton Abbott, Devon 375 Fishponds Road, Eastville, Bristol 27 Alexandra Park, Redland, Bristol 6 (Address to follow) Barberry House, Kingston, Seymour, Somerset Diocesian Registry, Wells, Somerset ‘Hill House’, Moorlynch, Bridgwater, Somerset 2 Coleshill Drive, Hartcliff, Britsol Depot & TRG Establishment, Deepcut, Camberley, Surrey 8 Oldfields Place, Hotwells, Bristol 23 Maynard Road, Hartcliffe, Bristol 21 Clarendon Road, Redland, Bristol 6 16 Oak Road, Horfield, Bristol Wetherlam, Wolley Green, Bradford-on-Avon, Wilts. Hokerstone Cottage, Townsend, Priddy, Wells, Somerset 48 Martins Road, Hanham, Bristol 48 Martins Road, Hanham, Bristol 28 Bungalow Caravan Site, Bradenstoke, Chippenham, Wilts Leigh House, Nempnett, Chew Stoke, Somerset. Sunnyside, Rectory Lane, Compton Martin, Somerset 9 Campden Hill Gardens, London W.8 White House, West Ashling, Chichester, Sussex c/o M.C.U., R.A.F. Muharraq (Bahrain) B.F.P.O.63
Page 51
Page 52 R. Jarman R.L. Jenkins A. Johnson F. Jones U. Jones A.J. Kennett R.S. King P. Kingston R. Kitchen J. Lamb B.T. Lane T.E. Large O.C. Lloyd M. Luckwill G.T. Lucy R.A. MacGregor McKee Mrs McKee J. Major Mrs. J. Major C. Marriott A. Meaden T.G. Mossman J.W. Manchip N.J. Monk K. Murray A. Nash F.L. Newport R. Orr D. Palmer M. Palmer Miss S.E. Paul J.F.W. Pearce R. Pepper V.S. Peacock L. Peters N. Petty A. Philpot G. Platten Miss B. Plummer G. Pointing B. Prewer R.J. Price C. Priddle J. Ransom Mrs Ransom C.H.G. Rees Mrs Rees D.L. Rebori A.H. Reed A. Rich D. Richards R.J. Roberts
B.B. 225/6 November 1966 Jable, Digby Road, Sherborne, Dorset 88 Beesmore Road, Framton, Cotterell, Bristol Warren Cottage, Station Road, Flax Bourton, Somerset c/o 8 York Gardens, Clifton, Bristol Marsh Farm, Askem In Furness, Lancs. 9 Belmont Road, Bristol 6 22 Parkfield Rank, Pucklechurch, Bristol 3 Kingsely Road, Eastville, Bristol 5 25 Furse Hill Road, Tidworth, Hants. ‘Broadmeadows’, Padstowe Road, Wadebridge, Cornwall c/o Bristol South Telephone Exchange, Bath Road, Bristol 4 16 Meade House, Wedgewood Road, Twerton, Bath, Somerset Withey House, Withey Close West, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol 8 Greenslade Road, Sedgley Hall Estate, Sedgley, Dudley, Worcs. Pike Croft, Long Lane, Tilehurst, Reading, Berks. The Railway Arms, Station Road, Theale, Reading, Berks. 3 Woodside Close, Burton Joyce, Notts 3 Woodside Close, Burton Joyce, Notts Saint Cross, Green Down, Litton, Bath, Somerset Saint Cross, Green Down, Litton, Bath, Somerset Brulbergstrasse 15, Apt. 21, 8400 Winterhur, Switzerland The Post Office & Stores, Cross in Hand, Nr. Heathfield, Sussex 33 Whateley’s End Road, Eastville, Bristol 375 Fishponds Road, Eastville, Bristol 123 Novers Lane, Bristol 17 Harrington Gardens, South Kensington, London, S.W.7 c/o 22 Stuart Lane, Bristol 3 43 Swiss Road, Ashton Vale, Bristol 3 183 Queens Road, Wimbledon, London S.W. 19 9 Forest Road, Kingswood, Bristol 111A Winner Street, Paignton, Devon 21 Lovelace Road, Surbiton, Surrey 6 Lyveden Road, Blackheath, London S.E.3 Frenchay Lodge Bungalow, Frenchay, Bristol 3 napier Road, Eastville, Bristol 3 (Address unknown) 12 Bankside Road, Brislington, Bristol 3 Kings Brive, Bishopston, Bristol ‘Rutherfield’, Fernhill Lane, New Milton, Hants. 2 Hogarth Walk, Lockleaze, Bristol 10 Green Lane, Avonmouth, Bristol East View, West Horrington, Nr. Wells, Somerset 2 Weekes Road, Bishop Sutton, Somerset 19 Stottbury Road, Horfield, Bristol 7 9 Archfield Road, Cotham, Bristol 9 Archfield Road, Cotham, Bristol 7 Coberley Road, Footshill, Hanham, Bristol 7 Coberley Road, Footshill, Hanham, Bristol 11 Kellaway Avenue, Westbury Park, Bristol 156 British Road, Bedminster, Bristol 3 c/o Pox 126, Basham, Alberta, Canada 59 Brook Road, Fishponds, Bristol 5 Bennett Street, Bath, Somerset
B.B. 225/7 November 1966 Mr & Mrs Robinson Miss J. Rowlands A. Rushton A. Sandall Mrs. A. Sandall P.M. Scragg B.M. Scott Miss G. Scaplehorn D. Searle Mrs. D. Searle G. Selby R.J. Sell A. Selway R. Setterington. R. Setterington Mrs R. Setterington W.J. Smart D. Smith J. Stafford Mrs. I. Stanbury T.H. Stanbury J.D. Statham R. Stenner Mrs. Stenner D. Targett A. Thomas N.L. Thomas G. Tilly J. Tompsett Mrs. D. Tompsett E. Towler P. Townsend Mrs. J. Tuck S. Tuck S. Tuttlebury Mrs. D. Waddon R. Wallin D. Warburton D. Weston R. White R. Wickens P.A. Wilkins A.J. Williams B. Wilton E.G. Welch G.S. Watts A.J. Whiteman
Page 53 (Address to follow) 15 Glen Grove, Horfield, Bristol c/o R.A.F. Post Office, Wittering, Stamford, Lincs 43, Meadway Avenue, Nailsea, Somerset. 43, Meadway Avenue, Nailsea, Somerset 5 Randolph Avenue, Westcliff, Bristol 3d Jalin Jintan, Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 9 Pamela Wills Norse Home, Chew Stoke, Somerset ‘Dolphin Cottage’, Priddy, Nr. Wells, Somerset ‘Dolphin Cottage’, Priddy, Nr. Wells, Somerset 38 Hawkes Lane, Wells, Somerset 51 Swiss Road, Ashton Vale, Bristol 3 15 Street Martin’s Road, Knowle, Bristol 4 4 Cavendish House, Cavendish Road, Chiswick, London, W 4 4 Galmington Lane, Taunton, Somerset 4 Galmington Lane, Taunton, Somerset c/o Richard Costain Ltd., Aberthaw (B) Power Station, Aberthaw, Barry, Glam 3 Providence Place, Reading, Berks. ‘Bryher’, Badgworth, Nr. Axbridge, Somerset 74, Redcatch Road, Knowle, Bristol. 4. 31, Belvoir Road, Street Andrews, Bristol 575 Fishponds Road, Eastville, Bristol 38 Paultow Road, Victoria Park, Bristol 3 38 Paultow Road, Victoria Park, Bristol 3 16 Phillis Hill, Midsomer Norton, Bath, Somerset Westhaven School, Uphill, Weston s Mare, Somerset The Paddocks, Charlton Down, Andover Hants. ‘Jable’, Digby Road, Sherborne, Dorset 11 Lodge Avenue, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex 11 Lodge Avenue, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex 5 Boxgrove Gardens, Aldwick, Bognor Regis, Sussex 154 Sylvia Avenue, Lower Knowle, Bristol 3 48 Wiston Path, Fairwater, Cwmbran, Monmouthshire 27 Woodbury Avenue, Wells Somerset 96 Cheyne Walk, Farnborough, Hants. 32 Laxton Close, Taunton, Somerset 174 Bryants Hill, Bristol 5 20 Beverley Court Road, Quinton, Birmingham 32 Maryvale, 2 Folloton, Totnes, Devon 375 Fishponds Road, Eastville, Bristol 5 2 Cherry Garden Road, Canterbury, Kent 51 Constable Road, Lockleaze, Bristol 54 Crossways, Roggiett, Newport, Monmouthshire 22 Wedmore Vale, Knowle, Bristol 4 Frenchay Lodge Bungalow, Frenchay, Bristol 59 Southbrow House, Duckmoor Road, Ashton, Bristol 3 1 Golden Road, Clifton, Bristol 8