97
Vol XXIV No.11
B B
November 1975
No. 336
QUODCUMQUE FACIENDUM : NIMIS FACIEMUS CONTENTS List of club officers, committee members etc. Editorial List of B.E.C. Members, 1975 Down the Chute – A novice’s First Trip Mik’s Peregrinations Round and About Crossword No. 62
Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 Page 103 Page 104 Page 105 Page 107
All views expressed by contributors to the Belfry Bulletin, including those of officers of the club, do not necessarily co-coincide with those of the editor or the committee of the Bristol Exploration Club, unless specifically so stated. The Editor would like to appeal URGENTLY for more material for the B.B. Small items are always useful for filling up odd spaces. Of course, long articles are even better! CLUB HEADQUARTERS The Belfry, Wells Rd, Priddy, Wells, Somerset. Telephone WELLS 72126 CLUB COMMITTEE Chairman Minutes Sec Members
S.J. Collins G. Wilton-Jones Chris Batstone, John Dukes, Chris Howell, Tim Large, Mike Wheadon, R. Marshall, Barry Wilton.
OFFICERS OF THE CLUB Honorary Secretary Honorary Treasurer Caving Secretary Climbing Secretary Hut Warden Belfry Engineer Tacklemaster B.B. Editor Publications Editor B.B. Postal Spares Membership Sec.
M. WHEADON, 91 The Oval, Englishcoombe, Bath. Tel : BATH 713646 B. WILTON, ‘Valley View’, Venus Lane, Clutton, Nr. Bristol. Tele : TEMPLE CLOUD 52072 TIM LARGE, 15 Kippax Avenue, Wells, Somerset R. MARSHALL, 7 Fairacre Close, Lockleaze, Bristol C. BATSTONE, 8 Prospect Place, Bathford, Bath.. J. DUKES, 4 Springfield Crescent, Southampton. SO1 6LE Tele : (0703) 774649 G. WILTON-JONES, ‘Ilenea’, Stonefield Road. Nap Hill, High Wycombe, Bucks. Tele : (024) 024 3534 S.J. COLLINS, Lavender Cottage, Bishops Sutton, Nr. Bristol. Tel : CHEW MAGNA 2915 C. HOWELL, 131 Sandon Road, Edgebaston, Birmingham 17. Tele : (021) 429 5549 BRENDA WILTON Address as for Barry T. LARGE, Address already given Mrs. A. DOOLEY, c/o The Belfry. TO WHOM ALL SUBS SHOULD BE SENT.
98
Editorial MEMBERSHIP LIST November is, of course, the month in which the club's annual membership list is published and in the event it turns out to be the biggest list ever, with 224 names. We seem to have stopped the rot which happened when the sub was suddenly doubled to catch up with inflation and are back to our steady turnover of twenty members per year. It is hoped, however, that the committee have learned the lesson as to what happens when the sub is shifted upwards by what turned out to be too large a step for many members to take. AFFILIATION The committee has been charged by the A.G.M. to look into the possibility of allowing school caving groups to become affiliated to the B.E.C. The reasons behind the resolution which was proposed by Dave Irwin (who is secretary of the Council of Southern Caving Clubs) was that the Somerset Local Education Authority felt that the B.A.C.I. scheme for cave leadership was probably beyond the ability of many of its teachers and that the C.S.C.C. scheme - 'Caving for Beginners' - was too informal. They suggested some sort of compromise on the understanding that, if C.S.C.C. was not willing to look into such a compromise, then the Somerset L.E.A. would be forced to run an entirely independent scheme. Unfortunately, there are aspects of caving which cannot be ignored however much somebody may decide to 'go it alone'. No one, for instance, would expect the M.R.O. to refuse to rescue people who refused to comply with the C.S.C.C. recommendations on novice training. Since we are all involved with M.R.O. when required, we may feel that we cannot entirely ignore an 'outside' body like the local L.E.A. Thus, C.S.C.C. will, no doubt, find a compromise which is acceptable to both sides - although not quite what either side would really like. This compromise will undoubtedly involve the use of caving clubs - a point on which C.S.C.C. will probably insist. Hence, Dave Irwin’s resolution. The scheme, of course, will not stand or fall by what the B.E.C. decides to do. The Wessex, for example, already have an affiliation scheme and would be able to take part without any change to their constitution or rules, thus C.S.C.C. would be able at once to steer any school caving groups towards the Wessex. The question, as far as we are concerned, is whether we want the B.E.C to become involved or not. The reason for spelling all this out at some length is because strong feelings were shown at the A.G.M. both for and against the idea. Of the 34 members who voted at all, ten of these were so strongly against the idea that they did not even wish the committee to consider it. A further ten were so strongly in favour that they said they would be happy for the committee to act without consulting them again. The remaining 24 said that they would not mind the committee looking into it, and would make up their minds when the committee had produced its findings. As far as can be shown, the committee have no strong feelings, and are probably amongst the 24 who wanted to see what was being proposed. Under these circumstances it would be a good thing if those who hold strong views used the B.B. to let others know their reasons, so that the club and the committee may get a better idea of what the thinking is on this subject. The editor is prepared to accept nom de plume providing that the author gives his real name to the editor. “Alfie”
99 BRISTOL EXPLORATION CLUB - MEMBERSHIP LIST 828 741 20 L 392 L 856 295 617 618 818 390 L 214 L 860 731 720 734 364 L 336 L 145 L 751 L 707 732 687 819 756 849 777 778 679 785 655 211 L
Nicolette Abell J.M. Bacon Bob Bagshaw Mike Baker M.D. Barker Arthur Ball R. Bater Mrs Bater Chris Batstone Joan Bennett Roy Bennett Glenys Beszant Bob Bidmead Martin Bishop E. Bishop P. Blogg Alan Bonner Sybil Bowden-Lyle T.A. Brookes R. Brown Mrs Brown Viv Brown G. Buckham Tessa Burt Alan Butcher Ian Calder Penelope Calder R. Chandler Paul Christie Colin Clark Clare Coase
780 89 L 821 377 L 585 827 858 680 609 405 L 423 L 449 815 710 829 164 L 830 847 812 779 771 322 L 232 831
J. Coleman Alfie Collins J, Cooke D. Cooke-Yarborough Tony Corrigan Mike Cowlishaw S. Craig Bob Cross I.M. Daniels Frank Darbon Len Dawes Garth Dell J. Dibben Colin Dooley Angela Dooley Ken Dobbs John Dukes Michael Durham S. Durston Jim Durston P. Eckford Bryan Ellis C. Falshaw R.J. Fisher
October 1975
Ardtraskart, Greenway Lane, Bath 12 Marine Road, Pensarn, Abergele, Wales 699 Wells Road, Knowle, Bristol, Avon 22 Riverside Walk, Midsomer Norton, Bath, Avon Hunters Lodge, 4 Heath Road, Pamber Heath, Nr. Basingstoke, Hants 4 Charlotte Street, Cheadle, Cheshire 4 Butterfield Close, westbury-on-Trym, Bristol 4 Butterfield Close, westbury-on-Trym, Bristol 8 Prospect Place, Bathford, Bath, Avon 8 Radnor Road, Wesbury-on-Trym, Bristol 8 Radnor Road, Wesbury-on-Trym, Bristol 190 Hinkler Road, Thornhill, Southampton. 63 Cassell Road, Fishponds, Bristol Bishops Cottage, Priddy Bishops Cottage, Priddy 5 Tyrolean Court, Cheviot Close, Avenue Road, Banstead, Surrey Crags Farm Close, Little Broughton, Cokermouth, Cumberland 9 Beverley Close, Crithill Park, Frome, Somerset 87 Wyatt Road, London, SW2 Cranleigh Gardns, Luton, Beds. Cranleigh Gardns, Luton, Beds. 3 Cross Street, Kingswood, Bristol 13 Grosvenor Place, London Road, Bath 66 Roundwood Lane, Harpendon, Herts. Address to follow Plas Pencelli, Pencelli, Brecon Plas Pencelli, Pencelli, Brecon 6 Blackcap close, Southgate, Crawley, West Sussex 67 Keswick Driove, Lightwater, Surrey 186 Cranbrook Road, Redland, Bristol 5 Mandalay Flats, 10 Elsiemer Street, Long Jetty, N.S.W. 2262, Australia Little Green, Bunwell, Norfolk Lavendar Cottage, Bishop Sutton, Nr Bristol, Somerset Lancaster house, Tondu, Nr. Bridgend, S. Wales Lot 11 McKay Crescent, Orange, New South Wales, Australia 48a Talbot Road, Knowle, Bristol 4 Hilston, Cleveland Walk, Bath 49 Stepney Drive, Southcote Reading 42 Bayham Road, Knowle, Bristol Handsworth, Pilgrims way, Chilham, Canterbury, Kent PO Box 325, Vernon, British Columbia, Canada 223 Southwark Park Road, Bermondsey, London, SE10 5 Hillground Road, Withywood, Bristol 17 Nevill Road, Bramshall, Stockport, Cheshire 51 Osmaston Road, Harbourne, Birmingham 7 51 Osmaston Road, Harbourne, Birmingham 7 85 Fox Rd., Beacon Heath, Exeter, Devon 4 Springford Crescent, Lordswood, Southampton 11 Catherine Place, Bath 7 Estuary Park, Combwich, Bridgwater, Somerset 7 Estuary Park, Combwich, Bridgwater, Somerset 80 Wilton Gardens, Shirley, Southampton 7 School Lane, Combwich, Bridgwater, Somerset 23 Hallam Grange Crescent, Sheffield 19 Alma Road, Portswood, Southampton
269 L 783 404 L 569 469 468 765 759 835 265 836 459 752 790 582 432 L 104 L 304 L 581 4L 866 857 773 373 736 793 833 387 L 770 631 855 808 97 150 363 73 168 540 L 753 792 814 51 L 560 L 438 285 567 L 316 L 542 L 413 L 811 667 L 795 656 657 846 574 L 58 495 L 848
Tom Fletcher D. Foxwell Albert Francis Joyce Franklin Pete Franklin Keith Franklin R.T. Gage C. Gage Leonard Gee Stan Gee Bob Givens Keith Gladman E.M. Glanville Martin Grass Chris Hall Nigel Hallet Mervyn Hannam C.W. Harris Chris Harvey Dan Hassell A.P. Hicks M. Henderson Rodney Hobbs Sid Hobbs Sylvia Hobbs Mike Hogg J.H. Hookings George Honey C. Howell P. Hudson Ted Humphreys J.A. Hunt J. Ifold P. Ifold Maurise Iles Angus Innes Margaret Innes Dave Irwin N. Jago Ken James M. Jarrett A Johnson Frank Jones Mrs. P. Jones U. Jones Alan Kennett Kangy King Phil Kingston R. Kitchen D. Knowles Tim Large Peter Leigh P. Littlewood Mrs Littlewood I. Livermore Oliver Lloyd George Lucy Val Luckwill T.A. McDonagh
100 11 Cow Lane, Bramcote, Nottingham. 87 Okebourne Road, Brentry, Bristol 22 Hervey Road, Wells, Somerset 12 Avon Way, Portishead, Bristol 12 Avon Way, Portishead, Bristol Address to follow 36 Woodland Road, Nailsea, Bristol 36 Woodland Road, Nailsea, Bristol 15 Warren Close, Denton, Manchester 26 Parsonage Street, Heaton Norris, Stockport. Newstead Lodge, 1 Fields Green, Crawley, Sussex 29 Sheffield Road, Brentwood, Essex Jocelyn House Mews, Chard, Somerset 14 Westlea Road, Wormley, Broxbourne, Herts 2 Upper Radford, Paulton, Bristol 144 Stockwood Road, Bristol 4 14 Inskip Place, St Annes, Lancashire The Diocesan Registry, Wells, Somerset Byways, Hanham Lane, Paulton, Nr. Bristol Hill House, Moorlynch, Bridgwater, Somerset 3 Regency Drive, Brislington, Bristol 28 Newgreens Avenue, St.Albans, Herts. Rose Cottage, Nailsea Hokerstone Cottage, Townsend, Priddy Hokerstone Cottage, Townsend, Priddy 32 Birchley Heath, Nuneaton, Warks 32 Churchill Road, Catshill, Bromsgrove, Worcs. Droppsta, 19044, Odensala, Sweden 131 Sandford Road, Edgebaston, Birmingham 22 Glantawe Park Estate, Wind Road, Ystradgynlais, Wales 9 Mounters Close, Marnhull, Sturminster Newton, Dorset 35 Conygre Road, Filton, Bristol 5 Rushgrove Gardens, Bishop Sutton, Nr. Bristol The Cedars, Blackford, Nr. Wedmore, Cheddar Waterworks Cottage, Gurmney Slade, Bath 18 David’s Close, Alveston, Bristol, Aven 18 David’s Close, Alveston, Bristol, Aven Townsend Cottage, Townsend, Priddy, Somerset 27 Quantock Road, Windmill Hill, Bristol 3 5 Bay Tree Road, Weston-super-Mare 12 Edgecombe Hill, Hall Green, Birmingham Warren Cottage, Station Rd., Flax Bourton, Bristol 8 York Gardens, Clifton, Bristol 8 50 Louisville Avenue, Aberdeen Marsh Farm, Askem in Furness, Lancs. 92 West Broadway, Henleaze, Bristol 22 Parkfield Rank, Pucklechurch, Bristol, Avon 257 Pemona Street, Invercargill, New Zealand Overcombe, Horrabridge, Yelverton, Devon 35 North Road, Watleys End, Winterbourne, Bristol 15 Kippax Avenue, Wells Address unknown 22 Brockhurst Avenue, Burbage, Hankley, Leics. 22 Brockhurst Avenue, Burbage, Hankley, Leics 9 Leystone, Close, Frome, Somerset Withey House, Withey Close West, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol Pike Croft, Long Lane, Tilehurst, Reading, Berks 8 Greenslade Road, Sedgeley hill, Dudley, Worcs. Poole Meadow, West End, Gloucester
838 550 L 591 845 788 662 106 L 558 L 704 308 794 852 842 624 798 557 396 L 637 22 L 160 499 L 724 820 337 622 481 L 452 L 343 L 672 L 844 682 712 787 816 832 240 L 359 L 747 237 L 577 578 482 78 L 213 L 839 789 764 473 823 276 1L 38L 840 575 L 365 L 381 L 837 865
D. McFarlane R A MacGregor J. Manchip A. Marchant I.K. Marshall I. Marshall E.J. Mason Tony Meaden D. Metcalf K. Murray A. Nichols John Noble M. O’Niell J. Orr P.A. Palfree D. Palmer Mike Palmer A. Pearce Les Peters Norman Petty Tony Philpott Graham Phippen P. Preece Brian Prewer Colin Priddle John Ransom Pam Rees A Rich R Richards J. Ridler J. Riley Mrs Riley I.P. Rogers P.G. Rodgers Roger Sabido Alan Sandall Carol Sandall D.R. Sanderson B. Scott Dave Searle Kathy Searle Gordon Selby R.A. Setterington R. Setterington A.O. Sharp N.K. Shaw C. Shaw M.B. Slade Dave Smith Andy Sparrow J.M. Stafford Harry Stanbury Mrs I Stanbury G. Standring D. Statham Roger Stenner Daphne Stenner Richard Stevenson Paul Stokes
101 24 Greenbank Gardens, Wallington, Fareham, Hants. 12 Douro Close, Baughurst, Basingstoke, Hants Orwell Terrace, Edinburgh Manor Farm Cottage, Chilcote, Wells 4 Kings Drive, Bishopston, Bristol 7 Fairacre Close, Lockleaze, Bristol 33 Broadleys Avenue, Henleaze, Bristol Highcroft, Westbury, Bradford Abbas, Sherborne, Dorset 52 Northfield Road, Peterborough. Northants. 17 Harrington Gardens, London SW7 Address to follow 15 Nash Close, Keynsham, Bristol 21 Wickford, Drive, Harrow Hill, Romford, Essex Flat 2, Dorset House, Basingstoke District Hospital, Basingstoke, Hants 10 Maynard, Clutton, Nr. Bristol 29 St. John Road, Wesley, Bristol 3 27 Roman Way, Paulton, Nr. Bristol 5 Colmer Road, Yeovil, Somerset 21 Melbury Rd., Knowle Park, Bristol Avon Bankside Road, Brislington, Bristol 3 Kings Drive, Bishopston, Bristol, Avon Rock Cottage, Rock Road, Wick, Bristol 20 Belvedere Road, Moortown, Leeds 17 East View, West Horrington, Wells, Somerset 10 Franklyn Flats, Kopje Road, Gwelo, Rhodesia 21 Bradley Rd., Patchway, Bristol, Avon Address unknown Box 126, Basham, Alberta Canada PO Box 141, Jacobs, Natal, South Africa Beck Hall, 16/26 Sketty Road, Uplands, Swansea 67 Alfred Hill Drive, Melba, Canberra, Australia 67 Alfred Hill Drive, Melba, Canberra, Australia 56 Charlton lane, Brentry, Bristol 56 Charlton lane, Brentry, Bristol 1 Longmead Avenue, Hoefield, Bristol 7 43 Meadway Ave., Nailsea, Avon 43 Meadway Ave., Nailsea, Avon 23 Penzance Gardens, Harold Hill, Romford Merrymead, Havestock Road, Winchester Hants 14 Silver Street, Midsomer Norton, Bath 14 Silver Street, Midsomer Norton, Bath 2 Dodd Avenue, Wells, Somerset 4 Galmington Lane, Taunton, Somerset 4 Cavendish Road, Chiswick, London W4 Address to follow. Queens Head Walk, Wormley, Broxbourne, Herts Queens Head Walk, Wormley, Broxbourne, Herts 230 Southampton Road, Reading, Berks. 14 Severn Way, Tilehurst, Reading, Berks. 6 Downsway, Salisbury, Wilts Back Plaidy, King Edward, Nr Turriff, Aberdeen. 31 Belvoir Road, St. Andrews, Bristol 74 Redcatch, Knowle, Bristol 71 Vienna Road, Edgeley, Stockport, Chester The Bungallow, North Barrow, Yeovil, Somerset 38 Paulton Road, Victoria Park, Bristol 3 Address unknown Greystones, Priddy 32 Manor Way, Bagshot, Surrey
572 826 583 800 772 284 L 348 L 571 L 711 699 700 692 803 80 74 L 544 157 L 328 768 769 678 646 843 635 L 775 776 175 L 592 397 861 817 553 559 568 721 850 813 594 549 841 738 859 853
P. Sutton J.G. Talbot Derek Targett M.D. Taylor Nigel Taylor Allan Thomas D Thomas N Thomas M. Thomas Buckett Tilbury Anne Tilbury Roger Toms R.S. Toms J.M. Postle Tompsett M.J. Dizzie Tompsett Phil Townsend Jill Tuck Steve Tuck Tony Tucker Sue Tucker Dave Turner P. Turner M.F. Turley S. Tuttlebury J. Upsall Mrs Upsall Mrs D. Waddon Eddie Welch Mike Wheadon Maureen Wheadon C.D. Wheeler Bob White Barry Wilton Brenda Wilton Graham Wilton-Jones Annie Wilton-Jones Ian Wilton-Jones P. Wilkins Alan Williams C.K. Williams R.F. Wing J, Widley D.Wiltshire
102 75 Brendon, Yate, Bristol 52 Galley Lane, Barnet, Herts. 16 Phyllis Hill, Midsomer Norton 15 Kennington Avenue, Bishopston, Bristol Whidden Farm, Chilcote, Nr. Wells, Somerset Allens House, Nine Barrows Lane, Priddy, Somerset Lower Lodge, Bartlestree, Hereford Holly Lodge, Norwich Rd., Salhouse, Norwich, Norfolk. 5 Woolcot St. Redland, Bristol 6 256 Cressex Road, High Wycombe, Bucks 256 Cressex Road, High Wycombe, Bucks 18 Hoton Road, Wysemold, Leicester 18 Hoton Road, Wysemold, Leicester 11 Lodge Avenue, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex 11 Lodge Avenue, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex 20 Lime Close, Prestbury. Cheltenham, Glos. 48 Wiston Path, Fairwater Way, Cwmbran, Gwent, Wales 3 Colles Close, Wells, Somerset Address to follow Address to follow Moonrakers, Brewery Lane, Holcombe, Bath 11 Harper Court, Honnington, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire 13 Cresham Walk, Tilgate, Crawley, Sussex 28 Butts Road, Alton, Hants. Gable End, The Flying Horseshoe, Clapham, Lancashire Gable End, The Flying Horseshoe, Clapham, Lancashire 32 Laxton Close, Taunton, Somerset 18 Station Road, Filton, Bristol 91 The Oval, Bath 91 The Oval, Bath 13 Greywell Avenue, Aldermoor, Southampton Address to follow 27 Venus Lane, Clutton, Bristol 27 Venus Lane, Clutton, Bristol Ileana, Stenfield Road, Nap Hill, High Wycombe, Bucks 6 Meadow Road, Withyall, Birmingham 6 Meadow Road, Withyall, Birmingham 55 Eighth Avenue, Northville, Bristol Address not known Whitestown Farm, Cheddar Cross Roads, Compton Martin, Bristol Penzance Gardens, Harold Hill, Romford, Essex 15 Nash Close, Keynsham, Bristol 31 Bath Road, Keynsham, Bristol
* * * * * * * * Note: Any member who knows any of the following omissions from the list above will greatly oblige all concerned if they could please supply any missing information. Keith Franklin's address. Pete Hamm's address. Dr.A. Hicks's membership number. P.Leigh's address. Andy Nichols's address. Pam Rees's address. Tony Sharp's address. Daphne Stenner's address. .
P. Stokes's membership number Doug Stuckey's address. The Tuckers' address Bob White's address A. Williams's address And who has the membership 854 ?
103
Down the Chute A Novice's First Trip - by Annie Wilton-Jones.
It is pleasant to welcome the newest member of the Wilton-Jones clan to the pages of the B.B. Not only do they all cave, but they write about it as well!
THE CHUTE Caving was a completely new experience to me, and the nearer we got to Cwm Dwr, the entrance which was to lead us into Ogof Ffynon Ddu, the more nervous I felt. My first sight of the entrance confirmed my worst fears. A tiny metal door opened to reveal a concrete tube leading almost vertically downwards. I stared at this chute in horror as the first three in the party disappeared down it. Me next! My face was white; my stomach knotted in terror, but I couldn't back out now! I slid down the chute into the blackness and reached a narrow gap through which the head of one of the group was passing. (Why didn't I stick to my diet?). Now the passage opened and I relaxed before the next hazard. THE CRAWLS We appeared to have reached an impasse. Where could we go? Oh, no! Not into that tiny hole there! But next moment, there I was, flat on my stomach, starting an apparently never-ending slither along a tunnel just wide enough for my shoulders. Every now and then, the height of the tunnel increased and I was able to crawl (luxury!) but mostly I slid along using my elbows as levers. After a few yards my elbows and knees felt really raw as the gravel floor bit into them, but this was nothing compared with the final indignity - a puddle about five or six feet long and filling the width of the tunnel, the roof of which, needless to say, was now at its lowest point. I slid into the water like an ungainly water snake and heaved myself back onto dry lend with my long suffering elbows. STAL Now, at last, I could stand and I forgot about the appropriately named crawls as I moved into the underground caverns and passages where the beauties of various stal. formations awaited me. Now I knew why so many people spend so much time burrowing underground like moles. Stalactites and stalagmites I had seen before but not the beauty of straws nor the precarious strength of a false floor stiffened with stal. Sand washed into pinnacles by the constant drip of water or formed into a gigantic ledge through the years; these and many other delights were revealed to us as we passed from passage to passage, cavern to cavern. To protect these natural phenomena, tapes had been placed round them by previous cavers as a warning not to get too close. The manoeuvres necessary to avoid taped areas were often incredibly complicated. THE MAIN STREAM Then we reached the Main Stream. It was smaller than I expected but it made up for its lack of size with the volume of noise it created. The stream was shallow - no deeper at most than knee level, but I still did not trust myself in it. As I walked along the bed of the stream, I felt carefully with each foot before daring to move. I must here give full recognition to the patience of my party; their feet froze as they kept down to my pace yet there was no murmur of discontent. "UP THE LADDER AND DOWN THE WALL" At last we climbed out of the water and into another tunnel about thirty inches high. The next big challenge was there before me - a thirty three foot high wall of rock, twenty feet of which we were to ascend on a wire ladder. My turn came too soon. I put my hands in the correct position and one foot on a rung; then, bravely, I moved the other foot. The ladder swung, taking my heart with it, but once I got back in control I refused to be beaten and so, slowly but surely, I approached the top of the wall and clambered, gleefully, to safety. "Now for a little exploration!" We walked; climbed, clambered and jumped for nearly an hour, stopping at one point for a much-needed snack. Then back down the ladder and into the stream again. HOME, JAMES! As we had now been underground for four hours, we started for home, but by a different route. On the way back I decided that I did not like straddling wide gaps over seemingly bottomless pits - the knee tremble
104 of the climber attacked me and I had to be gently talked through each move. One gap was too wide for me even to straddle and I had to lean across it with my hands on one side and my feet on the other, with only friction keeping me in position. "This is the life," I thought - wondering how long my life would last! THE FINAL STRUGGLE Soon afterwards, our passage met the passage we had entered by and we were back in the Crawls starting at the puddle and working back. After five hours in the cave I was really tired. My arms ached and pulling myself along on my elbows nearly finished me off. I was faring better than one member of the party, however, as my caving light was still reasonably strong whereas this poor unfortunate's light had faded to nothing. His passage through the Crawls was punctuated with crashings and exclamations as bends and jutting rocks caught him unawares. But now we were nearly home and little mattered except the final effort to pull oneself back up the chute. Here, I failed miserably. My arms gave up altogether and I had to be pulled from above and pushed from below until I finally emerged like a Jack-in-the-Box into the fading daylight six hours after I had left it. Covered in mud from head to foot, my wet socks full of water and sand, my eyes half closed with tiredness, I made myself a promise - 'I'll be back' _______________________________________________________________________________________
Mik’s Peregrinations I was just thinking that it was time I took up my pen again for another stroll over Mendip's mighty gossip columns - particularly now that Alfie tells me that 'Wig' is about to retire - although it could well be Christmas by the time I complete this and get it published. (And it could well be Christmas before the November B.B. is out at the rate articles are coming in! - Editor.) Now, where should I begin? Perhaps just a brief mention of our intrepid explorers John Dukes and Graham Wilton-Jones, with their sucessfu1 P.S.M. summer expedition. Modest though they both are, their exploits were well in keeping with the normal excesses of the club, no doubt we can expect even more next year. Next, in geological order in my memory, comes the A.G.M. which was once again reasonably lively even though there was no debate this year on the periodicity of the B.B. - perhaps because Tim wasn't there. A further item absent from the agenda this year was the election, for although Colin, 'Wig' and Tony Sharpe fled the scene, the only replacements were Chris Batstone, Mike Wheadon and Roy Marshall. Unfortunately, as far as I can see, there were several matters unresolved, such as insurance and affiliations. Tony Tucker livened things up for a brief time by pointing out that his legs were too long for him to assume a comfortable seat in the new Belfry loos (big sighs of commiseration all round for Tony). Anyway, the loos ARE installed and one of them is operational. John Dukes reckons it will only be a short time before all the mods are complete and he plans to hold a working weekend some time before Christmas, so keep working. Having surprised myself by doing a separate article on the dinner (that's one of the drawbacks of being a syndicate) my sense of time has been upset because it should slot into this column at about this point. All the same, it seems to have been reasonably successful though there are cries for changes of venue and menu and a return of the traditional B.E.C. entertainment. Still, if that's all you have to worry about, not to complain - you complacent bods. Spare a thought for our friendly neighbouring club the Wessex, whose dinner on the 18th of October at the Bishop's Barn passed almost unnoticed. What a far cry this is from the days not so long ago when their dinner was the one event not to be missed in the Mendip calendar. Nowadays, the Absent Friends list outnumbers the attendance list. Sad though this is, it is nevertheless true and whilst the reasons are not really our affair, we should perhaps learn and ensure that our dinner never heads in that direction. One cannot but wonder whether it has anything to do with their turning the affair into a coconut shy. Once again, their dinner was concerned with throwing and the would-be diner has the agonising choice between a lounge suit or a wet suit as dress for the occasion.
105 Changing the mood - it seems that the barrel season is beginning to blossom again. On the list we had Chris Hallam and Martin G., Mike W. and Mike P. putting on two barrels between them at the Belfry after hours. No one seems to recall the reasons for the barrels but they were much enjoyed - though I think the exuberance of trying to extract day fees for drinking guests sets a dangerous precedent which should be forgotten with thanks to those too drunk to know what they were doing by contributing. Finally, and to bring us up to date, I must mention the Shepton Dinner/Buffet which was again held in Priddy Village Hall. Once again, the dinner was excellent and a great credit to the hard workers of the Shepton who organised it all. There was plenty of food and plenty of plonk. After the meal, the customary custard pie slapping sponsored affair (Butch v. Mr. N.) which, incidentally, only spreads food on the participants, took place and a reasonable sum was raised for M.R.O. finds. Then came the traditional games - this year in the early stages with perhaps too much exposure - which demand a reasonable degree of skill and dexterity. The Shepton were the victorious team, so honour was satisfied and we all left feeling very merry. Lastly, definitely, I must make note that our Treasurer has finally lapsed by missing his first committee meeting since he was elected eons ago - he forgot! Barrie is also working to try to get last year’s expedition members to the Lakes again this year, so pray for some snow for him! _______________________________________________________________________________________
A Monthly Miscellany, by Wig
192.
193.
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O.F.D.: Following several years of negotiations, O.F.D., Britain’s longest and deepest cave becomes a National nature reserve. Due to threats of quarrying by Hobbs Quarries, the Nature Conservancy has purchased most of the land above the cave. O.F.D 1 and Cwm Dwr lie outside the Nature Conservancy boundaries. Access to the cave is being controlled as usual by South Wales Cave Club but it appears that a management committee may be required in the future. Conservation and Access drop purchase of Quarry Shares: At the 1974 Annual Meeting of N.C.A., it was proposed to attack the quarrying companies 'from within'. It was pointed out by C.S.C.C. representatives that this was a futile method of going about the job, and that little, if any, information would be available to shareholders. In the South, good relations and an understanding of each others problems has been a framework built up over the years. When the C and A group investigated the situation in a little more detail, it was found that the quarrying operations formed minute parts of large combines - so small in fact that no details were available. Anyway, to try to attack firms by the back door would merely set their backs up. Once again, the south has been proved right. C.S.C.C. "Chuck out" N.C.A. Equipment Annual Report: No doubt the C.S.C.C. will be in its usual position of 'the baddy' after the N.C.A. Annual Meeting on December 5th at Ingleton. At the C.S.C.C. meeting on November 29th, the annual report of this controversial special committee on equipment was discussed. The report is couched in vague generalities such as "We should like to carry out testing on ropes." In fact, there are no less than seven examples of "We should like… " A committee of four or five, living in various parts of the country, have suggested enough work to keep a well organised laboratory happy for many years! In addition, the committee is to ask the N.C.A. for £200 for travel and administration expenses next year. As most of these expenses are NOT covered by grants, this alone would mean a doubling of the annual subscription from regions. For what? A mountain of paperwork of NO DIRECT USE TO THE CAVER. If this committee is allowed to carry out testing (and their technical ability is strongly criticised by C.S.C.C.) then a considerable sum of money is going to be required. As a result, the C.S.C.C. has instructed its delegates to refer this report back to the special committee for re-writing to include details of costs and times for the work it wishes to do. It is
106 essential that cavers have any useful information that may be available, but the work must be carried out by people that have the confidence of the grass-roots caver and at a price that the caving world can afford. Wally Wilcocks, the C.S.C.C. representative on this Committee has requested clubs to search their membership to find any professionally qualified technicians who might be able to help. Also, let him know your views on equipment testing. Do you want a committee to do it for you? Are you prepared to trust the findings of people you're not certain about? Do you want a potentially expensive body set up for which, indirectly you will have to pay? Let Wally, or Mike Cowlishaw know your views on these and related question. 195.
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Southern Reps at N.C.A .Annual Meeting: Six people are attending this meeting. They are Tim Reynolds (W.C.C.) Fred Davies (N.H.A.S.A.) Mike Jay, (S.V.C.C.) Dave Irwin and Alfie Collins (B.E.C.) and Wall Wilcocks (W.C.C.). The official minutes will not be available until late in January. New Book published by B.C.R.A.: The B.C.R.A. have withdrawn the text of Bryan Ellis's new book 'Surveying Caves' from David and Charles and are publishing it themselves. Available about January price £1.50. 'Descent' in political trouble: As readers of Descent will know, the Editor - Bruce Bedford - has given over two pages to the N.C.A., thus enabling them to publish news of latest activities. The retiring Hon. Sec. (Jenny Potts) has criticised magazine for its irregular publishing dates and suggested that N.C.A. should spend money on a propaganda sheet. Really, you know - beggars can't be choosers! Burrington Atlas: The B.E.C.'s popular 'best seller' is being reprinted with corrections. Price and to be announced shortly. A History of Swildons Hole: After three years in the preparation stage, this book has finally appeared. It costs £12 bound in leather or £9 in rexine covers. Intended to raise £1,500 to finance the building of a workshop at Upper Pitts, it is being sold at about three times its production cost. For a prestige book, as this is intended to be, it is very lacking in proof reading. I must admit here that I have only looked at the pictures and have not yet read the text. The layout is untidy and there are some mistakes that should never have been passed - an inverted photograph; bad layout of photographs; small portions of text tucked away into corners; too much name dropping of people not really notable for the activities in this cave, and so on. However, those with £9 - £12 to spend on a limited edition (300 copies) might be interested in obtaining a copy. There are many interesting record photographs, but are these worth the money to assist Wessex build a workshop? A good idea that has not met its specification due to bad editing. A pity. Whernside Manor: As many of you already know, the Scout Association is withdrawing financial support to the centre as from next March. Without any financial support to cover its annual deficit of about £15,000 the centre will have to close. Various ideas have been looked into, including the possibility of forming a trust with NCA on its management board. The Sports Council have stated that they do not intend to bail the centre out of financial trouble should the trust be formed - so the idea has been abandoned. The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority have expressed their interest in the site with a view to diversifying its activities. They are going to include Whernside in their budget for 1976/7 and hope that the North Yorkshire County Council will cough up the necessary money. At the moment, Ben Lyon and his associates are biting their nails hard. Further protection for Mendip caves: Rich Witcombe, C and A Officer for the Southern Council, has been quietly working away to get SSSI cover for Thrupe Lane Manor Farm and Fairy Cave Quarry caves. The Nature Conservancy has agreed to extend the boundary of Stoke Lane SSSI to cover the Fairy Cave Quarry caves, but they are not entirely convinced of the importance of Thrupe or Manor. Rich is now awaiting the publication of an accurate survey of Thrupe before taking any further action. More to be found?: Tim Large recently visited St. Cuthbert’s little known Marble Pot to find that a hole had opened up at the bottom of the shaft. A rift led up dip(?) and off this a tight tube led with a promising draught coming from it. Later pushing showed that it became too tight. However, more work here might give more cave passage.
107 Secretarial Once again this month we welcome both new members and two who have rejoined after having been away for many years: Margaret and Angus Innes, 18 Davids Close, Alvestion, Bristol. Mike McCarthy, Flat 5, 26 Elgin Park, Redland, Bristol. Nigel George, Homestead Garden Cottage, Wookey Hole, Wells. Gary Cullen, 47 Eversfield Rd., Horsham, Sussex. _______________________________________________________________________________________
MONTHLY CROSSWORD – Number 62 Across: 1
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Down 1. Gay R.N. food? Welsh rarebit perhaps! (3-2-4) 2. Short pound. (2) 3. A G.B. chamber contains mother? (4) 4. Worker, perhaps, in a place of mine in Cuthbert’s. (6) 5. and 7 across. You might well be reduced to crawling after this – but not in August, surely? (9,6). 8. – or beef, coming first. (6) 11. Keen, like an old six and five hundred. (4) 14. Cider drinkers will recognise this abbreviation. (1,1)