4 minute read
Caving Phil Hendy
Evolution of the caving “hut”
SINCEthe early days of Mendip caving, visitors needed somewhere to stay during their explorations. It was easy enough for the Wells-based cavers to make day trips and, even into the 1950s, men would cycle out from Bath and Bristol for a day’s adventure. Longer visits required accommodation, and this was provided by various farms, inns and other establishments.
Cavers exploring Swildon’s Hole often made use of Farmer Maine’s barn on Priddy Green, while at Easter and Whitsun, camping was an option.
Soon groups began to think of having a more permanent base, where they could not only stay overnight, but store bulky tackle. Probably the first permanent structure was built by the University of Bristol Speleological Society at Burrington. It still stands. Ablution facilities were provided by constructing a brick-lined pool in the bed of the stream leading to the sink now known as Bath Swallet.
Other clubs followed suit and several have maintained bases for many years, although few are original. They are often still referred to as “huts”, although most are far more salubrious than that. For example, the Cerberus Speleological Society rented old quarrymen’s cottages at Fairy Cave Quarry, but they now have a luxurious building up the road at Larkshall.
The Shepton Mallet Caving Club started in a small stone building adjacent to Priddy Minneries, until they raised the funds to build their present headquarters nearby. Across the St. Cuthbert’s depression, the Bristol Exploration Club still has its base, the Belfry, on its original site, although the first hut was destroyed in a fire in the 1960s.
A few miles away at Nordrach, near the site of the old wooden Axbridge Caving Group hut, is the headquarters of the Mendip Caving Group. Their original building, paid for and largely constructed by members, was demolished soon after completion by a gas explosion.
Fortunately, this occurred on New Year’s Eve, when members were celebrating at the pub. Insurance covered the re-build.
The Wessex Cave Club had its first headquarters over a stable at The Grange near the Castle of Comfort. They then moved to a converted stable at Beechbarrow before relocating to a wooden hut which they built in a blizzard at nearby Hillgrove. Eventually, after fundraising and with the aid of grants, they built their present headquarters at Eastwater.
Early huts were very basic, often without running water, and relying on gas and paraffin for cooking and lighting. Water for the Severn Valley Caving Club cottage at Tor Hole came through a hosepipe from a nearby spring. Water had to be passed through a tea strainer before use, to remove the shrimps and other debris.
Gradually, as the quality of building improved, so did the facilities. After a caving trip today, a hot shower is essential, as is central heating. Gone are most of the “Alpine” bunks, a long mattress where everyone slept together like sardines.
Other facilities which are now deemed essential include drying rooms, lounges furnished with comfortable settees and chairs, and well-appointed kitchens. There is usually a library for researching, and for use as a meeting or quiet room. One club even has a hot tub!
Relations with clubs in other parts of the country are good and we offer “reciprocal rights”, whereby cavers can stay at each other’s huts at members’ rates.
It seems that Cheddar caves will soon be open again, possibly at Easter. This is good news for the businesses in the village which rely on the tourist trade. The rumour is that the caves will be managed by a consortium headed by Longleat Estates; it is to be hoped that with our release from Covid lockdown restrictions, the re-
With PHILIP HENDY
opening will be a success.
Cavers are hoping that the renewed interest in the caves will mean that an agreement can be reached whereby the “wild” caves on the south side of the Gorge can be made accessible to them again. Visits to these caves was denied a few years ago while a new access agreement was negotiated between Longleat and the cavers’ regional body, the Council of Southern Caving Clubs.
Digging in important sites such as Gough’s Cave, Reservoir Hole and Spider Hole had to cease, but could soon resume. Most cavers abided by the access embargo, but sadly, not all agreed. The locked gate on Spider Hole has twice been vandalised by selfish individuals with no thought of the possible consequences.
Sadly, other caves have also been forcibly entered. Cave entrances are locked either at the request of the landowner, or to prevent accidents to the public. Keys to most caves can be readily obtained from the major Mendip caving clubs, but the vandalism has left deep shafts open in areas much visited by the public and their dogs.
Star Shaft itself is 28 metres deep and can only be climbed with tackle. Damaged gates are repaired as soon as possible once we are aware of them, but in the case of Star Shaft, it is likely that the landowner will seal the entrance permanently, thereby denying entry even to legitimate cavers.
Most serious cavers belong to a club, and understand the importance of maintaining good relations with landowners and the public. Social gatherings at the various huts reinforces this ethos. It is hoped that noncavers recognise this rogue element for what it is; sadly, there is such an element in many other activities.
