Once again we go to press with the same two overworked Editors, cum Hon Sec, cum Asst Hon Sec, cum Treasurer, cum BB printers, cum BB circulating officers….won’t someone please step forward to take over the editing and stencil cutting of the BB and so help to take some of the weight from our shoulders.

Tackle

In the past there have been many complaints regarding the condition o f the tackle and storeroom. In an attempt to remove the sources of complaint the committee has, after some consideration, has decided to create a tackle Sub Committee to assist Mike Jones in his duty as Tackle Officer. This Sub Committee consists of 3 or 4 people interested either in using or making tackle; at present it includes Mike Jones, Mervyn Hannam and Ken Dobbs. If any members feel they would like to do any work in this direction, will they please get in touch with any of the above.

If any one does volunteer they will be welcomed with open arms.

Warning

Further to the above. The reorganisation of the tackle store does not leave room for personal equipment. Anything found there a fortnight after this BB is circulated (other than tackle or junk that has Mike Jones personal blessing) WILL BE BURNT OR OTHERWISE DESTROYED.

Inspection Of Minutes.

The Minutes of committee meetings are available for inspection on application to the Hon. Sec.

Final Reminders of Annual Subscriptions.

Although final reminders have now gene out for 1952 subscriptions there are a few people who have contributions paid for a part of this year. These people will still receive Club benefits until the renewal date is reached. They will however receive no future notice regarding further payment.

A “POME” In reply to “ The Olden Days”.

Dear Sir with reference (in a late edition) to “pome” entitled “In the Olden Days”. I have, if you will give your kind permission, a comment here which I should like to raise. The authoress who, in stanzas stirring the ‘olden days’ so easily recall, were not (unless my memory be erring) then members o f the B EC at all! I can’t recall that D. and I had met, Sir when cavers washed and changed on Priddy Green. And I am certain I should not forget Sir If S. had used the door as her latrine! Please do not think to carp is my intention to criticise unduly — or to nag — but one last point I really ought to mention In those days we were nearly always “stag”

Anon.

Congratulations Column

Congratulations to Don Coase & Clare Ainsworth, Pat Ifold & Beryl Wild on their recent marriages.

Round the S Bend Or the Saga of the Sewers.

Members o f party, Alma Serle, Colin O’Toole, Mike Jones, Raymond Brain, Mervyn Hannam, Roy Bennett, hordes of rats and H.Line,Esq. One afternoon last year the above party was conducted on a tour the Bristol Sewers and Castle Moat. We went underground at a point near Broad Weir and a moment later masses of bods were pilling into two boats (rowing for the use of). We firstly circumnavigated the Moat, parts of which date back to the twelfth century. The passage is a low arched tunnel with several side openings leading to the blitzed sites in the Castle Street area. Progress was made by pushing on the roof with a pole, Mike Jones providing illumination with a filthy great tilley lamp. (his own words).

Eventually we drifted out into daylight opposite Georges Brewery, at which longing eyes were cast. Through desperate attempts to assault the brewery the boat containing Messrs. Jones and Hannam was stranded in the river. We literally up the creek without a paddle to our name. However with the help of a locker door and a bottom board a return was made to the tunnel.

An interesting point was the fact that many small stalactites were observed hanging from the roof in several places The party returned to embarkation point where we transferred to our own flat feet. Several pairs of thigh boots ware obtained from the Port of Bristol Authority by a few types who seemed to have considerable knowledge of sewers and the next part of the trip was started.

We stepped into the River Frome, the waters of which came half way up our thigh boots, and waded upstream. The passages is about fifteen feet high by twenty five feet wide with a slightly arched roof. The river bed is of concrete. Just before the Newfoundland Road point of engulfment the party forked left into a high level culvert, which our guide said was only active in times of flood. It might here be mentioned that Messrs O’Toole and Jones were seen to be wearing gas masks (which improved their appearances considerably).

A short distance along the passage an indefinable odour began to make its presence felt. Within a few yards the odour had become a solid wall of pong and certain weak stomachs were behaving in a manner reminiscent of eleven p.m. on Saturday. Piled high on either side of the bank were mounds of festering muck on which gambled large rats. The passage led us into the main culvert below the Horsefair. The waters here ward deep and swift and hopes of someone slipping in ran high.

This culvert led us back to the River Frome near the Co-op Education Centre, but in order to get into this passage a dicey and thrutch-nations traverse had to be made in water that nearly reached the tops of thigh boots. At this Junction the thigh boots loudly lamented their fate in the usual BEC manner. From then on easy progress was made back to our point of entry. It is hoped that another of these pleasant jaunts will be arranged soon.

M. Hannam

Temporary Library Service

An emergency Library Service is being put into action. Enquires for books should be sent to H. Shelton, c/o Leigh House, Nepett, Chew Stoke, Nr. Bristol or to Ken Dobbs on Thursday nights. Books will be returnable by registered post only to H. Shelton. Undoubtedly this service will not be as efficient as in the past but we hope this inconvenience will be of very short duration.

Caving Programme for May

May 3^rd             Axbridge Ochre Cave

                        Meet 3pm Axbridge Church         Leader M Hannam

May 10^th            Sandford Levy

                        Meet Sandford School 2.30pm    Leader R Bennett

May 17^th            Lamb Leer

                        Meet Belfry                                Leader R Setterington

May 24^th            Bath Stone Workings

                        For meeting place contact M Hannam or M Jones.

May 31^st            Reads Cavern

                        Meet at Belfry (with transport) or 2.30pm at Mendip cafe Burrington.

            Leader R Setterington

Sales Dept

Mike Jones has now taken over this department If you wan t any spares, helmets etc chase him on Thursday nights.

John Ifold

Many members will no doubt of heard of the unfortunate accident John had when he was in collision with a cow. He is still in hospital with serious head injuries. We are sure that Club members will wish to join us in wishing him a speedy recovery.

Ed.

Caving Coach Trip

It might be possible to arrange some coach trips for a days caving in such areas as South Wales, Devonshire and even Derbyshire is enough enthusiast can be mustered. Anyone interested please give their names to the caving Sec.

Useful addresses:-

Hon. Secretary              R.J. Bagshaw, 56, Ponsford Road, Knowle, Bristol,4,

Caving Sec.                   M Hannam, 14 Vyvyan Terrace, Clifton, Bristol 8

Climbing Sec                 R. Cantle, 46 Cherrington Rd, Henleaze, Bristol 9

Sales Officer                  M Jones, 12 Melton Cres., Horfield, Bristol 7

Editor BB                      C Dobbs, 55 Broadfield Road, Knowle, Bristol 4

Acting Librarian              H. Shelton, c/o Leigh House, Nepett, Chew Stoke, Nr. Bristol

Hut Warden                   A Setterington 2 1 Priorswood Rd . Taunton Somerset

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