The Vibram Question is very much in the news this month,
some very interesting correspondence has been received and is listed below.
We are very pleased to welcome M. Robert de Joly the
President of Societe Speleologique de France as a contributor to our pages.
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Contents
Apropos de Semelles pour les Speleologues
On permettra peut-etre a un speleologue qui a trente and
dexperience de donner son opinion sur les semelles des bottes d explorations.
Le semelle qui a le moins dadherence sur le sola que nous
trouvons sous terre ext certainement celle en corde que lon trou ve sous les
espadrilles (dorigine espagnole). Larticle enduit toute la surface et on a limpression deter sur une
patinoire. Le crepe a pourtant une tenue
remarquable sur la rocher sec!
Le VIBRAM tient un peu mieux que le cuir, trop lisse qui est
en general garni de clous lourds et dune adherence tres relative. On a employe sous terre des chaussures de
montagne avec be bord garni de clous TRICOUNIS. Elles tiennent un peu mieux que celles dont on vient de parler. Mais ne
conviennent pas sous terre, car la pression exercee sur chaque clou est
beaucoup trop faible a cause de leur grande surface dappui.
A notre avis, le srelle qui tient de beaucoup le mieux est
cel le equipee comme nous le faisons depuis de numbreuscs anees. En voi ci la description: La semelle est en cuir, et sur elle visse
avec des vis Parker au nombre de 7, une bande dactor de 2m/m, 5 depaisseur
et de 3c/m de Largeur. Cette bande porte
6 pointes dacier nickel-chrome (alliage de 12/8) lengues de 3 centimetres bien
acerees. Ces pointes judicieusement
reparties, sont rivees sur la bande. Le
talon de la botte est en Vibram, de maniere a amortir les chocs sur le
roher. Le talon est visse dans le cuir
avec des Parker.
Lorsqon est eqipoee de telles semelles on a une adherence
remarquable sus tous les terrains, meme sur largile molle ou la glace et celui
qui ne les pas essayees on ne peut se faire une idée de la securite quelles
donnet. Seoles ces semelles conviennent
aux speleologues car elles sont particulierement adaptees a leur travail. Elles ne glissent jamais sur les barreaux
dechelles.
R. de Joly.
Concerning Boot Soles for Speleologists
By Robert de Joly.
A speleologist with thirty years experience may perhaps be
permitted to give his opinion concerning boot soles for exploration. The sole which has the least adhesion on the
surfaces which one finds underground is certainly that of the crepe rubber. This is almost dangerous as that of rope
which one finds on espadrilles. Clay
affects the surface and one feels as though one is on a skating rink. Despite this, crepe has the most remarkable
adhesion to dry rock.
Vibram is a little better than smooth leather which is
generally garnished with heavy nails and with a very variable adherence. We have used underground climbing boots with
the edges of the soles garnished with Tricounis nails. These grip rather better than those of which
we have previously spoken, but are not ideal underground because the pressure
placed on such nails is much to small owing to their large surface areas.
In our experience the sole which gives much the best grip if
that fitted as we have made it for many years. It may be described as follows: –
The sole is of leather and to it are screwed with No.7
Parker Screws a steel band some two millimetres thick and three centimetres
wide. This band carries six points of
nickel chrome (12/8 alloy) three centimetres long, well sharpened.
These points judiciously spaced are riveted to the
band. The heel of the boot is Vibram so
as to cushion shock, and is screwed to the leather with Parker Screws.
As long as one is fitted up with these soles, one has a
remarkable adhesion on all ground, even on clay or ice, and those who have not
tried, have no idea of the safety which they give. Only these soles are suitable for
speleologists, for they are particularly adapted to their work. They never slip on ladder rungs.
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I would like to comment on Dennis Kemps Reply to Question
in BB. 96 in the series Can anyone tell me why?
Dennis concludes his reply by saying that the older
generation of climbers and the Mountaineering Association consider it unwise to
learn to climb in anything except nails, and that this attitude is due to
erroneous, short-sighted, and prejudiced thinking.
I dont know whether of not I belong to Denniss older
generation but, I learned to climb in nail boots in pre-Vibram days. Since then I have climbed in most footwear
nails (clinkers and trikes) rubbers, Vibrams, socks and even bare feet. I believe each type of footwear suits
particular sets of conditions, but no footwear yet invented is the best
possible for all conditions.
I could go on and detail the conditions for which I believe
each form of footwear as most suitable, but I will simple list those conditions
in which I believe nails to be superior to Vibram.
(1) Slimy, smooth rock, such as you find all over
some British cliffs in winter, and in the damper places in summer. Nails bite through the slime; Vibrams skid
off. Two such cliffs (among very many)
are Lliwedd and
(2) Stretches of mixed rocks and vegetation at a
high angle in wet conditions. This type
of going is often met with off the beaten track and frequently contaminates
footwear with mud. After moving from
vegetation to rock, in Vibrams the adhesion is uncertain and treacherous, but
again, nails cut through the grease.
(3) Ice and snow on British mountains. I know that in the Alps crampons are
invariable used with Vibrams on hard snow and ice, but not everyone who climbs
in Britain in winter owns a pair of crampons; anyway, they seem rather
ponderous equipment for a weekends ice climbing in Britain, and they are not
always too well suited to British ice, which is often more brittle than the
Alpine kind. Vibrams without crampons
give poor security on an ice-step, but nailed boots (especially edge nailings)
give good security, as the metal bites into the ice in a way which rubbers
never can.
I would not claim that nailed boots are the best possible
footwear in conditions (1) and (2), only that they are better than Vibrams;
felt soles or woollen socks are best on slime.
For all dry rock and for clean rock it is true that Vibrams
are better then nails. The difference
between the two seems to me to be that nails, while worse than Vibrams in the
best conditions, deteriorate much less in poor conditions.
There is little variation in the security afforded by nails
under all conditions, much more variation with Vibrams. This scarcely makes nails safer footwear for
beginners and justifies the M.A. in teaching people to climb in them?
The Exact technique required for placing nailed boots on the
holds properly is surely an added recommendation. Footwork is the more difficult thing for a
beginner to learn for the use of the hands is instinctive. Once a beginner has learned to place nailed
boots correctly, he can use any other form of footwear to the best advantage.
Finally, I should point out that I have no connection with
the M.A. I simply feel that Dennis has
been over-critical of nails.
Paul Burt.
G.B. Trips.
In order to avoid further disappointment by cancellation of
G.B. trips, will members who wish to go on these please let Mr. A. Collins,
Caving Section,
three (3) weeks before the date of the trip.
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Owing to the call-up of John Stafford to H.M.F. Pat Ifold has been co-opted as climbing
secretary. His address is, Sunnyside,
rectory lane, Compton Martin, Som.
Tackle Notice
It has come to the notice of the Tackle Officer that 25-ft.
of dural ladder is missing. If anybody
knows of its whereabouts or has heard of people using tackle, please contact
the Tackle Officer Mr. I. Dear, 1
Villas, Henrietta,
Som.
Caving in Derbyshire Part IV
By Stan Gee
Castleton Bradwell Area.
So far, in our journey through Derbyshire we have not
encountered any of the really large cave systems, that I mentioned in my first
article.
However, we are now fast approaching
Derbyshire
Here is situated the vast bleak limestone moor of Bradwell,
and it is on the moor or on the fringes of it that the large cave systems are
found.
Obviously, to give details of all the caves in this area
would be a job of gigantic proportions. I hope therefore, to mention as many as possible and to give details of
the more important ones.
We commence out trip at the
and travel north along the
Road
here, we get a wonderful view of the Peak Fault, the point where the limestone
meets the shale.
The first group of caves we encounter are situated one mile
from Sparrowpit, and are the forerunners of a series of swallets approximately
twelve in number, that extend along the Peak Fault almost to Castleton and are
known as the Perry Foot Swallets. The
first three swallets are accessible for a considerable distance and though of a
tight nature afford some good sport. These are known as Perryfoot Pot, Sheepwash Swallet and Gautries Hole,
and are situated on the North-West side of the
active only extend for a short distance. The one exception is Giants Hole which is the Master System and this I
will discuss later.
One mile further along the
and half a mile South-East of this lies the gaping abyss of Eldon Hole. This is Derbyshires most famous cave and
also the most awe inspiring, its lengths history is steeped in mystery and folk
lore and of course it is reputed to descend to the fires of hell itself.
The entrance is approximately 100ft. x 20ft. and is descends
to a total depth of nearly 300ft. The
entrance pitch of 200ft. terminates on a scree slope, that leads through a
tight squeeze into a large chamber some 90ft. high. The hole was visited by the early lead
miners, and it is reputed that a mine shaft buried underneath the scree leads
to further chambers, there is however, no concrete evidence to substantiate
this theory.
The
Road
further on a track on the left leads to Giants Hole. This was once a cave of approximately 300ft.
and for years it defied the attacks of certain parties, but late last year the
nut was cracked and the result – 1½ miles of entirely new passages, with a
strong possibility of further extension. More details I cannot give as I have not yet visited the new extension.
Back to the main road again, and on the East side there are
two main systems, so close together that it would seem that must connect, and
yet there is no obvious connection. These are the Oxlow-Marsh Hill System and Nettlepot.
The Oxlow-Marsh System is typical of the majority of main
caves in this area, namely it is entered by old lead mine shafts and
passages. Oxlow Cavern consists of a
series of large caverns linked together by shafts, it descends to a depth of
approximately 500ft. and its chambers extend East and West.
Marsh Hill Mine is situated just above Oxlow and is again
entered by a mine shaft. It descends
through a series of shafts both natural and mined and connects with Oxlow at
the Waterfall Chamber; Oxlow then terminates at a siphon in what is known as
Pool Chamber.
Not 200 yards South East of Oxlow is Nettlepot, Derbyshires
deepest pothole and second only in the
difficult, but the second pitch of 120ft. is fairly easy going. This terminates on a wide ledge in a large
cavern known as The Grand Canyon. A
further pitch of 40ft. leads to the bottom of the canyon and to the edge of
Elizabeth Shaft. From here canyon
passages extend left and right, and in the right or Stalactite passage is
situated Crumble Pot
Elizabeth Shaft drops in two pitches of 100ft and 180ft. and
terminates in a large cavern. This was
the end of the system until two years ago when the extreme dangers of Crumble
Pot were braved, so making the total depth of 520ft. There are numerous passages and shafts in
this system and there is much room for extension.
Quite close to Nettlepot are two deep and relatively unknown
shafts. One of these, Mountbatten Hole
lies approximately 400 yards South East of Nettlepot and has been excavated to
a depth of 180ft., at present no other passages have been discovered. The other one is known as Rowter Mine. This lies some 800 yards North East of
Nettlepot and is relatively unknown due to the landowners adversity to caving
types. However it is reported by the few
who have made the descent, that the first shaft is 225ft. deep and mined, and
that further natural shafts exist below.
We are now standing directly above the
Derbyshires Cheddar Gorge, and though not as large as cheddar is quite
impressive in its own way. To the left
is the massive bulk of Mam Tor, while in front the Hope Valley unrolls into a
large plain, the horizon of which is capped by the pointed cave of Win Hill. The
of
the
20th Century Peveril Castle, covers the southern approach.
The
several small caves and right at the bottom on the southern flank is the
entrance to the impressive Speedwell Cavern. This is a show cave, but is outstanding in that the trip through is by a
boat, along a mined canal. It is
possible to explore for a great distance past the tourist section, but the
necessary permission is difficult to obtain.
Between Mam Tor and the Winnats pass lies a piece of high
ground known as Treak Cliff, and it is here that the famous Blue John stone is
found. The actual Blue John Mine is
situated at the foot of Mam Tor and is of course, a show cave. The peculiar nature of this coloured Flour Spa
has caused much controversy in Geological Circles in the past, but it is now
generally accepted that the colouring is caused by deposits of petroleum oil
seeping into the Spa. It is also claimed
that Treak Cliff is the only place in the world where Blue John is found.
Quite close to the Blue John Mine is the very ancient Adins
Mine, reputed to be Saxon, it is mined along a natural fault, descends to a
considerable depth and is extremely unsafe. Inside it is a maze of shafts and passages and its sough or drain level
emerges at Castleton, over a mile away.
Also close to the Blue John, but on the Eastern flank of
Treak Cliff, is another show cave known as Treak Cliff Cavern. Discovered by the miners it contains several
Blue John veins and an extremely fine array of calcite formations.
We are now nearing the end of our journey, but before
creeping back to another 8 months, 2 weeks, 3 days, 13 hours of Army life I
should like to take you to the two main resurgences of this area, namely Peak
Cavern and Bagshawe Cavern.
Peak Cavern is situated in an impressive gorge directly
below
not yet fully explored. A large section
of it is commercialised but the greater part is a types only, the way in
being through a series of water traps. In wet weather water from Speedwell, over a mile away appears at peak,
while the real Speedwell resurgence is outside Peak, at a spring called Russet
Well. I am given to understand that the
cave divers have actually made contact through the two caves, but on this I can
only quote hearsay.
Bagshawe cavern is situated two miles away at
open to cavers, on payment of a small fee. Mr. Revel, the owner a lead miner and a caver himself is ever anxious
to show off the wonders of his cave to genuine types, and he has an interesting
stock of tales to tell. The cave is
entered by an old mine shaft, and after a series of mined passages reaches a
natural pot known as The Dungeon. Here a
passage right leads to the upper series New Bagshawe, The Glory Hole and
the River Bradwell. The lower series is
very extensive, and in parts arduous but the whole system is well worth a
visit.
Well there it is, we have travelled through Derbyshire and
touched on most of the major caves, there are of course, many others and I
could write more. However, if anyone is
contemplating a trip to Derbyshire or would like further information, I would
be only too pleased to help, I might even venture into a show cave myself.
Private Enterprise in
East Africa
It was noted with interest that Tom Fletcher, well known
visitor to Mendip recently advertised in a club circular that any member who
happened to be making a tour of East Africa would be welcome to join him in
caving or climbing expeditions in the area. We suspect, however, that the invitation may involve a little manual
labour in his grapefruit plantation or stuffing his big game trophies.
Mudlark
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One of J.B. Wrights favourite stories is of a well known
habit was to walk of an evening over to the Scafell for a pint. Returning home once at sunset, he imagined he
heard steps behind him looked round and was somewhat startled to observe a
large bear at some distance to the rear. Fortunately he spotted a signpost ahead, climbed up and muttered If
only e dont look oop troad which way tgoe. His survival, presumably testifies to bears illiteracy.
Mudlark
With the alliance of fashion and commercialised Skiing, it
is to be wondered whether we have long to wait for this sort of thing to appear
in B.B.
Grimpe et Apres-Grimpe
Climbing news: Fashionable outfits previously stocked only
by leading French and Austrian specialists are now available to all at
Lawries, Millets Government Surplus Stores, and most junk shops which seem
to be holding a Closing down sale for the last three years. Remember, pants unless black, must have
matching tops, and too violent tapering may lead to disastrous consequences,
unless you are the sort of girl who stays at the bottom of the cliff with a
camera. (N.B. the
railway, despite climbers protests, still does not run in winter, but there is
a welcome rumour of a lift being installed in the Devils Kitchen). Always keep your accessories highly polished
karabiners, pitons, ice-axes, and nails, whether you wear homely clinkers, or
the more daring French Tricounis. Complete your ensemble with a sprinkling of artificial snow in your
hair, and sew silver sequins on your anorak to look like stardust. Reputation for elegance will be yours before
you take your first fall on the Milestones (Ordinary).
Ultra-newest outfits are one-piece if you cant afford to
buy yours at Lillywhites. B.A.C. boiler-suits are easily adaptable. Fur trimmings at neck and cuffs add extra
chic. The Cloche hat, essential counterpart
to this outfit, is as popular as ever. If you are lucky enough to have picked one up in Skye, it will add an
air of battered respectability essential to the well-dresses grimpeuse.
For evenings a leopard skin chenille skirt received many
admiring glances last time I was at Tyn y Shanty, and Climbing News the Michelin
outfit, ideal for the evening stroll to Dungeon Ghyll or Capel Curig, (this is
sometimes worn during the day too, as it is more shock-absorbent than the
one-piece boiler-suit). Simple to make
from old coloured down sleeping bags. There can be nothing so attractive to the eye as a group of
multi-coloured Michelines sampling the frosty night air beside the
moon-glittering expanse of Ogwen. Patterns available on request.
J.R.G.
Report of A.G.M.
by Ron Newman
Under the stern eye of its perennial chairman, before whom
even the most aspiring filibuster wilts, the gate went up on the 1956 A.G.M.
with just over thirty starters the bare quorum. Dan, the bit between his teeth and time
spurring him on, galloped though the minutes of the 1955 A.G.M., jibing
occasionally at the Hon. Secs bad writing. These were duly signed and, the straight over, the field thundered
towards Valentines in the shape of the various officers report.
The Hon. Sec. reported that the vicissitudes of enrolment
and departure boiled down to a total of plus six for the years membership
strength. The Hon. Treasurer, in the
same person as the Hon. Sec. (Bob avoids becoming an Unholy Trinity by only one
Hon. Office) embarked on the financial report. The incongruity of a mass of individuals, each tottering on the brink of
insolvency, yet, collectively, able to show a credit balance of sixty-seven
pounds, must have staggered many of us. This figure should be even greater next year, for the Hon. Sec./Hon.
Treas. was heard to disclose privately that the cost of dinner tickets included
entertainment: the only entertainment provided was by Alfie, and , presumably
gratis. After referring to the
somewhat precarious legal position of the Belfry, which it seems has infringed
nearly all the local Town and Country Planning byelaws, the H.T. concluded with
an appeal for prompt payment of the new years subscriptions. This dreaded pronouncement, following the
normal struggle for financial survival further aggravated by the seasonal
expenses, must produce the same effect as Pharaohs decree about the same
number of bricks, but without the provision of straw, upon the Israelites.
Caving, Climbing and St. Cuthberts reports all recorded good
progress. The Devils Punchbowl has
yielded a new system. The Climbing
Section has been successfully tackling some of the most severe climbs in
are bound for skiing in
and in Glen Coe one party took part in rescue operations, though the normal
role was reversed to that of rescued. St. Cuthberts is now permanently laddered in many places and its
formations are undamaged as yet, though care is still needed. The same restrictions to visitors apply.
The Belfry claimed 911 bed-nights, and increase of 165. Of these a hard nucleus of some 30 regulars
contributed 546. Not so strange to
relate, up to Easter, bed-nights totalled only 70, at which some surprise was
expressed. One does not need surely to
be statistically minded to work out the correlation between the number of
bed-nights and the advent of Spring! There are some questions as to the suitability of Belfry water for human
consumption, in view of the establishment of a pig farm in the precincts, but
the squeamish were rapidly re-assured. After John Ifolds delightful anecdote about pilgrimages to the Belfry
water supply, those still thumbing through the Home Doctor for the signs and
symptoms of Dysentery, Typhoid, Paratyphoid and other water borne diseases
might or might not derive comfort from the knowledge of the Belfrys water
alleged sanctity.
The legal beadles (the perverts who spend hours dissecting
the Clubs constitution for possible loop-holes and then envisage highly
improbably hypothesis of the required size and shape to slip through the loop
holes) had so far lain low. There was a
little haggling over the Librarians report, but, fortunately, it did not
develop into the usual time devouring straining at gnats. The library now boasts 30 new editions, plus
several years quarterly issues of Mountain Craft shortly to be acquired from
the Climbing Section. Beware all members
who do not return the books they borrow; their sins of omissions will shortly
be followed by amerciament. This
arbitrary fine will be imposed after 4 free weeks allowed for reading, at the
rate of 2d per book, per week.
The tackle report, in the absence of Ian Dear, the officer
responsible, was not available, though the chairman thundered forth on the
subject of damaged tackle, no matter how stupidly, for Heavens Sake tell the
T.O; the B.E.C. is not interested in censuring anyone who damages tackle
however irresponsible as ensuring that peoples lives and limbs are not
endangered by using faulty tackle.
This concluded their reports. The only members Resolution was that H.
Balch be elected an Honorary Life Member. The only criticism this provoked was to the effect that it should have
been done years before. It was then
pointed out that the B.E.C.s 21st birthday will fall in May this year, and
should be suitably celebrated. After
some pleasant bantering about the finer distinctions between various sorts of
alcoholic celebrations it was decided tentatively, to put the matter before
that august body the Committee. The
question of address lists of members cropped up again; last years will appear
shortly and will be followed up quickly by a revised list.
After a few false alarms and excursions, tea was ready at
last. Tea over, it was proposed to
discuss Item 13 of the 1955 minutes. This ominous proposal, pregnant with promise of long verbal exercises,
hair splitting and straining at gnats was quite sufficient to send the writer
scurrying away for home, with many an Om mane padme hum for the intrepid
Dan! If anyone cares about item 13 of
the 1955 minutes perhaps the Hon. Sec./Treas. would like to add a sentence or
two.
Additional Points from the A.G.M.
The total attendance was 36 members.
Hon. Secs report included reference to our 21st birthday, I
mentioned that in May 1935 H. Stanbury and workmates went to Goatchurch and
subsequently founded the B.E.C. It is
appropriate that our coming of age is celebrated by first of our
Reports. It was estimated that a 100
guests would be at the dinner (98 turned up).
The Treasurers report stressed necessity for minimum
expenditure. The purchase of the Belfry
site will absorb surplus of £67 which of courses included £30 in Loans. Any gifts would be welcomed.
After tea sandwiches and cakes, the new Constitution and
Rules were discussed. The sub-committee
had done their work very thoroughly and only a few minor amendments were
made. As soon as spare funds are
available the new Constitution and Rules will be printed and circulated.
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An exhibition of cave photographs is being held by M.N.R.C.
in
May inclusive.
It is open to any individual and we hope to have photographs
submitted which are representative of all the caving and potholing areas of
way, and an exhibitor need not be a member of any club or society. There is no entry fee.
Two Bronze Medals will be awarded. Closing date for entries is 27th April,
1956. Details and Entry Forms may be
obtained upon application (enclosing a stamped addresses envelope from: – The
Exhibition Committee, c/o The Museum, Wells,
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A request for cave photographs has been received from
Salvatore Delloca the Director of Rassegna Speleologica Italiana, and is
appended below. All replies to this
request MUST be through Bob Bagshaw.
I wish I could have some pictures of your caves, especially
if concerning the most interesting carstic phenomena; I need these pictures in order to draw a
speleological publication with a large world wide documentation; I ask the copyright for the pictures you will
send me; I will naturally mention the Author
and his nationality. I thank you in
anticipation for everything you will be able to do; as for me I shall do my
best to give all the Italian speleological news you require; in the meanwhile,
accept my best greetings.
Salvatore Delloca
1956 Committee.
Hon. Sec. & Hon. Treas., B. Bagshaw, 56 Ponsford Rd, Knowle,
Bristol. 4.
Caving Sec. & Hut Warden, A.
Collins,
Assist. Hon. Sec. & B.B. Publishing,
A.J. Sandall,
Chairman. T. Setterington,
Belfry Maintenance
Ladies Representative, Miss J.
Osborn,
Horfield,
7.
Climbing Sec. P. Ifold, Sunnyside, Rectory lane, Compton
Martin, Som.
Assit. Hut Warden, C.
Rees,
Westbury on Trim,
Tackle Officer, N.
Petty,
Brislinton,
4.
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Hon. Ed. H.
Stanbury, 48 Novers park Road, Knowle,
4.