Contents
Editorial
No, we haven’t been affected by the printer’s strike and
neither is the shortness of this B.B. in any way a piece of sarcasm or a hint.
The fact of the matter is that, although we have stated in
previous issues that when faced with a shortage of material, we would make up
the size of the club’s monthly magazine by contributing ourselves, suitable
inspiration is lacking at the moment.
This being so, rather than waste paper, we are just printing
what we happen to have by us this month and hope that we shall have more to
offer our readers next month.
” Alfie. ”
July Committee Meeting
Owing holidays, to the absence of many committee members on
their holidays, no meeting was held this month of July: –
Caving.
The Caving Secretary sends this list of club trips for the
month of July:-
STOKE LANE. Sunday, 19th July, 11 am at Cooks Farm.
CUTHBERTS. Saturday, 25th July,
2 pm at the Belfry
SWILDONS. Tyros trip round the
top. Sunday 26th July, 2 pm at cave.
Belfry.
The Hut Warden regrets that, owing to lack of time it will
not be possible to run the ‘credit’ system next club year. Accordingly, after the A.G.M. all members
will be asked to pay ‘on the nail’, and any credit balances will be refunded to
members. It is hoped that all debts will
also be cleared by this time and all members are asked to make a strenuous
effort to do this so that the Treasurer may be able to balance his accounts. Amounts owing will be available from the Hut
Warden in the near future as each account is made up.
Personal
Congratulations to Bob Price and Mary on their recent
engagement – we have our spies everywhere!
Social Column
A fantastic weekend was enjoyed by many members recently on
Mendip. A celebratory barrel supplied by
Chris Falshaw to mark his forthcoming wedding was downed on the Friday even and
followed by suitable Midsummer revels on the Saturday. A Goon Suit race across Mineries pool,
although somewhat disorganised, provided considerable amusement, and served to
show most mothers taking part just where all the leaks in their goon suits
were.
This was followed by an evening at the Hunter’s and finished
off with a bonfire and barbecue outside the entrance to Cuthbert’s. Two Harvard students, Geoff and Norris, were,
we feel, suitably impressed. Suffice to
say that, during the evening, they were observed to be drinking Draught
Worthington, Ben’s Rough, Draught Guinness and T.V. (not all at once!) and
finished it up with the special cider punch which was served round the bonfire
and which was curiously potent. For
those still thirsty, there was a four and a half gallon flagon of screech to
finish the proceedings (and some of the participants!)
The revels were mainly organised by Mike (Emperor)
Cave Club, the food cooked by members of the Shepton Mallet Cave Club and the
fun enjoyed by cavers of a number of clubs, including our own of course!
Meeting
A meeting was held at
on Friday, 26th of June, to which Dr. Tratman invited two representatives of
all the recognised Mendip Caving Clubs to meet a representative of the Bristol
Waterworks Company. The two
representatives attending on behalf of the B.E.C. were R.A. Setterington and
R.J. Bagshaw.
The Waterworks representative, Mr. Brown, informed the
meeting that the Bristol Waterworks had taken over the Axbridge Waterworks and
in consequence, now controlled both G.B. and the August-Longwood system.
In the near future, the Waterworks would be taking over land
in the Shepton Mallet Waterworks area, which includes the St. Dunstan’s well
catchment area of Stoke Lane, Browne’s Hole, Fairy Cave, Hilliers &c.
Later, it was possible that the Wells area would be
affected, bringing all the caves of Mendip under the control of the Waterworks.
Mr. Brown stressed the fact that it is the policy of the
Waterworks not to restrict activities on their land and instanced the yachting
and fishing clubs which are allowed the use of the company’s reservoirs.
However, for administrative reasons, the Waterworks will
only be prepared to appoint one body as their agents. A further meeting will be held in November at
which it is expected that a representative body will be set up to act in this
capacity.
Editor’s
Note. The
above is not a first hand account of the meeting, but is substantially correct
in fact. Obviously, the news of this
meeting is bound to raise some speculation amongst cavers. The Belfry Bulletin will keep members
informed of any further developments on this subject on a factual basis. Any letters &c involving readers personal
comments may be published if it is felt that they are worthy of inclusion. It must be realised, however, that author’s
opinions are not necessarily those of the Club or the Editor.
Letters
To the Editor of the B.B.
Dear Sir,
While glancing through a recent B.B., I was surprised to see
that a large part of it was written by Roger Stenner.
I don’t know whether this person considers himself an
author, but the editor must be really short of material to include such tripe.
I regret that I find myself agreeing with him on one point,
however. That is about the badges. I’m sure the club wouldn’t like their badge
to be confused with a weegee boogie woogie club and Tony Rich’s originals are
very good and in complete contrast to such badges seen in thousands all through
the summer.
Well, I must get back to the kitchen sink or someone will be
coming home to find his dinner isn’t ready. Still, if you print this you will have a new signature for the B.B. and
I’ll have written my letter for the year.
Daphne
Stenner
Having given one of the Stenner family her head, we must be
fair
*****************************************
To the Editor, B.B.
Dear Sir,
After two successive Christmas B.B. covers depicting most
reprehensible caving practice, I feel compelled to announce that the person
responsible has been observed making sketches, possibly with the intention of
making another block for the B.B.
After the scene in 1957 of Drunken Debauchery, most
offensive to the morals of any normal decent well-bred gentleman, readers of
the 1958 Christmas B.B. were shown a scene including foolhardy, unnecessary and
hazardous acrobatics on a ladder! This
should not be taken as normal caving practice, as the gentlemen concerned have
not even a lifeline!
The following extracts from British Caving will need no
further comment: –
page 324 ” ….above all
. no alcohol
should be given. Hot sweet drinks are
most beneficial.”
page 342. “
..the carrying out of awkward
moves without safety precautions for sheer bravado should be firmly stopped at
once.”
I believe that the three cavers shown on the ’58 cover are
three of the disgustingly intoxicated cavers depicted in the ’57 cover. The fourth, already unable to stand in 1957,
having been left to fend for himself.
I dread to think what further disgusting scene will be
submitted for the cover for the Christmas B.B. 1959.
I am sir, yours respectfully,
R.D. Stenner, Esq. B.F., n.b.g.
*****************************************
and finally
Dear Editor,
Ugh, gurgle-gurgle, goo
.goo
.goo.
Edwin Stenner.
Editor’s note. I
think Edwin’s got a point there!
*****************************************
The Belfry Bulletin. S.J. Collins, 33
8.
Secretary. R.J. Bagshaw,
Knowle,
4.