The Journal Of The
Editor: Robin Gray
Here at last is No 2. Sorry its so late but I have been
held up over a long article which as you will see is still not here. I am assured it will be ready for number 3.
I hope you like the new look 1985 cover, as indeed I hope
you will like the new look Belfry. As
this is being typed improvements are taking place and the work looks most
impressive.
The Easter meet in
At present plans are being made to lay air pipes down to
sump 2 in Cuthberts in order to have yet another go at getting the water low
enough. Fingers crossed for the big
push.
Many thanks to those who have sent in articles for the
BB. However, we still need more! Can I remind older members that articles
which look back to days of the BEC gone by are most welcome in this our 50th
year.
Last some articles to look forward to
..more from the pen
of Bolt talking of his adventures in Alaska and a couple of dig reports
new
finds in Swildons and of course Eastwater.
Good Caving, Robin
Many of you know Annie Wilton-Jones wife of Ian and although
feminine must congratulate her for being awarded the title: -
FEMININE WOMAN OF
THE YEAR
The following article by Alan Rusbridger was recently
published in one of the upmarket newspapers: -
The Campaign for the Feminine Woman is a very strange outfit
indeed. The December issue of its
newsletter awards its £20 first prize to the Feminine Woman of The Year - a Mrs
Annie Wilton-Jones from near Abergavenny, who does not have a television
because of its perverted indoctrination on Womans Lib and cannot bear for
the same reason, to listen to Womans Hour. On occasions where she disagrees with her husband she gives way because
that is her duty.
While talking of perverted indoctrination, the newsletter
also carries a letter from a Mrs AL relating how having scraped the car, she
suggested to her husband that he "deal with me later". Mrs AL adds: ''The knowledge that the matter
could be dealt with so as to assuage my guilt and relieve his annoyance by a
short spanking allowed us both to relax.
Ross White, at present on Winter deployment with the Royal
Marines in Northern Norway, tells of an incident which will prove of interest
to most of you I have no doubt.
In his letter Ross writes:-
One of my colleagues is Sgt. Graham Foster, a mountain Leader
who recounted the following incident.
A couple of years ago he was instructing out here on the
M.L. training course. A part of the
course involves individuals skiing on a frozen lake and into a hole in the ice
to appreciate the problems involved in falling into cold water. Yes, I know it sounds daft, and only the
military would do such a thing and yes, lemmings do live in
Anyway Graham and three other instructors went out to cut a
hole in the reservoir. They used a chain
saw to cut through two and a half feet of ice, only to find that there was
nothing between them and another layer of ice thirty feet below them.
Intrigued as most people are when they find such a cavern -
vast and measureless etc etc. they fetched a rope, belayed it to the ice with
about twenty ice screws and abbed down to have a look.
A certain amount of light was filtering down through the ice
and Graham said he could see the reservoir banks either side and that it was
clear as the eye could see. The
reservoir was about 5km long and a few hundred metres wide.
They were to say the least, impressed with this strange
phenomenon, and decided to venture forth into the unknown. However, the ice started talking to them in
the way of booming and cracking noises, so they hurriedly jumared back up the
rope and decided to leave it alone, hoping that it would go away.
Graham was fairly certain that they were standing on another
false floor. Hearing a lake booming is
fairly impressive, especially when you're standing on it! The thing is, what happened to that lot in
the Spring thaws?
JUMBLE SALE
..At last we have some keen jumble sale
organisers. This is an easy way to raise
funds and all you have to do is dump unwanted goods at the Belfry (saleable
goods that is!) clothes, books, bric a brac, in fact almost anything with a bit
of life left in it. The average jumble
sale in Wells takes around £100 so come on, don't let us down, let us have your
old jumble. If you would like to help on
the day as well, that would be very welcome; please let Sue Gray now
. Thanks.
If anyone has any ideas for fund raising please show
yourself. We need to raise quite a bit
this year to help towards the year's special events, Belfry improvements etc.
Also we need people to come forward and help with fund
raising. So far response to this request
has been very poor or maybe you didn't know we needed to raise extra funds.
If you would like to help, please let one of the committee know. Also see advert on back page.
by J'rat
Recently a visiting South African caver upon spotting
several "BEC Get Everywhere stickers adorning tankards in The Hunters
remarked with surprise that he had seen "one of those" before - stuck
on an electricity box in
For the benefit of future wandering Belfryites, herewith is
a list Stickers of the more interesting places of rest for Bertie
stickers. Any additions should be sent
to the Editor. Tim Large has of lots
more stickers for sale should this note inspire you to greater efforts.
ANTARCTICA & THE
Dave Nicholls has recently returned from
John Dukes has managed to get them to all parts of the globe
by the simple expediency of welding them behind ships plating when he worked at
Southampton Docks.
John Manchip claimed a first by sticking one on the bog of
the advanced passenger train as it reached it maximum speed on its maiden run
out of
Trev Hughes has stuck them in more odd places than most of
us would dare to imagine - one I know is a cavers divers bar in
This year there will be some at the bottom of the Berger but
the writer will personally buy a bottle of Whisky to the first BEC member to
get one on the moon!
There will be a prize at the 50th Dinner for the most originally positioned sticker of the year. Photographic proof would be appreciated but in delicate or potentially hazardous situations will be waived.
by KANGY Sept. 1984.
I gave up trying to read climbing magazines when I could no
longer understand the pictures. I just
failed to relate to them any more. I
tried. I lay on my back and peered up at
them. I squinted at them round the edge
of the page, I moved in close and I tipped them sideways. I honestly tried. No way could I imagine being there. So I gave up climbing magazines, though not
what I called rock climbing.
Dave Radmore B.E.C. in nails I954. Avalanche Route and Red Wall, Llewedd,
Snowdonia.
Note: 3/4 weight cable laid nylon rope, Simpsons
mountaineering boots nailed with Brigham Plates (Ellis Brigham Ltd). These had replaceable teeth. The heels are nailed with soft iron
clinkers. It was vital not to move the
boot once it had been placed on a foothold.
I detected too, a fundamental difference in concepts. I said rock climbing, they said rock
climbing, but that was the end of the conversation.
I had led V.S. climbs classically in nails or, later,
vibrams, or when the going got rough, in well worn Woolworths cheapest black
rubber gym shoes (the only brand). With
widening interests I enjoyed severes. My
equipment changed but not my attitudes. I was still happy to tie the climbing rope around my waist and lead out
long (20m!) pitches in vibrams, placing one or two runners. The runners had become inserted chocks and I
enjoyed the feeling that I was using modern equipment though I forgot a helmet
because---well I don't know really.
Hugh Banner U.B.M.C. on Desperation,
Note: 3/4 weight cable laid nylon rope, nylon line and
ex-W.D. karabiner used as a runner through a piton. Tarbuck knot joining rope to karabiner
clipped to multiple turns of nylon line as a waist belt, stylish carpenters
hammer, and footwear - Woolworths black rubber plimsolls. A technical modification used by Hugh were
shoe laces or string through a hole pierced in the heel and tied around the
ankle to stop the plimsoll rolling off!
The photograph comes from the first edition of 'Limestone
Climbs in South West England published by the
Photographer probably Mike Harvey, who put up Suspension
Bridge Arête, and other classics, arrayed in similar fashion.
I have seen the light!
There is, I see, a fundamental difference between climbing
philosophy then (1950s) and now (1980s).
I think what was happening to me when I tried to understand
those photographs, was, that I would expect anyone falling from such a position
to die. We expected, when I started
climbing in 1950, that a falling leader would do himself a right nasty and
spoil the day for the rest of us. It was
generally agreed that leaders were expendable. My loneliest moments were spent on crux moves well above the second and
a long way from a rope sling around a spike of rock. With luck I just hoped that any fall would
end right next to the second so that he would be in no doubt about what to do
next. The 'high', experienced after
surviving, was usually enjoyed belayed on a large ledge. We didnt fall. That is to say I once did and spent six
summer months hobbling about on a badly sprained leg, grinning because I hadn't
died.
The last couple of years have been a revelation to me.
Pete, down the road, became keen to climb. He needed someone to hold his rope and as his
friend I got elected. I bought some rock
boots. Rock boots! I was very doubtful about the expense but
persuaded myself that even if was only a fashion then at least I could
pose. Reluctantly I admitted to myself
that because of the amazing sticky boot adhesion, severes had become too
easy. Climbs which had stretched the
limits of my finger strength became reasonable because I could take weight on
my feet. Gradually I lost the habit of
mentally checking my footholds and forgot to worry about my feet. It allowed Pete in his adventures and felt
comfortable. I developed an appreciation
and respect for Pete's climbing because he got up things which as I followed I
felt myself too near to being unable to reverse the move, and feared to
fall. I admired too his craft skill at
selecting placements for protection.
The next insight to add to my understanding came during a
really successful family cum climbing holiday in Pembroke. Our supportive wives organized things so that
Pete and I could explore a new climbing area.
Our first experience was that we were not going to be given
anything. T'Northern lads were
forthright. "Well," they said about their climbing holiday, H.V.S.'s
on Cloggy, extremes at Tremadoc, and now a struggle on severes in
Pembroke." Leaders were
phrenetically stuffing "pro" in every two feet, resting on tight
ropes on their "pro", or abseiling from "pro". In fact I admitted to myself that it looked
as if a leader could take a fall on the most insubstantial looking
"pro" and immediately try, try, try again! (They do! Strategic falls, my life!)
The significance of this to me was profound.
Psychologically I have been unable to accept the risk of a
fall. I knew when I started climbing
that to fall was the ultimate disaster, extending ones self, making ones mum
unhappy and ones mates late for the pub. It was not on. One simply did not
do it and one ceased to push climbs to the point where one hit the deck. That is not to say that progress was
impossible. Obviously the '50's climber
improved with practice if he survived, and I miss those of my friends who did
not survive.
Being able to fall off and expecting to live puts climbing
in a different light. In fact I see that
the considerable gymnastic attraction to climbing has been enhanced now that
the risk is similar to falling off parallel bars. Learning progress is astonishing rapid with
smart ass beginners starting when I finish. Falls are accepted as part of the learning process.
However.
Pete and I encountered 'Sister Europe' (remember the name!)
We had adapted to the absence of flatness arid Pete's
climbing had/become increasingly bolder. We had set our sights on a wall which fascinated us as we realised that
there were routes. It would have seemed
totally impossible earlier, but the law which predicts that things fall jammy
side down had allowed a minor queue to form at its foot when our moment
came. To while away the time until the
crowds went home Pete suggested "Sister Europe". graded v.s., next to
another climb we had enjoyed.
The first pitch, ambiguously, seemed to offer a choice but
circumstances pushed Pete to pick his way to the left up an impending wall on
tiny holds to a ledge belay in a corner. As I joined him I sensed nervousness. "Could you belay down there?" Well no, I couldn't. "Come
on up to me then. I nearly didn't
because a large flake swayed away as I pulled and swayed back as I hastily
reacted and glided over its swaying mass. Heads down, totally concentrating, two twittering climbers lobbed chocks
into anything that didn't move and swathed in a web at protection felt their
tension ease to the point that they felt able to speak. "Bloody Hell
Pete. It's a young scree slope!"
Pete with infinite care eased himself upright and into a
position to start the next pitch. Straining to see, I had the impression of an overhanging crack set a
hundred feet clear above the beach against which waves crashed. Pete almost out of sight danced up and down
for an hour or more. I may
exaggerate. My nerves - were at full
stretch and I had rather too much time to rationalise about our shaky
belay. I had designed several self
rescue schemes should the corner drop away. I conscientiously admired the um, oh yes, the view. Several times.
Judging by the grunt, and the disturbing lack of light
conversation, Pete's last little effort was a supreme one as he lunged, placed
a runner ("pro") and once again stepped down.
I gazed moodily at the receding tide and wondered why I'd
come. I examined each chock placement in
turn and hastily rationalised some more. Nothing much to say really. Perhaps his jambing techniques needed taking to bits, polishing, and
putting hack again. Perhaps he'd become
excessively keen on little up and down movements. PERHAPS IT WASN'T THE ROUTE! More grunting and rapid rope movement broke
my reverie and seconds later he said "I'm up!" Blessed words. "Good old Pete" I thought as I got
the hell out of it in well rehearsed order .. "Goodbye stance -
whoopee!"
Ten feet higher I became totally engrossed in staying
on. Yes, there were the jamb holds in
the crack overhead but to get there I needed to climb a too wide crack between
smooth walls. The crack was filled with
subsoil. I performed the Pete pantomime
or trying everything else. Like Pete I
didn't find anything. Unlike him I had a
top rope and decisively dug into the back of the crack. Heaving up, I felt a cannonball sized piece
of Pembroke rolling gently onto my chest. It would not be stuffed back. If
dropped it would make a mess of one of my beautiful boots, the foot would
mend. Intuitively I went for the jamb,
kneeling on the boulder in passing. The
hand jambing was delightful and so was the sight of a grinning Pete sitting on
horizontal grass in the evening sun.
Gymnastics can't grip you like that. Current climbing still involves risk, real or
apparent, and I'm still allergic to falling and the fitness exercises necessary
to do young mens climbs.
HAVE YOU GOT YOUR TICKETS YET ??? OR WOULD YOU LIKE TO SELL
SOME ..... ???
Promoted by: T. Large, Wells,
Sponsored by: Phil Romford,
Bat Products. Webs.
***
Petzl Suit or equivalent
Bottle of Malt Whisky Bottle
of Whisky
***
Draw on 25th May, 1985 at
9.30 p.m.
IN THE HUNTERS LODGE INN,
PRIDDY TICKETS 10p EACH
1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd
Prize
Registered under the Games
and Lotteries Act
Printed by Park Press
(Nantwich)
The Journal Of The
Editor: Robin Gray
A smaller BB this time/but in time, I hope to let everyone
know about the Barbecue. I think that
this years event will be one to remember for many years to come. The chariot race looks like being a rip
snorter with a boating section to cool things off half way round. After the race there will be a great feast
for the survivors and supporters alike.
The Belfry improvements are now complete and cavers can
change, wash and dress in the lap of luxury. We also have a more suitable library and a more secluded cooking area.
Congratulations to Tony and Jane who linked their jug
handles and got married a couple weeks ago. The J'Rats I'm told spent some time in
Sunday 20th May saw a big push on sump 2 in Cuthberts with
air pump from the surface. More news of
this later. Also I hope to have some
news concerning the big new Mendip find made by MCG. REG is at the moment working on a 1986 cavers
calendar with 13 new cartoons. Beware! You could be the subject
of one.
Lastly is there anyone living near Wells who can lend a hand
with typing the BB. Please let me know
if you can help as my typing is horrible and since I have just started a graphic
design studio, time is very limited. Thanks.
Till No 4.good caving, Robin
by TIM LARGE
THE BARBECUE. This is to be held on Saturday 22nd June 1985. The theme will be Viking Fancy Dress. Tickets costing £2.50 each are available from
Brian Workman Tele. Oakhill 840815. Games will be played around The Mineries for The Wessex Challenge Trophy
which we won last year. Tickets will be
on sale about 1 month before. Volunteers
are needed to help organise this event.
GOLDEN JUBILEE DINNER. This will be held on Saturday 5th October
1985 at The Cheese Pavilion, Bath & West Show Ground, near Shepton
Mallet. The room will sit up to 300
people. I hope members will spread the
word to encourage as many past and present members as possible to celebrate our
50th year.
THE BELFRY IMPROVEMENTS. These are now completed and the remaining
work left to do is the fitting out of the kitchen, bunkrooms etc some of which
will be left until extra money is available. As you are now aware these improvements have cost more than at first
expected, in order to pay these debts off your financial support is
needed. If you are in doubt as to
whether the modified Belfry is worth your support do come up to Mendip and see
for yourself. I am sure you will be well
pleased with the result. We now have a club hut specifically designed to cater
for caving activities which can easily be maintained and cleaned.
To look further ahead I can see the next project will be
central heating. This will provide a
level of comfort and drying facilities which people these days have come to
expect. It will also ensure that the
building is kept dry and also ensure that the frozen pipe problems experienced
in recent winters is not
repeated. This causes both inconvenience and extra expense in repairs. Some items of furniture, kitchen equipment and shelving for the Library are also required. Any member who has anything which they could donate to the Belfry please consult with the Hut Warden - Chris Batstone. In the past well meaning members have bought along such items to the Belfry for use without consulting the Hut Warden thus resulting in us having more furniture than we had room for and giving us the problem of disposal. At present as the bunk capacity is reduced we have plenty of mattresses for the time being. One item which too well is the fridge - if anyone has an old fridge in working order and preferably one which will fit under a work surface then it would be much appreciated.
Bude
Cornwall
17.3.85
Dear Tim
Herewith article as promised on the Pre-history of the club
please pass to Robin.
I hope that this will stir up others to recall the very
early days.
It is such a pity that the other really early members are
still untraceable Ive waded through the Bristol area phone books, but none
of the similar names there ring a bell
All the best
Harry
In this our Jubilee year I felt it opportune that there
should be a definitive history of the B.E.C. These notes cover the years to 1949 when more erudite pens than mine can
take up the story.
During the Blitz years, one of our members - John (Jock)
Kinnear, offered to write a history of the B.E.C. All the original records, logs, etc., were
posted to him; they never reached him and as a mail train was blitzed the same
night, it is reasonable to assume that they were destroyed with the train. As a result of this loss, there is no early
record of Club activities and as the only remaining founder-member it has
fallen on me to try to put together a record of those early years. After almost fifty years some incidents
remain clear, whilst others are hazy, but I have put down the facts as I remember them.
It can be said that the B.E.C. was conceived as the result
of a love affair between myself and the cliffs and caves of
When just after my 9th Birthday I was suddenly transported
to
The next Saturday I set out on my pushbike to Burrington to
find it. After a lot of hunting around I
found the entrance and was amazed - compared with my previous experience, this
was gigantic - it actually had a gate and a handrail! Having no lights I ventured no further than
daylight allowed me and emerged elated by what I had seen. Subsequently, taking candles and matches I
made another trip and managed the through trip, exiting via the Tradesmen's
Entrance.
Several years passed. I left school and joined a well-known firm of Electrical
Contractors. Early in 1935 a group of us
were discussing hobbies and I mentioned my trips to Goatchurch. Four of my colleagues
thought that they would like me to take them there and so on
record go the names of Tommy Bartlett, Cecil Drummond, Ron Colbourn and Charlie
Fauckes, who together with myself began a series of trips to Mendip and the
formation of the B.E.C.
We had, at first, no intention of forming any
organisation. We were just a small group
who wanted to go underground, but after our first couple of trips to Swi1dons,
we realised that there was a lot more to caving than crawling around in
semi-darkness. We managed to find
Swildons entrance and after Herculean struggles in the stream, reached the Lavatory
Pan!
We didn't like the look of that so we retreated. On our second Swildons trip we reached the
top of the 40' again via the
As a result of these two trips we began to realise that we
needed tackle to go further; that tackle cost money; that money was almost
non-existent amongst Electrical apprentices (average wage 15/- [75p] per week)
and that to explore caves regularly we had to get organised.
Getting to Mendip was no problem - we had our push-bikes and
so no expense (except energy). Tackle
was another matter altogether - then we heard of another group of enthusiasts
who had recently formed themselves into a "Caving Club". Here was the apparent answer - we would join
them! After much enquiry, the secretary
of this club was located and Charlie Fauckes, whose home was nearest, went to
see him. He came away a disappointed man
after a point-blank refusal to even consider "your sort" as members.
We held a meeting and it was decided, in June 1935, to form
our own organisation. The feeling was
that although our main activity was caving, we had other interests that should
be catered for and so the
For a time after our first meeting all went smoothly. Our subscription enabled us to buy ropes and
the materials to make ladders. We
launched into 'official' notepaper and a bat - 'Bertie' - was adopted as our
emblem, although he didn't find his way on to our note-paper until much later.
We familiarised ourselves with most of the smaller caves and
then we turned to the larger ones. Here
too, we were successful and at the end of the first year we were still in
existence and if not exactly flourishing, were holding our own.
Membership did not increase greatly in the following
years. We were not keen, anyway, on having
too many members at first as we felt we did not have sufficient know-how or
facilities to hold them after they had joined. We preferred to move slowly, consolidating our position as we went, so
that when the time came, as we were sure it would, when members started to roll
in, we would be in a position to offer them something good.
The outbreak of war in 1939 found the club in a stronger
position than ever before although our membership was still only fifteen. We had suffered one bad loss. Our treasurer, Dick Bellamy, who was also our
'official' photographer, had developed blindness and this necessitated his
withdrawal from all club activities. His
last trip was to Lamb Leer where we went as guests of U.B.S.S.
As the war progressed, most of the older members were called
up, so that except for one fortunate circumstance we would have had to close
down, as did other Mendip clubs, for lack of active members. We were fortunate to absorb the Emp1ex Cave
Club. The E.C.C. membership comprised
members of the staff of Bristol Employment Exchange who had formed a club for
similar reasons and on similar lines as our own. The leading lights of Emp1ex were Roy
Spickett and 'Jones'. Older members who
can recall 'Jones' will remember some of the hilarious escapades he led. I recall a trip to the depths of Sidcot with
a naked 'Jones' crawling over two of us and the sub- sequent boot marks and
burns from our acetylene lamps along the length of his body! I hasten to add that he didn't normally cave
naked, especially in mixed company but had just shed his clothes to get back
through a hole through which gravity had helped him on his downward journey.
1940/41 saw us jogging along as before, the number of new
members usually equalling those called to the forces, but 1942 saw the most
severe crisis in the club's history. There was a massive call-up, the result of which left us with only about
half-a-dozen active members, all of whom were actively engaged in the war
effort and so had very little time for caving. As all members in the forces had their subscriptions waived during the
duration, we were badly hit financially.
For six months we struggled on and then came salvation. A number of persons of fair caving experience
applied for membership and from that moment our troubles vanished. It is mainly
through the hard work and support of two of these men - Dan Hasell and Roy
Wallace - the latter now long dead - that the club was put on the way towards
the prominent position it holds in the caving world today.
The club was revitalised and it is from this time that the
Membership numbering system began. We
little thought that by 1985 well over 1000 people would have been accepted for
membership.
Mendip was still reached by push-bike, the severe petrol
rationing precluding any other personal means of transport. The emphasis was on "push" ropes,
ladders and clothes had to be carried and in many cases made the journey more
strenuous than the actual caving, especially on the return journey when
everything was wet and muddy and consequently weighed more. So, in 1943 we built what we claimed to be
the first lightweight ladder to be used on Mendip - made from hollow duralumin
tube and steel wire. It was supposedly
lighter than its French equivalent and was 40' long, to be followed shortly by
a similar 20' length. This ladder, now a
museum piece, is held by Angus Innes.
Between 1943 and 1945 our membership again showed a marked
increase and it was during this time that we became well known and respected on
Mendip. Prior to this, as one of the
very few active clubs, anything untoward that occurred "on the hill"
was laid at our door - "You're the only active Mendip Club; it must have
been you who broke into Lamb Leer etc., etc." In reality our conscience was clear, as to our
knowledge, no B.E.C. member had been guilty of misconduct. It was against our principles to antagonise
others and although we knew that incidents had occurred, we also knew that we
were not to blame. This fact eventually
was recognised and the ill-informed sniping ceased.
In 1946 we felt that it was time to consider having a
headquarters on the Hill. Our first
temporary H.Q. was the stone hut across the valley from the present Belfry
site. I believe it had room for just six
bunks and although it was completely inadequate for a club membership of 80, it
was at least a toe-hold. Shortly after this an old cricket pavilion on Purdown
became available and this was purchased, transported and quickly erected on the
present site, in time for the terrible winter of 1947. The journey to Mendip was notable for Angus
sitting in the detailer on top of the load.
A hut on Mendip needed a name and what more appropriate than
'The Belfry'?- the home of Bertie and his clan.
The same year our dig at Cross Swallet brought us in contact
with The Bridgwater Caving Club, the majority of whose members became members
of B.E.C. - Sett, Alfie, Postle, Pongo, Don Coase, Shorty, Dizzie and Freda
Hutchinson to mention a few by name. We
also absorbed the Mendip Speleological Group and became, individually, very
active in the formation of the Cave Diving Group, in which Don Coase was an
outstanding diver and Dan Hasell is now President. The club also became a member of the - now defunct
- Cave Association of
In 1947 the Belfry Bulletin was first published and its
success can be judged by the fact that after 38 years it still regularly (well,
almost!) appears.
1947 also saw the discovery by the club of Stoke Lane II,
Browne's Hole and Withybrook Swallet, and a week's caving in Derbyshire and
several weekends in
In 1948 membership stood at 98 and there was a considerable
increase in caving tempo. A survey of
Stoke Lane I and II was completed, published, and was amongst a number of club
items shown at a Caving Exhibition organized by the City of Bristol in
conjunction with local caving societies. The exhibition was a great success; the photographs loaned by the B.E.C.
which included a number of superb shots of Stoke Lane II by Don Coase, being a
crowd puller.
During 1948 we absorbed the Clifton Caving Club and 'Shorty'
formed a
The outstanding event of 1949 was the attendance of a large
party of members at the 2nd International conference of Speleology at
I hope that some readers will have found this article of
interest and that I have stirred the memories of some of the old-timers,
perhaps leading to further notes and reminiscences of the dim and distant days
of yore.
The
Editor: G.
Wilton-Jones
The year did not begin well, and with the chaos resulting
from my move to Somerset the first issue was a four month job published in
November. The Christmas bulletin was hot
on its heels, and was more like the size we ought to expect - 34 pages.
The remaining issues have all been bi-monthly, averaging
only a dozen or so pages - recently it has been easier (almost) to get blood
out of stones. My hopes, expressed in my
report last year, of producing a monthly B.B. have been thwarted largely due to
lack of articles, in spite of the fact that caving activities by club members
are thriving, particularly in the area of new exploration.
With some issues up to 30% has been written by me. This is not the way for a decent B.B., which
should be the result of contributions by all members. I hope that next year's editor will have much
greater success in persuading other people to write for the magazine, so that
he is able to perform his allotted task, that of editing, instead of spending
his time and energies space-filling.
My thanks are due to all those who have written for the
B.B., not only during the last year but also over the three years of my
editorship, and also to those who have assisted with publication, especially
Jeremy Henley, for organising the printing; Dave Turner for the computerised
address list and labelling facility; Trev Hughes for organising collation and
distribution of the May/June issue while I was in India, and the few who have
regularly assisted with collation around the Belfry table.
I wish the next editor well in his difficult task. Relieved of the burden of responsibility I
shall be on hand at times to assist where necessary, and even write the odd
article. After a suitable break I may
even stand for re-election to the committee.
Graham Wilton-Jones.
Keith and Andy. 5½ hours
Dolphin Pot, up Harris's Passage? to Ifold.
Had a frig in the boulders, then down to bottom. .
J-Rat, Phil Romford + Q. John. 5½ hours
Met main party coming out of extension - the reason why we
found it.
Had a good look around and were duly impressed.
The passage leading down from the high aven was followed
until a local constriction was met. ½
hours work with a lump hammer will remove this. In the meanwhile Phil went up a side passage, which was followed to a
squeeze, which he couldn't pass. Jarrat
went through and reached a second squeeze, and I followed. We then followed an inclined passage to the
head of a 20 foot free climbable pot with another 40 (foot) narrow rift pitch
at the bottom. A climb over and
continuing down the passage, '
Keith Gladman + 8 5
hours.
Having found this lot the previous week-end, I had the
dubious task of leading a motley crew of hung over cavers down to do a
prov.(isional?) survey. ("Where's
the tape"). Enlarged entrance dig
to enable the larger members to pass through. Everyone pushing every little hole. Those Buggers on the previous page (entry above), found a bit that we
didn't find. Retrieved digging
gear. Tim took bearing the main rift
runs 210'. Returned to Ifold Series to
find the previous page trying to find their way in. Out same route, bumping into Jim Smart &
P.S. I have started something here.
p.p.s. THIS COULD BE THE BIG 'UN ! ! !
Keith Gladman, J-Rat, Andy Lolly, Quiet John Watson, Tim
Large, MacAnus, Glyn Bolt(W.C.C.). 7½
hours
9.30 start!!! Keith, J-Rat, Andy & Q. John descended the
30' tight, vertical rift after a bit of hammering at the top. This led to a larger section of rift with the
world's nastiest squeeze inclined below it. J-Rat and Keith passed this (just!) to emerge 25' above the floor of the
60' pot from the impassable eyehole. In
the meantime the larger persons had been attacking the bedding plane where
flood water sinks in the second rift. No
go. They then carried on into the new
stuff, and Tim and Glyn had a bash at the eyehole, showering J-Rat and Keith
with stones, etc.
The latter two were now very committed - thinking that the
inclined squeeze was irreversible! They
decided to explore onwards and found that the rift in the floor and halfway up
was too tight. Above this a wider
section was blocked by a 2' stal column, beyond which a larger passage could be
seen. The column was duly sacrificed
(and bloody tough it was too!) and the intrepid duo squeezed into 200' of large
rift passage ending at another tight section. They were too knackered to push this. It should go easily with bang or hammer and chisel. A couple of holes in the roof were not
pushed. This area is much bigger than
the rest of West End Series and now gives us a total of about 1,000 feet. We estimate the bottom to be c.150' below
Dolphin Pot - roughly the same level as the Terminal Lift and bottom of
Primrose Pot. It is still heading off
the survey.
Over the page is a sketch plan of the main part of WEST END
EXTENSION, EASTWATER CAVERN.
This is a compilation sketch, several members having added
bits as they have been discovered.
It is by no means either complete or relatively accurate.
Sketch map of area near Eastwater entrance showing
(see account of trip on 9/7/83)
Depth = 54m, 9m from wall opposite stile. This puts the end about 4m the other side of the wall, depth 50m.
Biffo
As the eyehole could not be hammered open (thoughts of using
bang to extricate those below) - they were forced to return through the
inclined squeeze. Keith swore never to
go through it again. All then exited
slowly and very tiredly after Tim and Glyn had fired 3 lb of bang at the eyehole.
The trip is now one of the hardest and most awkward under
Mendip. Highly recommended. If it goes any further it'll be a right royal
bastard. No stream at all this
week. Where's the 360' Way water???
J-Rat.
Q. John and Darren ½
hrs
The aim of the trip was to inspect Tim's banging of the
eyehole above the pitch. The eyehole had
been completely demolished so ½ hour was spent clearing the bang debris to make
the area safe. A ladder was lowered and
a wary descent made down a small rift. At 25' a ledge was reached with two alternative drops, the next part of
the pitch being 50'. On the way down the
alternative descent which J-Rat and Keith had descended was noted. After 300 or so feet the end was reached, the
way on being narrow to continue. The
passage seems to enlarge about 10' beyond where it turns sharp left and drops
at a small pool. We then made a
systematic search but nothing was found except a superb collection of
helictites in the roof just before the end. We then made our way out, retrieving J-Rat's ladder on the way. At the top of the pitch we heard voices and
met up with Bassett, Jane, Blitz, Chris and Buckett. On the way out we decided to look for any
continuation. One was found but needed
digging. Being tired we gave up. So the passage noted on previous trips was
entered without damage to the false floor. The walking passage lowered to a hands and knees crawl. After 30' or so a boulder blockage was met
and made safe. An 8' high by 3' wide
passage was entered -
Tim Large, Phil Romford, Andy Lolly, Keith Gladman. 6 hours.
Photographic trip to
Tim Large, Jayrat, Glyn Bolt, Andy Sparrow + Q. John
Explored rifts back from the passage with the huge
flake. Followed for 70' - 80' up and
down rifts past superb helictites. Was
joined by Tim 'morale support' and continued to a passage blocked by boulders
and a tight squeeze. This was left for
another day - good draught. Climbed in
passage noted by Andy Lolly. Heading
back up
While the others were pushing the rifts I was discovering a
small round trip nearby! We met up again
and descended a tight hole in the floor at the start of
Tony quickly got to work with a hammer and in a short time
he passed the previous limit by squeezing 4' above floor level. 20' beyond was a superb 50' pitch - a real
classic, perfectly oval 20 x 0, cut in black rock.
Excitement was high! 2 ladders were retrieved from the 70 and Tony, John and myself
descended. Below was a keyhole passage
opening out at a 6 pot after 30'. Following
this was 36 of roomy phreatic tube running down dip and then turning on the
strike where it became too low to follow. The passage draughted furiously but was liberally coated with flood
debris. We returned finding the 6' pot
difficult to ascend. Tim put a charge on
the squeeze, then we de-laddered and made a long slow exit, with much moaning
and cursing. A bloody fine trip!
Trev Hughes, Rob Harper, Darren Granfield, Edric Hobbs 3½ hours
Survey trip.
Underground at 7 pm, to start a grade 5 survey of this
extension. We started from the far side
of the lake and worked our way back to the junction of the way in and
From a diving viewpoint the lake is really worth a
dive. The pretties were left a bit
muddles, I apologise. I must hand t to
Keith and Andy it was a hell of a dig!
Jayrat, Mac, Tim, Phi1 R, Q. John, Brian Prewer.
Whilst the others surveyed, we took a look at the end rift -
needs banging. We then climbed up in the
roof of previous week and continued a further 25' and up 15' to a small grotto;
squeezed through formations to enter passage - 2' high and 4' to 5 wide. We followed this for a further 15, we could
see 50'+ but turned back due to the fact I was on my own. Tim and J-Rat surveyed
Q. John + M. Brown. 4¼
hours
Trip to the pretties climbed up into passage entered on
Saturday 100 of passage found entrenched bedding with nice red stal
formations. The passage follows the line
of the large bouldery passage of
Trev Hughes + Rob Harper. 4½ hours
Continued the grade 5 survey of
Dave Turner, Paul Hodgson, Tim Large. 5 hours
Down to bottom of
Darren and friends. 4
hours
Trip to the pretties, then explored the other end of flake
rift. Nice small rift passage, found
some nice helictites and stal. Also a
good draught coming from an upward direction, but very small. Couldn't go any further as light went out, so
had to leave it.
Darren, Quiet John, Drew ,Wormhole. 5 hours.
Went to pretty area and up to passage in roof passage went
straight above passage below - could see through on various occasions. The passage then split into two parallel
passages, just above where Wardour turns to a boulder ruckle. Left hand passage carried on for 50' and
ended in unstable bou1ders. Right hand
passage was a very thin rift about 30' high and 53' long, ending with small
boulder filled tubes. Whole area is very
unstable. Good fun trip.
Barry Wharton (prospective member ) + Rob Harper. 5 hours
Evening trip to"Serpentine" in Eastwater- fully
examined with single diving kit - definitely no way on, maximum depth 4m. Many thanks to Barry.
Quiet John, Tim, J- Rat, Dave "
Radio location in
A.+ P. Glanvill + Tony Boycott attempted to find the
pretties .......
relying on a verbal description by Bassett. Total failure. The cave inflicted considerable G.B.H. on
A.P.G. and A.P.G., failed to inflict similar damage on the cave
Pete Glanvill
Martin Grass, Chris Castle, Debbie Armstrong.
To
Chris Castle
J-Rat, Tin Large,
To bottom (well nearly) where Tim laid 4lb of bang on the
squeeze leading to Lolly Pot. Satisfying
crump. Long, slow drag out as
usual. Also looked at passages above
Ifold Series (Magic Fountain area). Some
promising draughting boulder choked holes in the roof need a poke.
J-Rat
Quiet John, Matt Tuck, Graham (UG) Summers (NCC). 4hrs 40mins.
To the bitter end to dig. Q.J. and M.T. failed miserably at the last
squeeze, so A.J. and 'UG' carried on to dig out 8 sandbags of wet gravel and
mud. More bags needed. Hell of a strong inward draught.
J-Rat.
Jim Smart & Neil Scallon. 3 hours
Ferried all tackle required for
Jim & Neil return to
The joys of Wardour St. & Regent
Mark Lumley, Jim & Neil. 3½ hours
Showed Mark the pretties. When we set off towards the pitches Mark & Neil's lamps started to
give out; retreat.
Tim, J-Rat,
HORRIBLE dig at bottom eventually dug wide enough (in liquid
mud) for J-Rat to squeeze through into 20' of roomy phreatic passage with
mudbanks. THIS AREA COMPLETELY
SUMPS! There is a WAY ON but J-Rat was
too knackered to push it. It needs
another trip. 1lb of bang laid on
squeeze. NCC 'impressed'. Much light pox.
J-Rat
This is not a complete account of visits to West End Series,
as some trips have yet to be written up into the Club log book, in particular
the original breakthrough trip.
At least two articles have been promised for the B.B. but,
as these are not forthcoming, I trust that a transcript of log entries will
suffice as an interim measure.
After banging the draughting entrance the WCC have entered
400' of walking sized phreatic passage. The present end is a boulder choke; further prospects will require
extensive digging.
by Debbie Armstrong
&
Nine members of Imperial College Caving Club (including
We camped at the Municipal campsite in La Chapelle - en -
Vercor for the first 2 weeks pad then moved on to a campsite near Autran for
the last week. Its worth while noting
that the cost of the first campsite was very reasonable and no one objected to
us washing filthy ropes, S.R.T. gear and over suits in the campsite sinks and
taking over the washing line for drying wet-suits, etc.! Next door to the campsite we found a Maison
de Speleologie' who lent us guide books to the caves of the area and allowed us
to photocopy the relevant surveys which was very helpful.
The first assault was on Fumant and Ramats. Fumant proved to be a good practice S.R.T.
trip with plenty of small pitches and lots of rebelays. Ramats, however, was disappointing as the
team spent 3 hours slogging through the forest (but if dropped off at the right
place it is only 5 minutes from the road!) only to find the cave sumped after
200m due to heavy rainfall.
The second day saw the Ramats party going down Fumant and
the others driving to the Grotte de la Luire to ask permission for a descent
beyond the show cave entrance. The
guides at the cave were obviously French 'speleos' and were quite happy to let
us go down. After entering via the show
cave a series of fixed iron ladders (-180m) lead to the master cave. Time allowed only a limited exploration of
this as we had to be out by 6pm when the show cave shut.
We decided to do the Grotte de Gournier next. This involved getting across a deep entrance
lake. Unlike the French (who don't like
getting their feet wet), we didn't have 'un bateau' and as a result Debbie
ended up swimming across (several times due to the rope getting tangled) to get
a boat moored on the other side for ferrying the rest across. However, even with a boat crossing the lake
wasn't easy as I.C.C.C. certainly doesnt stand for Imperial College Canoe Club
and it was pretty obvious by the way the boat went round in circles that our
star team won't win the university boat race. Oh well, it did provide the French tourists with some amusement. An interesting high level traverse lead from
the lake into the lapin cave which contained some beautiful gour pools and stal
formations near the entrance - lots of photos were taken. The rest of the cave consisted of 2½km of collapsed
passage with boulder slope after boulder slope - boring:
Next on the agenda was Tresou which proved to be a very
sporting trip that combined lots of pitch work with some horizontal
development, loads traverses and water (including a 50m waterfall pitch).
After all this caving we decided it was time to have a rest
day (or two) and indulge in the locals favourite pass time - namely eating and
drinking. With the vino at 40p a bottle
(including 10p deposit) who could refuse?
The next few days were spent doing Pot de Loupe (S.R.T.),
Malaterre (S.R.T.) and St. Vincent (more S.R.T.) - all reasonable trips with
St. Vincent going below the 400m mark.
It was now time for another rest day (or three) and we took
this opportunity to change campsites. Once installed near Autran we drove up to the Berger area to do some of
the nearby caves - Fromagere (also known as dEngins) and Jean Noire. Jean Noire is best described as shitty,
horrible and not worth the effort especially as it took 6 hours and a French caver
to find it.
Fromagere on the other hand proved to be well worth
while. The first team down met a group
of French cavers coming up the first pitch and with their limited
communications (none of us can speak French) ascertained that they were leaving
the cave rigged for further exploration and that we could use their tackle
(bloody good job as otherwise we wouldn't have got half as far as we did). The first group made it to the sump by-pass
via tight passage way and lots of pitches (including a 200m pitch broken by
ledges). Note the novel French rigging
of pitches involving at least 5 bolts/10 metres (anything to keep their feet
dry) plus a few deviations just to make it interesting. The appetites having been wetted saw several
other groups making the descent with one party succeeding in reaching the -535m
mark (at which point an unrigged pitch was reached) on a 25 hour trip. Fromagere is known to extend to -900 so a lot
more is left to be done.
While pushing Fromagere other trips were made down Trou Qui
Souffle which also proved to be a good cave.
With the three weeks drawing to an end we all went out for a
slap-up meal and got drunk (again). In
conclusion Vercor is an area that is fairly easy to get to, with good
facilities (i.e. relatively civilised) and is well worth a visit if you have
some spare time in the summer.
*****************************************
Rachael Clarke spent part of this summer in the Vercours
also, joining the Crewe Caving Club trip to the Gouffre Berger. This expedition attracted cavers from a
variety of cave clubs, so was quite a cosmopolitan affair. Rachael went as far as the Salle de Treize
(Hall of Thirteen). She also visited the
Bournillon, the Gournier and the Coufin-Chevaline system (Choranche show cave
is a small part of the last mentioned cave).
The following are recent additions to the E.E.C. library:
Vols. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 & 15 of 'Mines and Miners of
1 - Around St. Ives;
2 - St. Agnes - Perranporth;
3 - Around Redruth
5 - Hayle, Gwinear & Gwithian
6 - Around Gwennapp
15 - Calstock, Callington &
Launceston.
'Mongst Mines &' Miners (underground Cornish mining
scenes - 1895).
The Great Western & Lewis Merthyr Collieries. A 72 page photographic essay by John Cornwell
(old B.E.C. member). - Anyone wanting their own copies see J-Rat or Roger Dors £5
each, signed!
Many thanks to Trevor Shaw for donations of six foreign club
journals and some old Axbridge newsletters.
J-Rat.
Mark Lumley
EPISODE 1.
"I say chaps" said the Prof " I've done a few
solution tests down at the old lab and it looks like there's a good chance of
finding a big cavern down at Burrington", "WIZZO!" cried the lads, "where do we start
digging?".
"The bottom of Reads looks like the best bet 'cos it
takes the main stream down to the abandoned water table level, parallel with
Avelines" said Lummo,
oversimplifying as usual. "Golly!" went the others.
So the famous five armed themselves with spades, crowbars,
hammers and bottles of pop, and set off with their famous mascot Spunky the
sleeping bog on the start of another adventure.
The bottom of the cave was a sinister place and apart from
the occasional comic book and discarded Boy Scouts toggle there were no signs
that anyone had EVER been there before. The lads set about their task with square chinned determination, sinking
shafts and pushing side passages away from the terminal chamber but results
were not forthcoming.
"Dashed hard work this fellows" Uncle Jim said
wryly out of the side of his mouth as he brewed up some tea on the team stove.
"Lesgoforapint!!"
"WIZZO" cried the lads, pleased at hearing their
secret codeword for the end of the days digging. In the corner of their 'Hunters' H.Q. they
planned the future of their dig over pints of foaming Batscum, keeping their
voices low and looking out for enemy spies.
"If it's going to go we'll have to push the terminal
choke at the bottom of that inclined passage" said Potto, his eyes glowing
as he puffed on a strange looking cigarette and tried to stop himself floating
up from his chair, "it takes all the stream man, and never backs up
.....OH WOW!" he cried and passed out. The lads toiled on through the winter. Spring came and one Tuesday night upper lips stiffened resolutely, they
pushed down on their twentieth trip. Halfway down the cave Lummo spotted a hole in the roof. Thats not on the survey chaps" he
shouted excitedly and putting a spare candle in his shorts he pushed on up
through the hole into a very unstable ruckle amounting to about 150ft of
horrendously unstable new find. "The Browne Stain Series, men! Said Lummo Wed better call Dr
Glandspill in on this one to see if it reminds him of the Berger!"
"Glandspill!!" roared the others "forget him,
he thinks Karst Hydrology is a German Poet" they hooted. The main dig pushed on until, though an
excavated fissure in a side wall the main stream could be heard disappearing
into the distance.
"Gosh" said Scallywag, the slimmest of the famous
five "it's too tight for me; we need Honest Pat Croney to sort this out
for us!" Honest Pat appeared, some
days later, laden with pumps, hoses and intricate tackle far beyond the lads
comprehension. He surveyed the new find
with a discerning eye.
"Ere lads" he remarked, hands on hips" what
you need is a damn good bang!! "The
five shuffled around uncomfortably, miscomprehending the comment and hoping
that Spunky wouldn't get jealous. So
Honest Pat had noticed their spotty complexions and put two and two
together. To hide their embarrassment
they spent every night underground that week and were rewarded with a tight
bypass to the constriction bringing them to a 40ft extension at one end of
which lurked a deep sump pool.
"WIZZO" cried the lads next stop
Rickford". The next night Lummo and
the Prof slithered down the cave in some new fangled wet-suit things intent on
free-diving the sump... "Are you
all right" yelled Lummo having watched his comrade disappear into the pool
some half minute previously "Fgblumpffft" came the spluttered reply
"Fukitlesgoforapint!"
Some time later the lads were still scratching their heads,
bewildered about where to go next. "What we need is a Cave Diver"
said Uncle Jim. "That Liz Price is
a pretty plucky diver for a girl" said the Prof " Spiffing idea!" replied Scallywag"
Let's give her a ring.. . . ."
That weekend, with excitement mounting the lads descended
Reads on their thirty fourth trip, encumbered with bottles, goggles and all the
rest of Liz's diving gear and eventually, worn out they reached the sump. They were surprised to see that the water
level had dropped about four feet.
"The water level's dropped about four feet chaps"
said the Prof, stating the obvious. "WIZZO' said Liz. The Lads
exchanged glances. She spoke the banter - Fine girl.
Liz beckoned the Prof to the sump to help her tackle up. He
followed sheepishly with cheeks flushed. The lads waited in the dark expectantly.
"Gosh Uncle Jim" said Lumo" I hope it goes:
"The Comment was wasted; Jim had gone to the pub vowing to return in an
hour. "Here we go" said Liz
and disappeared under the water. The
Prof looked on with fingers crossed, cursing the villain who maimed his hand
that way in his last adventure. Shortly,
rising bubbles showed that Liz was coming to the surface....or was it the All
Bran??
"It gets too tight further down chaps" she gasped,
BOTHER", "DRAT", "DAMNED SHAME" came the
replies. She valiantly tried again,
there was a body sized passage down there but it proved to be impassable with
bottles in the way.
"Fancy a pint" said Lummo who had messed his
caving grots in the disappointment of the moment, 'come and meet our
mascot''. "Golly rather" Liz
retorted.
And so the famous five, plus one set off for the surface and
the sanctuary of the Plume of Feathers slightly dejected but resolved on
finding another way down towards the
NEXT WEEK: Five push a draughting passage full of bat shit
halfway down Reads.
Jim Smart writes that, only a week after Mark had written
the above article, they found 300 feet of new passage in Reads. A report and survey should be available for
the next B.B.
Bob & Dany report that Ben Dors Schacht was bottomed at
nearly 600 feet. After this a short
passage with a few small drops quickly led to a 50 foot pitch to a ledge and
then a 200 foot pitch. Not far from the
bottom this was a further pitch of about 250 feet, which was not descended due
to lack of time and tackle. A river
could be heard at the bottom, which must be 1700 to 1800 feet below the surface. Perhaps it could be the glacial river that
feeds the Waldbach Ursprung. Hopes are
high and a return visit is already planned for next year. A grade 5 survey was started and 'Lugger'
(N.C.C.) is currently drawing this up. It seems to indicate that the cave has swung back underneath Barengasse,
as we had originally supposed it would, Survey and article soon - I hope.
WOOKEY. The 60' pot
mentioned in the last issue proved to be blind, but another passage has been
found leading back towards Wookey 20
OGOF HESP ALYN. Chris
Milne (Wessx and C.D.G.) and Trev Hughes have passed two perched sumps near the
bottom of Hesp Alyn, to enter large passage. The sumps are 5 feet long and 30 feet long, and Trev reckons they could
both be baled. The new passage is larger
than the rest of Hesp Alyn and carries a stream. So far the cave has been extended by over
2000 feet. Down through boulders at one
point a large river can be heard almost certainly this is the
The following extract from 'The Vision of Glory', by J.S.
Collis, and gleaned by Jane Thomas, must surely be referring to members of the
B.E.C.
We were tempted to say, Theres nothing left now for the
iron-souled adventurers, the active visionaries, who; have sought to penetrate
into uncharted places; with the possibility of irretrievable calamity facing
them at every step. Yet
. There is
spelaeology. The spelaeologists. They are not as other men: unexampled
fortitude, steel-like patience, sublime audacity, the nerves of acrobats and
the blood of fishes ....
BAT PRODUCTS. Phil & Lil Romford have opened up their own caving/climbing/camping shop in Wells. See next pages for ad. and map. Phil often carries a number of items with him on his travels - look out for his red mini on Mendip. I am sure we all wish Phil and Lil success in their venture.
P.S.M. Rumour has it
that a new, higher entrance has been found to the
PICOS DE EUROPA. The
same little bird tells me that the deepest ever all British exploration has
recently taken place in the Picos. This
record was previously by O.U.C.C. in Pozo del Xitu (1139m.), also in the Picos.
Bassett.
Committees always have been, and probably always will be,
targets for criticism from the very people who have elected them to
office. The B.E.C. committee seems to be
no exception to rule. However,
committees in their turn are adept at both countering the criticisms and
levelling some of their own at the club the membership. No doubt one of the moans at this particular
time of year is the lack of nominations for the new committee. The obvious question is: "Why the lack
of enthusiasm?" Four of the
retiring committee have held various offices for over 40 years between
them. Whilst this dedication is no doubt
commendable, does it not make the club over-reliant up such people? The following resolution is put forward in an
attempt to rectify a situation of apparent apathy.
A member, having served on committee of the Club for any
three consecutive years, at the end of their third term must resign their post.
They may not seek re-election, nor be co-opted, onto the
committee for a period of two consecutive years from the time of resignation.
The numbers of years are arbitrary figures. It is the principle of the proposal that is
important. If adopted, it would ensure a
regular flow of new committee members, new ideas and different approaches to
problems. We are convinced that this
would encourage more people to stand for the committee.
Under the present circumstances there can be nothing to lose
and everything to gain.
Proposed by: Jane Clarke
Seconded by: Marin Grass
See you at the A.G.M. and Dinner. By now you should have ordered your tickets
from Trevor. He is also arranging a
coach: Hunters, & Belfry to Cheddar and return. Contact Trev if you want seats.
*****************************************
That the following changes be made to section 5. COMMITTEE.
Paragraph (a) line 1 to read; the number of members on the
committee shall be five.
Delete whole of first sentence up to No non-member.
Paragraph (b) line 6.
word 1 to read "five" delete nine.
line 9. word 8 to
read "five" delete nine.
Paragraph (a) Delete lines 4 & 5 up to "No member
shall Substitute; Secretary, Treasurer, Hut Warden.
line 5. word 11 to
read "one" Delete two.
Proposed by Chris Batstone.
Seconded by Rachel Clarke.
issue no. 21, week-ending 3rd. September 1985.
Potholers hunting for a 'hidden cave' in Cheddar have
started a railway system to remove the tons of sand and clay they are
uncovering. The railway, developed by a
local firm and paid for by Lord Weymouth's Longleat Estate, started operating
last week.
Potholers are working at night off one of the main Cheddar
caves and are confident they will soon make a big find. They believe they are heading towards an
underground river and a huge cave could be their prize. They have gone 80 yards and discovered
several smaller passages in the six months they have been working.
Manager Harry Bennett said enthusiasts have been searching
for new caves for years but the present lead was very promising.
The club has been involved in many activities over the last
year making it a very active one. At
Christmas three club members returned from the large Mexico Expedition where
much new passage was found. Easter saw
approximately twenty members visit
Nearer to home the major achievement on Mendip has been the extensions
found in Eastwater off the old BEC discovery of The Ifold Series. A series of strenuous crawls and two fine
pitches along with some fine stal make this an excellent trip, with good
prospects for further discovery. Wookey
Hole has also received a fair number of trips from club members and various dry
extensions have been found. Progress is
also being made at the only new club dig site Halloween Rift which is situated
above Wookey Hole.
Unfortunately the new Arête Ladder has not been installed in
St. Cuthberts but it has been made and is awaiting transportation into the
cave. We currently have twenty eight
Cuthberts Leaders (Twenty one, BEC and Seven Guests). This includes three new
leaders Alison Moody, Pete Glanville and Tony Knibbs.
Most of Mendips systems have been visited including Tynings
Barrow where the continual work at A Day is slow but steady. Over the months numerous trips have been made
to all other areas of the
Martin Grass
3rd September 1993
The Annual Dinner of The Bristol Exploration Club is to be
held at: THE CLIFF HOTEL, CHEDDAR on SATURDAY
1st OCTOBER 1983 AT 7.30 FOR 8pm
CHOICE OF EITHER ROAST BEEF or ROAST PORK (STATE WHICH WHEN
ORDERING TICKETS)
TICKETS £6.50 each exclusive of wine. ORDER TICKETS FROM: Trevor Hughes, 8
The Journal Of The
Editor: Robin Gray
It was good to see so many at the Mid-summer festivities
even it the weather was a little unkind. In fact it rained heavily all day but that failed to dampen the spirits
of the hairy band of Vikings who turned up to enjoy nights delights.
The chariot race started with a big bang and the chariots thundered away in clouds of liquid mud. The winners were MNRC who fielded a very strong and practiced team and got round in an incredible time to the surprise of all. Next year its their turn to put on the games. Well done MNRC.
Even in the rain the Belfry grounds were filled with people enjoying the excellent bar and waiting their turn to get at what must rate as one of Mendips finest feeds. The organisation of this spectacular nosh-up was superb and all those involved are to be congratulated.
At about 10.30 the rain stopped for enough time to enable the firing of a short but lively firework display with some notable shells.
After the fireworks some fine singing of all the best songs was enjoyed until late in the Belfry Lounge.
Further celebrations are to follow soon including the club
trip to
This is my last BB before the AGM so to those of you who have sent in articles many thanks.
Robin
by Tim Large
Annual General Meeting Notice: The Annual General Meeting of The Bristol Exploration Club will be held at The Belfry on Saturday 5th October 1985 beginning at 10.30am prompt. A quorum of 30 members is required. Please make an effort to attend and become involved with the club's organisation. Only paid up members may attend and vote.
Member's Resolutions: These can be submitted by paid up members, each resolution needing a proposer and seconder. The contents of these can be any proposals for a change in club policy, rules or requests for committee action on behalf of the membership for its greater benefit. Resolutions should be handed to the AGM Chairman.
Constitutional Resolutions: These are proposals which need a proposer and seconder to amend the club constitution in some way. These must be submitted to the Secretary in writing as early as possible as they can only be heard at an Annual General Meeting if they have been published in the BB at least one month before hand.
Committee Elections: Nominations are requested for election to the 1985/6 Committee. They must be seconded by a full paid up member of the club. Only full members are entitled to stand for committee. Full members are those people who have completed their year's probationary membership and have been ratified by the committee. Nomination should be sent to the Secretary not later than Saturday 7th September 1985. They must be in writing and signed by a seconder.
Annual Dinner: As previously stated this will be held at The Cheese Pavilion Restaurant on The Bath & West Show Ground, Near Shepton Mallet on Saturday 5th October 1985 7pm for 1.30pm
The Belfry. There is still much finishing off work to be done by way of painting, fixtures and fittings. Volunteers are needed from you the members. We have no more money to pay outside contractors to do the work. It would be a pity to ruin a good job for the sake of a lick of paint. Please contact Dany Bradshaw, Chris Batstone or Tim Large if you can offer any help.
St Cuthberts: Pumping operations have been in progress at Sump 2 with the aid of a compressed air water pump. This was fed by fire hose kindly lent by Somerset Fire Brigade from a surface based road works compressor. Much progress has been made into the sump - the end now being 60 feet from normal sump level and 21 feet below it. Conditions are somewhat muddy. Unfortunately the passage is still descending.
Eastwater -
Definitely a site for dry weather and the drain hole blockage needs dealing with!!
Halloween Rift: Trev Hughes is still making good progress here and is always looking for volunteers. At present he is trying to get into Wookey before the American divers arrive to attempt the deep Sump 25 again.
Blackmoor Flood Swallet: Otherwise known as Upper Flood Swallet. The many years digging here by the MCG has at last yielded them some reward. They have broken into about 600 feet of stream passage with good formations. Prospects look good for further discoveries heading towards Cheddar.
About 2 months ago this appeal started in earnest. We are looking for £3,500 from paid-up and life members. Well, the good news is that to date we have received donations of £525. The bad news is (or it could be good depending on your view) that this sum has been donated by just 16 members and none has been from fund raising activities. Where are all of you out there in your pedalos? Came in the other 160 of you and let us see your money! Our thanks for the 16 generous donations so far!
SATURDAY 5th OCTOBER 1985
The Cheese Pavilion,
Royal
TICKETS £11
MENU
HOME MADE SOUP or PRAWN COCKTAIL
ROAST SIRLOIN OF SCOTCH BEEF with YORKSHIRE PUDDING
or
ROAST DUCKLING WITH BLACK CHERRY SAUCE
FRESH FRUIT SALAD with CREAM
or
HOME MADE APPLE PIE
CHEESE & BISCUITS * COFFEE
Tickets from Brian Workman, Oakhill,
Please send money with order for tickets stating your, choice of main course, beet or duck.
NO TICKETS AFTER SATURDAY 28th SEPTEMBER
To be held at The Belfry on Saturday 5th October 1985 at 10.30am prompt
1. Election of Chairman
2. Collection of outstanding ballot papers
3. Election of three tellers
4. Apologies of absence
5. Collection of members resolutions
6. Minutes of 1984 Annual General Meeting
7. Matters arising from 1984 Minutes
8. Hon. Secretary's Report
9. Hon. Treasurer's Report
10. Hon. Auditor's Report
11. Caving Secretary's Report
12. Hut Warden's Report
13. Tacklemaster's Report
14. B.B. Editor's Report
15. Hut Engineer's Report
16. Librarian's Report
17. Ian Dear Memorial Fund Report
18. Result of ballot for Committee
19. Election of Committee Posts
20. Any Other Business
Minutes of the Bristol Exploration Club Annual General
Meeting held at the Belfry on Saturday 6th October 1984 at 11.05am
Present: Tim Large, Alan Thomas, Graham Wilton-Jones, Chris Smart, Tony Jarratt, Brian Workman, Matt Tuck, Greg Villas, Chris Batstone, Bob Hill, Andy Lolley, Keith Gladman, Robin Gray, Alan Downton, Axel Knuston, John Watson, John Turner, Chris Castle, Bob Cork, Brian Prewer, Dany Bradshaw, Stuart McManus, Robin Hervin, Nick Holstead, Jeremy Henley, Phil Romford, Roger Sabido, Joan Bennett, Ian Caldwell, Dave Irwin, Glen Grass, Martin Grass, Nigel Taylor, Trevor Hughes, John Dukes, one other.
Apologies: Oliver Lloyd, Pete & Joyce Franklin, Fiona Lewis, Rich Stevenson, Jerry Crick, Gill Turner, John & Sue Riley, Lavinia Watson, Nicola Slann, Roy Bennett, John Chew, Dave Turner, Miles Barrington, John Theed, Dave Pike, Lisa Taylor.
The meeting was convened at 11.05am with 36 people present. Nominations were requested for a Chairman two nominations were received Jeremy Henley and Phil Romford. A vote was taken Jeremy Henley 10 and Phil Romford 15. Phil was therefore elected to the chair.
Members Resolutions: None
Minutes of 1983 Annual General Meeting: Proposed by John Turner and seconded by Jeremy Henley they be accepted and t'1ken as read. Carried.
Matters Arising From 1983 AGM: The shower meters are ready for installation. After investigation the telephone charges cannot be reduced.
Hon. Secretary's Report: Read to the meeting. GWJ queried the claim for lost tackle. TEL explained the circumstances. Proposed by
Hon. Treasurer's Report: As circulated at the meeting by Jeremy Henley.
Hon. Auditor's Report: As circulated at the meeting by Joan Bennett. Neither had anything further to add. Nigel Taylor asked what investigations had been made into the thefts from the Belfry. Jeremy Henley explained that theta was no sign of the culprit or the money. It was agreed to keep an eye on the situation. Proposed by Jeremy Henley and seconded by Stu McManus that a locked ammo can be bolted to the Library wall for depositing Hut Fees. Motion carried. Chris Smart asked about the Navy usage of the Belfry. Tim Large explained they were just starting to return. Proposed by Nigel Taylor seconded by Ian Caldwell that the Belfry Rates and Insurance be split 50/50 between subscriptions and Belfry income. Carried. Brian Prewer proposed a vote of thanks to Jeremy and Joan for a fine set of accounts. The meeting agreed.
Caving Secretary's Report: Stuart McManus read this to the meeting. Martin Grass expressed concern about a lack of Cuthberts leaders. Mac said that we did have several but dates do tend to clash. Joan Bennett supported the caving secretary's want for more expenditure on caving projects and equipment. Chris Batstone suggested that members may not be aware money is available for club digs and projects. Nigel Taylor suggested a special fund for digs but Jeremy pointed out that it was impractical to have a separate fund or an upper limit. Proposed by Nigel Taylor seconded by Greg Villas that the report be accepted. Carried.
Hut Warden's Report: Jeremy Henley said that most of the points had been made in the Hon. Secretary's Report. Only £3 was outstanding in Hut Fees at present. The Duty Hut Warden system had worked but a full time warden was needed. Chris Batstone said that in his opinion the system does not work as many wardens don't stay at The Belfry. Nigel Taylor suggested that you will get less volunteers if you expect them to stay at the Belfry. Chris Batstone volunteered to be Hut Warden the meeting accepted this. Nigel Taylor said that a book should be kept at the Belfry with booking in it. Proposed by Nigel Taylor seconded by Keith Gladman that the report be accepted. Carried.
Tacklemaster's Report: Bob Cork read this to the meeting. Stu McManus proposed a vote of thanks to Bob for sorting out the tackle problem. Martin Grass suggested the better marking of lifelines. Keith Gladman said that he was pleased the new tackle system was working successfully. Chris Smart expressed concern over our liability on ladders acquired by ourselves over the years and not of our own manufacture. Bob explained that it was the same as on our own ladders. Tony Jarratt asked about supplying each lifeline in a tackle bag, Bob said that the club did have a need for more tackle bags. The matter was left to the Committee. Proposed by Chris Batstone seconded by Robin Gray that the report be adopted. Carried.
Hut Engineers Report: Dany Bradshaw read this to the meeting. GWJ suggested paying more subs and having outside contractors do the work. Bob Hill asked how many people would be prepared to pay extra for outside contractors to work on Belfry maintenance. Joan Bennett said the Hut Fund could be used for
Belfry maintenance once the improvements had been carried out. Tony Jarratt said that to increase subscriptions drastically might put off new young members from joining. Martin Grass said that there had been a change in peoples circumstances with members either living locally or off Mendip and not staying at the Belfry so regularly. The Chairman took a vote on the use of outside contractors FOR 18 AGAINST 4. Proposed by Dany Bradshaw seconded by Tony Jarratt that outside contractors be bought in as necessary for Belfry maintenance. FOR 25 AGAINST 3. It was proposed by Stu McManus and seconded by Bob Hill that the report be adopted. Carried.
BB Editor's Report: As published in the BB. Comments were made re lack of a BB. Robin Gray said that this was due to lack of material. Tony Jarratt thought that we should keep the standard A4 format. Chairman took a vote on continuing BB as it is. Vote carried. Proposed by Tony Jarratt seconded by Bob Hill that the report be adopted. Carried.
Hon. Librarians Report: Tony Jarratt read this to the meeting. Stu Mc Manus proposed a vote of thanks for Tony's work. Jeremy Henley proposed, seconded by Stu McManus that the report be adopted. Carried.
Ian Dear Memorial Fund: Stu McManus read this to the meeting. There had been one application from Matt Tuck
for an expedition to
Election of Officers: Proposed by Dave Turner, seconded by Greg Villas that last years Committee be re-elected with the inclusion of Chris Batstone as Hut Warden.
Jubilee Celebrations: Tim Large outlined the proposals for the Summer Bar-be-cue, Special Dinner, Berger Expedition, Firework Party, Souvenirs, Winter Social, Publications. John Turner suggested that a sub-committee organise these celebrations. The Chairman asked for volunteers - Tony Jarratt, Robin Gray, Nick Holstead. Tony outlined plans for St Cuthberts Report. The meeting agreed with the proposals.
Any Other Business:
It was proposed by Tony Jarratt and seconded by Dave Turner that a vote of thanks be given to Tim Large for all his efforts on behalf of the club.
Belfry Improvements: Phil Romford outlined the situation so far. Plans & costings were circulated around the meeting. Proposed by John Turner seconded by Alan Downton that the plans be accepted. FOR 26 AGAINST 1 ABST 3. The use of outside contractors was discussed but it was agreed to leave this to the discretion of the Committee. Joan Bennett pointed out the need to keep an eye on the financial side of this project. Proposed by Jeremy Henley, seconded by Tony Jarratt that the improvements be complete by the end of May 1985. Carried. Stu McManus proposed a vote of thanks to all those who had worked on the project. T he meeting agreed.
There being no other business the meeting was closed at 3.09pm.
Dear B.E.C., Happy Golden Jubilee! Love, Kangy
My present is a collection of short climbs representing some exploration which Pete Johnson, Jonathan King and I completed this year.
The climbs are set in a beautiful beech wood with bluebells
by a river. Locally it is called the
Bluebell Wood and it is on the River Frome at Bury Hill, Winterbourne Down,
The climbs are all about thirty feet long and we have named them from the left and facing the cliff:-
Foxglove Traverse 4c
Foxglove Crack 4a
Bobby's Climb 5a
Drainpipe Corner 3a
Caroline's Slab 5b
Golden Bluebell 5c
Protection is scarce and the rock is still loose, though not as loose as it was. The grading assumes a top rope, without one Golden Bluebell might be E2 for example.
The story started twenty years ago when I used to take
Jonathan for little boy walks along the Frome and poked around the quarries
there. (Reference, "Some Sandstone
Climbs in the
The unusual sharp edged incut corner overhang caught my eye and at the time I included it in some film I made. I imagined how it might be climbed and never quite forgot so I was pleased when Pete in a weak moment was kind enough to come to see.
We cleaned out foxgloves to make Foxglove Crack and enjoyed it. Later when we were showing Jonathan the quarry he invented Foxglove Traverse and I took a flier when the only proper handhold came away. The foxgloves remain in place. Pete and I dug our way up the Drainpipe one wet wintery day and it is probably much easier now. It is surprising how steep and strenuous the cliff is and while Jonathan reckons the Drainpipe to be 3a, it is an arm wrecker. Suitably encouraged by the potential of the climbing we devoted several visits to cleaning up some of the lines. We abseiled to clear ivy until Pete was satisfied and did Bobby's Climb. This starts immediately below the overhang on the left hand wall, pulls over on a good hold which I had to work hard to reach and then follows a crack line steeply to the top. More work concentrated on improving the finish on the right hand wall by shovelling topsoil, dangling in a harness, from the nice sharp edge of the top ledges. We paid special attention to the blank bit above the distinguished overhang. It remained blank. As a reward for our labours we had a go and retired tired.
The team reassembled for an all out attempt on the corner and in turn we inched higher and higher cleaning, trying combinations, dropping off through shear fatigue until the climb to the overhang had been worked out. Pete had dug out a pebble filled crack which gave a vital finger hold and enabled us to lean back and by bracing the feet try for holds on the face above. The strenuous exercise shattered our arms and we had to leave it. Two possible solutions, one involving an impossibly high handhold up to the left on the face and the other involving a too low crack around the corner were slept on.
Last Christmas holiday Jonathan felt like having another go and discovered a vital combination which enabled him to brace out on highish footholds to reach for a niche on the edge with his left hand - before shouting "aaaaarrrrgh" or whatever Tarzan said to Jane. Before his arms went completely he tried another line to the left and completed Caroline's Slab in the middle of the wall. Well, truth to tell it is not so much a slab as a bulging off balance wall and again it is fingery and strenuous. His pitiable cries of "Have you got me" from the last few feet at the limit of his rapidly diminished strength nearly caused me to weaken but I remained composed and kept the rope slack so that he climbed it.
Really wound up about The Last Great Problem I went back for another go but you have to be built like a hairy gorilla to cope with the overhang. It was completely unsuitable for my more refined techniques because I like to be pulled up things like that.
And there it rested for months.
Spontaneously, Jonathan now very match fit and home for the weekend said "Let's go and do it."
He got into shorts and chalk while I set up a top rope. It started to rain. He seemed to be obsessively fussy about keeping his far out sticky boots dry and he immediately laid back on tiny holds merely to avoid the straight forward muddy alternative. Quickly up to the overhang, he adjusted his feet and reached over for the upper notch on the edge and in the same moment rejoined me back on the ground. He got out his climbing helmet while I stuffed the erstwhile handhold into my pocket as a souvenir. "Did you see that," he said indignantly, It hit my head but didn't hurt because we were falling at the same rate!" Back into position, slightly more easily because the hold was now a little lower and cleaner, he could pause to consider the next move. This was dynamically to move his right hand, from the vertical crack around the corner and pull up with his left, to the new edge hold. The function of the right hand was to keep his feet braced against the back wall, releasing it to go for the next hold lead to a spectacular sequence of events. The forces now acting became exclusively vertical and without horizontal equilibrium his feet came off and flailed in the air. The load coming abruptly onto that key hold displaced it - and Jonathan and I were face to face once more. He seemed agitated. Said I'd given him the impression that we'd cleaned the climb. I said, "Don't forget frost shattering." He said, "Hold that bloody rope," and shot back up to the place where his legs flailed in the air once again. It was obviously hard. Both holds were improved but it needed strength to pull up enough
to get his now slightly damp sticky boots out of space and onto rock. He pulled up, locked off his arms and twisted to place his right boot at waist level on the lowest of the edge notches. Several heave-hos and an elated Jonathan was able to rest and shout down to me to tell me all about it. Relatively easily from then on, though nicely positioned, the climb continues up a corner and it was cracked.
The final climb in the Golden Jubilee Collection was named Golden Bluebell.
The
Editor: G.
Wilton-Jones
B.B. EDITORSHIP: Robin Gray has now taken over the post of B.B. Editor, and this therefore the last Belfry Bulletin I shall be producing. Thank you once again to all who have helped in this task, particularly those of you who have actually written for the magazine.
Articles should now be sent to:
Robin Gray, , Wells,
He has a couple of articles already, but he'll need lots more than that for the first B.B. of the new year, so get writing!!
BLACKMOOR FLOOD SWALLET: Rumour has it that 1300 feet of passage has been found there.
BOATCHURCH: This cave does not actually exist, and was just one of many typing errors. Sorry!
LIBRARY: There are two additions to our exchange list:
South African Spelaeological Association Bulletin;
Israel Cave Research Centre publications.
CUCKOO CLEEVES: The cave is now re-opened. It will be permanently sealed if the landowner finds that the lock has gone missing again. WE HAVE BEEN WARNED.
Personally, I am pessimistic about the cave's future. Someone is bound to smash the lock off sooner or later, and Cuckoo will join places like Plantation Swallet, Hollowfield, Flowerpot and Tankards (to name but a few) in that great cave graveyard under tons of earth and rubbish.
ROCK AND FOUNTAIN: Not so long ago the gate was stolen, and even hung on the wall of the Craven Heifer for a time. Very recently the new, reinforced gate was sawn off its hinges, again by cavers from the North of England. O.K. It was a joke and a laugh the first time, but it is now a police matter. The landowner demands that the cave be gated or the (albeit slightly restricted) access will be denied to all cavers
A dig at the end of the
The
Work on the tunnel commenced in 1873. A shaft was sunk on the west bank at Sudbrook (Old Shaft) around 200ft deep, and a heading driven east to test the ground under the river at a gradient of 1 in 500, to act as a drainage for the deepest part of the tunnel under the main river channel.
By 1877, after four and a half years, very little more had been achieved. The total came to 1,600yds of 7ft square drive, and a half completed second shaft which it was intended to use as a permanent pumping shaft.
The Great Western Railway Company put out two contracts; one was to sink a shaft on the east bank (Sea Wall Shaft) and to drive headings east and west from it. The other was to sink two shafts (Marsh Shaft and Hill Shaft) and to drive the headings east and west from both these shafts. The company continued to work the heading under the river, and later agreed to drive from Old Shaft westwards towards Marsh Shaft and east on the line of the tunnel. The pump shaft was also completed and two 26" pumps installed.
By 1879, a considerable amount of work had been done. The three new shafts had produced a good amount of heading under the land, and the headings under the river had approximately 130yds to go between them. None of the headings had given any large volume of water up to October 18th 1879. In the heading being driven west from the old shaft along the tunnel formation a large amount of water broke into the workings. Efforts to dam it back with timbers failed, and within 24 hours the works communicating with the heading were flooded to the level of the river water. Fortunately no one was killed, as the men were warned as they changed shift.
The breaching of this spring seems to have had a dramatic effect on the hydrology of the area; T.A.Walker writing on the geography of the area, mentions the drying up of springs and wells at the time the spring was breached:-
"Where these tides flowed is
now a rough piece of marshland, through which the little river Neddern passes
to join the
He goes on to describe briefly the formations of the sandstone and limestone hills around the site, and how:-
"all the water from the hills both from the mountain limestone and the old red sandstone, has found subterranean channels through this broken ground, and, before the tunnel was commenced, flowed out in the valley of the Neddern, and formed the great springs which have been before mentioned.
The Neddern, rising as a small brook in the hills above Llanvair Discoed, sometimes lost the whole of its water in the dry season near the foot of the hills, bursting out again near Caerwent, at a point called by the natives 'The Whirly Holes.'
When the tunnel was being made, and a fissure was unfortunately tapped in the rock between Sudbrook Camp and Portskewett village, all these underground channels poured their water into the tunnel itself, and almost every well and spring, and the little river itself for a distance of more than 5 miles from the tunnel, became dry."
After this event work more or less ground to a halt until in December 1879, a contract was awarded to Mr T.A. Walker to complete the project. Work started on un-watering the workings shortly after the contract was signed.
New engines and pumps had been ordered, but these were not anticipated to be in operation until mid summer 1880. It was therefore decided to try and seal the headings. This involved using divers to fit and brace, two wooden "shields" over the entrances to the headings. A number of diving operations followed. One man, Alexander Lambert chief diver with Seibe Gorman, achieved much notoriety for his exploits. On one occasion Lambert was inspecting the sump of a shaft, when he was drawn against the wind-bore of one of the pumps by the suction. Three men were required to pull him free with a rope. Most notable, was the attempt to close a water tight door in the long heading under the river. The door was left open in the panic by the workmen, when the spring broke through. The door was approx 1,000ft up the heading. On reaching the door he would have to go through and close an 18" flap valve, then return through the door, remove two rails, close the door and then screw down a 12" sluice valve. It was hoped this would close off a major section of flooded heading.
Lambert made the attempt with two other divers in attendance. One diver would stop at the bottom of the shaft to feed the air hose down the level. The other would accompany Lambert down the level to the half way point (500ft) to help ease the hose on down the level. On the way up the level he would have to negotiate his way past the debris of upturned skips rubble and timbers, in total darkness. Handicap enough without the added burden of wearing the old type "Brass Hat" or Standard diving dress. Lambert managed to get to a distance of about 900ft but the exertion of dragging his floating air hose was too much.
A man named Fleuss had recently patented a diving dress that could be used without air hoses. Fleuss's equipment seems to have been a form of oxygen re-breather, from the description given by T.A. Walker in his account of the construction of the tunnel:-
"About this time I had heard of a diving-dress, patented by a Mr Fleuss, by the use of which the diver was able to dispense entirely with the use of the air hose, by carrying in a knapsack on his back a supply of compressed oxygen gas, which he was enabled to feed to his helmet as required."
Fleuss was sent for, and instructed what to do. Lambert in standard dress descended with him. After three attempts, it soon became Ccear that Fleuss was not sufficiently experienced as a working diver. Lambert was then persuaded to try Fleuss's equipment, and after some experimentation was finally satisfied, that he could make another attempt at reaching the door.
Lambert succeeded in reaching the door, and managed to remove one of the rails. Having been away for a considerable time, he returned without closing the door. Two days later he went in again. On reaching the door he passed through, closed the flap valve, pulled up the rail and closed the door. Lambert had been instructed to screw round the sluice valve a specified number of turns. This he did, and returned in triumph.
Much disappointment, ensued when it was found that the water level was not dropping as quickly as anticipated. The level would stand stationary at high water for some time. Considerable trouble was given by the pumps, but this was overcome as the water level slowly dropped. On December 7th 1880, the foreman of the pumps was able to walk up the heading to the door, which Lambert had closed. He soon discovered the cause of the slow drop of water level. The sluice valve had a left hand thread, and although Lambert had turned it the required number of turns, he had opened the valve, instead of closing it.
On December 13th 1880 the doors in the shield over the western heading were opened, and the heading inspected. The next day the level was inspected by the contractors. In the level they found a stream of water seven feet wide and a foot deep flowing in the level, along with a great quantity of debris brought in by the stream. At around 600ft up the heading the debris reached a height of 3 to 4 feet.
Two head walls were constructed to keep out the water from the spring, these were completed and the spring was finally shut out on January 4th 1881.
In October 1883, the spring again broke through into the works during operations to complete the headings past the area of the spring. Lamberts services were again used to close off the inflow of water.
The final stages of completion were under way during 1884. It was known that most of the water in the spring came from the River Neddern. A concrete invert was constructed for a distance of approx four miles, along the river bed. With new pumps it was possible to reduce the head of water in the level, so that access could be gained to the point where the spring had broken in. The water from the spring was diverted along a side heading to the pumps.
Having gained mastery of the water from the spring the full size tunnel was opened out, the fissure of the spring was described as following;
A most erratic course. In one place it passed directly across the tunnel from side to side, nearly at right angles to the centre line of the work. At another place it passed from side to side in an oblique direction, running for some small distance directly under one of the side walls. At another point where the tunnel had been perfectly dry, while the mining was done, the lifting of almost the last stone out of the invert set free an immense body of water which no pumps underground could cope with. At another point the water boiled up from a hole l8ft in depth under the invert with such force that stones, the size of a mans fist, dropped into the water would descend about 10 feet, and then begin to flutter like a leaf in the wind, and be thrown out again by the water.
The brickwork in the tunnel was finished in April 1885, and by August the spring had been sealed off except for a tapped supply to feed the pump engines etc. A pressure gauge had been fixed to show the water pressure to keep a check on how it was rising. By Sept 5th the water in the ground had risen to a height of approx 305 feet and was registering a pressure of 45ipsi. This pressure of water was having an adverse effect on the brickwork, by finding its way through the mortar. The pressure eventually reached 57% psi, at this pressure bricks were beginning to crack.
It was decided to sink a large diameter shaft and install enough pumps to pump away all the water from the great spring, so that the structure of the tunnel would not have to resist such high pressures.
The tunnel was finally opened to passenger traffic in December 1886. Nearly 14 years after the G.W.R. had commenced the work. The inspector for the Board of Trade quotes the following amounts of water pumped out of the Big Spring:-
Minimum - 23million gallons per day.
Maximum - 30million gallons per day.
Average - 24million gallons per day.
REFERENCES:
The
Wonders of Salvage - David Masters.
by Trevor Hughes
Chris Milne (WCC) and fellow WCC/CDG divers have been doing well in this cave this summer. Following on from their success in passing the 10m long sump in Aug. '82, when 200m of new passage was discovered, this summer's diving has led to the passing of a second sump and more finds.
After the B.E.C. involvement in the discovery and surveying of this cave and the first dives at the terminal sump, all by our very own J-Rat, the WCC seem to have taken the initiative here. I was therefore rather pleased when Chris suggested that I join him and others on a pushing trip on the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Progress prior to the planned trip had been the passing of the 4m long second sump to an ascending passage leading to the base of a 12m free climb. From the head of the climb a roomy horizontal passage ends after 30m in a large, 16m deep pot. At the bottom of this a passage leads off to a 25m shaft which had not yet been bottomed.
A strong team gathered on the Saturday morning, heads slightly (or more so) awash from the previous evening's ale in the Loggerheads. Mendip was represented by Chris Milne, Anne Lavender, Paul Whybro, Kev Clarke (both of Bath University C.C.) Rich Websall, Wormhole and myself, while the local talent included Phil the Miner (also B.E.C.) and three N.W.C.C. lads who provided valuable assistance carrying ladders down the cave.
Although in places very muddy the trip to the sump is quite sporting, involving a considerable amount of ladder work, not to mention numerous flat-out crawls, wallows and a chest deep canal interspaced with undulating, walking passage. Unfortunately the trip to the sump proved to be too much for Wormhole's diving kit (where have we heard that one before?) (in the pub, in the Belfry, in these pages - infamy is far flung. Ed.) and he retired from the trip and left with the N.W.C.C. back up team. This left me as the sole B.E.C. representative on the trip.
The first sump is a mostly spacious affair with crystal clear vis for the first diver (Anne had that privilege) and zero for the rest! OHA II consists of a gently ascending walking passage with deep mud giving way to a harder clay or rock floor. The second sump is perched and very shallow but the roof is festooned with large flakes that demand a cautious approach. The underwater passage is adequately roomy. The end of the known cave was reached with little or no incident, and it was rather pleasant to be free of the weight of diving gear.
The 23m shaft had some horribly loose rocks overhanging the drop and these were kicked down with a combination of Websall/Hughes/Whybro brawn. Rob Harper would have hated this as in most cases the next rock to be loosened was the one sat on for the previous trundle! Eventually the shaft was declared safe and rigged with a ladder and lifeline, but not before the initially chosen belay had fallen off the wall when tested. Chris and Rich descended and disappointingly declared that our trundling, although essential, had blocked the way on from the bottom. They commenced to dig away the offending debris.
Meanwhile, at the head of the pitch, Paul and Kev started to probe the roof. Eventually, after an exposed and difficult 12m climb, they reached a low bedding passage. I joined them and used their lifeline to haul up a spare ladder to enable Anne to follow. The low bedding went down dip to a sump and up dip after 15m to a large chamber, with the roof barely visible in one area. Chris and Rich were called to leave their digging and, when we were all gathered in roughly the same area and a 7m drop from the chamber rigged, a free-for-all race along the large 'Aggie' sized passage beyond began. The way on was obvious - just keep to the centre of the 10m wide passage and run (or climb) as fast as possible. Several side passages were noticed but ignored. The passage runs approximately due south (Rich carried a diving compass) and is a large, phreatic oval, modified in places by blockfall to give large, boulder-floored chambers. A free climbable 12m pitch led to a sandy squeeze (which may have to be dug out after the winter floods) and a low, muddy area which is possible a perched sump in wetter weather. The end of the main passage was a descending, boulder floored chamber, ending at its lowest point against a blank wall. However, through the boulders and seemingly only a few metres away, came the sound of what can only be a large underground watercourse. A very strong draught accompanied this noise.
Despite fatigue, failing lights and the protests of some (!?) a dig was started following the wall. The boulders here are generally of manageable size and a lot of smaller stones make up a large proportion of the fill. Initially, without tools, the digging progressed well and a 1m deep hole was soon formed. A further 1m depth could be seen, but proper digging kit will be needed to progress further.
We retreated and made our rather weary way back to the surface. The sumps on the way out are revolting affairs, with mud getting everywhere, but the original cave seems much shorter.
After a walk back along the dry river Bed and a wash in a pool we were all soon ready for the Loggerheads and some well earned beer. It had been a fairly exciting ten hour trip.
The next day I had to return to Mendip, but Chris and Paul went back to back to the new find, pushed the side passages and discovered about another 1000m of new passage. They still left open ends for another day, including a passage that may provide a bypass to the boulder choke and reach the unseen river beneath.
Both OHA sumps, although not free diveable, are perched and as the known system remains completely stream free in the summer months both could be removed by siphoning or baling. The second sump could be bailed very easily, probably taking only a couple of hours but, once completed, would last the complete summer season. The first sump would present a more involved problem, being longer and deeper, but as a six metre vertical climb is required to reach the sump, which is only approximately 5m deep, the problem is only one of plumbing and is not at all insurmountable. This sump is, again, totally static and would require only one major attack at the start of the season.
Regretfully the inter-club squabbling and petty personal
politics that abound in
OHA is, without doubt, the most demanding and demanding
challenge in
A good survey of OHA I exists but has never been published
(for reasons as above) and this is now causing delays in the exploration of
this system, for it is possible that a bypass to the first sump may be found
from OHA II. This would open the
flood-gates to the potential of a major river cave the underground River
Alyn. It is time that the
*****************************************
P.S. Further to the B.B. article Pete Appleton (N.W.C.C.) & Co. have siphoned both the sumps in OHA. They failed, however, to enter the new stuff found by the WCC/BEC/CUC; simply because they did not find it.
This does not, however, alter the gist of the latter part of the article about N.W. politics - this action in OHA came from our rather excited babblings in the pub straight after our discovery + a 'Phone call to P. Appleton from Tony Jarratt and NOT as a result of their general settling of inter-club differences.
Chris Milne is in
Trev & J-Rat
It is with regret that we hear of the untimely death of Alan Coase who died of a heart attack recently. He was a member of the club in the 1960s and many members from that time will have known him well. Our condolences to his relatives and friends.
by Colin Priddle.
In August this year I had the opportunity to visit South
West Africa or, as some name it,
South West is a vast country, some three times the size of
All parts of South West are very arid, except for the far
north east, in particular the Namib region, which is a band of almost
uninhabitable, sandy desert stretching the entire coastline. In this area rain is almost unknown and it is
common for five or even ten years to pass with no rain at all. This area gradually gives way to higher land
and a less harsh climate before, as you go further east, the country borders on
the
On our visit we first went to the
From the Kalahari Gemsbok we entered the South West and
drove to
The desert ends at the coast; that is it, desert, then sea,
and a cold sea at that. The coldness of
the sea means that often a blanket of fog covers the coastline and,
consequently, the little town of
From
From Sesriem we went to Luderitz, a dying, uninspiring town
set amongst rocks. Its claim to fame was
the diamond industry, which has now moved to Orangemund, further down the
coast, and its cray fishing industry, which is still in existence. The whole town feels as if it is thirty years
behind the times and it hardly surprising that very few are attracted to the
place as strong winds continually blow sand everywhere. Nearby are two ghost mining towns whose houses
are covered in sand. It is truly an inhospitable
town but worth a visit, if only to eat a few crayfish. The area, for about fifty miles inland from
the coast, in the southern part of the South West, is the Sperrgebiet or
prohibited Diamond Areas which, unfortunately, one is unable to visit. Incidentally, water for Luderitz is pumped
from a borehole some thirty miles away and still about sixty miles of the main
road serving the town is not tarred. Finally we drove to Ai Ais, a mineral spring resort on the
The
Only one party a day is allowed on the trail and consequently one must book well in advance to do the hike. In common with all South African countries bureaucracy is rife and a permit must be obtained from the Nature Conservation which necessitates a medical certificate. For a reasonably fit caver-hiker type like myself it is a bloody cheek but I suppose it does inhibit totally unsuitable types from doing the hike, which is arduous, and in the event of an accident, it would probably be at least 24 hours before help could be summoned. The funny thing was, I lost my medical certificate, but I still went. Hiking is only allowed in winter from May to August inclusive and for good reason too. For one, flash floods are liable which, if you were in many places in the canyon, would be disastrous, and two, the temperatures are often extreme. In 1981 in July (winter) a temperature of 480C (1180F) was recorded there and even on our walk the last two days were pretty hot, probably about 320C (900F) during the day, and even at that temperature a couple of people in our party found it too hot.
There were eight of us hiking and for once the women in our
party had to carry their own fair share for our intended four to five day
hike. The first hour or so was the drop
into the canyon from the rim down a steep path. As our party was notoriously slow at getting ready we only left about
midday and we had lunch in the canyon. The hiking was generally either through soft sand or over boulders
ranging from football size upwards. Not
many would describe it as easy walking. The first two days were in the narrower part of the canyon, sometimes
about 100m wide, then gradually the canyon became much wider. The narrower parts were certainly the most
scenic with no vegetation at all among the many sheer cliffs. The first two nights were fairly cold,
necessitating long trousers and pullover to keep warm. No tents were carried as the chances of rain
were nil and it is much nicer to sleep out anyway. We slept out all through South West. We were fortunate that we had a full moon
during our hike which rose as soon as the sun disappeared and put another
perspective onto the canyon. The only
drawback about the full moon is that the full beauty of the stars of the
southern hemisphere is hidden. Usually
we started hiking as soon as possible after first light and a cup of coffee in
order to get the most from the cooler temperatures and shade. After an hour or so our party of eight would
be well strung out along the river but it was general to stop around 11 o'clock
or noon for lunch and a rest from the hottest part of the day. We would then
continue at 3 or 4 o' clock and continue until dusk. One of the highlights of the hike is the
Needless to say the next day was spent lazing in the thermal
bath eating in the restaurant and consuming beer at Ai Ais. A short geological expedition was also
undertaken to a nearby hill of rose quartz. Although some of cur party had a few blisters on their feet we were all
in agreement - the
by Jill Tuck
Old statistical reports are especially interesting when they are about well known areas. Looking at one of the Annual Reports of Inspectors of Mines for just an ordinary year, 1881, I found many familiar names.
Amongst the haematite mines of the
Under Oolite mines we find Box Hill, Box Quarry, and many at
Farleigh and Corsham, while the only lead mines listed are
The standard form of the report includes details of the miners, showing that in Somerset, underground, there were no boys of 12 - 13 years, 8 males (note: counted as mature at 13!) of 13 - 16, and 181 males above 16. No females were employed underground anywhere in the South West, but 7 girls of 10 - 13 years, and many females (note change of description again!) from 13 - 18 and older, were employed in Cornwall and Devon. Reading between the lines, one wonders how many illegally employed were smuggled out of sight when the inspector arrived, and how hard he tried to ensure compliance with the regulations knowing that some families desperately needed even a child's money.
Each mine accident during the year is tabled, more detailed
accounts being given of the serious or unusual ones, especially if they could
lead to improvements in the safety procedure. One little boy of three, named Howells, was killed while playing: he
"crept under the fence around an old, disused pit at Ruardean (
There is a report of an accident on 26th April at Malago
Vale Colliery,
Many mine owners were insuring against accidents. The rate was 5/- every £100 paid in wages, for accidents when the employer would not be liable under the Act, and 12/6 for all accidents. Some employers did not work their mines as laid down under the Metalliferous Mines Act or take the precautions legally necessary, in spite of chivvying by the Inspector of mines, so the difference in payment was not for trivial reasons. The Inspector commented, however, that generally the managers met him in a friendly spirit to improve the safety or efficiency of their mines. He added that "all communications, anonymous or otherwise, have had my careful attention. He kept the letters secret, and took remedial action where possible. There are details of prosecutions and fines of owners for not complying with the Acts. The Inspector remarked that mining workers would rather run the risk of working in a dangerous place than spend the short time required to put up a prop.
The first telephone had been introduced, at Dolcoath, in
There are certain caves which are locked up and it is impossible for most of us to enter them. However, in the cases of Charterhouse, Rock and Fountain and Cuckoo Cleeves, there is no difficulty in booking a trip by going through the appropriate channels, and there can be no socially acceptable justification for the vandalism of their gates. True, in Utopia, no caves are gated. This is not Utopia.
WORKING WEEKEND - JANUARY 6th, 7th, 8th. 1984.
Yes, the first weekend of next year, so make a note of it NOW! Some of the jobs outstanding at the Belfry are:
Weather board to fire exit door fascia and soffit to be painted (weather permitting)
All windows to be painted;
Shed to be re-covered with roofing felt;
Belfry grounds to be tidied (using skip or J-Rat ' 6 trailer)
New Carbide Store to be built;
Tackle Store roof to be waterproofed.
These are just a few of the jobs that must be done before the winter sets in. Dany has organised a working weekend for JANUARY 6th, 7th & 8th.
After what was said at the A.C.M. we know that a lot of you will be coming down because you know about this well in advance. If you can, please give Dany a 'phone call so that he can organise the weekend better.
Dany's 'phone number is Wells (0749) xxxxx.
Working Weekend - JANUARY 6th. 7th. 8th. 1984
LOST Someone, somewhere has Andy Lolley's RED HOLDALL, which contains - a one-piece, double-lined, velcro-fastening wetsuit, plus a velcro-fastening jacket, plus boots, plus a pile of grots.
It has been missing from the Belfry since July.
Hopefully, someone is looking after it for Andy.
Give him a nice Christmas surprise, and let him know you have it
EAST TWIN SWALLETT: South Bristol S.S. have now linked this cave to SPAR POT, whose entrance lies buried, after it was filled in twelve years ago. Their decision to gate the cave seems rather extreme (it is unstable!!). I think I'll gate Swildons Sump I - someone could drown in it.
That's it!
Good luck to Robin with his new task. Keep sending the articles, and lots of them. Let's have no more of this quarterly and bi-monthly nonsense.
Happy Christmas
WANTED!! ONE HUT WARDEN - URGENT