QUODCUMQUE FACIENDUM : NIMIS FACIEMUS
Editorial
Congratulations
The discovery of a new major cave on Mendip is always an occasion
for some rejoicing, and congratulations are due to Pete McNab (Snab) and his
merry men of the Tynings Institute for Troglodytic Studies on their successful
entry and exploration of Tynings Barrow Swallet.
Another aspect of their work which deserves praise is the
way that they stabilised and maintained good relations with the farmer. Soon after the hole first appeared, after the
great storm of 1968, some thoughtless cavers got to the swallet by breaking
through the nearest hedge. The farmer;
who keeps sheep in the field, was justifiably annoyed, and filled in the
hole. Last year, Snab not only managed
to restore good relations, but even kept them that way after an incident where
some visiting cavers once again took the
quick - but stupid - way in.
The Printing Story
In desperation, we gave last months B.B. to a professional firm to print for us, with the result which is now apparent. It would appear that these firms are just not used to dealing with paper plates, and have no idea how to handle them. However, we have at last got an expert to look at the printing machine and we hope that our difficulties are now solved. What happens to this B.B. will prove the point one way or the other!
The Do-it-Yourself B.B.?
At the time of writing, it is assumed that the article by
Graham Wilton-Jones giving a description of Tynings Barrow Swallet, has been
included in the February B.B. Graham
volunteered to type the article on duplicator stencils and get it duplicated
and supply the paper and get it included in the (already printed - after a
fashion by a professional printer!) February issue of the B.B.
There seems no real reason why this cannot be done again if
the need or opportunity arises. If some
member has a particular piece of 'stop press' news, and the means and
opportunity, the present format of the B.B. permits such a late inclusion. It does, however, make us wonder whether we
ought to go back to numbering each B.B. separately, instead of numbering pages
right through each volume as we do now. Has anybody any thoughts on this one?
Central Heating
As members will know, the committee was actioned by the last
A.G.M. to go ahead and install central heating in the Belfry should this prove
to be feasible. It would seem, however,
that things (as usual!) are proving more complex in practice than the A.G.M.
imagined.
For example, most of the quotes so far received mean that
the actual cost would be such as to spend ALL the club's available money. This is clearly possible, but is it
feasible? The condition of the Belfry is
giving the committee much cause for concern - if not alarm. An urgent job must be done on the sleeping
accommodation, and this has already got the 'go ahead' from the committee. There are also plans for improving the
showers and a longer term one for re-siting the kitchen. Plans for both these schemes are being
prepared for inclusion in the B.B. to give members a chance to air their
opinions. Certainly, the more urgent
renovations to the Belfry must be carried out. On the other hand, lack of adequate heating is a contributory factor to
the deterioration of the Belfry. One
answer would be an improvement to the heating but short of the idea of full
central heating. On the other hand, the
A.G.M. obviously had full central heating in mind.
Its not such good asking for less talk and more
action. What would you do under these
circumstances?
N.C.A. Again
The meeting to discuss the reaction of the Southern Council
to the proposed changes to the structure of N.C.A. is due to be held on
Saturday 26th of March. It is hoped to
include some comment on what seems to be the present situation in next month's
B.B.
Climbing
Just to remind you that there is a discount available to
B.E.C. current members at Ellis Brighams in Whiteladies Rd, Bristol. There is a rumour that Kevin is saving up to
get married and wishes to sell some of his climbing gear, said to be worth four
figures! See him at the shop - he's the
tall blond one. Seems they've got all
that new shop at Welsh Back has without the razzmatazz.
When the better weather is with us there will be a rock
climbing meet at Wintour's Leap near Chepstow. Good steep, safe limestone with
a good view of the river!
Russell Jenkins
Climbing Sec.
Russell has also sent a short climbing article in, which
will appear in the next B.B. Tales of
the climbing exploits of members are always acceptable, so if any climbers are
reading this how about it?