WESSEX CAVE CLUB

Journal No. 90, Vol. 7. June 1963 CLUB NEWS Club Ties The first four dozen ties, most of which had been ordered, have now all been accounted for and a further order for three dozen is being placed. Cash with orders to the Hon. Secretary or obtainable direct from the Hut Warden when stocks are renewed. Price 15/6 post paid. Cloth badges, obtainable as above, cost 5/-. These are now in short supply and a further order is being placed. Enquiries about Car Badges, price 32/6, to the Editor, Christopher Hawkes, 147 Evington Lane, Leicester.

Exposure Suits It has just been confirmed by the Admiralty that the tender made in November of last year by the Wessex Committee on behalf of the Club for 105 inflatable Mark 2 Exposure Suits has been successful. It is intended when these neck entry type suits are actually available to resell them to members so as to recoup the outlay and meet incidental expenses involved. Further details will be announced as soon as possible.

Club Records The only complete available set of Wessex publications (Vols 1-6) dating from the founding of the Club in 1934, is now housed at the County Library, Bridgwater. Vols. 2-6 (1951 onwards) are also kept in the Hillgrove Library. It is hoped shortly to be able to deposit a further set of publications at the Reference Library and the Secretary is keen to hear from anybody who is willing to part with any back numbers; in particular Nos. 26, 27, 28, 29, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 58 and 60 are required to make up the set. Requests from the South Wales Club and the N.S.S. of America for back numbers to make up their sets have been received, so any unwanted issues will find a good home.

G.B. Cave and Longwood/August Hole In view of recent occurrences it is not out of place to reprint the rules made by the U.B.S.S. pertaining to the caves for the information of members and affiliated clubs. It is desirable to give the Secretary as much notice as possible of your intended visit in order to avoid disappointment (see Rule 4).

Rules for G.B. CAVE

1. ALL PERSONS VISITING THE CAVE DO SO ENTIRELY AT THEIR OWN RISK.

2. Applications for a visit are made through the Secretary or other authorised person of a permitted club to the U.B.S.S.

3. Permitted clubs may include guests in their party provided that the Club’s insurance policy covers such guests.

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4. Ordinarily not less than one week's notice is required and ordinarily not more than one party, in addition to U.B.S.S., will be given access to the cave on any one day.

5. The total number in any party should ordinarily not exceed twenty (20) persons.

6. Keys are sent by registered post to the Secretary or other authorised person of the visiting club a day or so before the visit and the keys are to be returned as soon as possible after the visit to E.K. Tratman, Penrose Cottage, Burrington, on behalf of the U.B.S.S. Return may be made by registered or recorded delivery post or direct.

7. The outer door must be locked behind the party on entry and the keys placed where they cannot be reached by unauthorised persons.

8. The Club's "name plate" should be put up on the "In" hook on the board inside the outer door.

9. The Club's "name plate" is taken off the "In" hook and placed on the "Out" hook on return of the party.

10. On return both doors must be locked after the party but if the board indicates that another party is still down the cave then only the outer door should be locked. The second party is then responsible for closing both doors.

11. At no time is the outer door to be left unlocked or open even when a party is divided into sections coming back separately.

12. Photography is permitted but no publication of any photographs may be made without the prior consent of the U.B.S.S. (Notes Ordinarily this permission is freely given for club journals provided that the customary acknowledgement is made).

13. All exploration and digging for extensions is reserved to the U.B.S.S.

14. All persons visiting the cave are expected to take all reasonable care to avoid damage to the formations of the cave and not to leave rubbish in the cave or around the entrance (e.g. chocolate paper, empty tins, bottles, old clothes, etc.).

15. From time to time it may be necessary to close parts of the cave. A notice is placed at such places and visitors are expected to observe these restrictions.

16. If a party makes use of barns belonging to the tenant of the land the proper arrangements to do so must be made with the tenant.

17. A charge of l/- per head is made for the use of tackle. Though every endeavour is made to maintain the tackle in good order the U.B.S.S. does not accept any liability for any mishap which may occur when the tackle is being used (Rule 1 applies).

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It is not anticipated that the above rules will be changed when the sub-licence granted to the U.B.S.S. by the Bristol Waterworks Co. is signed by the Charterhouse Caving Committee, except that valid permits will have to be held by all members of the party. Further details regarding this aspect of caving in the area will be announced as soon as possible, but for the present the following temporary rules apply to Longwood/August Hole which is at present locked. Keys are obtainable from Mr. Young at Lower Farm who has the authority to turn people away if he is not satisfied that they are members of a permitted club or if the weather is unfavourable. The Cave must be locked from within whilst the party is underground. No more than two parties are allowed in the cave at any one time, hence it would be advisable to warn Mr, Young in advance of your intended visit.

New Members We welcome the following new members and new Affiliated Club (addresses are included in the Membership List at the end of this Journal): Elected 6.4.63: Mrs. J. Baker (Joint), J.A. Coll, R.F. Haines-Nutt, E.G. Lloyd, P.N. MacSharry, G. Webb. Elected 19.5.63: T. Atkinson, G. Bolt, R. Bridle, S. Causer, Miss J.E.A. Court, Mrs. T.M. Goodge (Joint), A.C. Graham, B. Guttridge, A. Hurworth, Bristol Cathedral School Caving Club.

Hut Bookings Bookings for Hillgrove and Eastwater have risen steadily over the past year. Eastwater is quite often full three weekends out of four, and the weekends when Hillgrove is less than half full are very rare. Recently there have been cases where people from long distances have written making bookings for quite large parties at very short notice. One or two letters have arrived so late that if the hut had been full the party could not have been advised in time. To avoid such last minute postponements and disappointments, organisers of parties are asked to book well in advance so that the booking officer can advise the leader if the hut is full and suggest alternative dates to the party concerned. This applies to leaders of parties only, fortunately the majority of party leaders who use Hillgrove already give good notice. Individual members can nearly always find space, and obviously the need for early bookings is not quite so necessary.

CLUB MEETS Attention is drawn to the change of date for the Burrington Weekend from July as previously stated to August 17th/l8th. 14th July - Balch Cave, Hilliers, etc. etc. Meet at the Quarry 11.0 a.m. Names to D.J. Berry, 1 York Place, Bristol 1. 20th/21st July Hillgrove Weekend - The Hut Warden requests the help of as many members as possible who can spare a few hours over the weekend to assist with the routine maintenance jobs inside and outside the Club Hut. A Fish & Chip Supper will be provided at a small charge on Saturday evening before the social activities get under way.

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3rd/4th/5th August Bank Holiday in Devon - Organiser R.J. Staynings, 8 Fanshawe Road, Hengrove, Bristol A. It is proposed to camp as in May last year just outside Buckfastleigh in a pleasant riverside site which should be well away from the Bank Holiday crowds. Visits to most of the caves in the area possible, depending upon demand. Names and suggestions to the organiser please. 17th/l8th August Burrington Weekend - Caving and walking, or merely lazing in the Burrington area, on Saturday afternoon, followed by an outdoor (weather permitting) picnic supper with liquid refreshments in the evening in the environs of the U.B.S.S. headquarters. Further details from Rodney Hobbis, Warren Lodge, Long Ashton, Bristol. 24th/25th August Agen Allwedd - A further visit to the Llangattock area, primarily for those who were disappointed by being turned down on the March visit owing to the limitations on the size of the party. Names at least one month in advance to D.J. Causer, 19 Kenmore Crescent, Filton Park, Bristol 7., for the purpose of obtaining the necessary Nature Conservancy permits. Details of accommodation and camping sites available from Dave Causer who will arrange both strenuous and easier trips. 7th September Eastwater - Organiser P. Davies, Morley, Silver St., Nailsea, Bristol. Expeditions to both the "bottoms" of the cave planned via the two verticals route and the Primrose Pot, the latter for a small party of experienced members of the right dimensions only! Names (and dimensions) to the organiser please. 19th October Annual General Meeting & Dinner of the Wessex Cave Club Advance notice - further details in due course.

JACK WADDON FUND

The fund opened in November 1962 jointly by the Bristol Exploration Club, the Group and Wessex on behalf of Jack Waddon’s widow and children has reached a total of over £620. The Secretary would like to thank the many individual members of Wessex, many of whom were not acquainted with Jack Waddon, who gave so generously and enabled the target of £500. to be so easily reached and regrets that he has been unable to write to everyone who made a donation, however large or small, thanking them personally.

Hon. Secretary: P. Davies, "Morley", Silver Street, Nailsea, Bristol. Phone: Nailsea 9. Hon. Asst. Secretary: D.J. Causer, 19 Kenmore Cres., Filton Park, Bristol 7. Phone: Bristol 69286/+ Hon. Treasurer: Mrs. B.M. Willis, 3 Derwent Lodge, St. Philip's Avenue, Worcester Park, Surrey. Editor: C.J. Hawkes, 14-7 Evington Lane, Leicester. Hut Bookings: E.R. Hanwell, 8 Hooper Avenue, Wells, Somerset.

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NOT IN BARRINGTON - OR OLDHAM

Tony Oldham’s list of additions to "The Caves of Mendip" (Journal 88, Feb. 1963) asked for someone to produce a further list and two came in, one long one from Frank Haines-Nutt (accompanied by an application for membership of Wessex!) and one medium sized one from Christopher Mulvey. I sent these two lists along to Tony Oldham who contacted their compilers, got then all sorted out and added a few of his own for good measure, and I have now put them all together as one alphabetically arranged list for convenience. I think you may be hard put to it to compile another list as long! Ed. The Annexe NGR 669475 E.C. About 20 yards above Brownes Hole, Stoke Lane. Length 90' Depth 25' An entrance drop to a ruined grotto and thence a squeeze leads to a lower series. Ref: Mendip Caving Group Journal No. 3, p. 78, with survey.

Aquarium Cave Permission needed from Miss Pavey, Jacob’s Ladder.

Ashwick Grove Risings NGR 653479 Actually there are three important risings within a small area. Refs W.C.C. Journal No. 82, pp 314-22.

Aveline’s Hole The Second Chamber is reached by a short climb. A concealed opening on the left hand side of the first chamber leads to a small network of passages which are being dug.

Avon Gorge Caves Ref: W.C.C. Journals No. 70 p. 124 and No. 84 p. 33.

Badger Cave NGR 481742 1½ miles S.W, of Portbury. Permission must be obtained from Stratton Farm (NGR 478742). Length 200' An old horizontal mine. Shattered roof and red mud makes the mine a real collector's piece. Care must be taken not to leave the entrance open. Ref: British Caver Vol. 36 p. 67.

Balcombe's Hole NGR 547516 DIG Another name for Waldegrave Swallet, unsuccessfully dug by Savory and Nicholson (1925) and later by Balcombe (1935), who reached a depth of 60'. Now filled in. Ref: Balch, H.E. Mendip Caves Bk. 3, pp 140-1.

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Bath Swallet Re-opened by Q.E.H. Caving Group, October 1962.

Beaker Shelter NGR 526488 Ebbor. Situated just above Bridge Pot Shelter. Neolithic skeleton and scanty remains of three others in association with a large fragment of 'B' Beaker Pottery. Ref: British Caving, 2nd Edn. p. 321.

Biddleconbe Rift Cave NGR 569477 D.C. On the Eastern side of a deep wooded valley north of Wells, near the village of West Horrington. Length 80' Depth 30'. A tight cave consisting of two parallel rifts. Ref: B.E.C. Caving Report "Some Smaller Mendip Caves" Vol. 2, p. 23 with survey.

Biddlecombe Mine NGR 569477 E.C. 30 yds. further down the from the rift cave (q.v.) Length 80' A mine crossing several natural fissures. Ref: B.E.C. Caving Report "Some Smaller Mendip Caves" p. 24- with survey.

Binegar Bottom Slocker NGR 614481 Alt. 748' The first of a line of -Stoke Lane Swallets, about ½ mile west of Oakhill Swallet (q.v.) A pronounced stream sinks in a dry shallow open valley. Ref: W.C.C. Journal No. 82 p. 3l6.

Blackfield Hole NGR 517521 Hill Farm. Depth 10'. Discovered when a baling machine fell into an earth walled cavity during haymaking. There is a narrow crack in one corner which may warrant enlargement. Ref: M.C.G. Journal No.3, p.4.

Blackmoor Swallet Charterhouse. DIG At present being dug by M.C.G. Ref: M.C.G. Journal No.3 p.79.

Bleadon Cave NGR 327579 On the west side of Hill, in a quarry. Now quarried away, though traces of waterworn fissures still visible. Finds (brown bear, reindeer, etc.) in Weston-Super-Mare, Taunton and Wells Museums.

Bog Hole NGR 54 50 M.C. 100 yards west of disused mines, Priddy. Length 60'.

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Bottlehead Slocker NGR 686457 Alt. 670' Length 250' Depth 100' . At one side of a shallow valley near Bottlehead Springs. Entrance is through an oil- drum in the back of a shed. The cave starts as a rift and soon becomes a bedding-plane sloping at an angle of 40°. From the oil-drum a scree slope descends for about 20'. The bed continues down in small steps with roof height of 10-18'. This bedding plane is about 30' across, but blocked with boulders. On the left a 6' drop leads into a rift chamber with a false floor. After 20' in this chamber, a pitch leads into a rift with a stream flowing in it. This is not passable. Ref: W.C.C. Journal No. 81, July 1961, p. 279.

Browne's Hole Sometimes there is a 1/- entrance fee.

Christmas Hole NGR 657476 D.C. In Fairy Cave Quarry. Now quarried away. Length 300' Depth 50'. A 40' entrance pitch led to the 100' way. The other way led through the Main Chamber and a boulder ruckle to a high chamber only separated from the entrance pitch of Balch's Hole by a boulder choke. A 40' ladder required for entrance, and a lifeline. Ref: British Caver No. 36, p. 3, with survey.

Coral Cave Correct NGR 407552 Alt. 120'

Crystal Pot Eastern Mendip Destroyed by quarrying. Ref: M.C.G. Journal No.3, p.33.

Dallimores Cave Due to the rotten nature of the entrance the nearest safe belay for a rope or ladder for the shaft requires a 30' belay rope. The passages at the bottom of the large rift in the cave sometimes have a high content of carbon dioxide.

Dinder Wood Shelter NGR 58 45 E.C. Just at the vertical drop into the head of the ravine in Dinder Wood. An interesting shelter yielding Romano-British remains and animal bones. Ref: Balch, H.E. Mendip Caves Bk. 3, p. 126.

Draycott Cave NGR 487516 Behind quarries on north side of road to Priddy. Half a mile from .

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Duck' s Pot (Now quarried away) NGR 657478 In Fairy Cave Quarry. Discovered by a mechanical rock shoveller in the upper quarry level. Length 100' Depth 100' 50' ladder descent through rift leads into the roof of a dome-shaped chamber. Descent through mud and boulders in the floor leads to a lower level where a stream enters; this is impassable upstream. Downstream leads through squeezes to where the stream sinks; a rift ascends above the sink for 25'. An aural connection exists with Fernhill Cave. Ref: W.C.C. Journal, Feb. 1962, Vol. 7, No. 83, p. 18 and survey.

Dulcote Hill Caves Several small caves and waterworn pipes have been exposed by quarrying. In the westernmost quarry a deep shaft was found but a large stone fell down it soon after discovery blocking it a few yards down. In the same quarry a large cavity was broken into which yielded many bison and bear bones. Ref: Balch, H.E. Mendip Caves Bk. 3, p. 126.

Eastwater Cavern Although the Dolphin Pot Route is closed, as such, it can still be followed to the bottom of the 35' pitch and makes a lengthy "side passage" in upper Eastwater.

Elephants Hole Another name for Spider Hole.

Elm Cave or Fordbury Bottom Cave Situated in Murder Combe about 3 miles east of Frone. Length over 30'. Ref: M.C.G. Journal No. 3, p. 31.

Faiman's Folly NGR 551527 DIG Two fields east of the Miners Arms - Castle of Comfort Road, Priddy. There were two unsuccessful digs in the N.E. of the field. Fairman's Folly, the most southerly one, dug by D. Faiman and A. Rich, consisted of a 30' shaft which has since fallen in. A natural rift was opened but not entered.

(?) Fairy Cave Quarry NGR 657476 A steep bedding plane 12' high and 25-30' deep ending in a boulder pile. A very strong stream can be heard below.

Fairy Slatts An open fissure near Baker's Hill Camp. Filled in due to accidents to animals. An attempt to re-open it was given up in 1914. Ref: Balch, H.E. Mendip Caves Bk.3, p.124.

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Fernhill Cave The entrance rift is now only about 25' deep.

Fox Holes NGR 463585 E.C. The small cracks and holes in the same cliff as Reads Cavern. Length 20'.

G.B. Cavern There is a fixed chain for the drop into the boulder chamber. (Devils Elbow Route).

Gurney Slade Rising NGR 631495 Digging for a well a 36' shaft was dug and then driven horizontally for 120', suddenly water was hit, which is the modern rising. Ref: W.C.G. Journal No. 82, pp 314-22.

Guys Rift E.C. Near Slaughter ford, Wilts. Near a quarry 200 yds. from Paper Mills. Length 75'. Dug in 1885 and 1922 and 1925 by U.B.S.S. There were many remains including human, animal and bird.

Harptree Combe Mines Five small mines situated in . Ref: M.N.R.G. Journal Vol. 1, No. l pp 14-17.

Haywood Cave NGR 339581 E.C. Hutton. Being dug by A.C.G. Parts of seven skulls and other bones, together with much ochre, have been found, probably Mesolithic.

Hilliers Cave Beyond the 4th boulder choke the suicide passage extension leads to the fairly large grotto called The Red Room. A short extension leads to the 5th boulder choke.

Holwell Cave NGR 2108/3400 D.C. Near Great Holwell, Quantocks. In S.W. corner of a quarry a quarter of a mile S.W. of Great Holwell. Length 630' Depth 40' An extremely complicated system of the Devon type. It has three entrances. The passages eventually meet in the large Andrew Crosse's Chamber, The lower "Bung Hole" series can only be reached by small people. Ref: W.C.G. Journal No. 76, pp 54-59 with survey.

Holwell Rift Holwell, Nr. Frone. Depth 65'. Situated in a disused quarry. Ref: M.C.G. Journal No. 3, p. 34. -203-

Home Wood Caves NGR 653480 Three small caves situated in Home Wood. Ref: M.N.R.C. Journal Vol. 1, No. l, pp 3-5.

Hunter's Hole The second pitch requires a 40' ladder belayed to the single rawlbolt. A 35' ladder will not reach.

Ife Hole Another name for Willets Lane Hole.

Lamb Lair The Valentine's Landing Extension has now reached a very high chamber.

Loxton Quarry Cave E.C. All I have been able to find is one cave consisting of a medium sized entrance chamber from which three phreatic tunnels load off.

Mere Head Quarry Dig Situated in a quarry at the end of . Length 6'. Ref: M.G.G. Journal No. 3, p. 33.

Nettlebridge Fissures Nettlebridge, close to the Fosse Road in Cockles Wood. There are several small fissures which have yielded human remains of secondary neolithic and Beaker Age. Refs Balch, H.E. Mendip Caves. Bk. 3, p.124.

Nine Barrows Swallets DIG Priddy. See map 4, "Caves of Mendip". Dug by W.C.C. Length 25'. A trench leads left to a bedding plane, and straight on to a small chamber from which a tight rift passage goes off.

Nordrach Mine NGR 522553 E.P. About ½ mile beyond the Sanatorium on the Cheddar road in gruffy ground, a few yards from the road with a tumulus as a conspicuous landmark. Length 110' Depth 70'. An entrance shaft (30') leads to another 30' shaft with a short passage leading off. Two 30' ladders and a 30' belay from the second ladder to the first needed, and lifelines. Ref: Q.E.H.C.G. Proceedings.

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Oakhill Swallet NGR 638469 See Map 5 "Caves of Mendip". A stream sinks among the roots of a tree in a large pear shaped depression. Ref: W.C.C. Journal No. 82, p. 314--22.

Ore's Close NGR 569493 M.C. Hillgrove, near Ore's Close Farm. Depth 30'. Old shaft taking water which led to several small natural cavities. Now blocked (1955).

Ore's Close Hillgrove, Ore's Close Farm (Permission from Farmer). Length 600' Depth 168' An old mine. A 60' ladder and lifeline for the entrance pitch, at the bottom of which several ways lead off. Entrance now filled in.

Pitten Street Swallet Eastern Mendip An active swallet. Ref: M.C.G. Journal No. 3, p. 35.

Primrose Shelter NGR 526488 Ebbor Situated south of, and above, Lion Cave. Excavated by E.J. Mason and Folk House Archaeological Club, 1959-60. Scanty Pleistocene deposits, two flint blades and small scrapers. (Now in Hole Caves Museum). Ref: British Caving, 2nd Edn. p. 321.

Quaking House Cave NGR 103258 E.C. Milverton, to the north of Farthings Farm in a very overgrown quarry. Permission from Farm Manager, M.P. Compton, Milverton Stud Farm, Milverton. Length 800'. A fairly complicated system. Ref: W.C.C. Journal No. 87, pp 131-3 with surveys.

Reservoir Hole The 45' shaft has been filled in.

Rods Pot For the descent of the first aven a 50' ladder belayed with a 15' tether to a jammed boulder at the top can be used with a 70' lifeline.

Sandford Levvy Part way along the Blende working (1st crossroad) is an aven leading to about 50' of passage and another aven leading to a short extension. 15' Maypole or pole for first aven, 30' Maypole advisable for second aven. Ref: Q.E.H.C.G. Proceedings. -205-

Saye's Hole Permission needed from B.W.W, "Small tube" fitted with door.

Springfield Slocker NGR 643475 D.C. See Map 5 "Caves of Mendip". Length 18'. A 10' narrow bedding plane leads to narrow strike rift. Ref: W.C.C. Journal No. 82, pp 314-22.

Stocks Hole Stoke St. Michael. Length 100' Depth 60'. Situated near . Discovered 24th December 1961 by Mr. Stock of Cooks Farm and explored by M.C.G. Ref: M.C.G. Journal No. 3, p. 38 with survey.

Stoke Lane Slocker Stoke Lane III and IV entered by divers. Ref: W.C.C. Journal No. 87, p. 128.

Stout Slocker NGR 635471 D.C. Near Oakhill Swallet. (q.v.) Length 135' Depth 30'. A 15' bedding plane led to a vertical corkscrew and 60' of passage or a tight squeeze to a passage ending in a 6' x 4" slot. Another entrance led to a series of tight interconnecting passages joining the main passage. Now filled in. Ref: W.C.C. Journal No. 82, pp 314-22.

Swiss Valley Cave NGR 418716 Alt. 220' Clevedon. At the top of the woods of Clevedon Court Estate, behind All Saints Church. Length 300'. A sloping rift opens out into a fairly large passage with a boulder choke at the far end. A small crawl here leads to the Corkscrew, which may be bypassed by a small person. Beyond the Corkscrew is Stony Crawl, 25' long and tight in places. This leads to the junction. A Miner's level leads off to the right for 60'. To the left, the Main Passage becomes easier and two T- shaped galleries are passed, one at floor level and one at the bottom of a slide. Main Passage then becomes smaller and for the last 20' is tight. The cave ends in a boulder choke where the way on may be seen but not entered. Ref: Nott, J.A, and Tovey, S.N., 1958, Swiss Valley Cave, Wells Nat.Hist. & Arch. Soc. & M.N.R.C. Report for 1957-58. p. 24 with survey.

Triple H Cave NGR 427551 E.C. On Fry's Hill, north of . Excavated by A.C.G. Many remains of late Pleistocene animals were found which probably fell through the roof. -206-

Vallis Quarry Cave NGR 758486 Near Frome. Length 100'. Situated in a quarry near Egford Brook. The cave is in the eastern corner of the quarry and consists of an entrance partially blocked with boulders. A low crawl leads off and terminates in a vertical squeeze which leads to the 1st chamber, about 10' in diameter, and 4' high. From this chamber a crawl leads to the 2nd chamber which is similar to the 1st chamber, and at the end of which is a very muddy dig. The 1st chamber may be reached by a very tight squeeze on the right just inside the entrance. The cave is noted for its loose boulders and very glutinous clay floors.

Vole Hole NGR 549505 DIG 200' east of road from Hunters Lodge to Miners Arms, Priddy. 350 yds. from former. Depth 10'. Dug by B.E.C. A 10' shaft lends to a 6" high horizontal bedding plane.

Waldegrave Swallet Another name for Balcombe's Hole (q.v.).

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TWO MONTHS ALONE UNDERGROUND

by M. Michel Siffre

(A lecture sponsored by the University of Bristol Speleological Society, 8th May 1963. Report by Tony Oldham.)

M. Siffre, small, wirey and handsome, non-smoking and teetotal, started caving when he was 11 years old. In the twelve years since then he has visited caves in Ceylon and Nepal, as well as his own native France. In all he has explored over 200 caves and potholes. He is a Psychologist, Geologist and Geomorphologist.

The expedition originated in August 1961, when M. Siffre first visited the Cave of Scarasson. He was particularly interested in the subterranean glacier which flowed through the cave at a depth of 115 metres (377 ft). This was rather unique and all sorts of questions came to mind which one could not readily answer. Such questions as: how old is the glacier? Is it formed by (a) an accumulation of snow, or (b) by the freezing of the surface water? Perhaps it is not connected with the surface, but a remnant from the last Ice Age.

M. Siffre was also interested in the psychological effects of prolonged existence in conditions of extreme cold, high humidity and solitude, coupled with the complete absence of time. The latter part would be of particular interest to astronauts and scientists studying space travel.

The Cave of Scarasson is situated 60 km. (37 miles) north of Nice in the massif of the French/Italian border.

A French Army helicopter was used to transport most of the gear to the base camp, which appeared to consist mainly of Andre Janet tents. From the base camp it was a five hour trek to the cave entrance. Here a smaller camp had been made which had to be maintained continuously night and day for the duration of the underground stay. This imposed certain difficulties for those on duty. They could not leave the camp site as they had to listen for the telephone. This constant vigil was maintained by the local police and members of the Alpine Club. All supplies had to be carried up to this camp and the nearest water supply was a two hour trek away.

Previous to the 17th July the cave had been wired for telephone between the subterranean camp and the surface camp at the cave entrance. A large tent 8 sq. m. (86 sq. ft.) had been erected beside the subterranean glacier and all the supplies and enough food for the three months had been taken down. This included a gramophone and records and many reading books.

The tent had double walls and floor. It was a bright red to contrast with the dull subterranean colours and also to give a feeling of warmth and cheerfulness.

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By 10.00 p.m. that evening M. Siffre had settled in at the base camp. His colleagues had departed, pulling up the ladders behind them, so M. Siffre would not be tempted by the hazard of a solo ascent, and because of the risk of the ladders corroding, due to galvanic action between the steel cables and duralumin rungs in a high humidity.

He was now alone, his only contact with the outside world being two small telephone wires.

Gradually he got into a routine. He would wake up and telephone the surface, giving them his estimation of the time. After breakfast he would do some exploring or research. This would take up most of the day, and after an evening meal he would make a call to the surface, before retiring to bed. He would eat when he was hungry, sleep when he was tired, and work when he wanted activity.

As part of the experiment was to ascertain his reaction to estimating time whilst underground, without any solar or social guidance, he would, when telephoning the surface, give his estimation of the time and day. He would also count out 120 seconds and the surface team would time this. Nearing the end of his experiment his estimation of 120 seconds was 5 minutes. This misjudgment of time accounted for the fact that, at the end of his underground stay, he thought he had been down for one month, when in fact it was really two months!

Part of his research whilst underground included an examination of the glacier. Near the camp it consisted of a wall of ice 3 m. (10 ft.) high. A plumb line was attached to the roof, and a metal spike driven into the glacier to ascertain its movement.

Ice stalactites were in abundance for the first part of his stay, but gradually these disappeared. He also discovered a new type of "moonmilk" growing on the clay bands in the glacier and pockets of extremely beautiful ice crystals were found and photographed. Many of the excellent colour slides used in the lecture were taken by M. Siffre, of himself, using a delayed action device on his camera.

On one occasion there was a terrific roof fall only a few metres from his tent. He admitted that this really unnerved him. His pulse went up and his blood pressure went down. This was very nearly the end of the experiment, but he decided to carry on, so determined was he to succeed in his project. He commented "Where there is a will there is a way"!

Much later, when he was about to leave, there were many large roof cracks, with tons of rock waiting to descend when the temperature rose and released them, from their frozen grip.

The conditions in the cave were really quite severe, with air temperatures of -0.5°C (31.1°F) and 100% humidity. This was quite the opposite to the conditions on the surface where there was bright sun and temperatures of about 30°C (86°F).

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The only living creatures which he observed in the cave were one spider and one fly. In an effort to make a pet of the spider he fed it on bread and it promptly died! Obviously he is not a zoologist.

The conditions in the subterranean camp looked pretty disgusting. From the very first day he threw his litter, empty tin cans etc., just outside the tent door so that after two months he could hardly get in or out of the tent. Also the tins had grown quite an impressive display of fungus, unequalled in any British cave. He also ate his breakfast from the same dish every day without washing it!

Towards the end of his two months stay he found himself drifting into a state of subhibernation. He would play the same gramophone record ten times over, forgetting that he had only just played it. Music, he found, made the time go very quickly.

Due to the darkness his eyes were affected by bright light and he could not tell the difference between green and blue. Claustrophobia and suffocation were not experienced, although boredom, loneliness and constant rock falls putting his nerves on edge all took their toll. In fact, it was not until three months afterwards that he fully recovered.

The high humidity meant that his clothes were constantly damp, and condensation formed on the sides of the tent leaving pools of icy water underfoot. Lack of proper footwear meant that his feet were constantly cold. This showed up by his body temperature dropping to 36°C (96.8°F) from 36.8°C (98.4°F). (It was unfortunate that he did not have suitable footwear as this rather casts a slight on the experiment by introducing another variable, as well as solitude, absence of time, etc.)

Soon the tine arrived when the surface camp decided to end the experiment. The cave was reladdered and descended, but it was felt that M. Siffre was not really in a condition to ascend that day so they spent the night with him, using the time available to take many excellent colour photographs, both still and movie.

The next day the return to the surface was started. First there was the 40 metre (130 ft.) pitch, which M. Siffre found quite tiring. This was followed by a "cat run", a tight vertical squeeze of only 30 cm. (l ft.) diameter, which had to be negotiated on a ladder. M. Siffre found this one exceptionally difficult in his exhausted condition. It took him one hour to travel 4 metres (10 ft.). At this point his friends were showing some concern. A 30 m. (98 ft.) pitch followed and he had to be practically hauled up. At this point sunglasses were produced as the light was too bright for M. Siffre’s eyes. For the last pitch of 12 m. (40 ft.) leading directly to the surface, he was fitted in a parachute harness and hauled up.

After a medical examination by a doctor and a cup of tea, he was carried down to the base camp on a stretcher.

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It was most noticeable that when M. Siffre went down the Cave of Scarasson at the beginning of his underground visit there were only two reporters and a few friends present, but when he came out there were over 100 reporters and friends!

After a night at the base camp a French Amy helicopter took him back to civilisation.

In summing up, M. Siffre spoke of the teamwork which made this expedition possible. Although the expedition was organised by the French Centre for Aeronautical Research and the French Alpine Club, all the money came from M. Siffre's own pocket. Hence his not having waterproof snow boots. In particular his thanks were directed to the surface team, who, for two months, kept up a round the clock vigil, faithfully recording all his telephone calls.

During question time M. Siffre was asked what he missed most in the cave, to which he gave the classic reply "Fromage". (Cheese).

The Chairman, Dr. E.K. Tratman (President of the University of Bristol Speleological Society) thanked M. Siffre for his exciting and enthralling lecture and congratulated him on his command of English. He wondered how many British Speleologists would be able to give a similar lecture in a foreign language.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

"Sir, Quaking House Cave, Milverton

After reading T.C.B's article on Quaking House Cave (l), I proceeded to the quarry, complete with entrenching tool and relevant Wessex Journal. There I quickly located the main features of the cave, with the aid of an excellent survey (ibid). At this point I put away my entrenching tool and produced a tape measure, for I had discovered an extensive passage, not marked on the survey.

I have reproduced a survey of this passage, on the same scale as the large survey (2), so that members may amend their own copies. For convenience of location the "grid" lines are also drawn in. It will be noticed that the last 9 ft. of this passage are beneath Stal Avenue.

It is difficult to imagine how T.C.B. omitted such an obvious passage, perhaps he mislaid part of his survey notes? (3).

During the exploration of this cave the presence of 19 Lesser Horseshoe Bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros) was recorded, a rather large number for such a small cave.

Members should not be misled by the smooth flowing lines of T.C.B's survey. The passages are very tight and the sides lined with pebbles, embedded in the conglomerate. These are similar to the sharp fossils in our Mendip caves which play havoc with one's boiler suit. When I visited the cave (Easter 1963) I found that the red "choking dust" had been turned, by the heavy rain, into red mud. Another hazard is the large flea colony which inhabits the mounds of dried grass and twigs. Indeed it can be truly said that this cave is a collector's piece.

Always trusting to be of service, Yours, etc., Der Fledermausfänger"

1. Bryant, T. Charles, 1962, Quaking House Cave, Milverton, Somerset, Wessex Cave Club Journal No. 87, Vol. 7, pp 131-133 with survey.

2. Obtainable from:- C.H. Kenney, Tudor Cottage, Beryl Lane, Wells, Somerset Cost 2/9d. post free.

3. Note by T.C.B: Congratulations to Der Fledermausfänger on completing the Survey. As I explained (at the top of page 133) the low roof height at the eastern side and the remains of a half-eaten animal at the western side deterred me from entering this part of the cave, which I did not survey, but put a conjectural pecked line on the survey.

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"Sir,

Modern Climbing Technique for Cavers

I see from the last Journal that my bait has attracted a Pyke! May I be allowed to comment on his letter.

1. Abseiling. I agree with Bob's remarks about the "classic" method, however I feel that every caver should know how to do it. He might not have a karabiner and sling with him. Regarding the Descendeur, I put this forward as a suggestion that should be investigated. Several of my climbing friends think nothing of a 200 ft. abseil in the Dolomites and I should like to hear the views of an experienced alpinist on its suitability for use underground. It is certainly not suitable for persons who are not thoroughly used to such descents above ground. I do not regard its use as the "Death Cult" and prefer to keep an open mind until a qualified person makes a pronouncement on its use. Incidentally, I have purchased one and the price is now 13/-. Although I did not mention it one should always use a glove on one's braking hand.

2. Tarbuck Knots. I, too, felt a little uneasy about the knot tightening in the way Bob describes. To make sure: (l) I submitted my article in draft form to a well-known climbing tutor and he approved; (2) I checked that it was recommended by the Mountaineering Association ("The Technique of Mountaineering" Revised Edition page 86, Fig.35); and (3) I tried it and it does not cause unnecessary suffering.

3. Safeguarding the Leader. I agree with Bob that the ladder would probably not withstand a serious fall. The object is only to protect the leader over an awkward move. More than one karabiner can be used - if necessary. I have carried out tests with the Bachnann knot system and I feel that this is really worthwhile.

Yours faithfully, t. Charles Bryant"

"Sir, Windsor Hill Cave

T.C.B. and others may like to know that the specimens removed from the above cave in order to reproduce the form of a limestone grotto are, in fact, in the British Museum, as stated by Mr. Balch. This grotto is, however, housed in the Natural History Museum which, although located in Kensington, is a department of the British Museum.

Anyone interested enough to pay a visit will find it on the 1st floor under "Minerals". N.B. Don't bother to take a boiler suit, the "grotto" is approximately three feet square and enclosed in a glass cabinet! Yours etc., Brenda Willis"

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MENDIP NOTES Cheramodytes Between the lines The Club has lately been running some notable "away" trips, of which the last was to South Wales on the 25th May. Here some of our members fulfilled a long felt wish to see Ogof Ffynnon Ddu, which is one of the finest caves in the country. The official account of the Easter trip to Yorkshire, already published, is necessarily restrained about some of the highlights of that expedition. Sunday turned out to be the evening. Everyone was well cut and very noisy. Last year the U.B.S.S. drank the Crown dry for us but this year there was plenty. The Chairman retired early but reported in the morning that he was woken by some of the louder choruses of the more popular songs. Mr. and Mrs. Eastham were invited to join us later with their daughters. Rumour has it that the Crown will have a new landlord next year, but we hope this isn't true. Mrs. Eastham, who sang Cockney songs in a real Music Hall voice, got on rather well with one of our smaller members. They sang duets and danced the tango, while the rest of our young Romeos were passing the time with the two girls. A record player appeared and the twisting began, and the evening ended only when Tim Atkinson came in to announce that the tents were afloat.

During Phil Davies's slide show it was notable that the appearance on the screen of any recognizable person was accompanied by laughter and comment, with two exceptions. Whenever Derek Ford's or Willie Stanton's picture appeared, only reverent whispers could be heard. These two high priests of caving are in England once more. Members will have the opportunity of discovering that they are real people after all.

I hear that the Club will be giving Simpson's-Swinsto a rest next Easter and hopes to amuse itself down Gaping Ghyll instead. The U.B.S.S. will be doing Lost Johns.

Cow Hole, and others The latest news is encouraging. The main cave at Cow Hole was entered by our slim Secretary as early as the last weekend in April, but nobody felt that the way was safe. There was an awkward boulder over the first pitch. Willie Stanton has now given this a bang, so that it could be rolled to one side, and on the 8th June our parties descended to the bottom. I understand that the cave will be kept locked for safety, but that keys will be made available to Club Secretaries. Meanwhile an M.R.O. notice has been ordered. This has become a sort of status symbol: a badge worn by a cave to show that it is worth consideration. I went round Mendip with our President a few weeks ago to inspect these notices. We were a little surprised to see how many of them had been used as targets for rifle shooting. Only two had disappeared completely. One of these, at Tankard Hole, is no loss, for the hole has disappeared also and a motor car lies over its entrance. Nevertheless the hole will remain a legend as long as the Tankard Hole Song is sung.

Cave Diving Group This group had its annual meeting at Wells on the 11th May; the winds of change were blowing. For some time it had become apparent that local groups were forming in Yorkshire, South

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Wales and on Mendip, and that it was difficult to arrange meetings on a national scale. To recognize this and to put its affairs in order Fred Davies and Mike Thompson had prepared a draft constitution, which with the powerful advocacy of Digger Harris was carried nem, con. at the A.G.M. Amongst other things the constitution indicated the responsibility not only for training divers but for maintaining operational efficiency in those trained. It is always sad when someone feels hurt by changes such as these, and we would have liked John Buxton to have accepted honorary membership, but this he preferred not to do. The new Hon. Secretary is Mike Thompson. He now has the task of dealing with difficult members who want to belong to more than one local group.

Fairy Cave Quarry Caves The list of these caves is now a fairly long one. With the exception of the first they have all been discovered by quarrying since 1953. The list seems to be as follows: Fairy Cave (also called Cox's), Hillier's Cave, Balch's Cave, Duck's Hole (no longer open), Christmas Hole (no longer open), Garlick's Rift (quarried away), Pixie Rift or perhaps Grotto (quarried away), Fernhill Cave, and the latest, which was found at Easter this year and was at first called "Easter Hole". Possibly because there is another cave on Mendip with the same name, this is now believed to have been changed to Tupman's Hole. There was also a hole in the quarry floor, recently opened, down which one could climb to a boulder choke and hear water falling, but this has filled in. It is very near "Easter Hole". One enters the latter by a 25 ft. horizontal passage. There is then a climb for 20 ft. to the head of an 87 ft. pitch. The top 20 ft. or so is a climb, but the rest needs ladders. At the bottom is 10 ft. of stream with sumps at either end. The downstream will go. A short climb and a muddy tunnel lead to a large chamber entered by a 10 ft. ladder - very gloomy. The stream emerges from a sump, goes under some boulders and comes out eventually at the foot of the main pitch. There is an encouraging draught in the main chamber and the stream is believed to come from Balch's Cave. The Cerberus Club has no doubt completed the exploration by now, but we may have to wait for a survey.

Swildon's Hole Since the end of April David Causer and Jim Giles have been digging in Shatter Passage in the mud under the 10 ft. overhang. There is plenty of it and progress is satisfactory. Nick Hart has found bat skeletons in the South East Inlet Passages. They have not yet been collected for identification. It is very important that this should be done, as it is hoped that Bechstein's bat will turn up again.

Wet Suits Your Scribe has been using a wet suit for caving since Easter and finds that it is the complete answer to cold and wet. Goon suits are a thing of the past, they are "out"; wet suits are "in". The idea is that if you have a skin-tight suit made of neoprene foam, this material acts as a heat insulator, and so little water gets between it and your skin (because of the close fit) that you can warm it up quickly.

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In a dry cave one can get quite hot, but it is easy to cool off if you undo the zip fastener down the front of the jacket. For wet conditions you do it up again. Most cavers are making their own suits, as this is less expensive. Full instructions are given in the C.R.G. Transactions, No. 11, November 1962. This is a "do it yourself" number by menbers of our daughter club in South Wales. The cost is five or six guineas according to material. Those who prefer a professional tailor-made job will have to pay £12. to £18. For the latter you can have nylon-lined neoprene which is much more comfortable and easier to put on.

Maria Rienetta Herbert Rie Leggett, as she was in 1955 when I first met her, used to come down to Mendip with Denis Kemp and the Land Rover Group. She went on several of his Blue Pencil Banging Expeditions and on many other caving trips and proved herself an excellent caver. She was a member of Wessex from 1956-60. Climbing was her first love and after she got married to Eric Herbert, a fellow mountaineer, she went back to climbing. Now she has died of cancer and those who caved with her will know that they have lost a friend and one who would always turn round to help the next person when needed. Our sympathy goes to Eric, her husband, Peter their son and Nicola their eight month old daughter.

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BOOK REVIEWS

PROCEEDINGS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL SPELEOLOGICAL SOCIETY 1961- 1962 Published November 1962. 120 p., Price 15/- obtainable from: The Speleological Society, The University, Bristol 8.

This year's Proceedings cover a wide field. Dr. Tratman writes on ''Some Ideas on Roman Roads in Bristol and ". It is a very comprehensive and up to date review of these roads, recording new evidence from many archaeological excavations of the last decade. "Little Solsbury Hill Camp" by W.A. Dowden is the second report on this 'A' site near Bath. Of particular interest to local cavers is Trevor Shaw's paper on in the 17th Century, wherein he corrects the many erroneous references to Beaumont's original description of Lamb Leer. The date of discovery is discussed in the light of an additional reference. Both Beaumont's description of Lamb Leer and his earlier paper are reprinted. "The Solution of Limestone" by D. Ingle Smith and D.G. Moad investigates the dissolving of limestone in water and how this is varied by temperature and CO2 content. Samples of water from many Mendip Caves and risings were analysed for their Calcium Carbonate content. The paper is concluded by a discussion of results. "Poulnagollun-Poulelva Caves" by B.R. Gollingridge and others is a paper which gives a full description of the seven mile long Irish Cave system, together with a history of exploration and a C.R.G, Grade 4-5 survey. This article, by virtue of its completeness, may well become known as the standard work on this system. This issue of the Proceedings will be quite popular among general cavers because of its speleological bias. A.D.O.

SHEPTON MALLET CAVING CLUB JOURNAL No. 4. November 1962 4to., 21p., plans, section. 1s. 3d. (Obtainable from: F.J. Davies, 10 Bramley Road, Street, Somerset.)

The contents of this latest issue include accounts of new Mendip exploration by members of the Shepton Mallet Caving Club and the Wessex Cave Club. Fred Davies describes the first entry into Stoke Lane III and IV and there is a short account of Bottlehead Slocker, with a survey. Boon writes of his successful solo dive in a Jugoslav cave. T.R.S.

AUSTRALIAN CAVE FAUNA - NOTES ON COLLECTING by E.Hamilton-Snith (Melbourne, 1962) 4to., (i) + 19, illus., bibliog, (Obtainable from the author at: 17 Helwig Avenue, Montmorency, Victoria, Australia, at A.5s.0d.)

An excellent and lucid introduction to biospeleology, written by one of the leading cavers in Australia. The book deals with more than just the technique of collecting and its accent on the fauna of a particular country does not reduce its value elsewhere. T.R.S.

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EXPLORING AMERICAN CAVES by F. Folsom (New York, Collier Books, 1962) 8vo., 319p., maps, illus., index, bibliog. 7s. 6d,

A new paper back edition of this general book on caving in America. It was first published in 1956 and was reviewed in the Journal at the time. (Journal No. 6l, Vol. 4, p.195). T.R.S.

THE LOST POTHOLE by Showell Styles (Leicester, Brockhanpton Press, 196l7 8vo., 136p., naps, plans, sections, illus. 12s. 6d.

A children’s story about a group of interconnected caves and potholes in Yorkshire. Three boys, camping in the hills, succeed in outwitting two criminals and discovering an ancient gold sword deep inside the system. T.R.S.

CAVING (Magazine of the East Devon Caving Group). Autumn 1962 & Winter 1963 Fcp., map, plans, sections. (Obtainable from: P. Tarbes, St. Dominic Savio College, Leatherhead, Surrey, at 5s.0d., p.f., for 4 issues)

"Caving" is a comparatively new quarterly publication. These latest issues describe no local Devon work at all but the articles, some of which are of quite a high standard, range from the 1962 University Expedition in the caves in Northern Spain to a note on small fissure caves in Dunbartonshire. There is a long article describing the 1962 Pyrenean explorations, in which three E.D.C.G. members helped to extend the Aven du Marbore to a depth of 1188 feet. T.R.S.

AVENTURES SOUS TERRE Vol. II ABIMES ET CAVERNES by N.Casteret (Librairie Academique Perrin, Paris 1961) 8vo., 346p., nap, sections, illus. and AVENTURES SOUS TERRE Vol. III PROFONDEURS by N.Casteret (Librairie Academique Perrin, Paris 1962) 8vo., 317p., map, illus. £1, 1s. 3d. each.

The first volume of this series (reviewed in W.C.C. Journal No. 87, Vol. 7, p.136) consisted entirely of chapters reprinted from Casteret’s earlier books. Your reviewer is far away from home at present and cannot compare the two latest volumes with their predecessors. Some of their contents may be original but the bulk of it very definitely is not. Cigalere, Pierre Saint Martin, Cagire, they have all been described before, possibly in the very same words. T.R.S.

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WESSEX CAVE CLUB

MEMBERSHIP LIST 1962/63

ARMSTRONG, A., 25 Disraeli Road, Putney, London, S.W.15. ASH, MR. & MRS. A.G., 86 Fernbank Road, Ascot, Berks. ASHWORTH, H.W.W., 9 Lucas Close, West Town Lane, Bristol 4. ATKINSON, T., The Old Rectory, Wenvoe, Nr. Cardiff. ATTIWELL, C.D., 30 Sandgate Road, Brislington, Bristol 4. ATWOOD, H.C., 155 Goddard Avenue, Swindon, Wilts.

BAILY, J.S., Corpus Christi College, Oxford. BAKER, K.F., The Cottage, 132 Banstead Road South, Sutton, Surrey. BAKER, MR. & MRS. M.J., Model Farm, Lower Milton, Wells, Somerset. BALCOMBE, F.G., 143 Newgate Street Road, Goffs Oak, Waltham Cross, Herts. BARRON, H.D., 92 Wilton Road, Shirley, Southampton. BEAUCHAMP, C.A.J., 65 Coombe Lane, Raynes Park, London, S.W.20. BENNETT, C.R., 34 Tenth Avenue, Northville, Bristol 7. BENNETT, V.L., 15 North Avenue, Heath End, Farnhan, Surrey. BERRILL, MR. & MRS. R.W., Hillside, Hadspen, Castle Cary, Somerset. BERRY, D.J., 1 York Place, Bristol 1. BIRD, Miss C.M., 22 Vicars Close, Wells, Somerset. BIRD, M.B., 2 Mess, H.M.S. Tiger, c/o G.P.O., London. BLACKWELL-JONES, A.B., Glenmore, Nore Road, Portishead, Somerset. BLAKE, J.E., 123 Farnham Road, Guildford, Surrey. BOLT, G., The Stores, Shepton Montague, Wincanton, Somerset. BOOTH, P.M., 35 Cairns Road, Crosspool, Sheffield. BRIDGES, MR. & MRS. L.C., 62 Wentworth Road, Barnet, Herts. BRIDLE, R., 79 Wolsey Drive, Walton-on-Thomes, Surrey. BRISLAND, MISS B., 15 Rectory Gardens, Solihull, Warwickshire. BRITTAIN, J.W., 52 Rotherwick Road, London, N.W.11. BROOKER, W.F.R., 43 Hale Reeds, Heath End, Farnhan, Surrey. BRYANT, D.C., 15 Filton Avenue, Bristol 7. BRYANT, MR. & MRS. T.C., 15 Filton Avenue, Bristol 7. BUCKINGHAM, J.E., 7 Birstall Green, Sth. Oxhey, Herts. BULGIN, R.H.C., 20 Tortworth Road, Bristol 7. BURLETON, A.S., 62 Sefton Park Road, Ashley Down, Bristol 7. BURNETT, J.M., c/o. Merz & McLellan, Carliol House, Newcastle-on-Tyne 1. BURT, P.E., 3 Manor House, Rothamstead, Harpenden, Herts. BUSSELL, J.L., Plas Amherst, Harlech, Merioneth, N. Wales.

CALVERT, J.M., 16 Weatherly Avenue, Odd Down, Bath. CANDY, J.G., Dept, of Geology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. CARLTON, D.W., The Lodge, Acol Road, London, N.W.6. CARLTON, J.K., 18 Rothsay Place, Bedford. CASTERET, N., Mairlon, St. Gaudens, Ariege, France. CAUSER, D.J., 19 Kennore Crescent, Filton Park, Bristol 7. CAUSER, S., 19 Kenmore Crescent, Filton Park, Bristol 7. CHARLES, P.H., 14 St. Augustine's Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham 16. CHATTERLEY, J.E., 40 Maidenhead Road, Hartcliffe, Bristol 3. CHURCH, J.R., 35 Rayens Cross Road, Long Ashton, Bristol. CLARKE, A.G., 91 Radnor Road, Horfield, Bristol 7. CLARKE, H.G., "Holmlea", 1 Church Piece, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, Glos.

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CLEAVE, PLT. OFF. N.H.L.W., Officers' Mess, R.A.F. Stradishall, Newmarket, Suffolk. COLL, J.A., 36 Napier Avenue, Hurlingham, London, S.W.6. COOK, D.J., "Fairway", School Lane, Woolavington, Bridgwater, Somerset. COOPER, Dr. N.C., Strathmore, , Somerset. CORNWELL, J., 26 Russell Road, Fishponds, Bristol. COURT, Miss J., 45 Brynland Avenue, Bishopston, Bristol 7. CROKER, M.J., 317 Ganford Lane, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol. CROOK, Dr. B.A., The Laurels, Timsbury, Somerset. CRYER, MISS G.P., 9 Birch Road, Southville, Bristol 3. CULLINGFORD, Rev. C.H.D., Paddock House, Linden Pit Path, Leatherhead, Surrey.

DALE, M., 2 Furzedown Road, Highfield, Southampton, Hants. DARBON, F.G., 43 Arthur Henderson House, Fulham Road, London, S.W.6. DAVIES, P., "Morley", Silver Street, Nailsea, Bristol. DAVIES, Mrs. P.M,, "Morley", Silver Street, Nailsea, Bristol. DAVIES, Prof. R.E., Dept. of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A. DAVIS, A.J., 59 Walsh Avenue, Hengrove, Bristol 4. DAVIS, MISS P.M., 410 Wells Road, Knowle, Bristol 4. DEAR, I.A., Tudor Cottage, Vicarage Lane, Stubbington, Hants. DEVENISH, MR. & MRS. L.W.E., Washingpool, Chilcote, E. Horrington, Wells, Somerset. DINGLE, A.E., 107 Waverley Road, Stoneleigh, Epsom, Surrey. DOBSON-HINT0N, MRS. D.P., Glaisters, Wrington, Somerset. DOHERTY, G., 29 Crown Road, Sutton, Surrey. DOLPHIN, P.B ., The Uganda Co. (Africa) Ltd., P.O. Box 1, Kampala, Uganda. DUBOIS, D.A., 68 York Road, Weybridge, Surrey. DUCK, J.W., 70 Queens Road, Bristol 3. DUCK, P.W., 13 Goodymoor Avenue, Wells, Somerset. DUNNICLIFF, H., 10 Effingham Road, Bristol 6.

EDWARDS, W., 91 Rookery Road, Knowle, Bristol 4. ELKINS, J.A., 25 Idstone Road, Fishponds, Bristol. EVERED, H.F., Huntscott, Wootton Courtenay, Minehead, Somerset.

FARR, LT. D.N., R.N., 7 Church Street, Balzan, Malta G.C. FAYTER, J.E., 50 Chestnut Avenue, Esher, Surrey. FINCHAM, A., c/o Textiles Dept., The University, Leeds. FORD, MR. & MRS. D.C., 18 Upper East Hayes, Bath, Somerset. From October:- Dept. of Geography, State College of Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. FORTE, P.D., 37 Mallory Road, Hove, Sussex. FOX, J.W., 22 Vernon Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham 16. FRAME, MR. & MRS. J.W., "Brillig", Tekels Avenue, Camberley, Surrey. FROST, MR. & MRS. F.W., 71 Hazelbury Road, Knowle, Bristol 4.

GALVIN, M.B., 2 Water Lane, Watford, Herts. GANNICOTT, R.A., 52 West Town Lane, Bristol 4. GILES, E., 22 Merton Road, Seven Kings, Ilford, Essex. GILES, REA2 P.M., H.M.S. Brave Swordsman, c/o G.P.O., London. GLENISTER, M.P., "The White House", Harley Drive, Grange Estate, Condover, Shrewsbury, Shrops. GLENNIE, Brig. E.A., Seaton House, Shrublands Road, Berkhamsted, Herts. GOODGE, Mr. & Mrs. D.P.W., Heathway, 33 Frimley Grove Gardens, Frimley, Aldershot, Hants. GOSLING, J.G., 63 Northville Road, Northville, Bristol. GRAHAM, A.C., A Lymington Close, Norbury, London, S.W.16.

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GRANT, D.E., Castlebar Court, Queens Walk, London, W.5. GREGORY, J., 157 Stayton Road, Sutton, Surrey. GRIFFIN, A.R., Dundry Lane, , Somerset. GULLY, A.M., 29 Eastfield, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol. GURNETT, C.H., l4a Broadway, High Road, Wood Green, London, N.22. GUTTRIDGE, B., 18 Ossulton Way, Finchley, London, N.2.

HAINES-NUTT, R.F., 32 Langley Crescent, Ashton Vale, Bristol 3. HALL, T., 32 East Avenue, Heath End, Farnham, Surrey. HANSON, W.J., New House Farm, Coxley, Wells, Somerset. HANWELL, MR. & MRS. E.R., 8 Hooper Avenue, Wells, Somerset. HANWELL, MR. & MRS. J.D., Chaumbey, Lane, Wookey Hole, Wells, Som. HARDCASTLE, M.E., AA Canynge Road, Clifton, Bristol 8. HARDING, R., 36 Dibdin Road, Sutton, Surrey. HARRIS, C.W., Harris & Harris, Market Place, Wells, Somerset. HARRIS, P.K., Dene House, Dene Road, Whitchurch, Bristol 4. HARRISON, W.G., 41 Purlewent Drive, Weston, Bath. HART, N.J., 80 Ridgeway Road, Long Ashton, Bristol. HAWKES, Mr. & Mrs. C.J., 147 Evington Lane, Leicester. HEMMINGS, A.S., 24 College Road, Bristol 8. HENSLER, E., "Gilead Balm", 12 Knighton Close, Woodford Green, Essex. HEWINS, M.A.H., 31 Roman Way, Farnham, Surrey. HOBBIS, C.R., Warren Lodge, Long Ashton, Bristol. HOBDAY, F.J., 28 Haywards Road, Haywards Heath, Sussex. HOLLAND, L., 13 Lauriston Road, Brighton 6, Sussex. HOLLAND, M.J., 13 Lauriston Road, Brighton 6, Sussex. HOOPER, J.H.D., 34 Richmond Road, Staines, Middlesex. HOOPER, M.L., 6 Marbeck Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol. HUCKER, F.C., Penniless Porch, Wells, Somerset. HUGHES, R.F.F., 51 Sandown Road, Bristol 4. HUMPHRIES, K.W., 22 Road, , Bristol. HURWORTH, A., 74 Manor Haigh Road, Lupset, Wakefield, Yorks.

ILES, MR. & MRS. C.J., Flat 4, Hallswell House, Goathurst, Bridgwater, Som. ISAAC, M.K., 13 Goffenton Drive, Fishponds, Bristol.

JAMES, MISS J.M., Rookery Nook, Wellington Heath, Nr. Ledbury, Herefordshire. JOHNSON, J.R., "Green Mount", Mendip Hospital, Wells, Somerset. JONES, G.W., 3 Upjohn Crescent, Hartcliffe, Bristol. JONES, U., Marsh Farm, Askam-in-Furness, Lancs.

KEMP, D., 5 Church Lane, Southwick, Brighton, Sussex. KENNEY, MR. & MRS. C.H., Tudor Cottage, Beryl Lane, Wells, Somerset. KENNEY, R.R., "Yennek", St. Mary's Road, Meare, , Somerset. KENT, MR. & MRS. L.J., Fisherman's Hut, Yarlington, Wincanton, Somerset. KING, C.D., 17 North Avenue, Heath End, Farnham, Surrey. KINSMAN, D.J., 123 Knole Lane, Brentry, Bristol. KNIPE, MR. & MRS. J.E., Thorndale Mews, Clifton, Bristol 8.

LANE, REV. P.F.C., The Vicarage, Winkleigh, N. Devon. LANDEG, D.J., 39 Tonbridge Crescent, Kenton, Middlesex. LANE, MR. & MRS. M.J., 49 Langdale Road, Market Weighton, Yorks. LAWDER, COM. & MS. P.B., Brook House, Wrington, Bristol.

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LAWDER, CAPT & MRS. R.E., 2 Infantry Workshop R.E.M.E., Terendak Camp, c/o G.P.O., Malacca, Malaya. LAWN, D.G., 143 Croft Road, Swindon, Wilts. LEA, V.K., 2 Coldharbour Road, Redland, Bristol 6. LEE, R.A., Brookham House, Bracknell, Berks. LENNON, I.G,, Royal School of Mines, Prince Consort Road, London S.W.7. LLOYD, E.G., 31 Boston Road, Hanwell, London W.7. LLOYD, DR. O.C., Withey House, Withey Close West, Bristol 9.

MCLEAN, N.R., 245 Petersham Road, Petersham, Surrey. MACSHARRY, P.N., C.S.D.F., R.A.F., Compton Bassett, Wilts. MANKTELOW, MR. & MRS. J.T., 14 Lakefield Avenue, Toddington, Beds. MARKHAM, R.H.C., "Wetherby", Locking, Nr. Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset. MAXWELL, W.G.R., 12 Heybridge Drive, Barkingside, Ilford, Essex. MCDOWALL, J.S., 11 Middleton Road, London N.W.11. MCMILLAN, A.J.S., 5 Oakfield Road, Bristol 8. MEARE, B.H., 1 Brendon View, Queens College, Taunton, Somerset. MOGG, D.T.S., 7 Burlington Road, Redland, Bristol 6. MOODY, I., 20 Falcon Close, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol. MORLAND, F., 4 Church Street, Westbury, Wilts. MORRIS, A.E., 6 Aubrey Road, Chessels, Bristol 3. MORRIS, A.J., 6 Aubrey Road, Chessels, Bristol 3. MORRIS, W.A., 4 Elmwood Avenue, Borehamwood, Herts. MORRISON, A.J., "Treetops", Liphook Road, Lindford, Hants. MULVEY, C.J., 6 Cedar Park, Stoke Bishop, Bristol 9. MURRELL, MR. & MRS. H., Calamine, Smitham Hill, E.Harptree, Bristol. MURRELL, Miss J.J., Calamine, Smitham Hill, E.Harptree, Bristol. MURRELL, Miss S.G., Calamine, Smithan Hill, E.Harptree, Bristol.

OLDHAM, A.D., 43 Ashley Hill, Bristol 6. O'MAHONEY, K.J., The Orchard, 187a Farnborough Road, Farnborough, Hants.

PADDOCK, N.L., Enville Mount, Enville Rd., Bowdon, Altrincham, Cheshire. PADFIELD, M., 4 Ryde Road, Knowle, Bristol 4. PARKES, J.G., Woodcote, Wood Lane, Parkgate, Wirral, Cheshire. PEACH, M., 7 Powys Avenue, Leicester. PEARCE, DR. R.A.J., No, 3 Rodwell Hall, St. Thomas Road, Trowbridge, Wilts. PEASE, MR. & MRS. R.F.W., 34 Pettitts Lane, Dry Drayton, Cambridgeshire. PECKHAM, G.E., 1029 Oxford Road, Tilehurst, Reading, Berks. PECKHAM, P.H., 40 Hazelbury Road, Knowle, Bristol 4. PERRY, G.J.S., 16 Pinewood Close, Westbury, Bristol. PERRY, J.D., 16 Pinewood Close, Westbury, Bristol. PHILLIPS, J., 142 British Road, Bedminster, Bristol 3. PHILLPOTT, J., 71 Stoke Lane, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol. PHILPOTT, R.A., 3 Kings Drive, Bishopston, Bristol 7. PICK, S.J., 80 Letchworth Road, Leicester. PICKNETT, R.G., 34 Pauls Dene Crescent, Salisbury, Wilts. PICKSTONE, G., Icknield Way House, A.E.R.E., Harwell, Berks. POINTING, G.H., 10 Green Lane, Avonmouth, Bristol. PREWER, MR. & MRS. B.E., East View, West Horrington, Wells, Somerset. PRICE, B.D., The Lord Weymouth School, Warminster, Wilts. PRICE, P.J., 103 Chafeys Avenue, Southill, Weymouth, . PYKE, R., 12 Astley Avenue, Willesden Green, London N.W.2.

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RAHTZ, P.A., 27 Cothan Road, Bristol 6. REED, J.N., 110 Portway, Sea Mills, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol. REYNOLDS, T.E., Yew Court, Pangbourne, Berks. RICHARDSON, D.D., 45 Windsor Crescent, S. Harrow, Middlesex. RICHES, P.N., The Priory Flat, , Bath, Somerset. RIGG, MR. & MRS. A.J., 9 Catherine Street, Frome, Somerset. ROBERTS, W.C., 32 Flowersmead, Upper Tooting Park, London S.W.17. ROGERS, Dr. A., Dept. of Physiology, The University, Bristol. ROYFFE, Miss G.E., 21 Ledmore Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, Glos. ROYFFE, R.V.W., 21 Ledmore Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, Glos. -223- SAVORY, J., 61 Lower Redland Road, Bristol 6. SEALY, MR. & MRS. A.E., Hillgrove Farm, Hillgrove, Wells, Somerset. SHARPE, E.W., Tralee, Orchard Road, Arnside, Westmorland. SHAW, LT. COM. T.R., H.M.S. Lion, C/O G.P.O., London. SIMMONS, M.G., 10a Berwick Road, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. SKINNER, MR. & MRS. J., 24 Harrowdene Road, Bristol 4. SMITH, P.H., 27 The Avenue, Summersdale, Chichester, Sussex. SMITH, P.J., 18 Crawley Avenue, Stratton St. Margaret, Nr. Swindon, Wilts. STACEY, REV. W.D., 158 Falcondale Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol. STANBURY, T.H., 31 Belvoir Road, St. Andrews, Bristol 6. STANTON, DR. & MRS. W.I., Crabtrees, Street, Somerset. STAYNINGS, MR. & MRS. R.J., 8 Fanshawe Road, Hengrove, Bristol 4. STEVENS, G., 23 Faringdon Avenue, Blackpool, Lancs. SURRALL, A., 25 Beverley Court Road, Quinton, Birmingham 32. SUTCLIFFE, D.M., 62 Clarence Road, St. Albans, Herts.

TANNER, D.B., 2174 Bartlett Avenue, Victoria B.C., Canada. TAYLOR, C.A., 59 Warwick Gardens, London W.14. TEASDALE, L.M., 66 Canterbury Road, Morden, Surrey. THOMAS, J.A., 5 Hale Reeds, Heath End, Farnham, Surrey. THOMPSON, M.M., Ashen Hill Cottage, Priddy, Wells, Somerset. THOMSON, DR. & MRS. D.M.M., 32 Holt Gardens, Studley, Warwicks. TOVEY, S.N., 54 Cowling Drive, Stockwood, Bristol 4. TRATMAN, DR. E.K., Penrose Cottage, Burrington, Bristol. TREBESS, P.R., Icknield Way House, A.E.R.E., Harwell, Berks. TUCK, N.W., 53 St. Arans Road, Cwmbran, Monmouthshire. TUDGAY, MR. & MRS. G., 1 St. Edward's Road, Clifton Wood, Bristol 8.

WADDINGTON, D.A., 30 Clyde Road, Redland, Bristol 6. WAIN WRIGHT, M., Help Cottage, Dundry, Nr.Bristol. WALKER, R.I., 203 Redland Road, Redland, Bristol 6. WALKINSHAW, D., 2A Downshire Hill, London N.W.3. WALL, MR. & MRS. M., Mount Pleasant, 10 The Dell, Kingsclere, Newbury, Berks. WALLIS, DR. F.S., The Museum, Torquay, Devon. WARBURTON, D., 20 Beverley Court Road, Quinton, Birmingham 32. WARWICK, Dr. G.T., 47 Weoley Park Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham 29. WASHBROOK, J.D., 13 Cranleigh Gardens, Stoke Bishop, Bristol 9. WATTS, M.L., 89 Oxford Road, Middlesbrough, Yorks. WEBB, G., 690 Fishponds Road, Fishponds, Bristol. WEDGWOOD, Sir John, Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs. WELLARD, C.R., Penscott Guest House, , Winscombe, Somerset. WELLS, DR. & MRS. O.C., 109 Valeview Drive, Pittsburgh 35, PA, U.S.A.

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WESTON, P.L., Male Nurses' Hostel, Mendip Hospital, Wells, Somerset. WHITE, B.F.C., c/o Pacific Lumber Co., Box 216, Nandi Airport, Fiji. WHITE, R., 22. Bayham Road, Knowle, Bristol 4. WHITTLE, R.A., 8 Cote House Lane, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol 9. WICKHAM, H.T., Top o' the Hill, Church Road, Hartley, Nr. Dartford, Kent. WICKS, A.L., 193 Redland Road, Bristol 6, WILLIAMS, G.H., Cedarwood, Cadbury Camp Lane, Clapton-in-Gordano, Somerset. WILLIAMS, M.B.J., 46 Hampton Road, Redland, Bristol 6. WILLIS, MRS. B.M., 3 Derwent Lodge, St.Philip's Avenue, Worcester Park, Surrey. WILLIS, D.A., 3 Derwent Lodge, St.Philip’s Avenue, Worcester Park, Surrey. WILSON, D., 73 Fenshurst Gardens, Long Ashton, Bristol. WITHEY, MR. & MRS. M., 79 Whomerley Road, Monks Wood, Stevenage, Herts. WOODCROFT, M.K., 143 St. George's Road, Cheltenham, Glos. WOODS, MR. & MRS. M., "Litton Cheney", Sedgeberrow, Evesham, Worcs. WOOLLEY, R., 12 Churchleaze, Shirehampton, Bristol. WOOLMER, A.N., 9 Clyde Park, Redland, Bristol 6. WYNNE ROBERTS, S.G., 4 Beaufort East, Lambridge, Bath, Somerset.

YEO, I.N., 5 Broadway Road, Bishopsworth, Bristol 3. YEO, MRS. S.P., 5 Broadway Road, Bishopsworth, Bristol 3. YOUNG, D., 2 Conbar Avenue, Rustington, Sussex.

Affiliated Clubs 7TH BATTERSEA SENIOR SCOUTS ADVENTURE SECTION, c/o R. Watkins, 289 Lower Richmond Road, Richmond, Surrey. BEDFORD SCHOOL CAVE CLUB, Bedford School, Bedford. BEECHEN CLIFF SPELEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, City of Bath Boys School, Bath, Som. BRISTOL CATHEDRAL SCHOOL CAVING CLUB, Cathedral School, Bristol. BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAVING CLUB, Bristol Grammar School, Bristol. EAST TOWN CAVING CLUB, Clifton College, Bristol 8. KINGS SCHOOL CAVING CLUB, Kings School, Gloucester. QUEEN ELIZABETH'S HOSPITAL CAVING GROUP, Q.E.H. School, Bristol. QUEENS COLLEGE CAVING CLUB, 1 Claremont Lane, Taunton, Somerset. SIDCOT SCHOOL SPELEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, Sidcot School, Winscombe, Somerset. SOUTH TOWN CAVING CLUB, Clifton College, Bristol 8.

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