Number 144 Winter 2015/2016 of the Mendip Nature Research Committee NEWSLETTER Section Leaders Archaeology - Ros Day 20 Highwood Close, Shaw, Newbury Astronomy - Steve Shipston Newsletter 7 The Jays, Tytherington, Wotton-under- Edge, South Gloucestershire GL12 8US Tel: 01454 412449 Botany - Fiona Shipston of the Mendip Nature Research Committee The Jays, Tytherington, Wotton-under-Edge, South Gloucestershire Mendip Nature Research Station, GL12 8US Tel: 01454 412449 Wells Hill Bottom, Caving - Dave King 6 Eastmead, Midsummer Norton, Radstock, Green Ore, Nr. Wells, BA5 3EZ Somerset BA3 2TW Tel: 07770 923407 Geology - Dave Tuffery Telephone: 01761 241609 Manor House, Tintern , Chepstow, Monmouthshire NP16 6SG Tel: 01291 689919 Committee Members Ornithology - Laurie & HelenaWright Acorn Cottage, Resting Oak Hill, Chairman - Ian Barker Cooksbridge, Lewes, East Sussex BN8 4PS 7 Wyndham Way Oxford OX2 8DF Photography - Bryony Evered 2-3 Lower Downside, , Tel: 07733 301 386 - e-mail:[email protected] BA4 4JP Secretary - Amy Burchell Notes for Contributors Please submit text as email attachments or 18 Rapide Way, Weston-Super-Mare, BS24 8ER on CDs where possible, even for short items. Tel: 07814 142042 - e-mail: [email protected] This makes life easy for the editor and means that you get your item published Treasurer and Membership Secretary - Sue Hargraves correctly. Most common PC word processor formats are acceptable, including the “open 31 Park Lane, Winterbourne, Bristol BS36 1AT source” programs. However if all else fails Tel: 07879 634 949 - e-mail: [email protected] handwritten text is fine. For graphics, once again most common PC Station Warden - Fiona Shipston file formats are acceptable but please don’t 7 The Jays, Tytherington, Wotton-under-Edge, GL12 8US make them too large or the electronic version will take forever to download. 150 Tel: 01454 412449 - e-mail: [email protected] dpi, 256 colour JPEGs will do nicely. Neatly hand drawn graphics, diagrams and cartoons NOTE! Hut administration is handled by Steve Shipston are also acceptable. 7 The Jays, Tytherington, Wotton-under-Edge, GL12 8US Tel: 01454 412449 Photographs should be supplied as original (Steve’s role is not a committee post) prints or slides so that the best possible copy can be made - please do not send Editor - Nick Powell photocopies as these are unreproduceable. However scanned bitmap picture files in 67 Collett, Glascote, Tamworth, B77 2DZ common PC formats are fine. Please also supply captions and details to Tel: 07711 537 500 - e-mail:[email protected] accompany any drawings or photos. All material submitted will be returned as soon Librarian - Gareth Thompson as possible after publication.

802a Fishponds Road, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3TE Please don’t embed photos or graphics in Tel: 07854 613580 - E-mail: [email protected] text files - although they can be extracted readily, the process degrades them and may Full Member No.1 - Paul Gladman detract from their artistic attributes. Thanks. 176 Stephens Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9QE Copyright Tel: 01892 545 055 - E-mail: [email protected] Copyright © MNRC 2015 Copyright of all material in this newsletter resides with the originator. Please ensure the material you Full Member No.2 -Richard Abbott submit is not someone else’s copyright. If it 34 The Ridge, Surbiton, Surrey, KT5 8HX is please get their permission for reproduction and give appropriate credits. If you are quoting Tel: 07850 567 498 - E-mail: [email protected] from other sources please give full details. Recent Member - Rob Evered Disclaimer Opinions expressed in this newsletter are those 2-3 Lower Downside, Shepton Mallet, BA4 4JP of the author and do not necessarily reflect Tel: 07980 449218 - e-mail: [email protected] those of the editor or of the MNRC. Data Protection Act Cover Picture: “Now Pearl One…” - SRT Training, Hunter’s Hole The address list for this Newsletter is stored Photo by Chris Binding on a computer file. The contents of this file are not sold or distributed in any form other The Mendip Nature Research Committee is a registered charity - No. 289168 than for the MNRC’s own use. Ogof Fechan Contents Ogof Fechan P1 Editorial P1 Caving News P2 Club News P3

SRT Training P4 Dragons of Dingley Dell P5 A Coastal Journey from Top to Bottom of Wales P6 Slurp! P9 A Festive Discovery P11 Anniversay Items P12 Yule Log 2015 P13 Diary P17

Inside Ogof Fechan, South Wales Photo by Spike Neal

Editorial New year, new newsletter… Archaeological Society, as it actually, it’s been a while was back in 1906). Added since the last one so I to that will be the more thought it’s about time. regular domestic caving trips, (including our In this newsletter, there’s a on-going dig project at review of recent events that Hillgrove Swallet), plus the have happened over the tail slightly more mundane end of 2015, including the work in keeping the hut in usual autumn liquid good order. refreshment event, and a resume of the festive As always, the newsletter period. But we’re also relies on your contributions looking forward as 2016 will to make it interesting and be an important one for the informative, so please keep club. Not only will we be the material rolling in to me playing a vital role in the - or whomsoever the UK hosted Eurospeleo membership votes to be Congress this year, but it’s editor at the forthcoming also the 110th anniversary AGM…… :-) of the founding of the G-G Winch Meet Crew… Mendip Nature Research Thanks all, and enjoy this Photo by Spike Neal Committee (of the Wells edition of the NL…… Natural History & The Ed

MNRC Newsletter No. 144, Winter2015/ 2016 Page 1 Caving News SRT done in such a manner as to for the banquet. Note there not obstruct to movement of will be another price step at For those mystified by the farm vehicles. Appropriate the end of February, so if dark art of knots, bolts and parking places are shown on you haven’t yet reserved lengths of rope, or those the map (below). your ticket, you should do so SRT-ers whose technique has ASAP. Those of you who grown a tad rusty, a already have ticket booking programme of events has but don’t have T shirt or been under way to educate banquet added (but would and re-familiarise; a number like to) contact Wendy of weekends last year have Williams - I have her email involved our scaffold tower in address, or search for her on the garden. the EuroSpeleo website contacts page. However, with EuroSpel- http://www.eurospeleo.uk eo coming up this sum- mer, it was thought a full Devon For those on Facebook, SRT refresher course run there’s a Eurospeleo 2016 FB by an outside agency Darrel has plans for a club page, so please view, share, would be beneficial, so trip to Devon during the first etc to help get the word that attendees would be part of this year, ideally 18th spread far and wide. able to make the most of to 20th March. Itinerary https://www.facebook.com/e the pre-rigged systems. could include Dog Hole, urospeleo2016/?fref=ts As such I have booked Pridhamsleigh and maybe with Chris Binding an SRT Baker’s Pit. There are a The bar marquee is planned to be on solid hard standing session for the 18/19th number of options (bearing rather than on the grass June. in mind the distance required field, so shouldn’t become a for this); either a day trip mire if it’s wet; there will be Please let me know if you from the hut, or a stay at various themed evening are interested in attend- the Pengelly Centre, although events, where some of the ing , numbers may be the minimum group price at drinks will suit the occasion, limited so it will be first the centre does rather mean and the staff will be suitably come first served, with the number of participants fancy dressed. Some those attending EuroSpel- could decide the option. If suggestions so far have been eo given preference. Fur- you’d be interested in a ceilidh, 60s/70s disco, cave ther details of participating, watch out for games, quiz night, variety timings/numbers/content further information on show, etc. will be finalised nearer MNRC-Talk; alternatively give the time. Darrel a call to express your I will shortly be planning a Thank you, interest, in particular if you don’t subscribe to “Talk”. duty rota of staff, and duty managers, so if you’re up for Amy B. volunteering to help please let me know; those working EuroSpeleo 2016 Charterhouse/GB Cave the bar will be provided with training. Volunteers must Hi all, just a few random register and pay as a We have been informed that notes from the EuroSpeleo delegate, but worked bar the parking situation at the planning meeting - there’s an shifts will be refunded after farm has changed. awful lot of planning already the event. going ahead by a load of On payment of a small people to ensure this event Finally, if you have any goodwill fee, it is permissible runs smoothly. photos of Yorkshire you to park cars at Charterhouse Bookings are going well, could share with the event, farm, the farm nearest to around 670 delegates please let me know. G.B. and Charterhouse already confirmed, and more caves. However, this must be than a third have signed up Dave King, Bar Manager.

Page 2 MNRC Newsletter No. 144, Winter 2015/2016 Club News Working Weekend behalf of everyone, thank Fio- out the work at the Septem- na and Steve for their sterling ber working weekend. The next working weekend at work over the past years. the hut is scheduled for the 2016 weekend of 14th and 15th The evening AGM social event May. Those of you that were is expected to be held at the 2016 marks the 110th anni- around over the festive period Inn which, for versary of the MNRC; as a will have noticed that King those of you not familiar, is way of marking that event, a Canute was required to super- the wooden-floored establish- number of commemorative vise the car park; so the ment visited as part of Chris articles have been designed drainage will need to be H’s recent significant birthday and proposed, and more detail looked at, although there are celebrations. Details of the appears later in this newslet- some rather more extensive AGM, election nomination ter. Paul Gladman is facilitat- proposals in-hand which may forms and social booking form ing supply of these articles; if occasion a degree of expendi- will be sent out in the usual you’d like more information, ture, which would need dis- manner shortly. please give Paul a call. cussion at the AGM. Hut Access Hillgrove Swallet Additionally we’re hoping to lay some more path around Recent visitors to the hut will As part of the caving activity the hut, the extra daylight have noticed that there have over the festive period, a afforded us in May should give been structural issues with the small group of us ventured us enough time to tackle a front door. Whilst it’s been over to Hillgrove to find out reasonable amount. There will patched for now it won’t last what damage had been also be the usual spring clean- forever and will need to be wreaked by the recent storms. ing tasks to do, so it won’t all replaced. Additionally, there Having dug the access gate be heavy labour and everyone have been issues with the open, we were surprised to will be able to find a job to return of loaned keys from find how little had changed match their capability. If you some visiting groups. underground, save for the can, please mark this week- This has precipitated the usual filling of the last shaft end in your diary and come bringing forward of a scheme with mud - the rope on the along - your help is always to provide the hut with a more shaft now disappears into the appreciated at these events. secure means of access in the floor. So there’s that to dig form of an RFID system. This out (again), as well as some AGM would see the replacement of of the more regular clearing member’s keys with chipped up jobs to do, like clearing The AGM will as usual be held access cards, and visitor’s leaf litter and other flood de- over the first full weekend in cards that can be pro- bris from the surface dams. If March, meaning that this year grammed with specific access you’re down on Mendip and te meeting and social event rights. seeking for further amuse- will fall on Saturday the 5th. ment any time, why not see if Of note this year is that a Whilst there are good advan- you can pop across to Hill- number of committee mem- tages in implementing this as grove and do a bit…….. bers have announced their soon as possible, there are a intention to stand down and number of issues that need to not seek re-election; of these be discussed with the mem- the most high profile is the bership; the most important is Hut Warden, Fiona Shipston that as the RFID system logs (ably assisted by Steve, in a hut usage by specific card, non-committee booking officer there are Data Protection is- role). So nominations and sues to be resolved. It is in- expressions of interest for the tended to raise this as a soon-to-be vacant committee discussion point at the AGM, positions would be appreciat- but provided all issues can be ed; meantime, if I could, on resolved it is hoped to carry

MNRC Newsletter No. 144, Winter2015/ 2016 Page 3 SRT Training Paul G describes one of last year’s “Black Art” training exercises…..……

The players: Chris Binding – Coach, Paul G, Spike, Amy, Dave K.

We met up with Chris at The Hunters Lodge around 10.15 Saturday morning, kitted up and descended after a brief chat at the entrance to Hunters Hole. We made our way to the main landing for another chat/tutorial on various aspects of SRT. We then split into two groups to practice rigging after which a brief assessment was made.

gained as we dismantled the rig- What more could you want, a ging on our way out. good days caving and enough money left for beer – most ex- A really good days coaching and cellent! practice. Chris is a nice easy go- ing guy who tailors the trip to Paul G your knowledge and skills and Photos by Paul G what’s more the trip was subsi- and Chris Binding. dised by the BCA from their training budget which meant we had beer vouchers left to spend in the evening.

My very rusty rigging tech- nique was shown wanting and is best glossed over, safe to say I need more practice. We then had a bit of a play on the pitch- es with various discussions on pitches and rigging. Chris then showed us a technique I had not seen before called an umbrella rig. It is a neat solution to cross- ing a pitch if traversing is not considered safe or viable. A few photos were taken and some de-rigging experience

Page 4 MNRC Newsletter No. 144, Winter 2015/2016 The Dragons of Dingley Dell The Frozen Deep imagineered by Amy B… Deep down along the gorge we went, High above the reservoir, Through the spiked portal, crawling Closer to our hearts desire

To the Frozen Deep we quest, For the dragons we have heard tell Over boulders, under avens To the depths of Dingley Dell

Caught in the jaws of darkness, We go further, deeper, flatter Searching for famed treasure ‘neath ev’ry shadow that we scatter

Suddenly it’s there, ahead We stop, we stare, we shudder It’s body trapped, just wings and tail A dragon like no other

We prowl around the dragon’s lair Tiptoeing amongst the jewels Dogs tooth crystals, rainbow rocks, Translucent straws and gower pools

Lazy scallops, silted banks, give way to flowing calcite steep, up and out again we must, turn from the dragons of the deep. Photo by Ian Barker

MNRC Newsletter No. 144, Winter2015/ 2016 Page 5 A coastal journey from top to bottom of Wales – the underground bits July 2015 A ndy W on an underground trip around Wales…

Sue and I decided to do the and extensively excavated since are currently no access restric- coast route of Wales over about and turned into a visitor centre tions. 8 days starting at the top and These are well worth seeing and going west then south. Almost are run by mine and cave enthu- Later we visited a Bronze Age every day we managed to visit siasts. When I mentioned we henge (now tomb) called an underground site. Here are were cavers they sent us off to Bryncelli Ddu near Llanfair the results: find Ffynnon Gogarth Tunnel a (SH508 702) but the restora- tion felt rather artificial. Later

After Sue and I visited my sis- known mine on the eastern side still out on the west coast of ter in Halifax Yorkshire we of Great Orme which is believed Anglesey we went cave hunt- drove across to Prestatyn in to have been mined about 1860. ing with some rough grid ref- North Wales and booked into a After donning our basic caving erences. First, Porth Trecastell cheapish hotel. On the hills kit and wellies we located the Cave is at SH332 706. There above Prestatyn town are a mine. The entrance is about 350 is an obvious car park in the number of limestone quarries m south south-west of the south- Bay walkout on the sand to the near the beginning of the Offa’s ern corner of the high car park at left-hand side (if the tide is Dyke Path. The limestone is the summit complex and cafe. out) of the bay or upon the very horizontal without any Follow the path and dry stone cliff path if the tide is in, the signs of caves except a water- wall downhill, when you reach cave is in the rocks about 10 worn cavity. However, we did the end of the stone wall keep foot up off the beach and it is manage to briefly go under- going straight down until you get possible to do the 15 foot ground in a place possibly to a small stream stream and a through trip. called Fish Mine ? It was hard concrete platform. to confirm this as fish mine is a There is another cave in the recognised location but as we Face uphill and the entrance is in same fault line slightly further did not have caving kit with us a shallow add it about 30 to 50 up the beach which goes in we only went in about 20 feet feet you’re right and uphill about 15 foot too. with a torch and there was some slightly from my memory. It is water beyond. not too difficult to find. After a Further south along the west- short crawl in the low entrance ern coast is Porth Aels Cave at The following day we went to and climbing over an internal SH339 676, from the dead end Great Orme above Llandudno wall walking passage with some beach access road follow the (follow the Ancient Mines clear water and mud continues coastal path south, firstly signs) to see the new Bronze for some 200 m (600 feet). Near along the beach and then Age copper mines, some 3500 the end of the line on the right is across a field along the top of years old, discovered in 1987 a shaft full of clear water. There shallow cliffs and keep going

Page 6 MNRC Newsletter No. 144, Winter 2015/2016 A coastal journey from top to bottom of Wales Continued..… until you find a shallow at SH6522 0434 is gated and called Cwmtydu with a car sandy/pebbly beach on the pe- locked with no access. It is ap- park and a lime kiln. Looking ninsular, climb down to the parently over 300 foot long and out to sea in the bay there are beach and the cave is obvious at is rather wet two sea caves on the right- the top of the beach. 15 feet to hand side of the bay and some the left is another very short Mine entrance number three at others on the left-hand side of cave . SH6533 0427 has about 100 foot the bay. The first on the right

The following day, we found of walking passage and then of the bay at SN3562 5757 has another bed-and-breakfast near closes down a large entrance for metres Dolgoch Falls and discovered wide and 7 m high and access that this has for slate Mine entrance number four at is possible for about 8 m. adits/mines in the deep cut val- SH6539 0429 is the longest pas- ley. It is believed these were sage which splits at about 75 m mined in 1876 and 1897 with a in where the left passage goes final attempt being made for a further 25 m before closing

around 1910. down and the right passage goes for 35m to an aven with possible The first mine entrance is by access to an upper series (need- the Lower Falls viewing plat- ing ladder access) and the lower form at SH6506 0437 and runs passage continues for another 67 for about 60 feet until you reach m before closing down . a locked gate with an open sky hole (at SH6508 0434) and it On Sunday, after visiting the appears to run past this into a Machynlleth Alternative Energy rift . Mine entrance number two Centre we found a small bay

MNRC Newsletter No. 144, Winter2015/ 2016 Page 7 A coastal journey from top to bottom of Wales Continued..…

Further out on the right at only went in a short distance. has a small meandering pas- SN3561 5767 is another en- The second cave at SN2940 sage that closes down, overall trance that is only accessible at 5270 had a larger entrance 6 m x length is about 20m. We found low tide (this cave could easily 6 m and had a length of about 12 several other small holes here trap you if you are caught with m. in the Mewslade Gorge but did the tide coming in). The en- not have our caving kit with us trance is only 1 m wide but 8 m On Monday 3rd August we could this day. Mewslade Rock Cave high with a sandy floor, the en- see some sea caves but they were in a large rock central in the trance section is 30 m and there only accessible from the sea. gorge has two adjacent en- are fault side rifts of 10 m on They were between Aberdiddy trances. the right (1m high) and 14 m on and St David’s Head. However, the left (2m high). instead of getting underground High on the left hand side as we went to a fantastic working you walk down the gorge there On the left-hand side of the bay, engine museum called the Inter- are two small caves some 50 ft looking out to sea, there are a nal Fire Museum of Power at above the valley floor. One is number of caves of which I on- SA43 2JS www.internalfire.com about 4 m long. As you walk ly accessed three. A triangular well worth a visit. back up from the sea I found cave at SN3550 5760 with an another larger cave entrance entrance 3.5m wide and 8m Tuesday & Wednesday - to the up on the right at the base of a high went in for 38m leading to Gower with Cathole Cave at SS cliff. This obvious 2m x 1m a section of standing room 2 m 536 900, now sadly gated along entrance leads to a descending high, 0.75 m wide and 1.5 m with the adjacent cave, but rift which could be explored long. Nearer the beach there is a SWCC perhaps have access? To but we were running out of curve fault cave with an en- find it walk up the path behind time. I have some photos if trance 3.5 m wide, 3 m tall and the Heritage Centre on the road anyone is interested. is 10 m long. There was also a and turn right up the grassy shallow rock shelter further up valley it is signed up on the right Back home along the south the beach. after passing the Neolithic burial coast of Wales to Bristol,

On another beach near Penbryn tomb. Mewslade Quarry Caves 1 tired, happy and glad to be there were two large caves on & 2 roughly at SS 423 874. back at Stonehenge. the right-hand side of the bay the first one at SN2939 5265 MQC 1 has two entrances, but I had an entrance for metres wide did not go far. MQC 2 drops Andy & Sue Watson 5 m high with a chimney and down into a small chamber and

Page 8 MNRC Newsletter No. 144, Winter 2015/2016 Slurp! Steve Shipston describes 2015’s Continental Beverage Festival…..……

It has long been the tradi- We had 28 entries, including and BB were put forwards tion at the MNRC to hold a ones from Belgium, Iceland, for the final taste-off. beer-based celebration in the USA and Mexico. We Samples of each of these November. After all, why also had a few from closer beers were given to each should November be differ- to home: Wales, Scotland tasting group and the re- ent from any other month? and Somerset. The beers sults collected. The style of the event var- were grouped as far as prac- ies slightly from year to ticable into similar groups, In the end we had a tie for year; sometimes a barrel is such as light beers, pale first place! Our panelists donated by a member, ales, stouts and porter and were split on the Anchor sometimes a more formal fruit beers, so we could ob- Porter (which most people beer-tasting event is or- tain a winning representa- liked) and the Black Albert ganised. We have had a tive of each type to go Stout, (which some people number of these events forward into the final. The hated and others loved) – and the trend has been for results of the blind tastings unsurprising, given its a marked preference for are tabulated on the next reported 'marmite' taste. the darker page. So once again dark chewy For 2015, I posed the beers have won the blind question: ‘What did you (NOTE! The Westvleteren taste-test. enjoy drinking on holiday?’ Trappist 8 was a late entry I asked this question be- and had to be added to the Looking to the future, I cause there are a number ‘fruit beers’ group). wonder if the club's pref- of exceptions from the al- erence for a particular most universal eurofizz BTW, the Innis and Gunn beer style has arisen pure- lagers that are worth seek- beer was reported to have a ly from taste, or whether ing out. In the event, many 'whisky' taste: This is unsur- its because the style fits people interpreted this as a prising as it was developed the surroundings in which Belgian beer event, princi- as a conditioning brew for it is drunk. For example, pally because that country whisky barrels, prior to would the same result be produces a wealth of differ- putting in the whisky! obtained on a hot sum- ent beer types and styles. mer's day as on a cold The event was held the Despite it being well past nNovember night? same weekend as Wells midnight, the tasting panels and Glastonbury Carnivals, took their duties very seri- Would the result be the which provided punters ously, and filled in evalua- same if the sample size with an opportunity to at- tion sheets for each beer, was 1/2 pint, not a few tend the Wells carnival on looking at characteristics mouthfuls? - after all, few the Friday evening and such as colour, aroma, of us sip beer like its an then do some charity col- taste, ‘mouthfeel’ and ‘fin- expensive malt whisky, do lection (raising money for ish’ to give the results sum- we? Like determining the worthy causes, including marised above. Some closing time of the Helwith your favourite very local results were immediately Bridge Inn, this is a sub- charity) at Glastonbury on apparent – not all Belgian ject where further re- Saturday. This left a prob- beers are even drinkable, search is clearly required. lem, in that there wasn’t an but some from the beer- evening for the tasting. We drinker’s desert of the USA decided to start the event were outstanding. at 11.00pm Saturday, after Using the preference scores Steve Shipston the Glastonbury carnival. indicated, beers E, H, U, N

MNRC Newsletter No. 144, Winter2015/ 2016 Page 9 Slurp! Continued - The Results……..

Page 10 MNRC Newsletter No. 144, Winter 2015/2016 A Festive Discovery Andy W was busy over the Recent Holiday…..……

Bradshaw’s Cave, Asham Wood wards into a low water worn tunnel left hand rift, straight on continues Quarry at ST71004 45416 0.75m high with a soil and loose rock but becomes too tight and closes (MCRA-AQ-1) Length 105m floor with some small rock shelves on down to a impassable rift after the left hand side some 3 metres in. about 1.5m. The 2m long left hand Introduction: Named after Dr. Reg The main entrance tunnel is some- rift rises up (Note: there are some Bradshaw who was Head of Geolo- times frequented by badgers (see text lovely black crystal nodules on a gy at the University of Bristol who for the other entrances options). The right hand shelf, please be careful informed Willie Stanton c.1970 length of the initial entrance tunnel is not to get these dirty) in to a good about several ‘open tunnels’ in the 7.5m where it rises up and meets a sized cross passage, named Hover- lowest part of the quarry closest to cross bedding. Looking back to your ingham’s Chamber after the quarry Seven Springs. He apparently made right, a low bedding passage leads company here in the 1960’s. To the a considerable contribution to Men- back out towards the cliff face near right after 3-4m is an area of boul- dip regarding geology and its caves. the entrance and is too tight and der breakdown and also on the choked. Forward is a small low right is the third entrance, a short Location: In Asham Wood Quarry chamber with a fallen slab and a wa- squeeze past another short bedding lower section not far from the Main ter worn boulder. This area has a plane section (2m) leads out to the Spring (of Seven Springs) into strong draft. Straight on is Sid’s quarry face by a tree. Whatley Brook. Locate Main Squeeze requiring a push and twist to Springs resurgence (often dry) at the left. A clamber over a small boul- To the left in the chamber there is a ST7102.4528 and back track walk- der leads to an easy crawling passage rising muddy slope which reduces ing down slope on the obvious old for 12m to a sharp right hand turn, in size to about 0.5m wide. This vehicle track for about 100m turn Chest of Drawers Corner, and right is 8m long crawling passage, named left into a quarry entrance area with the start of a 30m passage, The Long Fat Lip Rift due a caver banging large rocks across the entrance to Straight. A careful climb is required his lip on a boulder, has two slight prevent vehicle access. Stay to the over a low large balanced boulder squeezes and leads past some nice left of the open area for about 35m about halfway along. flowstone to a 3m climb, passing a and enter the unkempt hedge area short 2m small deviation passage through an obvious gap/rough path The end straight ahead closes down on the right, up into Bat Roost over some rocks to a flat area. Turn in size in some boulders, but on the Breakdown Chamber showing left and walk towards the cliff face left under an immature curtain on the some evidence of winter bat activi- and climb over some large rocks and edge of a roof slab is a muddy down- ty. It is over 8m long, 2.5m wide brambles and you will find a low ward slope 1.5m wide and this drops and 2m high with no obvious ways arch down a 1m drop at the base of about 2m over a 5m length. At the top on. There are some good forma- the cliff. This is the entrance to the of the slope on the right as you look tions and flowstone hidden away in cave. Just to the left is another hole down it and just past a pile of bones some areas of the chamber and on that is choked after 1.2m. There are with an animal skull (please do not some of the walls. The roof slabs two other entrances further to the disturb) there is a second cave en- have historically collapsed into this west along the quarry face both trance out to the quarry face; which once very pretty and good sized about 1m above the floor. can be used if the badgers are in resi- chamber. There are some voids dence. At the bottom of the muddy under some of the larger boulders Road Access: Park at Dead Wom- slope there is a low muddy puddle to that can be entered with care and in an’s Bottom at ST715.462 (do not the right, which may sump at times of one of these a squeeze leads to leave valuables in your car) and flood, leading into the base of a small about 6m of low stream passage walk up to the Seven Springs Main aven 3m high, 1m wide and 2-3m with a sticky mud floor about 1 m Spring on the vehicle track along- long. Straight ahead and slightly right wide which closes down under side Whatley Brook this takes about at a height of 1m from the floor the more large boulders at the western 20-30 minutes and mobile phone crawling passage continues for anoth- end. This is the extent of the cave reception is poor in the quarry. er 5m until you reach some large so far. boulders blocking the way on. With a Description: A low arched entrance careful manoeuvre low on the left at the base of the cliff behind a pile past these boulders and by sitting up of large rocks. A drop of 1m to the and twisting without disturbing these entrance that is 1 metre wide and (The Corkscrew Connection) the Andy Watson 0.5metres high and it slopes down- passage continues on to an obvious

MNRC Newsletter No. 144, Winter2015/ 2016 Page 11 Page 12 MNRC Newsletter No. 144, Winter 2015/2016 Yule Log 2015 Laurie’s Resume of the festive comings and goings…..……

PRO-LOG YULE LOG – MONDAY 21st YULE LOG – WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23rd DECEMBER The escape from Stalag Royal Sussex was superbly organ- A wild and wet day gave little A brighter day with some sun- ised. Masquerading as a pa- enthusiasm for anything. Brian’s shine but very cold with a tient Helena’s daring run for arrival around lunch time prod- knife edge wind. freedom was a total success. ded us into action. (We didn’t Denzil arrived about lunchtime The unknowing ambulance have anything for lunch!) looking very slim but with seri- crew even carried her into the The Droid posted absent for the ous doubt for the future of his private ward at Acorn Cottage holiday. Could we have trusted waistline. He hadn’t worked Hospital (cunningly disguised him to drive the RRV? He’s only out that the ‘minion’ was his as a log cabin). The annual mi- used to two and three wheelers. chef for the duration. (but he gration to darkest Zummerzet Dinner was to have been roast had brought emergency iron appeared to be on. beef with all the trimmings but rations in the form of a bag of An appeal to the MNRC reha- we didn’t have any cooking oil to pasties and a fruit cake) bilitation section soon brought roast the spuds. It’s not the After lunch of beer and chips us a rapid response vehicle. same when they’re just boiled. at the Ploughboy Denzil set (Thanks Andy) leaving us just Parsnips aren’t the same just forth towards Wells on a calo- the logistics to figure out. A trial boiled either . rie burning long walk while the fit proved OK as Helena swung The Late night movie was ‘Lin- rest of us returned to base her callipered knee into the coln’. We usually seem to have and a nice warm fire. front of the Land Rover but a serious start to the Mendip Dinner had a little more class where would we put the RRV? Film Festival. being confit duck with spuds Our ¾ tonne ex-mil trailer was and green peas. (We were a bit of an overkill but proved YULE LOG – TUESDAY 22ND forced to eat it as the tin con- the only option, at least it took a DECEMBER tained enough duck fat to zimmer frame as well. roast the Christmas spuds) Loaded to the roof, the convoy Late movies were ‘Hotel Tran- set forth on Sunday afternoon, Another damp and dreary day. Clutching an epistle like shop- sylvania’ (animated fun) and a arriving without mishap but that ping list we sallied forth into couple of hilarious ‘Lego Star was when the ‘fun’ started. It Wells. What seemed like an eon Wars’ films. was blowing a freezing gale as the RRV was landed and the later we returned with the con- trailer unhitched. Her Ladyship tents of two trolleys. A large ham was set cooking in the pressure YULE LOG – THURSDAY settled in and directed her min- cooker but, by the time it had 24TH DECEMBER ion in the stowage of stores cooled, was too late for the and equipment. The trailer was planned dinner of ham, egg and Another brightish start ena- then pushed towards the open garden gates where, halfway chips. A quick search for an al- bling Brian and Laurie to sally ternative lead to a pack of fifty in, it stuck and became immo- forth in the direction of Ched- mini sausage rolls being dar to procure the festive ale bile. Reversing a Land Rover chucked in the oven. We slowly (Potholer). For the first time onto a tow hitch in total dark- demolished them as they ever we brought back just an ness without a guide is not easy! cooled. Choccies for pud. 18 pint polypin instead of the Half an hour later, after getting Very little was done except to usual firkin. Where have all tidy up all the cardboard boxes the beer drinkers gone? A into and out of the Defender a that seemed to have material- handful of items from Tesco million times, a frozen soggy ised. and back to the hut for buffet minion succeeded. The evening movie was ‘Ribbit’ lunch. Ploughboy for dinner – except, of course, the RRV would not a fun story of an adventurous tree frog. go into the car without the com- plete removal of everything we’d left ‘til tomorrow.

MNRC Newsletter No. 144, Winter2015/ 2016 Page 13 Yule Log 2015 Continued…….. Denzil went off on another calo- stuffing and chipolatas which Denzil was off to see his sister rie burner. Ros arrived shortly had somehow become over- in Cheshire before the other after our return. Now we are looked. Oops! three of us were barely con- five. vening meal was cottage Must have cooked enough tho’, scious. He called three hours pie followed by profiteroles. everything was eaten and pud later to report he’d not been Why did Laurie get the only two was indefinitely postponed. washed away before arriving without a cream filling?! The late movie was Pixar’s lat- at his destination. ‘Minions’ is a brilliant movie, est, ‘Inside Out’, an unusual but During lunch the decision was especially for those who re- really delightful film. It left us made to have ham (home member the sixties. More clas- wondering why we enjoyed it so cooked), eggs and chips for sic ‘Lego Star Wars’ followed. much. Some ancient but classic dinner. Only problem was no ‘Halas & Batchelor’ cartoons fin- chips. The Minion thought he YULE LOG – CHRISTMAS ished the evening. could make some oven-chips DAY A happy Christmas was had by so Brian was set to peeling a one and all. load of spuds. These were Good thing we were feeling blanched for five minutes be- bright, the day was struggling YULE LOG – BOXING DAY fore being quenched in cold to dawn hours after it was sup- water and dried thoroughly. A posed to. The grey drizzle was Denzil was the last one up but coating of cooking oil was ap- to last all day. Barely worth also the first and only one out, plied and they were left to opening the curtains. covering 11+ miles on a circular drain for an hour or so. Half an Tea, coffee and chocolates trip to Wells and back. Must feed hour before dinner the ‘chips’ made a successful if weird him up more. were put on a grill in a pre- breakfast as people settled Coffee and choccies once again heated oven and we waited in down to do things no more dra- sufficed for breakfast. anticipation. The system ‘more matic than the weather. Even Ros departed mid-morning. or less’ worked and we had a Denzil was discouraged from ‘twas a very quiet afternoon, reasonable supper. The time it taking a walk. spent reading and computing. took Brian to degrease and The cold meat and salad lunch The minion broke off to put the wash all the receptacles used broke the monotony and the pork leg into the oven and, an in the making of the chips was day’s first round of drinks add- hour later, started the rest of the far greater than the time it ed some cheer. Washing up dinner processes. would have taken to drive to done, presents were handed Beer was drunk, dinner was eat- Tesco and buy some real around. Denzil found himself en and movies were played. To- ovenchips. This strategy can- exploring the hut from an en- night’s offer being ‘Two by Two’ not be recommended to future tirely new angle as his little a European made animation MNRC chefs. tank’s camera beamed back about some animals that missed We managed three movies pictures to his computer pad. the Ark, followed by yet another during the evening. ‘The Se- The minion, under instruction Lego Star Wars movie. cret of Kells’ an excellent Irish, from her mobile throned Lady- Denzil has an early start to get French, Belgian animated col- ship started to prepare the up to Cumbria to visit his sister laboration (watched while the Christmas dinner. The turkey (floods permitting) so we all had ‘chips’ were draining), Dis- appeared to be suffering from an early night. ney’s ‘The Black Cauldron’ rigamortis which was soon, This log’s getting rather boring – and a very silly but much fun however, diagnosed as ever so wish something exciting would ‘Thomas the Tank Engine and slightly frozen. Half an hour in happen. the Lost Treasure of Sodor’ an oven set to tick-over had feature. him on the road to recovery. YULE LOG – SUNDAY 27TH Will Denzil survive the trip Stuffed with a couple of large DECEMER back to Zummerzet? Will it be onions the heat was turned full in time to go caving with To- on. Four hours later, with a lot Nothing exciting did happen, un- nyL? Will Tony be going cav- of instruction and a lot of assist- less you count a lunchtime ex- ing anyway? ance from other minions the cursion to the Ploughboy. At last we have suspense! meal was on the table, minus Find out tomorrow……

Page 14 MNRC Newsletter No. 144, Winter 2015/2016 Yule Log 2015 Continued……..

YULE LOG – MONDAY 28th YULE LOG – TUESDAY 29TH we decided we’d eaten DECEMBER enough when one of the ta- I was up late – couldn’t sleep, bles was cleared to make feet hurt. So was Denzil – Val and Tony left shortly after room for pud. As Richard ably couldn’t sleep, he was driving!. 11am with a return promise from put it, ”Everyone’s got space Late night emails had been Tony for Denzil’s caving trip. for pud”, and so we did. winging to and from TonyL’s Apart from the unseen Andy While we waited for the Android thingy. Maybe there Watson, no caving by club mem- chimes of Westminster to ring would be caving, maybe not. bers seems to have taken place out the midnight hour a silly Val and Tony were scheduled during the holiday. games/quiz kept us occupied. to arrive around 6:30pm. Denzil left for a pre-new year Party poppers were dished out Denzil must have used a lot of party leaving the southern trio as the final countdown begun. energy while away; or his sister sitting round three bowls of On the stroke of midnight pop- had starved him. He ate chips washed down with alco- pers and the Thames fire- enough lunch to justify another holic beverages at the works (on our big screen) long walk but never took it. Ploughboy.The afternoon was synchronised in bringing the The afternoon was spent trying spent peacefully by two whilst new year in. to decipher the American rules the Minion prepared the tradi- As the explosions of the fire- governing his new Christmas tional Christmas soup. An early works died, the youngsters board (cloth?) game. After a movie seemed appropriate so took over and danced the rest few false starts we began to get we watched ‘Tad the Hunter’, a of the night away. the hang of it. Positioning mag- rather fun cartoon send-up of netic ‘draughts’ pieces so their Indiana Jones. Roast pork for YULE LOG - NEW YEAR’S magnetic flux held them sus- dinner then Disney’s ‘Beyond DAY pended at odd angles to other Tomorrow’, a movie rather diffi- pieces required a lot of prac- cult to watch at first but fell into Dawned. Did it? Dunno, it was tice. rhythm as it went on. noon before most were up. Ultimately the Minion had to The New Year's revellers arrive Some went to see Star Wars retire to the kitchen to prepare tomorrow. in Wells while a few brave the pie for tonight’s meal. Val Early bed, for some….. souls headed for Green and Tony duly arrived as and Swildon’s in Denzil’s car. planned and beer etc. was YULE LOG – NEW YEAR’S Returning from Sump One it drunk. Dinner was served, EVE became apparent that Denzil more ale etc. was consumed no longer had his car keys. A (with many choccies) and the Had a lay-in. Breakfast was over search was made of the local evening turned to cheerful chat- by the time I was up but it didn’t area and back across the field ter. Of course the inevitable stop one being offered. I’m liking even into Swildon’s entrance. late night movie had to happen. this ‘not being a minion’ bit. Nothing found. It wasn’t just Tonight’s was the ‘Shaun the Cavers went caving, shoppers their clothes that were locked Sheep Movie’ from Aardman. went shopping (Streat) and up but the car keys of the oth- A possible further feature gave walkers went walking. The place er cavers!! way to cheese and biccies and looked more empty that it had the opening of several bottles when there was just a few of us A woeful party were returned of Scotch malts. Everyone had here. to the MNRS. A phone call to a different favourite so there The caterers were the first to Denzil’s uncle ascertained was no vote for a winner. return and the kitchen became a availability of a spare house Suddenly it was bedtime. hive of industry. Two large ta- key so Denzil and Richard set No caving trip planned but bles were brought in from the off for Thatcham (Reading) to Tony will be back in a couple of workshop and soon sagged from recover Denzil’s spare keys. days and Nick has voiced an the weight of produce stacked Hours later they returned key- interest. Meanwhile it looks as on them. The grand buffet was less, a puzzled Denzil wonder- if the Mad Monk’s been on a declared open mid-evening and ing what ever he’d done with secret dig………… everyone did their best ease the them. Maybe they were in the weight on the tables. Hardly had car. MNRC Newsletter No. 144, Winter2015/ 2016 Page 15 Yule Log 2015 Continued…….. Phone calls to rescue and re- A while later the truck returned much evident for several days. placement key suppliers with the car in tow minus one By mid-afternoon all who re- brought little but sucked air window. The keys had not been mained were the original three through teeth and mutterings of inside. At least the other cavers pensioners, a carless (my three figure sums but, on a Fri- could have their kit and keys spellchecker wanted to day evening there was little back. A conversation with the change that to ‘careless’, I al- chance of any action. driver ended with him agreeing most let it ;) Denzil and the Some of the ‘gang of eighteen’ to take the car to his local ga- Riches family. departed. rage and sort the broken window Later, Denzil made his third The wonderful roast beef din- and key problem on Monday, attempt of the holiday to see ner and a few pints put worries Tuesday at the latest. Time will Star Wars in the Wells cine- aside until the morning. Bed tell. ma, The Riches family chauf- was somewhat earlier than the Another great catering effort had feured him as they also previous night. us scoffing ‘spag bol’ by the wanted to see a movie. plate load after a smoked salm- YULE LOG – 2ND JANUARY on starter, ending in apple crum- After their return we all decid- ble and cream or custard, all ed to go to the Inn for Most businesses close at mid- rounded off by cheese and bic- a pizza dinner but were day on Saturdays so Denzil cies. thwarted by a closed door. was soon on the phone track- A mostly peaceful evening lead Back at the Mendip Inn we ing down someone who would to another late night cheese ses- were more successful but no help entering his car and mak- sion, this time with port, mead pizzas. Still, a good meal was ing it driveable. After thirty or so and scotch, dwindling into a late had by all, even more so when so-called 24/7 companies had chat as people departed for bed. we asked for the bill Denzil drummed up excuses ranging had already paid it! Very many from ‘He’s on holiday’ to I’ll YULE LOG – 3RD JANUARY thanks Denzil. have to wait ‘til my parents get Returning to the hut we had back ‘cos they’ve got the keys Awakened by lots of banging of our first late movie for three to the shed’, Denzil returned to doors and sounds of people nights, Shaun the Sheep’s the relay company to get his busying themselves about the ‘The Farmer’s Llamas’. After car removed from Priddy Green building. Breakfast was served enough time to get young Amy and returned to the hut where it and followed by the mammoth to bed the rest of us watched could sit until Monday when, task of members scrubbing eve- ‘Spooks – The Greater Good’, hopefully, some of the 24/7ers rything that didn’t move, and a a reincarnation of the old tele- may be living up to their claims. few that did. Soon the kitchen vision series. Of course, the A very kind recovery truck driv- shone. last movie of the holiday had er picked Denzil up and depart- to be our one remaining ‘Lego ed to Priddy. A steady exodus of families Star Wars’ disc. Gary and Kati departed and around lunchtime allowed the The great put away and tidy Paul Gladders arrived being hut to become more quiet and up begins tomorrow…. dutifully regaled the saga of the more settled. Even the internet keys. showed a new spark of life not Laurie Wright

Ten Years On - The Centenary Party.

Photo by Tony L

Page 16 MNRC Newsletter No. 144, Winter 2015/2016 Diary

You are advised not to treat this diary as gospel as events are bound to change between collection of information and publication. See the calendar on the website for the latest information and bookings - http://www.mnrc.org.uk/diary.htm Where possible contacts will be supplied and you should communicate with these if you want to confirm dates or get further information. If you have any items to be included in the diary please send them to the editor. Guest bookings must always be made through the Station warden who will also be fully up to date with booking availability.

Date Events Contact Hut Bookings

January 2016 29th-31st HSCC March 5th AGM and Social Committee

11th-13th HSCC 19th-20th Devon Caving Weekend Darrel I May 6th-8th HSCC 14th-15th Working Weekend Committee

August 13th-20th EuroSpeleo 2016 - 5th European http://www.eurospele Speleological Congress, Yorkshire Dales o.uk Or contact Dave King September 17th-19th Working Weekend Committee 23rd-25th HSCC October 14th-16th HSCC

MNRC Newsletter No. 144, Winter2015/ 2016 Page 17