The Caver No. 117

Titan Breakthrough!

Starting U nderg round Video

Sidetrack Cave Video *,a ff*- t j \6 .'-, i.- !/, I Hillocks "Sump" #ft\ i Fu't..,_r'

The newsletter of the DBRBYSHIRE CAVING ASSOCIATION

s1.50

THE DERBYSHIRE CAVER

SUMMER 2OO3 No. 117

EDITOR: Paul Lydon, Hefford House, Main Street, Winster N,4ATLOCK DE4 2DH Tel: 01 629 650482 Email: [email protected]

Material for inclusion can be sent hand-written, phoned in, sent on disk or e-mailed. Subscription to this publication is €7 for four issues, see back page for details. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Editor or of the DCA.

The DCA website is at: www.theDcA.org.uk

Cover Piclure: Boyd Potts descending entrance to Water lcicle Close Cavern (photo by Derek Freeman)

CONTENTS

The Editor's 8it...... ,...... 2 Letters...... _...... 2 Peak Cavern Round-up ...... 3 Other news from around the Peak...... 3 DCA wins Conservation A.ward...... 4 Derbyshire Caving Association Matters ...... 5 DCA Training Courses 2003 ...... I Underground Britain - Legal & lnsurance Issues...... 10 Calamine Mines...... 10 Underground Video - getting started...... 11 Death of Fernand Petzl ...... 12 Hillock's "Sump"...... 12 Self-Help / Rescue Course ...... 13 As of this issue, "The Derbyshire Caver'' has a new editor!

Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf, ex-lraqi Minister of lnformation. And let me tell you, there are no caves in Derbyshire - this is malicious propaganda spread by the infidels of the Peak Dislrict. The truth is that the great caverns of Britain are located in the mountainous region of East Anglial Titan is said to be an enormous shaft - this is a lie - we all know that this is the name given to a supplier of shower units...

No - only joking - back to reality!

lvlay I introduce myself, my name is Paul Lydon and I live in Winster in the White Peak. I started Gaving in 1975 while Iiving in London and moved to Derbyshire in 1994. I am a member of the Orpheus Caving Club.

First I would like to thank the outgoing Editor, AIan Keen for all his hard work - he has set a standard that lwill hope to maintain.

The DCA Newsletter has been going for over 30 years now - let's give it the support it needs. You can do that by sending in articles, letters, surveys or pictures. You can also help by purchasing a copy, too! Lette rs

Followlng ihe DCA information on Public Liability lnsurance printed in the last issue, we have received a letter from Elsie Little of "Pwyllgor Ymgynghorol Dan-yr-ogof' / "Dan-yr-Ogof Advisory committee", as follows:

Althougll the need for third Pafty Liabilv lnsurance is absolutely (if regrettably) correct, some readers may feel that tl'te insurance offered through the DcA wi be adequate to obtain "leadership" in the cave.

Please could you make it clear that the showcave owner insists that all "leaders" are registered as wardens for the system and covered by insurance taken out en-bloc by the committee for the year. This year it was done through BCRA - next year, who knows?

It's a minor point, lknow, but the situation is annoying enough without cavers being left open to confusion. The DcA cover this year will ceftainly cover them to be members of a trip led by a warden .

Elsie Little PEAK GAVERN R@UND"UP by Wayne Sheldon

he 27th April 2003 saw Tim Allen and chris craven re-crimb up to the victoria series, also known as the Right Hand Series of Victoria Aven in peak Cavern. This was originally. '1980's ,,Buster" explored in the early by lan Wright and friends revealing a rising. calcite-floored ramp, to a beautifully decorated chamber. They withdr6w, p{ll-through leaving a cord in prace but after being refi for over flfteen years, the use of this would be life- threatening so it was re-climbed from the final belay point, this belng the ledge at 60m height before the final prusik up to Elephant Head chambii. on reaching-the serie"q they were right not to use lhe pull-through cord, as the karabiner holding the cord,-broke when handled. They plan to return at the start ofthe new season.

Echo chamber was also revisited on the same day: this is part of the Left Hand series exensions, reached from Elephant Head chamber. Echo chamber contains some unique mud formations that needed to be checked as part of the English Nature SSSI cave Monitoring program, these were found to be intact, is this area of tie cave is not visited that often.

The ladders on the climb at Fawrty Tower and the crimb down ro Treasury sump in peak cavern have been replaced while work is taking place on rhe Egnaro Aven ladder in speedwell Mine. Bolting operations are close to being complete in Flar sump extensions, pitches with the in Balcombe's w€y, the, Ride of the vilkyriei and vortex 2 pitches receiving new bolts. The ropes on Block Hall in speedwell, the access route to the white River seriei will also be replaced before the new season begins in October.

The new season begins at the beginning of October 2C03, sc anybody or club who lvants a trip should contact John Beck at the usual address shown on the rear oi this newsletter. tOtlrer n (etsss f1'qzn a,r(otLrld the -r'ga.Ix Titan

Finally - the breakthrough! on sunday lhe 2sth May the Titan surface shaft was finally connected to the top of ritan. This massive digging project was started over three and a half years ago, on sunday 31st october 1 999. Hopefuly more detairs in the nex newleter. Carlswark Cavern

Report from Ralph Johnson - sadly I have to reporl an incredibre amount of damage in Eyam Passage. Quite a large section of the carcite floor has been damaged and parts reiroveo. There are pieces lhe size of dinner plates scatered around the area. This is Nor accidental damage - the culprits must have gone in equipped with the necessary tools. rt would appear that this vandalism has occured within the last few days.

Thefts from Stoney Middeleton

On 11th May,2003 some gearwas laken from inside the Resurgance enlrance lo Carlswark cavern. This could mane that thieves are watching! The group involved were only in the cave for about 10 minutes, when they came returned, the geaiwas gone! With thanks to Hitch n Hike's web site.

Don't forget to visit Hitch n Hike's excellent web site on www.hnh.dircon.co.uk

Dave Edwards & Associates OUTDOOR DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION AND TRAININC 1 Sycamore Barn, off Main Road, Taddington, BUXTION SK17 gTR VAT REG. No. 758107225 Tel/Fax 01298 85 375 Mobile: 07808 181801 [email protected]. net

CAVING TECHNICAL SKILLS TRAINING TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD.

SRT, RIGGING, SELF RESCUE AND LADDER & LINE.

CLASSIC CAVING TRIPS TO THE VERGORS

TRAINING & ASSESMENT FOR THE LCMLA & CIC SCHEMES.

Just give me a call to discuss your training requirements.

EDCA.'nIfirLs Gorlsergsa,tion- ^El'nsa,rd- Derbyshire Caving Association has just heard news that it has won an English Conservation Award for its work on the SSSI Monitoring scheme. This is a national award for special conservation work and recognises DCA'S hard work and commitment to helping EN get the scheme up and running and ahead of schedule - help that was noticed by an appreciative head offlce.

DcA's conseNation Offlcer, David Webb, sent a message to lhe '10 club cavers primarily responsible for the monitoring work, which was carried out during normal caving trips: "l can't begin to tell you how thrilled I am that we have been given this recognition, and of course it would not have been possible without your help and hard work. lt has been a true team effod. However, it's not over yet and there's still work to do - but I think we can feel justiflably proud of what we have achieved so far."

David will be presented with the award on DCA'S behalf at the Royal Show on July 1"1. DERBV$HIRE GAVING A$$OGilATION MAMER$

NEXT DCA MEETING

DCA Council Meeting - Sat.28th June 2003 at'loam at Monyash Village Hall.

DCA Council Meeting - Sat. 1sth November 2003 at 1oam at Monyash Village Hall.

The Hall will be open from about 9.30am with tea, coffee and biscuits on tap. The Old Smithy Cafe, next to the Pub, does an excellent breakfast from about gam.

CONSERVATION / ACCESS

If you have any queries or problems relaling to access or conseryalion in the region you can e-mail all the DCA Conservation and Access team members on [email protected].

Team members are: Conservation & Access officer John Taylor: Tel. 0'1663-734918, Mob. 0786-6705149 E-mail [email protected] OR [email protected] Access Officer lain Barker: Tel. 0114-25301 12, Mob. 0771-0689704 E-mail [email protected] OR [email protected] Acting Conservation Officer Dave Webb: Tel. 01 15-840-1 109 E-mail david.webbl [email protected] OR [email protected]

NEW DCA NEWSLETTER EDITOR

We are pleased to report that at the DCA Council Meeting on 26th April, Paul Lydon was co- opted as Newsletter Editor.

GIANTS HOLE

Following the sale, for the time being, the access situation at Giants Hole is unchanged. Please continue to pay the trespass fee at the farm.

PAYMENT OF TRESPASS FEES

Please rememberthat, in addition 10 Giants Hole, a smalltrespass fee is due at Oxlow Farm for visits to Oxlow, Maskhill and Nettle; at Perryfoot Farm for visits to P8 and Gautries and at Tor Top Farm for Dr. Jackson's and Perryfoot. Please ensure that you do pay up when you visit these sites.

LATHKILL HEAD UPPER ENTMNCE

Please ensure that you tighten up the nuts on the lid after you have visited the cave to ensure they cannol be undone without a spanner - finger tight is not good enough. A reminder thal the conditions of the access agreement require that all cavers visiting the site are covered by a current Public Liability lnsurance, (it doesn'l matterwhich one, either DCA or BCRA is acceptable) and that each member of lhe group must fill in the Log Book correctly and state, for each person, which insurance cover is held.

PUBLIC LIABILIry INSURANCE

A reminder that you do need your own current Public Liability lnsurance (either as an individual or through your club and either through DCA or BCRA) for access to Lathkill Head Upper Entrance, Peak Cavern and Holme Bank Chert Mine. There are also an increasing number of caves in other areas which require this, the latest being Dan-yr-Ogof (See letter from Elsie Little). You may obtain this insurance via DCA if you are not already covered. Contact DCA Legal & lnsurance Of{icer, Pete Mellors, 'Fairview', Station Road, Edingley, Newark, Notts. NG22 8BX for an application form for the DCA scheme or download it from the DCA website.

EQUIPMENT NOTES

In the absence of an Equipment Offlcer, for the time being, please refer problems relating to bolts, fixed aids, etc. to Jenny Potts: Tel. 0'1335-370629 or E-mail. [email protected]. uk.

TRAINING INFORMATION

DCA CAVERS WORKSHOP

Following the event on March 1"t& 2nd 2003, I have duly attended training committee meetings on behalf of DCA and pushed for grant aid next year. See Training Course date sheet.

NCA GRANT AIDED TRAINING COURSES

I have a number of NCA grant aided workshops coming up. You will see from my notes from the NCA thal I have done pretty well with the amount on offerl See Training Course date sh eet.

CAVING CLUB TRAINING SCHEME I will run a couple more training workshops this year to 'train the trainers' and I would encourage any future training officers who pctential NCA aviard candidates to get involved.

PRE-ASSESSMENT DAY FOR CAVE LEADERS

These are an excellent opportunity for DCA members to test themselves out and I will run one on Sunday July 6rh 2003. The cost is free of charge to those who have been involved with the club training scheme orthe training courses or €20 to others who are DCA members.

DCA SRT RIGGING AND SRT RESCUE COURSE

I will run 2 of these 2 day training courses in September this year. Technical competence from each member of the team is very important as this technique is more of a 'single persons' technique and the skills required should be learned under close supervision of an experienced and fully qualified caving instructor. I will start the day with an introduction to the variety of equipment on the market and give you sound advice on care and maintenance. There is a danger of rushing out and buying equipment that may not be right for you so I must stress that you try out all the different harnesses, descenders etc. first before making your decision. lwill explain in detail the equipment used and give you plenty of opportunity during the day to try it all out thus helping you to decide a 'RlG'that suits you.

TRAINING GRANTS lf you or your club is thinking of running a training event, please phone me and I will push this to NCA training committee. There is only a small amount available out of this years NCA budget, however I will personally push any club lraining applications on your behalf. CAVING EQUIPMENT AUDITS

I have carried out a number of these over the last couple of years, mainly to University clubs. I am willing as DCA training offlcer to continue with these and to discuss training programmes with training officers.

DCA CAVING TRIPS

I am looking at the idea of setting up caving trips for new people wishing to go caving and then join DCA, including under 18's. The way this will work is that new cavers apply for a trip, I arrange a leader (who will probably be someone going through the NCA scheme) and myself to lake them. The cost involved io the new cavers is expenses only, I will sponsor these trips with equipment and insurance cover.

Any leaders taking these lrips with me will be paid expenses and l'll 'arrange'some cheap kil their way. They may even get a free LC/[/LA assessment out of it tool These new people will then be introduced to local clubs. This new idea is to fill a gap and does not take people away who are already looking for a club. I am looking at sponsorship iniliatives for promoting this.

REPORT ON NCA BUSINESS AND DECISIONS MADE IN 2OO2: NCA 4 YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Bob Mehew introduced this and stated that he had put most of the activity into the first year due to uncenainties with the BCRA merger etc. lt was pointed out thal the Committee had not had time last year to provide a viable input. As it was a rolling 4 year plan there was the opportunity to revisit thls and it should be scheduled for Spring /Early Summer. Bob went on to explain that the Training Budget was around a27,000 per year of which the two Seruice Contracts accounted for some €20,000 of this and the LCMLA,/CIC schemes another [5,OOO leaving about €2,000 available for "recreational" caver training. In the report targeis were given for numbei"s of participants in the LCF,,ILA & CiC schemes. The corrmittee was unsure if these were achievable in view of the alternative AALA accepted approach of ClCs giving site speciflc approval which could be acting against recruitment into the LCMLA scheme. The committee were of the opinion that the views of the employers of award holders should be sought to check if the schemes met their needs during the year.

SCOUT ASSOCIATION AUTHORISATION ldris Williams, the new NCA Training Offlcer, outlined the proposed new scheme as it had been developed so far. In brief, the revised scheme would require "Form Cave" holders (persons authorised to take Scouts underground) to have completed LCMLA training to appropriate level and checks on their suitability for leading young people would be carrjed out. They would then be assessed by a Scout Assessor, and if found suitable would be granted permission for named caves/mines (or named routes in caves/mines). The assessment would normally include an underground trip with a group in the mosl severe site requested. The assessor would hold a LCIMLA to the level being assessed and will have undergone an assessors couTse.

Several items still need 10 be addressed at this stage e.g. over 18's, mines and SRT. The Scout Association had asked the NCA both for comments and to set up the Assessors course in a similar way that Plas-y-Brenin had for Hill-walking assessors. The Scout Association had not appreciated that the CIC trainer/assessors scheme did not include assessment training. A meeting at Bob I\,4ehew's house the previous week had cleared the air oI various misconceptions and lan James would, following the next Meeting of his group in early February, come back to us vr'ith an outline of the Assessors course. lwill be actively encouraging scout leaders and training officers to attend some of our DCA workshops this year. IDENTIFICATION OF ISSUES THAT THE COIVIMITTEE NEEDS TO ADDRESS

Concern was expressed by the committee that undue emphasis was being placed on "professional" caving and that there was a need to extend or adapt the current training schemes to "recreational" caving. Comment was made about using a different title from professional and recreational to describe the two groups. Concern was also expressed about the reluctance of cavers in general to formalisation of training.

. Provision of support for CIub trainers and recreational cavers. . Maintenance ofth6 LCMLA and CIC schemes via lhe panels. . Negotiations with the Scout Association to develop an authorisation scheme acceplable to both parties. . Continued support to University Clubs.

I feel that the introduction and supporting of club training officers is the way forward and this is reflected in the workshops that I am running.

LCA{LA SC}IEME

I am in the process of providing free group work training for candidates who have recenfly gone through LC/MLA training.

The scheme, designed lor those responsible for leading others underground, requires that candidates must have attended a training course by an approved provider before an assessment can take place. I have registration forms if anyone would like some

LCIMLA Training (evel 1) Sunday & Sunday June 76 & 86 2003 Sunday & Sunday July 5th & 6th 2003

LCIMLA Training (level 2) Sunday & Sunday Jurc 286 & 2gb 2OO3 sunday & Sunday July 1gth & 20ih 2oo3

FOLLOW UP TRIPS

All follow up days and group experience days are free of charge and I can arrange paid work those who pass assessments.

GUIDELINES FOR UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE BASED CLUBS

There is an increasing requiremenl both from University authorities and students, for the NCA to provide a set of informal cuidelines aimed at promoting the safe operation of university and college caving clubs. I have actively encouraged university club training offlcers to attend our training workshops.

We have had similar guidelines running over the past couple of years on an informal basis for caving clubs and their training programmes

CAVES OF THE PEAK LEAFLET

I may be writing a foMard to a new leaflet on Caves in the Peak, any interest here would be very welcome.

Nigel Atkins DCA Traininq Courses 2003

These courses are open to all DGA members

Date Sunday June 29rh 2oo3 Venue Pindale Fann Outdoor Centre Topic/s Verticat Caving Workshop for Club Leaders (non SRT) Spcakers CIC Holders Number of Places I 2 Charge €20.00

Date July 2003 - (nay be postponed to October as Ralph is arvay !) Venue Pindale Fafln Outdoor Centre Topic/s Cave Rescue Workshop for Club Leaders Spealiers CIC Holder & Cave Rescuc Team Number of Places 12 Charge €20.00

Datc Saturday Septcmb cr 27'n 2OO3 Venue PiIdaIe Fann Outdoor Cenke Topic/s Cave Leaders Workshop for Club Leaders Speakers CIC Holders Number ofPlaccs 8 Charge €20.00

Diltc Sundav ocroher lg,h 2003 Vcnue Pind:rle Fann Outdoor Certe Topic/s sRT workshop for club Leadcrs Spealiers CiC Holders Number of Pfaces 12 Charge €20.00

Date March 2oo4 Venue Pindale Fann Outdoor Centre Topic/s Cave Rescue, Cave Instlxctor. SRT, Advanced SRT, Ladders Lines Abseiling lvith Groups & Self Rescuc, Cave Video, Mines History, Cave Fomration Developmert & Conseruatiol. Possibly also to cornbire a training session in bolting. Spe:rkcrs CIC's - Technical Sessions, DCRO - Cave Rescue Sessior, Associated Specialists for all Other Sessions Number of Places 60 day 1 & 60 day 2 Charqe €'l0.OO per day

Locirl Calc,Minc Lcadcr Arvard Tnining (lo'cl l) Sunday & Sunday June 7tr' & 8th 2003. Sunda.v & Sunday July 5tl' & 6tl'2003

Locitl Cavc/N{inc Lctdcr A\rir[d Training (lcvcl 2) Sunday & Sunday Junc 28r1' &- 29t1' 2003. Sundar, & Surday.Iuly 19tr' & 20t1'2003 IT TDE ET.G|Er.(OI'I\rfD EB-RITlEtIIlf - I/EGIA.I/ & INTSITERAI\rCE I S SI'E S

t last the long'awaited updated version of the NcA booklet "Legal Aspects of Access Underground" (published in 1988) has been produced. The new book is written by David Judson, with the help of other expeds, and has been published join y by NCA and BCRA. (lt is BCRA Cave Studies Series No. 12and is available eiiher from NCA or from BCRA Publications sales.) underground Britain - Legal & Insurance lssues is priced at !3.50 including postage.

,,lnsurance,,. The new book is split into lwo main sections: "Legal Aspects,' and and also contains_three useful appendices. lt is extremely comprehensive and should be required reading for officers of all major caving bodies and clubs. As the situation, (particularly with respect to the countryside and Rights of way Act - cRow is in a constant ctate ot flux, it is intended that updated editions will be issued at intervals, as required.

The Legal Aspects section has chapters on all the various aspects of the law which may affect caving or cavers:

. Access to Caves and Rights of Way, (ncluding the CRoW legislation); . NatureConservationLegislation; . Duty of Care, Child Protection & Human Rights; . Digging and the Use of Explosives.

The lnsurance section has chapters on the different types of insurance which may be relevant to cavers and caving:

. General Principles of lnsurance (including Landowners' Requjrement); . Expeditionlnsurance; . Public Liability Cover; . other lnsurance Policies and Issues.

Price €3.50 (Cheques payable to NCA) from: NCA Publications, 3 Greenway, Hulland Ward, Ashbourne, Derbyshire. DE6 3FE. Glrr:Or.yr re TriII Gala,r,rr i1e IUfineS,

bout six month ago I was give a selection of picture postcards of bygone images from North East that have been produced by the staffordshire based Rural Education and Art Project (R.E.A.P.) www.reapweb.org.uk Nothing spectacular about that except that one of the post cards has a picture of chrome Hill on the front and on lhe back the information reads: "calamine used to be mined at croom Hill (sic.) and parkhouse Hill. lt is said that the vein was 60 yards long, 3 teet wide and 6 teet high. calamine is Zinc carbonate (smithsonite). lt was roasted, using coal, to drive off the co2, turning the ore into znc oxide. lt was mosfly sent to Froghall and mixed with copper to make brass. /l was atso transpofted to the Millda[e smelting Mill at Alstonetield in wiskers, which were spec,a/ baskets ised for carrying the ore." I have contacted REAP and they tell me that the reference came from someone who lives in the Longnor/Holllnsclough Area. I am certainly not aware of a mine of this size on chrome

10 Hill, although on the Hollinsclough side there is a short rifl that could well be the now run-in entrance to a mine.

Does anyone have any information about this site as 6om of passage in the upper Dove Area would be well worth flnding.

Simon Brooks 01335 34641 1 or Email [email protected] Ilrrdergrorlrrd-'.sideo - getting sta,rted-

y interest in video began in March 2000 when Brian Grifflths and I were interviewed by Dave Webb, who was in the process (and still is) of making a film about the Neil Moss rescue (Peak Cavern 1959). Dave and lgottalking and being rather gullible, Dave eventually persuaded me to purchase a digital camera. ln November 2OOO DCRO had organised a practice in the Monyash area and as it appeared that the ,lroops" would mainly come from my club (CCPC) and Dave's (Masson CG), we persuaded them to allow us to film the event. On the day Dave did all the underground filming and, as I was surface controller, I did the surface shots.

Then.came the hard bit: we spent hours and hours in Dave's editing studio putting together the video. Needless to say the closer the project came to being finished, the more-Dave requested extra footage. so numerous trips to Hillocks, whalf and Knoflow were made. (l suppose this led ultimately to the formation of "The coffin Dodgers" due to the antiquity of most of the participants who could attend mid week sessions without the restriction or naving to attend regular employment!)

Eventually after around 40 man-hours editing, the 25-minute video was finished and I for one was irnpressed with the resulis, which were entii'ely due lo Dave's ediling skills. l\,,1y iiiput.,vas viftually nil, but l'd learnt a lot. However l'd also got lhe bugl A couple of months later and ,,solo', found myself in Nepal (not by accident) so I produced my first film. lt was about 37 minutes long and I was dead chuffed. However I could lell when Dave saw it that he was far from being impressed. Taking on board his (polite) comments lshortened the lilm to 25 minutes and the difference was incredible - lwas in business!

A couple of months after my return, that well known mine explorer, Len Kirkham, asked me to film a .long-forgotten underground tramway that he had reopened linking staffordshire and cheshire. I immediately got in louch with Dave since I hadn't the boi e to take on the prestigious project myself. Matt Ryan was also dragged in as his l.T. skills were required and proved invaluable, as I had just installed a digital editing system with which dave was unfamiliar.

Editing this 25-minute film took even longer. I estimated lhat 120 man-hours went into editing and I lost count of the hours filmingl rhe results were impressive and the film became a *best-- seller" in the local area with sales exceeding our modest expectations.

Flushed with success I then moved on to film p8 (25 mins.) Hillocks-Knoflow-whalf (45 mins.) and Peak cavern (48 mins.). All these were well received and various retail ouilets were persuaded to market them. My last production was sidetrack cave, a 2o-minute lllm of the formations in this stunning system hopefully showing them before they inevitably get degraded by the passage of cavers regarciless how careful they may be. AII profits from tlhis Iatest filrn are being donated to DcRo, so if you feel like putting your hand in your pocket for a worthy cause either contact me or call in Hitch n Hike.

Now you are all busy on your calculators working oui how much profit I must be making and are surprised that you haven't seen a Benfley or top-of-the-range Range Rover pirked outside the Ed's caf6 or one of the cas eton hostelries. worried about a visit from the

11 taxman, I actually sat down and worked out my proflts. when I took into account the cost of cameras (1. have lwo), tape (a fllm normally takes 5 or 6 HiB tapes), travelling (a video normally takes about 'lg ten visits over a period of about months) and copying coits'(since I have this done professionally- mainly because it's boring!) l was lucky to breik even - and I hadn't included the cost of a high-spec computer and editing soflwaie thal was well over a couple of grand!

I include lhis last bit of information to dissuade those who are thinking of taking up this Iascinating hobby as a "money spinner", but hopefully Iwill have encouraged olhei less materialistic cavers to shell out, buy a camera and "have a go". with our editor's permission [Granted! - Ed.] I hope to include some technicat detalls in the next issue of "The berbyshire Caver" for those who wish to get started or for those who've started and have ,,got stuck;!

Ralph Johnson

Sidetrack Cave Video

Managed to visit Derbyshire's latest discovery yet? - A cave with stunning formations but with a tight entrance series. lf you wish to purchase a 20 min video of the system they are available from Hitch n Hike or from the author (Ralph Johnson email [email protected]) at L7.95 pius postage. ALL orofits to DCRO

Sad news from abroad

Fernand Petzl, inventor of the famous Petzl gear that is so well known to cavers and clim bers, died on Saturday May 31, after a lengthy illness, at the age of 91 . ln 1942, Fernand Petzl began testing the flrst nylon ropes. He also started manufacturing cable ladders for caving. A passionate caver himself, he participated in much exploralio;, namely in the Gouffre Berger (France) which became the world,s deepesl cave in 1956, with '122 a depth of 1 meters (3680 feet). He continued inventing prototypes of caving equipment in his small workshop in France, and fine-tuning the gear by taking advice from his caving friends. He founded the Petzl company in the mid-7os.

Yvonne Droms (via the lnternet) WiIIorCk s ..Su-n;gr,

onclusions of a pumping operation conducted by CCPC et al 23'd April, 2003 first details in ''fhe Derbyshire Caver '1 16".

A sump exists at the end of a level in Hillocks Mine Monyash known to the explorers as the S west Cross Cut Sump. Access was by SRT down the 200, Whalf Engine Shaft. Pumping equipmenl etc was lowered and raised by winch for speed and convenience. This

12 and backfilling with deads. Near the end, the floor dips down steeply due to a decrease in the depth of infill, estimated at 3m, based on observations in the dewatered forefield.

This 'dip' is permanently flooded to almost floor level, and the object of the pumping operation, the exercise being to establish if the level continues below the flooded rooi. As th; water.level dropped a genfly dipping bedding plane was revealed with a large quantity of water issuing into the sump along the bedding- the reason for the flooding.

As pumping progressed deads were removed to a depth of 2.5 metres to reveal a seclion of original floor with the forelield sloping back down the "dip' towards the level.

Below the normal water perch, surprisingly large and uniform shot holes approximately y, 24,, long and 1 " diamerer were noted driven vertically downward. contemporaneous holes have not been seen, at least by the writer, in other parts of the mine, and prboauly represent late stage reworking with compressed air drilling.

Earlier work in the roof can be seen that represents the original driveage, with shot holes of 7/8" diameter, possibly dating from the 1750s or earlier, given the history of this place. lt will be noted when descending the engine shaft that yet another size of drill-hole is in evidence i.e. l" diameter. Which should allow accurate dating of the shaft.

Co n clusion

A calcite vein can be seen in the centre of the heading with a vertical groove picked out. This may have been a lead scrin that was followed in the hope that it would belly out with depth., a reasonable speculation. However in this instance no such vein was iound.

Len Kirkham CCPC PDMHS

Self-Help / Rescue Course

eventeen people collected together on Saturday, lOth i,4ay at Casfleton youth Hostel for a ,,Self-Help course organised by Ralph Johnson on the topic of / Rescue,' with a number of willing volunteers both from the Derbyshire cave Rescue organisation and from Hagg Farm and Lockerbrook Outdoor Education Centres.

After a quick welcome talk from Ralph, we were split into two groups. one group was taken to suicide Cave in nearby Winnats Pass while the other group attended talks on variouJtopics.

At suicide cave we were given instruction and advice by Graham Jones (head of Lockerbrook) and phil Baker (head of Hagg Farm) on techniques such as spotting (taking up position beneath a caver at the start of a short climb in order to "field" any slips), assisted hindlinei and techniques to both aid novices on ladder climbs and to provjde emergency hauling assistance.

After a break for runch, the two groups swapped over and my group met in a room back at casfleton Y.H tor an entertaining talk given by Bill whitehouse, chairman of DCRo, on causes of accidents underground and when and how to initiate a callout. Tom Bairey, DcRo l\4edicar officer, folrowed and gave advice on Risk Assessment and Management. Next was Nicora pickering, DCRo Leader and who runs High Peak First Aid, ran through basic First Aid and how to cope witi medical problems whiie waiting for the experts to arrive. Tom and Nicora then combined forces on advice regarding survival yras techniques. The session rounded off indoors, due to the showery vr'eather, by RobtarmEr, Dc;RO giving member, a practical demonstraiion of various techniques used in mio-rope rescues (where a caver is unable to ascend or descend whjle still on a rope). on sunday, many from the previous day's course met at 'iThe chapel" after which Ralph rounded off the week-end with a tourist trip around peak Cavern.

All-in-all a very useful and eye-opening weekend. Thanks to Ralph for organising the course, providing not only useful instruction in howto cope when the unexpected happens, buiarso to provide somi money for the DCRO.

Paul Lydon

13 DERBYSHIRE CAVING ASSOCIATION OFFICERS FOR 2OO3.2OO4 Chairman: Bob Dearman The Green Cottage, Main Street, Chelmorton, Buxton SK17 95L. Tel. 01298-85594 Secretary/Treasurer: Jenny potts 3 Greenway, Hulland Ward, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 3FE. Tet, 01335-370629, E-mait. [email protected] Conservation & Access Officer: John Taylor, 189 Macclesfield Road, whalley Bridge, HIGH pEAK Derbyshire SK23 7DR. Tel. 01663-734918, E-mail. [email protected] OR [email protected] Access Officer: Iain Barker 56 Thornbridge Crescent, Birtey, Sheffietd S12 3AE . Tet.0ll4-253-0tl1, E-mait. [email protected] OR [email protected],uk Conservation Officer, Conservation / Training Liaison Officer : Dave Webb 3 De Vere Gardens, Ivoodthorpe, Nottingham NG5 4pH. Tel. 0l 15-g40-1109, [email protected] OR [email protected] Legal & lnsurance Officer: pete Mellors 'rFairview", Station Road, Edingley, Newark, Notts. NG22 88X. Tet. 01623-gg2515, E-mait. pmellors@f reeuk.com Training Officer: Nigel Atkins !Vharfedale House, Springfield Close, Midwa;,, S. Derbys. DE11 ODB. Tel. 012g3_210666, E.nrail. nigel@pent)ineonline.com OR [email protected] Equipment Officer: (Post vacant) E-n!ail, [email protected] Newsletter Editor: Paul Lydon Flefford House, NIain Street, \Vinsier, Matlock, Derb.rshire. DE4 2DII. 7,el.01629-65A$2, E-mail. [email protected],uk Cave Registry Secretary: John Beck Glelre Cottage, The Hillock, Eyam, Derbys. S30IRB. T eL.01433-631732, IJ-nrail. iohntreck@classicirn,net Planning Liaison Offlcer: Da!id tliycro{t .[2 Fernydale Ave., Ilarpur Hill, BUXTON, Derbyshire. SKIT 9LW. Tel.0l29g-22167, E-rnail. [email protected] Assistant Secretary: Chris Broome (rcarpathian", Dale Close, Bonsall, Matlock, Derbyshire. DE4 2Ay. TeL.01629-824512, E-mait. [email protected] E-mail: [email protected], Website: www.theDCA.co.uk

T}{E DCA . WI-|AT WE DO AND HOW TO JOIN US DOING IT The aim of Derbyihire Caving Association (DCA) is to protect the caves and promote good caving practice within the and surrounding areas. Membership is open to all clubs. individuali and outdoor actiYity proYiders u'ith an interest in cayes and caving or mine exploration. Check or:t the I)CA rvebsite for ftrt ther inforrnation. Membership enquilies to the Secretary (address above). ?he Derbl'shire Caver (the ne\i'slelfer of the DCA) has been in uninterrupted publication for olcr thirty ye*rs a d is of paramount yaltre as a forum for cavers in Derbyshire. The Ectitor welconles contritrlutions from a/,1 cavers, rvhethei DCA members or not. News, articles, etc. should be sent to him at the ahove address, or give him a ring. The Derbyshire Caver is posted free to DCA rnernbersl non-members may subscribe by sending a cheqrre for S7 (payable to DCA) for four issues, to the Secretary/Treasurer (address abovc). Some back issues are also available for sale. Curreni issues ol the Derbyshire Caver are available from the following outlets: Hitch 'n' Hike, Bamlord; The Old Smithy Teashop, Monyash; Peak District Mining Museum, Matlock Bath; Peveril Outdoor & Travel, Castloton; lnglesport, lngleton.

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