THE WESSEX CAVE CLUB JOURNAL VOLUME 21 (NUMBER 229) JULY 1991

Contents

Officers and Committee 34 Club Notes 35 Notes 36 Notes for Contributors 36 Club Diary 1991 37 Wessex Challenge 37 Grockle Baiting on the River Axe 38 Weil’s Disease 39 South Nordland 1990 34 To the 19’th level with Tuska’s Tours 49 Otter Hole Trip 52 Mendip Rescue Organization Report 1990 52 Index to Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 20 I

“From The Log” will reappear in the next issue Next Issue: Scotland

The Wessex Cave Club Headquarters, Upper Pitts, Eastwater Lane, , Nr. Wells, , BA5 3AX. Telephone: Wells (0749) 72310

Opinions expressed in the Journal are not necessarily those of the Editor or of the Wessex Cave Club as a whole unless expressly stated as being so. © Wessex Cave Club, 1991 ISSN 0083-81IX

Officers and Committee of the Wessex Cave Club. 1991 Officers whose address does not appear here may be contacted via Upper Pitts

President Luke Devenish Editor Nick Williams 71 Pendle Road, Clayton-Le-Woods, Vice-Presidents Paul Dolphin Chorley, Graham Balcombe Lancs., PR5 2UN Hon. Chairman Aubrey Newport 0772 421119 Bramblebank, Upper Stanton Drew, Sales Officer Aiden Williams Bristol, 26 Rock Road, BS18 4EG Midsomer Norton, 0272 333236 (9am - 9pm) BA3 2AQ 0761 412896 (9am – 9pm) Hon Secretary Nick Marachov 17 The Park, Hut Booking Officer Roz Fielder, Southowram, 94 Cavendish Meads, Halifax, Sunninghill, W. Yorks., nr Ascot, HX3 9QY Berks. 0422 321535 0344 27166 (9am – 9pm)

Hon. Treasurer Brian Hansford Hut Admin Officer Pete Hann 34 Fleming Road, Weeke Estate, Ordinary Member Jim Rands Winchester,

Hants, SO22 6EE Journal Distribution Jim Moon 0962 882814 Northern Caving Keith Sanderson Secretary Heather View, Asst. Secretary Mhairi Rands Newby, (Membership) 17 Tillet Close, Nr. Clapham, Stonebridge Park, Lancs. London, NW10 0QA 0468 5662

M.R.O. Coordinator Nick Pollard Caving Secretary Andy Summerskill 16 Warren Close, Survey Sales Maurice Hewins Sandhurst, 31 Badshot Park, Camberley, Badshot Lea, Surrey, Farnham, GU17 8EL Surrey, 0252 875453 GU9 9JU 0252 29302

Gear Curator Duncan Frew 90 Cheylesmore Drive, Librarian Rob Taviner Cheylesmore Park, Camberley, Surrey, GU16 5BP 0483 22732

Hut Warden Howard Price

Page 34 Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991

Club Notes It is with regret we note the recent deaths of Eric Hensler, and Bruce Foster.

New Members

The Wessex would like to extend a warm welcome to the following new members:

Antony Jay, 54 Fanshawe Road, Hengrove, Bristol, Bath, BS14 9RX, 0272 839875 Peter Gillings-Attoe, Newcombe House, Sidcot School, Avon, BS25 1LU, 0934 843326 Andrew Ladell, 96 Hengist Road, Northumberland Heath, Kent, 0322 338574 Wayne Brown, 1 Clayton Close, Littlemoor, Weymouth, , DT3 6QZ, 0305 814317 Steve Butler, 1 Charmouth Court, Torpoint Road, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 5LZ, 0272 637160 Graham Bromley, 13 Danziger Way, Borehamwood, Herts, WD6 5DA, 081 207 3267 Hilary O’Byrne, 65A Longley Road, Tooting Broadway, London, SW17 9LA, 081 672 5796 Estelle Sandford, 51 Langford Road, Weston Super Mare, Avon, BS23 3PG, c/o 0934 812505

Welcome back to Pete Slater, 145 Cromwell Road, Bristol, BS6 5EU, 0272 422751

Change of Address Fiona Lewis, Rear Flat over Co-op, Fore Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG, 0963 51436 Ric and Pat Halliwell, 23 Hull Road, Cottingham, N. Humberside, HU 16 4PN, 0482 876544 Keith Savory, 1 Watchfield Cottages, Watchfield, Nr. Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 4RB Pete Hann, 49 Greenhill Road, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 5ND, 0935 410197 Martin Wise, HQ RAOC TA, Blackdown BK, Deepcut, Camberley, Surrey, GUI6 6RW Nick Marochov, 17 The Park, Towngate, Southowram, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 9QY, 0422 321535 PLEASE ALSO NOTE THE NEW EDITORIAL ADDRESS:

71 Pendle Road, Clayton Le Woods, Leyland, Lancs, 0772 421119 (I hope this one’s going to last at least a year!)

In Committee Upper Pitts Progress: The new telephone has now been installed, the showers solenoids have been moved out of reach and the hut fire extinguishers have been serviced. Jobs now on the list for attention include car park lighting, animal proof refuse storage, the ladies’ showers and provision of a hairdryer socket in the ladies’ dormitory.

Profits from the Geevor trip will go towards Tuska’s digging projects. Sales: There are problems with the existing supplier of boots (they’ve gone bust). Aiden is to look for an alternative source.

Anyone who knows a source of cheap mattresses - please contact the Committee

Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991 Page 35 Caving Notes The status of caving on Casterton Fell (Easegill) is once again open to question now that the Red Rose Cave and Pothole Club have had an eviction notice served upon Bull Pot farm. At the time of writing, the leaving deadline has passed and the RRCPC are still sitting tight. Members intending to visit Easegill might be advised to seek further details from Steve Round in Bernies (Ingleton). An air shaft has collapsed in the area of Birks Fell/Mongo Gill - please stay on the track in the area until it has been repaired. The entrance to Pen-y-Ghent Pot is to be rebuilt during July. The tunnel to the Battlefield Chamber in White Scar Cave is now complete, making it the biggest showcave chamber in the country, (see Journal Vol. 20 P 81 & 101). Meanwhile, on Mendip, the BEC have made a serious entry in this year’s digging barrel competition with the discovery of 450ft of new passage and three new pitches in Wigmore’s Swallet. The extensions are, if anything, even muddier and more squalid than the existing cave. At the end of a rather unpleasant grovel, it is alleged that a stream can be heard, so further progress, to a streamway, is expected shortly ...... The Cosy Cafe, 1A High Street, Hirwaun has long been known as a good stop for breakfast when caving in South Wales. However, with its recent acquisition by John Breakspear, cavers (particularly divers) can expect an even better level of service. Modifications are underway to open a shop upstairs, and John already has a good range of caving and diving equipment for hire. Future plans include the installation of a compressor and training tank. The provision of a decent caving shop in this part of Wales is certainly long overdue, and the level of service which the cafe will be able to provide will depend to a large degree on the support it gets from cavers. John can be contacted by ‘phone on 0685 811543.

Notes for Contributors

If you have any article, letter, comment, news, photograph, or anything else which you would like to see published in the Journal, please do not hesitate to send it to me at the address below. Preferably, text should be typed on one side of the paper only, with wide margins and double spaces between the lines, but I’d rather have it scrawled on the back of a cigarette packet than not get it at all. The main requirement for photographs is that they should not have too much contrast as otherwise they are unrecognizable when printed. Prints in black and white or colour are acceptable, but bear in mind that they will come out as black and white prints when they appear, so if the colour is an important feature the effect may be lost in printing. Please make sure that your prints or transparencies are clearly labelled, and send the appropriate captions for each label on a separate sheet. For those who have access to a word-processor, I may be able to accept contributions on floppy disc. Please give me a ring so that we can discuss whether or not your software is compatible with mine - at present I can handle contributions in Apple Macintosh and all formats of MS-DOS IBM disc. Line drawings, sketch maps and diagrams are all welcome. They should be supplied in the size at which they are to be printed. Make sure that lettering is large and bold. If you copy drawings or photo’s, or quote, from another publication, please make sure you inform me before publication so that I can make arrangements regarding copyright. Authors may obtain a laser-written copy of their article for the production of further off-prints by contacting me, although I may have to make a small charge for this service. I would like to thank Nick Marochov for the use of his LaserWriter in the production of this issue, and Richard Kenney for his assistance with the typing. NJW

Page 36 Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991 Club Diary 1991

6/7 July Portland Trip Seaside and caving

6 July Yorkshire booking Little Hull Pot 7 July Hammer Pot

14 July Committee meeting

27 July to French Trip Caving and walking in the Dordogne. August 18 Contact Duncan Frew for further details.

31 August/ North Wales weekend Walking, but caving can be arranged! 1 September 1 September Committee meeting

7 September Yorkshire booking Birks Fell

15/16 September Derbyshire weekend

29 September Committee meeting

5 October Yorkshire booking Dale Head Pot

19 October AGM and Annual Dinner Star Hotel, Wells, 7.30 for 8.00 pm

2 November Yorkshire booking Juniper Gulf 3 November Gaping Gill Main Shaft

30 November Yorkshire booking Rumbling Hole 1 December Hurnel Moss Pot

29 December Yorkshire booking Lancaster Hole 30 December Lost Johns Cavern 31 December Notts Pot.

Please contact Keith Sanderson (address at front of the Journal) if you wish to attend any of the Yorkshire bookings.

All trips will include novice instruction if requested. - contact the Caving Secretary or another member of the Committee

If you have any ideas for a Club activity, contact the Committee for help with organising and publicising it.

Wessex Challenge

A strong team of Wessex members managed to Congratulation to the Caving group on the very defeat the best efforts of the BEC this year, and took both successfully organised event. first and second places in the Wessex Challenge. The SMCC Having won, it now falls to the Wessex to organise came third. the 1992 Challenge, and the third weekend in June has been Observers believe that the cunning Wessex tactic provisionally put forward as a date. of entering two chariots (including the Frew Disposable Ideas for events would be very welcome: there is a model) contributed greatly to the victory by splitting the general feeling (not just amongst the Wessex) that it is time opposition’s spoiling attempts. to change the emphasis slightly, so put your imagination to The race was followed by a pig roast and dance, work, and contact the Editor if you have any good ideas. which all who attended thoroughly enjoyed.

Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991 Page 37 Grockle Baiting on the River Axe

Easter Monday morning dawned bright and clear - perfect conditions for a well planned expedition to Hole. A last check on equipment - trangia pans, wellies, specimen bags and geology hammer, Galena and Iron Pyrites - the kit was complete. One more cup of tea and it was off to to set up operations at the bend of the road by the bridge, carefully picked to give the spectators a good viewing platform. Panning operations started at 10.00am. The first bite was at 10.05 - a local couple who have lived in the village for 40 years were quite unaware of the gold and silver deposits mined in the Mendips by the Romans, but we soon had them convinced when we showed them what we had found so far. Several bites later a young man in a blue denim jacket came back after 20 minutes and accused us of playing an April Fool’s joke on him. Of course, we denied it most profusely and promptly found another large nugget of gold. He was still not quite sure when he left five minutes later. The best bite of the day was two lads from the showcave who had dug out the streambed to increase the flow six months before. We told them that they had probably dumped thousands of pounds worth of gold and silver on a tip somewhere; after this they kept coming back to see our samples. At times quite a large crowd gathered to marvel at the sight of large nuggets of gold and silver that kept appearing whenever there were people about. At 12 noon operations ceased, and the prospectors relocated to the Hunter’s Lodge to divide up our spoils as souvenirs. When complimented on my ability to tell such lies with a straight face I pointed out that I do work for a double glazing company! Prospectors: J. Rands, I Timney, E Waters; Geologist: D. Sealy; Assistant Geologist: W. Brown; Press: M. Hewins.

Page 38 Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991 WEIL’S DISEASE The national rat population is increasing and between 50% and 60% of rats carry and excrete the organism Leptospira Ictero-hemaorrhagia in their urine. Infection of Humans with this organism causes an illness (commonly called Weil’s Disease) which has been known to result in death in 10% of cases.

There has been a recent increase in the incidence of this disease: 32 cases were notified in 1986, 68 cases in 1987 and 133 cases in 1988.

Formerly the disease occurred mainly among sewage or abattoir workers, farm workers and miners but recent records show that the majority are now related to water activities. In 1989 there were 19 deaths and 13 of these were associated with water users.

"Water Users” of course includes cavers and, although there have been no deaths of cavers attributable to this disease recently, there have been a number of cases of cavers becoming infected, some of whom became very ill.

ABOUT THE ILLNESS

The organism enters the body through breaks in the skin such as cuts, blisters and abrasions, or via the lining of the nose, throat or alimentary canal.

The incubation period is 7 - 13 days and the disease starts with a fever, muscular aches and pains, loss of appetite and vomiting with pains, loss of appetite and vomiting with prostration. Subsequent bruising of the skin, sore eyes, nose bleeds and jaundice may occur. The fever lasts about five days and may be followed by significant deterioration.

It is vital that the doctor be told that the patient may have been in contact with a source of infection. The symptoms can easily be mistaken for those of flu and, if the patient has a clean occupation, the possibility of Weil’s Disease may be overlooked in the early stages.

Laboratory testing of blood samples will confirm the diagnosis but this may take undue time in an ordinary hospital lab. If Weil’s disease is suspected the samples should be sent direct to The Leptospirosis Reference Unit, Public Health Laboratory, County Hospital, HEREFORD, HR1 2ER (tel. 0432 277707) where they will be tested within 24 Hours. Treatment is usually by Penicillin anti-biotic.

RATS AND THE ILLNESS

Rats commonly live near water and in areas where there are sources of food such as animal feed, grain, or food residues from human habitation or other animals: farms, stables, high density animal husbandry units, around canteens in such places as quarries and along river and canal banks.

The leptospira organism is passed in the rats’ urine and, while it does not live long in dry conditions, it can survive some time in water. Salt water soon kills off the organism but there is a significant risk in tidal waters such as the lower parts of the Wye in the Forest of Dean and other rivers, The risk increase upstream and is greatest in canals, ponds, or areas of slowly draining water: thus there is a significant risk in caves carrying drainage from farm land, stables or quarries.

PREVENTION

Cavers on Mendip and in the Stoney Middleton area are known to have contracted the disease. Others have suffered a mild dose which was not diagnosed at the time, but which has been detected in subsequent blood tests.

Any skin wound or blister, old or new, may be infected if immersed in water polluted by the organism. By the nature of their sport it is difficult for cavers to avoid cuts and abrasions on their hands, particularly when ‘digging’. Wearing gloves probably provides the most effective protection since waterproof surgical plasters on their own are unlikely a stay in place. Clean, fresh water should be used to wash wounds as soon as possible.

BE AWARE

The disease is curable if recognised in time, but many doctors in urban areas will never have encountered it. If you have any reason to suspect that you may have been infected, you may need to draw your doctor’s attention to the possibility that the symptoms could be Weil’s Disease.

Reproduced by the WCCJ from a NATIONAL CAVING ASSOCIATION circular National Caving Association, Monomark House, 27 Old Gloucester Street, London, WC1N 3XX

Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991 Page 39 South Nordland 1990 Nigel Graham

Members of the South Nordland 1989 out among marshes below the Blafjell ridge. The locals go Expedition returned in August 1990 for three weeks to there berry picking, tending sheep (surprisingly the scene of those successes. We polished that area off, unusual in Scandinavia) or hunting. Vargskaret, the found nothing in the neighbouring outcrops, and ended cave valley, is the southerly branch. There are no with a set of short but pleasant caves in a “new” valley wolves here now, despite the name, but local contact nearby. Odd Johansen told us a young bear had killed a lot of This is a personal view of our exploring our sheep recently. main discoveries, plus some of the smaller caves, of The valley climbs 300 metres more to a col 1990. above Hjorstskardet to the south. This area, inspected Svenningskardet is a tributary valley to briefly in 1989 by Keith Bryant and Clive Gardener, Svenningsdalen, 13 23’E 65 30’N, and is above was one of our main objectives, (see area map). Strendene, on the E6 main road north (and with a The narrow marble outcrops follow the centre railway station: I could go by trains and ferry all the line of the north-south valleys. The marble beds are way from Weymouth!). Strendene is about the size of fairly thin, dip very steeply West but drain Horton in Ribblesdale, the nearest sizeable town is down-valley. The caves are characteristically stream Mosjoen, about 40 miles north. Access could not be canyons, but the dip and direction mean the “bedding simpler: Drive north from Trondheim for about 220 planes” are really joints and vice versa. The rock is miles, turn left at Svenningdal Station sign, turn right, very abrasive, made worse by razor-edged mica schist park opposite a gate just past the bridges over the protrusions and erosion forms. The streams are of Blåljellelva (“Blue Fell River”). A footpath crosses the meltwater from the slopes of Blafjell, only just above railway, up the wooded main valley, and peters the swallets, making the caves very cold.

Page 40 Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991

The team comprised Geoff Newton passage revealed nothing. Following the surface down (organiser), Trevor Faulkner, Jim Rands, Eddie Waters, brought us to an open shaft, but it was hopelessly Keith Bryant (Chelsea Speleo Society member living in choked. No other significant features were seen. So, Sweden) and Nigel Graham, plus Odd Johansen. We back to the col area. travelled there more or less individually, in three cars, Cascade Pot, reported by Keith in 1989, stopping overnight on the wild moor of Dovrefjell. showed a lower entrance, so no tackle was needed. It proved a fine little cave: The bottom of the pot stopped us (an overhanging waterfall), but from the surface again, climbing halfway down gained a bridge and access to the rather uninspiring wet upstream crawls. Not far away an impressive double shakehole collapses into a streamway. The lower collapse contains a sombre pitch overhung by ominous boulders. The upper hole gives a scramble down into a streamway about 8ft high by 4ft wide. A fast-flowing stream was followed, up an amusing little waterfall, to where it emerges from a . Just downstream from the sump a short climb enters a crawl, then a dug squeeze, and more smallish passage... Blåfjellgrotta, as this cave was christened, was showing itself as a complicated set of overflow passages and small chambers above a streamway, glimpsed as short sections between sumps. On the first trip, I was stopped by a wide bold step on the wall of a sizeable boulder chamber, but Eddie and Trevor continued into more crawls, for some way further. We emerged thinking the cave rather unpleasant. Col Cave proved grim. A short climb down a small shaft drops into rushing water. Upstream is a fairly varied, heavily shelved, passage ending too Odd, who lives near the valley, had showed small. Downstream starts hopefully, not the least us Svenningskardet in 1989, after we had finished on because of its altitude. A roomy passage soon reaches a the remote Elgfjell. Then, on a day trip into the valley, fine little cascade, swirling round into a rift. Then it we had been like a bunch of sprogs in a sweet-shop degenerates, to narrow, thrutchy, sharp and wet closing sale: Shakeholes, sinks, roaring streams sideways crawling along a schist band. After breaking glimpsed through small shafts, growling boulder through this at a small cascade, more crawling ends at a chokes... and all new. Odd had run a roadside cafe a boulder fall judged too dangerous, despite a view few miles away, and led tourists on easy caving trips, beyond. Surveying was awful: cold, wet, nerve- forest walks, etc. However, this relied on his having wracking (the cave is flood-prone and the weather caved initially with British cavers (including Trevor changeable) and arduous. Eddie and I lost our Faulkner and Geoff Newton). Norwegian cavers are “stinkies”, leaving him lightless and me relying on a few and far between, so opportunities for Odd to disintegrating dry-cell electric. His nearly-new explore anything are very limited. He does, though, oversuit foundered, and he froze. We were glad to hunt in the area, and so knew the caves existed. complete the survey, such as it is. With a definite area to return to, and the Surfacing, Eddie returned to the camp to marble bands extending over the passes north and thaw, whilst Trevor and I visited a cave listed as C2, south, we had high hopes. Indeed, on the first evening sketch-surveyed its attractive upstream portion, in the high camp, Camp and Baptist caves revealed emerged to spot a small cairn on the shakehole rim - themselves but yards from our tents, probably to and subsequently found we had explored upstream someone walking over to the designated area of “low Rainbow Cave (last year’s find). relief” beyond. We divided informally into two teams, After a couple of days elsewhere on the hill, working our own patches of fjell. Eddie, Trevor, Keith we returned to Blåfjellgrotta. Trevor and I found the and I took on the col and Hjorstskardet, while Geoff downstream entrance to be much better than its and Jim concentrated on the middle and lower slopes of brooding 20ft pitch over slimy, loose boulders Vargskaret. suggested, although the streamway sumped all too A little south, down the head of Store soon. With Eddie, and with a bit of help at Bold Step Hjorstskardet, a large stream sinking in a blind valley Chamber, we spent about 6 hours surveying in as far as demanded attention. It let us in readily enough, a gloomy, sandy boulder chamber (Sand Chamber). between dodgy boulders, into a wide, low streamway. The cave was now “an interesting place”. Sadly, it soon shelved into a sump, and a small side

Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991 Page 41

O verhanging Waterfall, Trevor and Keith attempted to enter the inlet. Some very d o d g y manoeuvres on rotten rock proved the inlet to be very short. Quick surveying, no time wasted returning to safe ground, and that was that for upstream Blafjellgrotta. Sand Chamber next: Its lower end narrows to a passage below an aven (Eddie’s Shaft, to the main route above), and a flood-prone region of passages and small Next day, Eddie caved with the Vargskaret chambers among which the stream plays (camp area) group, so Keith replaced him in hide-and-seek. Trevor and I completed the last survey Blaijellgrotta. While he and Trevor measured Sand leg... Chamber I inspected its boulder slope, finding a small “Where’s Keith gone?” he asked. hole into a short oxbow, to a large chamber. Now we “Through that hole in the wall behind me”, I were surveying into virgin cave. From the following replied. “He said it was roaring at him.” irregular chamber, a short crawl leads to a step down “Better follow him then”. into a dry passage emitting a healthy roar. Puzzlement Easier said than done: The hole enters a turned to amused delight when we saw the step bizarre corkscrew. Though not tight, it took some overhangs a noisy hole. experimenting to overcome Keith’s Manoeuvre. An The hole narrows to a tight tube (I had to dig easy crawl then pops out in the roof of a short cobbles out) descending to another bit of streamway, cross-streamway, but opposite us we espied a real gem. which foams from a bouldery rift and gurgles into a An inlet stream has cut a narrow T-canyon in beautiful lovely sump (Black Pencil Passage, Super Sump). pale-grey striped marble, giving the erosion shapes a Above the step is a short climb into dark- fine grained effect. We scrambled down, then climbed walled, hostile breakdown gallery. Loose slopes fall up 10ft into Marble Streamway. away to the right, and a steep chute leads down to the Marble Streamway is fairly short, the canyon bouldery rift streamway. The shattered passage floor rising rapidly below the traverse and ending at a (Complexity) eventually ends in boulder chokes, where small sump. A crawl past the sump attracted Keith, Keith forced a short crawl into not much, while Trevor who cobble-swam into the distance for ages, it seemed, left a message on a survey pad sheet for any successors to find nothing much. I learnt the meaning of (Edgar Johansen especially). “Surveyor’s Dog” some years ago, while surveying The cave had one more surprise at this end. with Pete Ryder (Moldywarps) in the cold, unfriendly Another boulder slope emerges in a black chamber crawls in Cave of the Liar (Wester Ross). Now I dominated by a 20ft waterfall crashing down the far thought, “Who’s ‘dog’?” as I gently reeled in the tape wall, hitting a wide ledge, and swirling off to the as Keith wriggled back, enticed by boiled sweets at inevitable sump. This spot (Overhanging Waterfall - it nose level as he emerged. is possible to walk behind the water) felt superbly One final bit to map: Eddie’s Shaft back up remote and hostile. Nearly seven hours after entry, we through the tight Z-bend squeeze above, into the main emerged hungry and veiy cold, but excited. upper passage. Then out for the last time: The amusing The Vargskar-ites listened to our comparing over-or-under rock bridge at Choice Squeeze; carefully Blafjellgrotta with Mendip caving with feigned horror, down Bold Step and the Ramp; a last look at the and much teasing when we tried to defend “our” cave: beautiful marble streamway window of Marble Arch. “It’s not THAT bad, etc”. Of course they wanted Into Perplexity, the cave’s practical joke, where the (secretly!) to see it! Thus it was that the third surveying exit is carefully camouflaged as a mere alcove. Some trip gave the cave Mendippy crowding. Once the gritty crawling, the first dug squeeze (now not tight: “visitors” had finished admiring the The floor is sand), and the climb back down into the outlet stream.

Page 42 Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991 Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991 Page 43 Almost 8 hours in a very chilly, brooding, (1989 “jewel”) with as many would-be photographers unfriendly but very varied and fascinating cave, quite as possible. The cave was half flooded, the air soon unlike any of its relatives in the area. It had kept its best steamy, and few photos resulted. A pity, since Roaring bits to the last of the third and fourth trips; the Marble Cave is perhaps the finest in Vargskaret, with large Streamway, we felt, a fitting climax. Three cold, tired passages in fine marble, swirling, cascading stream, and hungry, but supremely satisfied cavers emerged three entrances and two shaft openings. and walked back up over the col for the last time. We finished Svenningskardet by exploring The Northern crew (i.e. Vargskaret!) had not the Northwards. This was a fruitless day. The been idle either, surveying a lot of low-lying outcrops, often lost in vegetation, contained no caves. streamways below our camp, where the valley flattens We returned to the camp, dined, then carried down out to the marshes. Drowning Cave is the lowest (in almost all we could, reaching the tents again at dusk. both senses) and most moist: Not a place for rainy days. Next morning was the walk-out. The weather was fine Track Cave is one of a group by the path up to our unlike the previous year’s corresponding operation, campsite, and could be pushed to Drowning Cave. which had ended 36 hours of torrential rain and high Camp Cave is an attractive streamway, with a winds, when all that was dry in my tent was a sheltering small entrance cascade proving hilarious to reverse. lemming. We had polished off Svenningskardet: Baptist Cave (upstream Camp Cave), is entered through Anything left will need diving or determined digging. an awkward duck. It is relatively long, with two Blåfjellgrotta might go to 1km, with some effort. I streamways, one pleasant, the other low and wet, and a signed ourselves out of the “visitors’ book” kept at the variety of dry passages. A choked shaft and very short footpath gate. The locals frequent the valley, but why tubular resurgence was found in a small gorge west of the book? Alongside each date and name, some of the main valley. regular visitors, was a number of unknown meaning. The middle reaches of Vargskaret yielded two Someone thought it was to do with the local elderly: If very sporting caves. Bridge Pot features a tight wet so, what would the residents think, about retired squeeze immediately above a 3m wet climb, into a fine gentlefolk who had inhabited the hill and its caves for a canyon later degenerating into various wet and dry week? crawls. A day of rest down by the cars, a chance to Cairn Pot was the only cave found in wash off accumulated sweat, cave mud and insect Vargskaret to require a ladder. A climbable shaft gives repellent, in the Blåfjellelva (Brrrr!- meltwater). Odd, access to a fine, wet streamway. The pitch is only 5-6m invited us to his home for tea, then to stay overnight... high, but very wet, with a real Karma Sutra take-off, which became the rest of the trip. Sheer luxury this, a landing in a fine chamber in striped marble. The carpet to lay the Karrimat on, a proper kitchen (we continuation, initially promising, becomes provided our own food, and cooked it), a shower, and a progressively lower and wetter to a disappointing sump. proper sit-upon with no mosquitoes to worry about. Three Entrance Pot and Kompassgrotta, The latter was important. Though Scandinavia has none found in 1989, were surveyed. The latter has of the biting nasties of tropicana, its midges and considerable potential for exploration, and occupies a mosquitoes can be very tiresome. After a week or so, key position in the area’s underground drainage. Two we began to develop some immunity. On the first night extremely tight, wet leads could be pushed in drought. in Norway, I was bitten by something unknown which Also two very promising dry leads with open woke me with a raging itch all over. The allergic streamways beyond require hammers and crowbars to irritation subsided, but my hand was badly swollen for force an entry. Unfortunately these tools had already several days. met an untimely end, preventing complete exploration. We had an insight into Norwegian ways here. Kompassgrotta and Blåfjellgrotta will receive future Odd’s teenage daughter Elisabeth was amazed, South Nordland Expeditions. feigning great indignation, at us men, not just cooking, We had some rain. It was unpleasant the but actually washing-up as well! (Elisabeth would evening I walked down (about an hour from camp to make an excellent Hut Warden though: You wouldn’t car) to replace my lost Premier caplamp with my dare leave but a teaspoon undone). Ariane/Petzl set, and to buy more food. I had an anxious We planned to explore the limestone bands time returning, as a fog bank slithered up valley parallel continuing north, across Stavassdalen, just south of the to me, between me and Vargskaret. There was no town of Trofors. We spent a long day there, in two stopping to browse on delicious wild cloudberries and teams. Trevor was away visiting Norwegian caving blueberries (we were almost addicted to the former!), it friends, so we were: Geoff, Jim and Eddie going north was head down and go, memorising landmarks and onto Tinden, Keith and I south on Gronaksla and the directions all the time. extreme point reached by the reconnaissance from Using the big lamp amused the others. Caving Svenningskardet. of this nature means “Zooms” and little Premiers are The north team found a shaft or two, and a advantageous, and I was soon nicknamed “Sun God”. large, wide, but short cave. Keith and I found one large, Edgar Johansen joined us for a couple of complex shakehole with a tiny, choked shaft in it. We days’ caving including our attempt to fill Roaring Cave also found lots of typical forestry-cleared land.

Page 44 Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991

Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991 Page 45

Page 46 Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991 1 The Norwegian forestry service are a messy lot, leaving At the head basin, most turned back. We had tracts of land littered with broken branches and trunks still to find limestone and any caves up here. Keith and overgrown by rank grasses. Their areas look as if I pressed on. Deciding Odd’s friends were probably devastated by explosions, and are uncomfortable and mistaken, we turned our little expedition into a hill hazardous to walk across. walk instead. Finally we crossed a snowfield and Disappointed, we returned to the Norwegian scampered up a short slope to a col looking over into “Upper Pitts” to see what else Odd could suggest. As the adjoining major valley, Fiplingdalen. The weather we sat in his lounge, surrounded by his hunting was excellent, the scenery magnificent: We stood up "trophies” (we kept our mixed feelings politely to there, revelling in being high. ourselves), he rang his hunting friends. It was time to go. We descended along the "Kappskaardet”, he named a valley a few miles away, east headwall, then saw the limestone features but with which he was unfamiliar. There be where you previously hidden by a shallow intervening ridge along find caves, his friends had assured him. the valley floor. Rushing to the shakeholes and sinks, Kappskaardet is reached by a forestry road a each picking his own group, we were alas disappointed mile or so south of Strendene, and lies in the E flank of to find all were choked solidly by boulders and silt. A Svenningsdalen. (See map). Odd had been told of caves brew and a meal, then the lengthy trek back to the cars about halfway up the main valley, and in the valley and our companions, now wondering where we were. head. Next day, back to Kappskardelvagrotta. Day trips were in order - and in lovely weather! Under Keith’s direction, a handline was installed on Across more forestry devastation, up through good, well-placed natural belays through the wet bit. untouched woodlands, and into an idyllic region hardly Keith also taught us hydrophobes how to “read” the trod by anyone. The caves lie in the south (true left) water, and to use it to help us: A few yards of spray- bank, as the river slides underground and back. filled excitement brought us round a corner to land at Impressive marble beds line the river bed. the start of an oxbow. The first cave seen was a resurgence, The oxbow drops back through the roof of impassable only a little way in, but there was better. another large chamber, bypassing a very low “bedding Whirlpool Cave contains a deep, swirling canal. plane” carrying the river. This drop is fun for the Kappskardelvagrotta provided the sporting highlight. shorter caver. A cobble bank occupies one side of the The river sinks in boulders below the bank, chamber, otherwise all river. The lower end of the hall rapidly attacked by the visiting Mendippers. It did not divides horizontally into two, the river racing under an yield: I thought it wouldn’t, but I had noticed a arch the full width of the passage (about 20ft here), a subsidiary sink nearby. I pulled out a rock or two, and a set of dry passages leads off above the arch. hole appeared. Soon we had a large hole, with lots of The climb up onto the arch defeated me, as it wet in it, boulders crashing down in, and a hopeful necessitated a high reach up through a small hole in the audience. A few minutes later we were peering down a arch, like a free-hanging Poetic Justice: a short ladder 6ft drop into a spray-lashed chamber. would help here. I pottered around the chamber, taking We looked at it, at each other, and at the photographs while the others explored and surveyed to surrounding shattered rock. Jim was first in, while the safe limit. This is a narrow canyon taking all the others worked at stabilising things. He was soon back, water, with no possible safe route on and no protection. babbling excitedly about “suicidal”. Keith and I Kappskardelvagrotta is an unusual cave, and entered. one we all enjoyed very much. Outside, we found the Kappskardelvagrotta starts as the dug drop into river had risen 6 inches from melting snow: We had not a large chamber, water rushing in from our dig and noticed it underground, where the flow is comparable from the main sink. The passage becomes a wide stoop to the Ribble at Horton. with white water tearing through it. We started at this The caving had ended on a high note. We had design model for the Nare, he with the practised eye of completed all the open leads (diving apart) on Blafjell, the white water canoeist. “Wait there”, Keith ascertained the north-going marble as cave-free zones, commanded, and set off alone. then been shown Kappskardelva, with its short but When he returned some little time later, he attractive river caves. On the last day we went to looked very pleased with himself. “It’s passable”, he Mosjoen, shopping for souvenirs - and for beer and said. wine for the party. That done, we treated ourselves to a Back “upstairs”, we set off up-valley, finding no tourist trip in Oyfjellgrotta, just outside the town. other caves, but enjoying beautiful scenery. At one The cave is reached by a path ascending very point our route skirted the edge of a narrow canyon steeply, tree-roots for holds, to a short traverse above a some 50ft deep, but only about 6ft wide, through which long drop on the cliff, into the entrance. A huge the river roars, like an unroofed OFD in flood. phreatic tube drops down an earth bank, then rises very Elsewhere, the Kappskardelva flows gently through steeply to a large chamber. A handline is in place, for wide pools (Jim could not resist a chilly swim), or the benefit of tourists! Guided trips are run here. In fact, cascades around boulders, spray glinting in the bright without the line, the climb would be a serious problem. sun.

Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991 Page 47 The chamber intersects a very deep stream Downvalley from Kappskardelvagrotta a canyon, but a step across a jammed boulder enters a small entrance in the south bank enters a short crawl parallel bedding descending to a short chimney and low over boulders into a fairly large streamway. The water passage to the streamway. This a beauty: satisfying enters from a ruckle ahead, then swings off round a climbs on sound, clean rock, the largest about 30ft but sweeping bend with an inlet, and down a rather sombre reasonably easy, bypass waterfalls on the way down to passage with a peculiar multiple cross-section. The the sump. passage divisions re-combine, a narrower canal ends in Up cave, a traverse in the stream roof leads to the sump, a short side-passage oxbows back to the a series up to a top entrance, but Jim and I returned from sump. The cave is fairly short, and easy, but situated in the far end of the traverse to spend time photographing a lonely, beautiful wooded valley. the main chamber and the entrance tube. Discovered and explored by a joint WCC/ Oyfjellgrotta is well worth the walk and CSS team, on 11th August 1990, Memorial Cave is scramble in. It is long by Norwegian standards, and a dedicated to John Benham, Cecil Cullingford, Bob superb example of that country’s marble stream caves. Drake, Bob Lawder and Sir John Wedgwood. We expressed our gratitude to it by clearing and The formal Expedition Report is yet to be burning grockles’ litter at the entrance (why the litter? published. Norway is generally a very house-proud nation). Nigel Graham, March 1991 Back to Odd’s for the farewell party with him and Elisabeth. Several rounds of fiery Akkervit and glasses of wine later, chasing down superbly-cooked Acknowledgements elk (Odd’s handiwork; both hunting and cooking), the spirits were taking hold as the evening degenerated first The Expedition is indebted to Odd Johansen into a manic surveying course for Odd, around the and friends for their local help, and to the BCRA for house. Elisabeth was not impressed, as she had support. I would like to thank Geoff Newton for prepared a fruit dessert forgotten in the revelling. A assistance with this article., including his writing the rather quiet morning, as we helped clear up, and heads descriptions of the Vargskaret caves. returned to normality of sorts, prefaced the drivers pouring their passengers into cars for the start of the References long drive home. One more night on Dovrefjell, and a last night Faulkner, T. and Newton, G. 1990: Caves of in Norway in a “hytte” at Tvindefosse (the twin Bjorkaasen and Elgfjell, South Nordland, waterfall dominates the campsite) for a touch of Norway. Cave Science. 17(3): 107-122. comfort and the chance to shower and change before Newton, G. 1990: South Nordland 89, Caves and reaching the Norway Line ferry at Bergen. Caving 48: 10-12. The 24-hour crossing starts with a cruise down the coast to Stavanger, a scenic bonus, although the weather was rather grotty. The North Sea was rough * Vargskaret = Wolf Valley: The spelling is old enough to subdue many passengers, and two of us Norwegian and the name does not appear on the map. The letter succumbed, regrettably as we could not continue the ‘d’ in ..kardet is is more modem. A completely new name mammoth “koltbord” feast We retreated to our bunks, would be Ulvskardet. Here we have followed Odd Johansen’s’ thankful for having booked the cheapest cabins, deep spelling, although it clashes with the more modern ‘...Kardets”. amidships, so least affected by the pitching. Next day was calm however, ideal for repairing to the bar to start compiling reports, survey data, etc. Oh, yes, this will surprise not a few people... my car suffered no more than a blowing exhaust manifold - and that on the last 300 miles home from Newcastle!

* * *

Memorial Cave (Minnesmerkegrotte)

The Wessex Cave Club lost several highly- respected members in the year between these two Norway expeditions. Indeed, on our way to Norway in 1990, we were informed by Steve Pickersgill of the death of Rev. Cecil Cullingford. It was felt we should remember these people in an appropriate way.

Page 48 Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991

To the 19th level with Tuska’s Tours

Maurice Hewins and Nigel Graham

In February 1991 the last two working tin us off on a tour of pump rooms, stopes and levels mines in Cornwall, Wheal Jane and South Crofty both within the Geevor granite. The most spectacular part of ceased production. Geevor and Levant were already the trip was the descent to 1900 feet down the 1-in-4 idle but kept open on a care and maintenance basis on sub-incline shaft in a train, lowered by a winch. The the proceeds of visits by the public. If pumping is railway was opened in 1980 to reach the lower levels of discontinued, all these impressive mines may be lost Levant, situated in the metamorphic Killas beds, which for ever. It was therefore an opportune time for Dave are believed to hold economic lodes of tin ore. The Morrison to have arranged a club trip to Cornwall. granite/Killas contact was clearly seen on a passage The bulk of the party consisting of Wessex wall near the hoist chamber. We surfaced after some members from the geriatric wing of the club reinforced three hours. by some from the B.E.C., travelled down by Axe Vale Dave had arranged some suitable coach, in time for lunch at Geevor mine. Shortly accommodation at the St. Just youth hostel, and afterwards, Dave and a selected party of six were ordered a meal in the Meadery near Trewellard. After despatched on an extended trip into the Levant Levels. some fine pints of the local brew in the rather noisy For a while, chaos ensued as the agitated miner in “Star” in St. Just, we walked back to find ourselves charge realised that he had too few guides to meet the locked out at the hostel. safety regulations. However we were sorted out to his The following morning was spent in satisfaction for a fascinating trip. exploring the coastal path between Botallack and The cage in the Victory Shaft reaches 26 feet Pendeen. This once productive area is now a per second at the mid point of its drop to 1500 feet. It melancholy but picturesque waste of ruined engine rattled a bit and our ears popped but in a minute or so houses, smelters, tips and abandoned shafts. we had done the equivalent of four Gaping Gills with Our thanks are due to Dave Morrison, head no effort at all. courier of Tuska’s Tours, who would have got a lot of Our group was led by Norman Barnicoat, stick if things had gone wrong. who obviously had a great pride in his mine. He led Maurice Hewins April 1991

Geevor Tin Mine, near Pendeen, western the indemnity forms. These are issued partly in the Cornwall, was the venue for a highly successful and wake of the radon thing. Notices at the pithead warn enjoyable club excursion on 23 March 1991, organised this is a radiation zone within the meaning of the act.... by Dave Morrison and attended by nearly 50 WCC In fact the mine is heavily ventilated. members and guests. Nine at a time, including the guide, we Geevor mine has not closed, but is (at time of visit) suspended, being kept dry and maintained. It forms a huge system including the neighbouring Levant Mine, to which it is now connected to facilitate re-working. Our trip was based on a coach load leaving Upper Pitts early on Saturday morning and going practically straight to the mine. There, a few invitees went to visit the far reaches, in the Levant Mine, while the rest of us were to start in small groups an hour later. Unfortunately this was not fully clear to everyone, so things were a bit confused, with people wandering off, until the mine manager brought order to things a little. This meant many did not have time to visit the mining museum, etc. first as hoped, as instead we were marshalled off to the mine. This was the only hiccup throughout. After a hot pastie and cuppa in the cafeteria, we were divided into groups of nine or ten, lamps and helmets issued to those who had not taken any (as we had been requested by Tuska, and instructed to sign

Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991 Page 49 squeezed into the cage, resembling a steel filing- cabinet and not much larger - the significance was apparent later - for the high-speed dash down the 1500ft Victory Shaft. The shaft is roughly rectangular, with the side by side cage tracks occupying half the length. The rest contains the various service pipes and power cables, plus access ladders. These are divided by 20ft interval staging, but extend the full depth. Back in our groups, with the guides agreed which group was going where, we followed a large tunnel to the Sub-incline Shaft, dropping about 500ft more along an adit stretching away into fluorescent-lamp lit distance. This is negotiated by rail, riding Photo: Maurice Hewins a small tram car winched up and down the slope. A parallel conveyor carries ore, but is and uranium, though in very small quantities. The also cleared for man-carrying. When I queried this arsenic ore is stable, so harmless to the miners. practice, thinking it to be a definite No-No, our guide Additionally, we toured service areas: The admitted he would rather walk alongside, 1 in 4 slope impressive pumping station, the hoist chamber for the or not. It is uncomfortable to ride, moreover you do not deeper levels of the slope shaft, and the electricity emulate the inspector who tried to demonstrate the safe sub-station. These areas show the problem set by the way to mount a quick-running belt. He promptly narrow entrance shafts. Large machines have to be tumbled off the far side, and broke his arm! dismantled to fit, or be designed “slimline” (as are the Back on foot, we toured the developing part air-cooled main supply transformers). of the mine. We were shown a partially stoped-out The machinery spaces are large, well-lit, lode, stoping being the excavation upwards into the white-painted chambers, clean but for a film of red dust vein from rises at regular intervals along a level. The on the floor. The pump chamber was the largest we extraction leaves the stope as a very high “rift”, here saw, perhaps 50ft square, with three multi-stage about 3-4ft wide to cut out a vein about 6in thick. centrifugal pumps directly connected to 400+HP The broken rock is passed through wooden motors. Water enters the mine both from the sea (we chutes into wagons, and taken to a rough grading were out below the Atlantic) and from the land, and is arrangement called a “grizzly”, being a huge grid built collected behind massive concrete dams. The fresh from old railway rails. Lumps which do not drop water is normally pumped to the surface to be used in straight through are broken by sledgehammer, with ore-washing. The sea water is raised only to an adit out occasional blasting of particularly stubborn ones. The to the cliff. If, as now, the mine is not producing, the rock from here then goes out to the surface. water all goes out of the adit. We saw a part-drilled face in a new The pumps are set to switch on and off at development, demonstrating the pattern of shotdrilling particular levels, in the evening, the starting currents needed. The initial charges are in a central ring, momentarily dimming lights in the nearby village. As blowing the first lot of rock into larger-diameter drilled our guide, who is the mine engineer, led us back past holes, to clear the way for the delayed charges further the pumps, he paused to see all was well on the control out to work properly. Prospecting and developing goes panels. I could not resist asking him if he finds himself on all the time the mine is producing, aided by with an eye on the domestic clock, waiting anxiously horizontal test-drillings some hundreds of feet for the tell-tale lamp-dimming. He admitted he did, forwards. adding his wife reckons those pumps are his “pets”. In response to our questions, we learnt that By the 1950’s, the old Levant workings were the barren rock remaining from the crushing and flooded, but thinning lodes in Geevor dictated the refining on the surface, is not wasted, but is sold locally former mine be salvaged. A fissure in the sea-bed was as aggregate. Although the mine extracts mainly tin, located and sealed with concrete, and Levant pumped other metals found include copper, arsenic, tungsten out. Levant mine is old: it produced copper from 1790

Page 50 Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991

to 1910, later tin, until it closed in 1930. Its far levels the Cornish mining area. Water power was also run a mile out to sea, reaching a depth of 350 fathoms important here, and Tuska pointed out the remains of (2100ft). The sub-marine lease boundary for the mine an impressive leat contouring the cliffs to take a stream is a good mile further still, enclosing some 10 square to one mine. miles of sea bed. We walked past Geevor Mine, and within a Levant mine was the scene of a tragedy in few hundred yards were away from the mine buildings 1919, when a wrought-iron strap forming part of the completely, and on land disturbed only by farming, 266 fathom deep man-engine broke. The collapsing though the mines were still fathoms below us. Brian man-engine killed 35 miners. Pitman observed that Cornwall has virtually no Back on the surface, in the winding-house, we industry now. We had visited what was once a major watched in awe the massive electric winch. Installed in mining region. 1953, and kept in first class mechanical condition for I had one regret: I did not take my camera obvious reasons, it is also kept scrupulously clean and underground, thinking (from experience of a tidy, and looks good for another 40 years. The motor Llechwedd Slate Mines trip) I would not achieve much. was recently sent away for overhaul, and was found to In fact the lighting in the mine is such that a reasonable need little more than light servicing and cleaning. camera and single flashgun would produce good results. * * * The whole weekend was well worthwhile.

Tuska had reserved much of Trewellard Acknowledgements Meadery for our evening meal, and St Just YHA hostel To the management and staff of Geevor Tin for accommodation. At least the moon was bright for Mines plc. To the Wardens of St Just Youth Hostel. the stagger back to the hostel after the meal and a Trewellard Meadery for our large booking, and Axe session in a St Just pub... Vale Coaches (Dave, the driver, joined us for the Sunday was gloriously sunny. The club evening meal, but declined our invitation to visit the breakfast over (and washing-up done!) a walk along the mine with us). To Dave Morrison for arranging the trip, cliffs from Botallack to Pendeen completed the mining and to those who helped him notify everyone when the tour, as we viewed the forlorn ruins of chimneys, trip was postponed at 2 days’ notice from February engine houses, washing floors, etc. A rough patch of when the snow came. rubble and cinders, close to old engine foundations and Geevor Tin Mine is normally open on a crumbling chimney, was particularly poignant. It was weekdays (Bank Holidays excepted), but prior booking the top of the Levant man-engine shaft. is advised. Under-14s are not allowed underground. Not far way is the Levant Mine Skip shaft, Nigel Graham 28.3.91 one wall of which is but a few feet from the headwall of a huge zawn. A trust is restoring, hopefully to steam, a Footnote: beam engine here. The Industrial Revolution, fertilised I am told by Richard Kenney that R. L. by the successful development of the steam engine, Atkinson, in his Tin and Tin Mining (1985) says of the may have been most marked in the Midlands and the Levant accident “31 killed and many injured". North, but the birthplace of viable steam power was - NJW

Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991 Page 51 Otter Hole Trip

Colin Waite

On 28th April, Chepstow was the location for breath-taking formations. The Hall of Thirty was the rare sight of two Wessex members donning caving spectacular, but then few would tolerate the entrance gear before 9.00am on a Sunday. The Royal Forest of passage if it wasn’t. Once at the camp the guide Dean Caving Club guide considered Steve and Colin concentrated on photographing the large passageway, Waite’s sober state as a break with Mendip tradition leaving Steve and I to continue to Long Straw as he carefully got Chamber. With our into a exploration limited to bonded together by one hour, Long Straw nuts, bolts, and mud. Chamber was passed The final member of unnoticed, at great the team was a local speed, and only man, recently recognised on our introduced to the return. Passage just joys of caving and short of Tunnels-Left, full of enthusiasm. Tunnels-Right was Once reached before a sprint beyond the gate of back to the Camp. Otter Hole, the The return modest passage journey was livened immediately up by entertaining deteriorated to a flat acrobatics in out bedding plane. friction-less mud as However, what the we headed back to entrance lacks in space is compensated for by ample the tidal sump before it began refilling. After 7½ hours amounts of mud supplied by the River Wye. As the underground our party re-emerged bearing a close passage opened up slightly progress was made through resemblance to four representatives of the Caribbean knee deep mud closely resembling the nett product of a Caving Club, and totally unprepared for the steep Jim Rands Chilli. The tidal sump was reached just as it climb back to the car park. The tourist filled picnic area began to open, and due to our enthusiasm being greater mysteriously emptied upon our return as we began than our patience, the keyhole was negotiated, stripping before the mud set. Great thanks go to our preceded by 15m of breaststroke. guide, John Elliot, who was amongst the original The cave continued, as inhospitable as explorers of the system. His enthusiasm and before, up through the extension and boulder chokes entertaining stories made for a superb trip in an before finally we were rewarded with open passage and extraordinary cave. When can we go again?

CLUB HANDBOOK

Following comments at the 1990 AGM a new issue of the handbook is due for publication. Would those people who had corrections or comments on the last edition please send them to the Editor as soon as possible.

Page 52 Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991 Mendip Rescue Organization Report 1990 The year was overshadowed by Bob Drake’s Association in particular. More has been spent on untimely death at Whitsun, and I have written tributes equipment than in any previous year. In fact, MRO’s to him published elsewhere (Descent and the Wessex finances overall are considerably more complex Cave Club Journal). The extent and depth of the regard nowadays, and I am very grateful for the help received cavers had for Bob, his close-knit family and from Richard Chant in checking my accounts as professional colleagues are evident from the attendance presented. at his funeral and the donations generously given later The accounts are followed by the log of call to MRO in his memory. The latter takes pride of place outs undertaken during the year. They, too, show an in the annual accounts that follow. Additional increase in variety, though not of the underground contributions made since the end of the year bring the incidents. We try to prepare for every possible Bob Drake Memorial Fund to £1,076-28 at the time of eventuality: First Aid lectures organised by Dany writing. The Wardens and Committee are exploring Bradshaw and Bob Cork are always useful and popular; ways of ensuring that such a sum gains lasting rescue practices have been held, and Pat Cronin has recognition for Bob’s love of Mendip and services to developed the training programmes for local cave caving. divers to include more Sump Rescue work with the Having mentioned money first, for once, I Kirby Morgan equipment. A demonstration of the latter wish to draw attention to the main purchases and was given to a few delegates attending the Mountain improvements to equipment lately. The telephone call Rescue Conference held at Bristol in September. We out system through the Police is now backed up by a also joined a large scale search and rescue exercise in pager system activated from Force Control in Bristol. November involving different voluntary and military Detailed arrangements to transfer our radios to FM are teams in SWERA. The hoped for evacuation of cave virtually concluded. In both cases, we are very grateful rescue patients in helicopters was prevented by bad for the encouragement and support given by weather on the day, but the search of for Superintendent Rod Deane, now in charge of the missing persons proved unexpectedly interesting and Yeovil Division, and Chief Inspector Ray Shine in informative. Bristol. Eric Dunford has also done sterling work by As we learn from each incident and exercise, negotiating for the equipment and taking on the so our attitudes and approaches evolve. We are now daunting task of getting the sets into working order. better equipped and hopefully able to respond Other priorities have been new Mager stretchers and effectively and flexibly to whatever situation arises. better hauling gear. We are grateful for the grant Above all, however, we still rely on support from local received from the Mountain Rescue Committee cavers and clubs. I thank everyone for their help when towards the stretchers; a coup for which we must thank it matters. Fred Barlow of the South West England Rescue

Cave Rescues and Incidents for the Year ending 31st December 1990 The figures in brackets to the right show the numbers of cavers going underground on the rescue incidents. This data has been required for insurance purposes in the past. It is worth noting that insurance cover is not provided for people involved on the surface nor when recovering trapped animals. The following log of each call-out has been compiled from the notes made by the wardens in control. Full details are given as MRO believes that it can be misleading to simplify the causes.

Sat 13th Jan 1 Fall, broken leg (15) Sun 4 Feb Cheddar Cliffs 2 Fallen cows trapped (-) Sun 11th Mar Sally Rift, Warleigh Woods 1 Missing body, search (-) Sun 1st April Read’s Cavern 2 Lost, trapped, light failure (8) Sat 28th Apl ? Overdue party (-) Thu 31st May Swildon’s Hole ? Overdue party (-) Mon 16th Jul entrance 1 Fallen cow trapped (-) Mon 23rd Jul Shute Shelve Cutting ? Crashed motorcycle (-) Sun 19th Aug Swildon’s Hole ? Overdue party (-) Fri 31st Aug Swildon’s Hole ? Overdue party (-) Sun 2nd Sep Alert 1 Hospitalised climber (-) Sat 6 Oct G.B. Cavern ? Overdue party (-) Sat 6 Oct Swildon’s Hole 1 Dislocated shoulder (7) Wed 24th Oct Swildon’s Hole 1 Fall, injured ankle (-) Wed 24th Oct Spar Pot, East Twin ? Overdue party (-) Wed 31st Oct Dallimore’s Cave ? Presumed overdue (-)

Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991 Page 53 MENDIP RESCUE ORGANISATION

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1990

1989 £ £ £ £ Income

Donations:- In memory of Bob Drake 1,026 849 General Appeal 417 221 Collection Boxes 263 175 Rescued Parties 130 ------1,245 1,836

297 Hire of MRO NiFe Cells 265 10 Sale of Equipment 98 214 Bank Deposit Interest 220 - Mountain Rescue Committee Grant for Mager Sttretchers 470 ------1,766 2,889 ------

Expenditure

Equipment:-

326 Radios, Pagers 877 300 General 169 - Lighting 66 - Hauling Tackle 185 - Hot Air Kit 5 - Mager Stretchers 548 ------1,850 23 Medical Supplies 28 90 Insurane of Equipment 90 119 Postage, Stationery & Duplicating 108

Donations:- 15 S.W.E.R.A. 15 5 B.C.R.C. ------15 65 Meetings & Information 151 ------943 2,242 ------£823 Surplus for year 2,242 ======

Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991 Page 54 MENDIP RESCUE ORGANISATION

BALANCE SHEET AS AT DECEMBER 31, 1990

1989 £ £ £

Current Assets

Balance at bank:- 4,100 Deposit Account 5,000 491 Current Account 252 ------4,591 2,252 24 Cash with Hon Treasurer and Equipment Warden 10 ------4,615 £5,262 ======

Representing:- Accumulated Funds

3,792 Balance at January 1, 1990 4,615 823 Surplus for year 647 ------4,615 £5,262 ======

J D Hanwell Hon. Treasurer 50 Wells Road Wookey Hole Somerset

I have received the above Balance Sheet and attached Income and Expenditure Account which have been prepared from the books and records of the Mendip Rescue Organisation. In my opinion, and to the best of my knowledge, the accounts give a true and fair view of the state of the Organisation’s funds as at December 31, 1990 and the surplus for the year ended on that date.

R Chant FCA,FTII Bali Milton Lane Wells Somerset

February 1991

Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991 Page 55 Saturday 13th January, Thrupe Lane Sunday 4th February, Cheddar Cliffs Swallet Two yearling cows belonging to Cheddar Martin Scott, aged 28, from Aylesbury farmer Tom Cambridge slipped down the cliffs behind descended to the bottom of the cave with a well the Wishing Well Tea Rooms at the bottom of the equipped and experienced party of six from a Gorge and became trapped in the 15ft by 3ft slot geophysical research firm in the London area. He had between the buildings and bluff. Cheddar Fire Brigade done the least caving before and it was his first time on were first alerted and suggested calling MRO. The long ladder pitches underground. On ascending Atlas farmer concerned lets his animals roam, much to the Pot at about 2.30p.m., he fell about twenty feet onto a annoyance of some villagers. Cavers have helped fortuitous ledge and broke his leg. He also damaged a before by recovering his goats off cliffs. wrist. The lifeline only slowed his fall because the Taunton Police requested assistance from incorrectly rigged Stitch Plate belay gave way under the Brian Prewer at 9.30a.m. A team comprising Fred strain. Davies, Nigel Taylor, Dany Bradshaw, Chris Harvey, One of the party left the cave to raise the Graham Wilton-Jones, Chris Smart, Martin Grass and alarm through Mrs Butt. Yeovil Police alerted Brian Stuart Lain went to the scene with hauling tackle. By Prewer at 3.30p.m. Dany Bradshaw and rescuers from cunning use of bales of straw and ropes, the reluctant both the Belfry and Upper Pitts were called. All left for yearlings were lifted onto the flat roof, tied to metal the cave with basic equipment. Richard West was farm gates and lowered down a preconstructed ramp to contacted at 3.35p.m. to take over surface control and the open road. The task was completed by 12.30p.m., organise further rescuers and hauling gear. Dr Tony and everyone seemed happy, save for one ungrateful Boycott was informed. Eric Dunford set up beast who shat upon Nigel for his trouble! No “thank communications links between the surface and you” has been forthcoming from the farmer either. underground parties with Brian Prewer. Rescuers entered the cave at 4.15p.m. Dany Sunday 11th March, Sally Rift, Warleigh Woods Bradshaw, Nick Williams, Dave Hilder, Pete Evans, The Police at Bath were checking out the Mike Wilson, Jeremy Henly, Richard Blake, Richard possibility that the body of the missing woman, Ruth Stevens, Chris Harvey, Nick Gymer and Sara Stevens, was somewhere in these woods near Bathford. McDonald carried in the First Aid and hauling Old stone mine workings associated with Sally Rift equipment. Duncan Frew and Pete Hann went down occur in the area and Bob Scammell volunteered to with the Grunterphone. The patient was reached by check the known sites. He was accompanied by Nick about 4.40p.m. and communication established soon McCamley, Derek Hawkins and John Greenslade. afterwards. Tony Boycott and Rob Harper were A thorough two-hour search of every old accompanied underground by Tony Jarratt at 4.50p.m. shaft and rift was undertaken but nothing untoward The patient was found to be in fair condition found. and able to do a lot to help himself. However, he was large and so a long haul out was anticipated. A back-up Sunday 1st April, Read’s Cavern team assembled outside the farm comprising Stewart Eleven members of the Golders Green McManus, Nigel Taylor, Tim Large, Trevor Hughes venture scouts from London descended the cave at and Ian Caldwell. Richard Witcombe and Clive North about mid-day. The suitably equipped party was led by turned up and opened their diggers’ hut as a refuge. Jim Rands and supported by Dave Morrison; both Soups were heated at the Belfry by Anne West, Hilary highly experienced members of the Wessex Cave Club. Wilson and Glenys Grass then ferried to the cave by On reaching the Main Chamber, several then decided to Helen Harper and Joss Large. Further rescuers stood by return to the surface and were escorted out. Whilst this at the Belfry and their homes. The local Police provided was happening, Pete Wilkinson, Julia Waxman and flood lights on the road. Nick Woolf of the Ambulance Samira Abbas, aged seventeen, decided to explore Zed service attended so that his crews could be radioed Alley without telling anyone. Wilkinson was unable to when needed rather than waste valuable time hanging follow the two slim girls when they forced several around. A freelance reporter turned up and was given squeezes beyond the boulder ruckle. He stayed to guide the basic facts by Jim Hanwell. their return to the ruckle, but then left the cave ahead. Martin Scott was reported as being at the top For some reason, the girls did not follow. Once out of of Atlas Pot by 5.55p.m. He reached the head of earshot, they became lost and scared. Perseverance Pot at 6.55p.m. and was out of the cave by The missing pair failed to surface behind 7.40p.m. The ambulance left for the Royal United Wilkinson and he was unable to describe where he had Hospital, Bath, five minutes later. Those left to clear up left them. Jim Rands made a rapid search of the regular managed to make the Hunters just before closing time! routes in vain. He requested help and Brian Prewer When a lot of gear is used, it takes a long time to clear received the call from Yeovil Police at 4.15p.m. Nigel up. Many useful lessons were learnt from this incident Taylor was contacted at Langford and reached the cave and Martin’s “thank you” letters soon afterwards were to establish surface control by4.45p.m. Rescuers from much appreciated.

Page 56 Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991 Priddy had to run the gauntlet of heavy holiday traffic couple. By chance, the husband, Jan Sencer, was a vet! in . Mr Gibbons and his family had managed to Pete Hann, Ian Marchant, Tony Deacon and get a heavy rope around the animal’s neck to a JCB on Jim Rands went into the cave at 4.48p.m. to search Zed the cliff top. The heifer did not like this. Being more Alley as now the most likely location for the missing familiar with such problems in Czechoslovakia, no pair given the earlier search by Jim. Brian Prewer, doubt, Jan descended the cliff and succeeded in getting Andy Sparrow and Martin White arrived shortly a tape halter over the head with help from Fred. Two afterwards in support and communications were more tape slings were passed around the front legs. established with the Belfry through Stewart McManus Jan’s wife acted as interpreter for the hauling and Chris Harvey should further rescuers and instructions, given in Czechoslovakian, for which we equipment prove necessary. Andy and Martin went do not have much call on Mendip. down the cave at 5p.m. to check out the less likely The heifer was soon lifted about 10 feet to Browne-Stewart Series. safety suffering from surprise, a few cuts and bruises, The missing girls were soon located at the and a lame leg. But it did not shit on anyone, which is a bottom of the boulder ruckle and reported to be well great compliment to Jan’s “bedside” manner and but rather cold and frightened at 5.15p.m. expertise. Mr and Mrs Gibbons were especially They were given food and drinks to boost grateful and appreciative. their morale. Alison Moody arrived at 5.25p.m. and stood by. All were safely out of the cave by 6.12p.m. Monday 23rd July, Shute Shelve Cutting Needless to say, those concerned showed their Brian Prewer received a call from Taunton gratitude in many ways, not least back at the Hunters! Police at 5p.m. requesting assistance to investigate a crashed motorcycle. It had been abandoned in the Saturday 28th April, Longwood Swallet disused railway cutting on its approach to the old Yeovil Police contacted Fred Davies at tunnel between Axbridge and and was 11.22p.m. to say that a woman from Keynsham had lodged in bushes about 30 feet above a sheer cliff. reported an overdue party. She described the car being There was the possibility that an injured rider was in used. Brian Prewer was asked to drive to Longwood to the vicinity below. check whether the cavers were still underground. Other Brian, Nigel Taylor, Rich West and Dany rescuers, including Stewart McManus, were stood by at Bradshaw went to the scene with ropes. Nigel abseiled Priddy. to the motorcycle and attached a hauling line for it to be No car was found at Longwood. Meanwhile, pulled up by the others. No person was found and the the informant contacted the Police again at 11.40p.m. incident was over by 7p.m. to say that all the party had returned home. After all, it takes about forty minutes to reach Keynsham from Sunday 19th August, Swildon’s Hole Mendip after closing time! Alan Butcher rang Brian Prewer at 1 a.m. to say that a party was overdue by about four hours Thursday 31st May, Swildon’s Hole according to the noticeboard in the Hut. Brian Prewer was contacted by Yeovil Police A group from Guildford had not returned there. After at 1.45a.m. They reported that a party from Beaminster, making enquiries, it was discovered that the party had Dorset, was overdue from a trip to Sump One as they been based elsewhere on Mendip. They had only called had been expected home at 11.30p.m. The girlfriend of in at the Shepton Hut on their way to the cave, but left one of the cavers had raised the alarm from a call box in directly for Guildford without cancelling their notice! Dorset but could provide no further information. The Police were not informed of this incident. Leaving the Police to try and obtain more details about any vehicles used, Brian went to check for Friday 31st August, Swildon’s Hole any parked on the greens in Priddy. All likely places Force Control in Bristol alerted Brian Prewer were empty. The Police were told later that the caver at 5.45p.m. to an overdue party of Wiltshire Police concerned had got home at 2.36a.m. It takes even from Swindon that should have returned there at longer to reach Beaminster from Mendip after closing 4.30p.m. He checked out both village greens to see if time, of course! the reported car being used by the cavers was still there. It was not. At 6.45p.m., the Police called again to Monday 16th July, Eastwater Cavern entrance say that they had got it wrong as the trip was to take Mrs Dorothy Gibbons rang Brian Prewer for place the next day! assistance to retrieve a heifer stuck in narrow gully on the cliffs above the cave entrance. He requested help Sunday 2nd September, Alert from Fred Davies, Andy Sparrow, Pete Moody and a A caver abseiling at Underwood (or “Split party staying at the Belfry, including Ray Mansfield Rock”) Quarry near Wookey Hole was concussed and and Nick Williams with a visiting Czechoslovakian so admitted overnight to Wells and District Hospital. He was worried that other members of his group

Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991 Page 57

staying in the MCG Cottage at Nordrach might call out Wednesday 24th October, Spar Pot, East Twin MRO when he failed to return there. The Police were Brian Prewer was alerted by Yeovil Police at informed and they advised Brian Prewer of the 11.40p.m. because a party of three from the Swindon situation. Brian then contacted the cottage to let those area had not returned when expected. Nigel Taylor was concerned know what had happened. raised to see if any car was still parked at East Twin in Burlington Combe. None was found in a likely place. Saturday 6th October, G.B. Cavern At half-past midnight, the Police rang again to say that Yeovil Police contacted Brian Prewer just the party had returned safely to Wiltshire. It appears after midnight to report an overdue party expected out that someone misunderstood the call out procedures. at least two hours earlier. Shortly afterwards, the informant reported that the four cavers concerned had Wednesday 31st October, Dallimore’s Cave turned up. They had been delayed on entering the cave The farmer at Ores Close Farm became and then could not find a telephone box on getting out concerned because a car belonging to cavers he knew, late. who had gone underground the previous evening at 7p.m., was still at the farm sixteen hours later. Yeovil Saturday 6th October, Swildon’s Hole Police informed Brenda Prewer just after 11a.m. and The Police alerted Brian Prewer at 2.50p.m. she advised Brian at work in Wells. Tony Jarratt was Miss Ceili Williams, aged 24, was caving with an contacted and able to provide a simple explanation, Oxford University Caving Club party and dislocated much to everyone’s relief. her shoulder in Barnes’ Loop. Apparently, this had Oxford University cavers had been surveying happened to her before, though not whilst caving. A the new extensions to the system the previous evening, strong BEC contingent was called out from their AGM. had come out late then returned very early the Dany Bradshaw, Bob Cork and Stewart McManus following morning to continue the task. They had organised the underground team, Nigel Taylor stood by understandably not bothered the farmer in the small at the Belfry and Tim Large took over surface control hours. No further action was taken. on Priddy Green. Dr Tony Boycott was asked to attend. Pete McNab, Kevin Garner and Nick Gymer J.D. Hanwell formed the advance party with First Aid, comforts, the Honorary Secretary and Treasurer MRO baby-bouncer, lifeline and ladder. They entered the Wookey Hole cave at 3.10p.m., only twenty minutes after receiving Wells the call out. Tony Boycott and Graham Naylor closely followed them. Dany Bradshaw, Bob Cork and Stewart McManus left at 3.32p.m. Wessex Cave Club diggers from Cow Hole arrived in support. Entenox was obtained from the Ambulance in attendance and Don Thomson provided a demand valve. At 4.15p.m. a message was received that Tony Boycott had succeeded in relocating the shoulder and the patient was on the way out, mainly helping herself. She surfaced at 4.51p.m. and it was considered that no further treatment to her shoulder was required.

Wednesday 24th October, Swildon’s Hole Yeovil Police informed Brian Prewer at 10.25p.m. that a report of an injured caver had been received. They had no further details of the injuries or of the location in the cave; so, the informant herself was sought out on Priddy Green. She explained that John Swift from Weston-s-Mare had fallen at the Double Pots and injured his ankle. There was some concern because the person hurt had a pace-maker. A rescue party was assembled from the Hunters, including Dr Tony Boycott. Many stood by. On arriving at Priddy Green, they were confronted by the patient limping along the road. A rapid about turn ensued!

Page 58 Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 21 (No. 229), July 1991 Index to Wessex Cave Club Journal Volume 20

Bold type indicates article titles. Italic type indicates authorship of an article.

Readers may like to note that the Index is reproduced bound with this Journal for convenience and will not be included with this volume for page numbering purposes.

A communique to newer and prospective Batten, Marion 82, 145, 148 members 51 BCRA conference 88 A note for Proposers and Seconders 52 Beachamp, John 73, 130 A Once Open Fissure on Cross Plain, Beckett, Jo 96 Wavering Down 134 Beechen Series (Eastwater) 102 A.T.L.A.S. 9 Belize 79 Acton, Richard 92 1989 88, 139 Actun Chek 141, 142 Benfield, Tim 57 Actun Lubul Ha 142 Benham, Annette 175 Actun Pa'ax Kan 142 Benham, John 100, Actun Tan U Wuyul 142 Obituary 175 Actun Tunichil Muknal 89, 92, 139, 142 Bennet, Henry 167 Actun Yax Teel Anau 90, 140, 142 Bewley West Caves 45 Actun Zotziha 142 Bishop, Chris 129 Adams, Doug 2, 30 56, 75, 78, 96, 147 Black Aven, Upper Flood 102 Agen Allwedd 5, 20, 37, 58, 147, 173 Black Shiver Pot 148 Aggtelek/Josvafo system 115 Black, Rick 91, 92 Ainley, Steve 21 Blacknor Hole 124 Allotment Dig (Portland) 60 Blake, Richard 148 Alum Pot 80, 82, 148 Bleasdale, Bev 125 Amazing Green Snake Cave 140 Blick, Tony 64, 82 An open letter from the Chairman 27 Blue River Cave 142 anchors, non self drilling 84 Bolt, Julie 125 Annual Dinner 152 Bolt, Pete 38, 60, 82 Applaing, Dave 81 Bonar, Sue 125 Arundel, Jim 148 Bonnington, Chris 17 High Rising 60 Bonwick, John 148 Asst. Secretary - see Rands, Mhairi Book Review- Race Against Time 26 Australia 18, 93 Boomer, Douglas 92, 140 Australian Wilderness Society 18 Border Caving Group 130 Axbridge Caving Group 9, 126 Bosch Cordless Drills 83, 85, 125 Aygill Caverns 125 Boustead, Paul 44 Bowry Corner Swallett 64 Box Mines 73 B.B.C. 165 Boycott, Dr Tony 74, 75, 130 B.E.C. 35, 37, 59, 66, 81, 98, 45 Bradshaw, Daisy 75, 126, 131 Badminton Road Youth Club 173 Breathing Cave 158 Baker, E.A. 35, 36 Survey 162 Baker, L.Y. 110 Brett, Beryl 165 Baker, Terry 16 Brice, Gerry 74 Balazs, Lazlo 112 Bridge Cave 103, 123 Balch, H.E. 35, 104, 105, 118 Bridgequarter Cave 50 Balcombe, Graham 2, 4, 30, 56, 78, 98, 120, 144 survey 46 Baleck Wildlfe Sanctuary 93 Bridport Caving Group 86 Ballynahemery Cave 45 Bristol Royal Infirmary 129 survey 46 Bristol Weather Centre 74 Ballynameenla Caves 45 Bristol Wire Rope Co 108 survey 47 British Canoe Union 34 Ballynamintra Cave 45 Brock, Dave 148 survey 49 Brown, Bob 18 Banks, Leigh 45 Brown, Ian 131, 166 Bannerman, Ross 44 Brown, Robin 60, 103, 125, 131, 148, 166 Barber, Keith 16 Brown, Wayne 124, 148 Barrington, Miles 167 Bryant, Keith 149 Barrington, Nick 131 Burrington Ham Top Dig 61 Bat House Cave 142 Butcher, Alan 130 Bats 18, 62, 94 Butt, Nelson 9, 13 Fruit 93 Byrne, Linda 58 Bats and Rabies 138 Bats Underground 18 Batstone, Chris C.N.C.C. (Council of Northern Caving Clubs) 52

Index to Wessex Cave Club Journal No. 20 - Page I - Cambridge University Caving Club 73 Camp Cave 92, 141, 142 Candles in The Dark 146 Dalek 103 Cannicott, Dr. Stanley 126 Dan - Yr - Ogof 103, 123 Cappagh Quarry Cave 50 Danilewicz, "Dani" 82, 148 survey 48 Daren Cilau 5, 20, 58, 157 Capper, Keith 130 Davies, Fred 6, 74, 82, 129, 131 Carter, Russel 80, 102, 137 Davy, Derek 87 Casteret, Norbert 4 Dawe, Ken 6 Group 21, 22, 25, 174 Deep Holes in Tasmania 41 Cave of the Amazing Green Snake 142 Denny's Hole 125 Cave of the Brown Stains 158 Devenish, Luke 2, 30, 56, 78, 98, 104, 120, 144 Survey 156 Dewdney-York, Mike 2, 57, 96 Cave of the Stone Sepulchre 142 Diabaz Barlang (Cave) 114 Cave of the Swifts 142 Diccan Pot 80 Cave Rescue Organisation 26 Dingle, Tony 16 Caves of County Waterford 45 Dolphin, Mr P. 2, 30, 56, 78, 98, 120, 144 Caves Under Threat in Australia 18 Dors, Jackie and Roger 58, 79, 131 Cavill, Ray 16 Dowds, John 45 Caving Secretary - see Graham, Nigel Downside School 126 Cenotaph Aven (Eastwater) 35, 61, 81, 109 Dowsing 82 survey 63 Dowsing at Bowry Corner, Charterhouse Central Queensland Cement Company 18 Cave and Palmer's Cave 64 Chairman - see Moon, Jim, & Newport, Aubrey Drake, Bob 2, 30, 56, 74, 81 Chapman, Tom 37, 74, 75, 167 Obituary 173 5, 59, 64, 81, 103, 110, 123, Drake, Mary 173 125, 134 Dromana Rock Cave 50 Chartist Cave 149 Drum and Monkey pub 25 17, 73 Drunkard's Hole 44, 59, 61, 81, 103, 124, 130, 148 Cheddar Lost River Cave Exploration 164 Drunkard's Hole Extensions 44 Chelsea Speleological Society 20, 36, 173, 174 Duck, Mike 129, 165 Cheng, Elaine 73 Churches, Phil 165 Clarke, Alan 16 80 Clarke, Owen 21 East Twin Swallett 81 Clog jammer 86 Eastwater Cavern 35, 60, 61, 74, 82, 108, 109, 118 Clydach Project 20, 147 see also Cenotaph Aven, Beechen Series, Co. Waterford. 148 Southbank, Morton's Pot Cobbett, James , 149, 81 Eberhard, Stephan 44 Cockfield, Dave 79, 81 Edinburgh Award Scheme 86 Coffin Hole 103, 124 Editor - see Williams, Nick Cold Cave 157 Editorial 3, 31, 62, 99, 145 Cole, Phil 44 Edwards, Joan 73 Collins, Mark 16 Edwards, Will 16 Community Charge 121 Elgfjell (Norway) 17, 154 see also Poll tax Elliot, Andy 60 Compass Cave 163 Elm Hole 20 Compton Ochre Mine 123,125 Everett, Anne 16 Cooper, John 20, 22 Everett, Dave 16 Cordingley, John 59, 80, 102, 137 Exeter University 74 Cork, Bob 126, 131 Explosives: a change in the law 150 Council of Southern Caving Clubs Company Ltd 121 explosives 83, 85 County Waterford 45 Eyre, Jim 26 Cow Pot 146 Craven Pothole Club 82 Craven, Steven 116 Farr, Martyn 20 Crewe Cave and Pothole Club 21 Farrant, Andy 165 Crocker, Martin 61, 81, 87, 124 Farrington, Ian 166 Cronin, Pat 81, 130 Faulkner, Trevor 149, 157 Cross Plain 134 Fauna and Flora Preservation Society 18 Cross Quarry Cave 134 Fekete, Yugoslavia 114 Croydon Caving Club 4 Fenn, Charles 16 Cuckoo Cleeves 57, 59, 60, 61, 80, 82, 102, 103, Ferenc-Hegy Cave 112 102, 103, 124, 135 Fester Hole 81, 103, 147 Cullingford, Rev. C 2, 30, 56, 78, 98, 120, 144, Fielder, Ros and Keith 58, 79, 96, 98, 103, 120, 122, Obituary 176 125, 136, 144, 145 Cwm Dwr 124 Fisher, Rosanne 17 Cwm PwlI-Y-Rhyd 60 Footprint Cave 142 Cwmbran Caving Club 148 Ford, Trevor 176

Index to Wessex Cave Club Journal No. 20 - Page 11 – Fox's Hole 125 Harry Savory and John Hassall 118 Foyle, Malcolm 27, 59, 68, 80, 81, 82, 102, 103, Hawkes, Nick 41, 93 125, 129, 136, 148, 165 Hayter, Chris 125 Frank Frost Award 92, 109 Hearn, Mike 125, 164 Frankland, John 26 Heinz Tomato Soup 92 Frew, Duncan 2, 30, 37, 52, 56, 74, 78, 88, 91, 92, Helmore, Mark 57, 79, 80, 81, 103,124, 136, 148, 96 98, 120, 121, 129, 144 165 From the Log 147 Hemming, Alan 107 Frost, Frank Hendy, Phil 74, 106 photo collection 145 Hensler, Ruth and Eric 5 Frost, Frank 104, 108 Heriot, Graham 130, 132 Further Exploration at Malham, Yorkshire Hewins, Maurice 2, 4, 30, 34, 56, 78, 81, 98, 120, 137 144, 147 Hillgrove Swallet 27, 103, 173, 174 Hobby, Alan 87 G.B. Cavern 5, 73, 74, 94, 110, 130, 134 Hole in Six 88, 90, 139 G.B. The Painful Way 132 Holland, Simon 87 Galambos, Peter 112 Horlock, Jeff 58 Gaping Ghyll 104 Houlton, Ashley 131 Gardener, Clive 20, 66, 154 Hounsell, Steve 166 Gamier, Laurent 6 Howes, Chris 111, 146 Gascoine, Bill 25 Huddersfield Polytechnic 122 Gauld, Douglas 131 Hughes, Trevor 130, 131 Gay, Barry 16 Hungary 112 Gear Curator - see Frew, Duncan Hunters' Lodge Inn 58, 73 Gemensis, Danielle 44 Hurdley, Charlotte 87 Ghar Parau Foundation 147 Hurtle Pot 81 Gilbert, Brian 66 Hut Admin Officer (bookings) - see Newport, Aubrey Giles, Chris 90, 92, 122 & Fielder, Roz Gingling Hole 26 Hutchings, Alison 44, 57, 59, 80, 130, 148 Glanvill, Pete 81 Hutson, Tony 18 81, 107, 125, 132 Goddard, Andy 81, 148 Gouffre Berger 66 Ireby Fell Cavern 81, 147 Gouffre Chevaline 6 Irwin, Dave 146 Gouffre Couffm 6 Istvanlapai Barlang 114 Gough's Cave 125, 149 see also Cheddar Lost River Gouldsmith, Vanessa 74 Jackson, Chris 122 Graham, Nigel 2, 3, 5, 17, 30, 32, 34, 45, 51, 52, Jama pod Predjamskim Gradom 115 56, 59, 66, 74, 78, 80, 81, 86, 87, 96, 98, James, Ian 24, 25 101 120, 123, 124, 130, 131, 136, 144, 148, James, Ken 130 149, 157, 165 Jarrat, Tony 129, 130, 149, 35, 37, 73, 74 Green, Liz 124 Jean Pot 60 Grey, Anne 44 Jefferies Mercan 73 Grieves, Dave 131 Jenkins Bob and Barbara 60, 80 Grimstead, Sue 130 Jenolan Caves 112 Grotte de Choranche 6 Jepson, Ian 123 Grotte de Gournier 8 Johansen, Odd 158 Grotte de la Luire 7 Johnson, Graham 37, 38, 61, 73, 75, 82, 129, 145, Groupe Speleo de Valence 6 149 Grunterphone 130 Jones, Gareth 87 Gryke Cave 158 Jones, Karen 158 Guiseris, Jane 79 Journal Review - DCA Newsletters 34 Jozsef-Hegy Cave 112 Jumbo (WSG) 60 Hajnoczy Cave 114 Jungle 88 Halfpenny Hole 124 Juniper Gulf 61 Halliwell, Ric & Pat 129, 147 Halliwell, Ric and Pat 60, 74, 80, 101, 112 Hanks, Barry 130 Kail Pot 82 Hann, Pete 17, 44, 59, 66, 73, 79, 80, 81, 92, 96, Kangaroo Swallet - see Welsh's Green Swallet 98, 99, 102, 103, 108, 120, 123, 124, 125, Kelly, Sean 88, 92, 140 129, 136, 139, 141, 144, 146, 148, 165 Kenney, Edith 104 Hansford, Brian 2, 30, 32, 56, 78, 79, 96, 98, 120, Kenney, Howard 104 144 Kenney, Richard 105, 118 Hansford, Simon 87 Kilgreany Cave 50 Hanwell, Jim 70, 74, 131, 174 survey 48 Harper, Rob 81, 82, 103 King Pot 81

Index to Wessex Cave Club Journal No. 20 - Page III – King, Tony 145 McKenna, Guy 44 Kingsdale sump 80 McKenzie, Ian 91, 92, 139 Kiskohat Zsomboly (Pothole) 114 McManus, Stuart 74, 129, 130 Knapp, Murray 44, 57, 59, 61, 66, 80, 82, 130, 148 McNabb, Pete 129, 131 Knibbs, Tony and Denise 75 McNatt, Logan 88, 90, 142 Knots, Shock absorbing 153 McPherson, Maggie 61, 100 Krizna Jama 115 Meade-King, Simon 16 Measureless Cave North 148 Memories of the 10th International Lacy, Pete 2, 4, 30, 56, 78, 98, 120, 136, 144 Congress of Speleology 112 ladder 79 Mendip Beer Monster's Secret Tap Room 102 Lain, Stuart 75, 82, 130 Mendip Caving Group 59, 80, 82, 129 Lambert, Paul 59, 75, 76, 61, 79, 81, 87, 120, 144 Mendip Gate Cafe 108 Lancaster Hole 80, 148 Mendip Rescue Organisation 121, 173 Large, Tim 103, 130 Annual Report 1988 70 - 75 Larkin, Pat 44 accounts 71 - 72 Lawder, Bob 106, 121 Coordinator - see Lacy, Pete Leck Beck Head 80 Mendip Rescue Organization Annual Leg - see Summerskill, Andy Report 126 Leonard, Dave 130 Mendip's Top Thirty 38 Leptospirosis 17, Meredith, Mike 114 Letter 149 Metcalfe, P. 73 Letter to the Editor 82 Middle Flood Swallet 103 Letter to the Hut Booking Officer 138 Midlen, Max 44, 60, 61, 80, 81, 125, 131, 136, 149 Letterbox Cave 134 Midwinter, Roy 104 Lewis, Bob 149 Miller, Tom 88, 90 Librarian - see Moody, Alison Mills, Alan 131, 173 Liebherr's Rift (Portland) 81 Milner, Steve 36 Lipiska Jama 115 Miskolc-Tapolca thermal water cave 114 Little Neath River Cave 60, 82, 103, 147 Mock Rescue (Poem) 136 Little, Kev 148 Moldywarps Speleo Group 45, 148 Littler, Tony 68 Molephone 166 Llanelly Hill and Blorenge Defence Association 25 Moody, Alison, 30, 35, 36, 52, 56, 57, 59, 60, 73, Llangattwg 20 74, 75, 78, 81, 82, 103 Survey 23 Moody, Pete 35, 36, 57, 59, 60, 74, 75, 81, 82 Llangynidr 149 Moody, Pete and Alison 123, 129, 130 Lloyd, Oliver 173 Moon, Jim 2, 6, 27, 30, 56, 57, 75, 78, 96, 98, 120, Lobster Pot 125 144, 147 Lockyer, Martin 66 Moore, Alan 142 London University Caving Club 73 Morrison, Dave 2, 30, 32, 56, 78, 96 Long, Harry 101 Morton's Pot (Eastwater) 149 Longwood Swallet 73, 108 Mount Anne 41 Low Douk (Ireby Fell) 101, 103 map 42 Loxton Cave 125 Mount Etna 18 Lubul Ha 141 Muckle Samuel's Crags 124 Lumley, Mark 36, 75, 129, 130 Mullan, Graham 130 Lycopodium Hole 148 Murgatroyd, Rob 148 Lyons, Tim 16 Murphy, Phil 148 Mynydd Llangattwg 20 Cave Management /Advisory Committee 5 MacDonald, Mike 81 map 23 Mackin, Bob 81, 103, 167 Madden, Mark 36, 103 Maesbury 149 N.H.A.S.A. 7, 13, 125 Mager stretcher 75, 130 National Trust at Work in Cheddar Gorge Main, Robin 75 17 Mainshaft (GG Winch) 82 Nature Conservancy Council 18 Maleckar, Franc 115 NCA Equipment Failure Report 153 Malham Cove 137 Neil Robertson stretcher 86 Malliat, Dayle 136 New Guinea 93 Mann, Abigail 45 Newman, Gavin 164 59, 125 Newport, Aubrey 2, 4, 30, 44, 56, 59, 78, 80, 81, 96, Marochov, Nick 2, 30, 53, 56, 76, 78, 82, 87, 88, 98, 103, 120,124, 144, 148 92, 96, 98, 120, 139, 144 Newton, Geoff 17, 35, 58, 59, 61, 62, 81, 82, 102, Martel, Jean-Luc 115 103, 109, 148, 154 Martin, Kevin 131 nickel cadmium cells 83 Martinska Jama 116 Norman, Paul 60, 83 McBride, Ruth 129 North, Clive 16 McDonald, Sarah 74 Northants Caving Club 175

Index to Wessex Cave Club Journal No. 20 - Page IV – Northern Caving Secretary - see Sanderson, Keith Purgatory Pothole Club 45 Northhill Swallet 125 Pwll - y - Cwm 20 Norway 17, 82, 149, 154 Pyke, Bob 6 map 155 Pyke, Mark 8 Notes for Contributors 28, 53, 76, 87, 117, 133, 151 Notts Pot 82, 146 Rabies 138 Nullabor Caving Expedition 94 Rainbow Cave 161 Number one Cave 91 Rakes Shaft No. 14 129 Rands, Jim 60, 66, 74, 79, 81, 82, 103, 125, 130, 147, 149, 158, 166 O'Niell, Kieron 166 Rands, Mhairi 2, 3, 30, 56, 66, 78, 96, 98, 120, 144 Obituary Raper, Dr. Jonathan 28 Bob Drake 173 Read's Grotto 110 Cecil Cullingford 176 Read, Mike 66, 87, 157 John Benham 175 Reardon, Terry 93 John Wedgwood 104 Redwood, Steve 80, 102, 131, 165 OFDI 123 Rejuvidd bugs 92 OFDII 124 Rescue practice in Windy Dig 86 Officers and Committee 2, 30, 56 5, 147 Ogof - y - Darren Cilau - see Daren Cilau Reynolds, Tim 126 Ogof Capel 25, 60 Richards, Janice 123 Ogof Ffynnon Ddu 60 Richardson, M 73 Ogof Rhyd Sych 123 Rickford Cave 109 On The Trail of the Wolf 154 Ridge Swallet 80, 82 Ooanagaloor (Coolanav) 50 Rigg, Alan J. 79 survey 46 River Clydach 20 Ormerod, Lydia 32, 92 Roaring Cave Otter Hole 6, 80, 81, 101, 148 Survey 156 Paget, John 16 Roberts, Charlotte 91, 92, 139 Palmer's Cave 64 Roberts, EE 174 Palmer s Dig 61 Roberts, Jonathan Palmer, Rob 146, 166 Rocket Drop Cave 80 Parker, Lee 129 Rod's Pot 109 Parks Canada 92 Rolland, Ian 24 Parrot - See Cockfield, David Romford, Phil 131 Payne, Richard 130 Rona, Daniel 87 Peak Cavern 59, 103, 125 Rookham 118 Penyghent Pot 103 Rowten Pot 82 Perfidy Caves I + II 148 Royal Forest of Dean Caving Club 101 Petty, Norman 109 Rumple, Don 91, 92 Petzl "Stop" 86 Ryder, Pete 145, 24 Pickersgill, Steve 33, 60, 66, 129 Pickstone, Carl 123 Pierre St. Martin 82 Sage, Jeffery and Hazel, 100 Pierre's Pot 59, 103, 148 Sales Officer - see Adams, Doug & Williams, Aidan Pike, Dave 74, 129, 130, 131 Sanderson, Keith 2, 30, 52, 56, 78, 82, 98, 20, 123, Pitman, Brian 79 144, 148 Planinska Jama 115 Sandford Levy 109 Plymouth Polytechnic 73 Sarvenvaartoehullet (Cold Cave) 157 Poll Tax 146 Saunders, Nick 74 Pollard, Nick 37, 38, 59, 60, 61, 73, 75, 130, 145, Savory, Harry 118 149 Savory, Keith 60, 131 Pollinger, Mark 44 Scialet Vincens 7 Poole, Nick 87 scorpion 94 Portland 61, 86 Scott, John 44, 82, 102 Postojna Cave 115 Scott, Martin 44 Postojnska Jama 115 Scaly, Dominic 122, 124, 136, 148 Potts, Boyd and Jenny 112 Secret Stream Cave 158 Potts, Martin 74 Secretary - see Drake, Bob & Marochov, Nick President - see Devenish, Luke Sell Gill Holes 82 Prewer, Brian 73, 129, 130, 131 Sermon, Robin and Cathy 45 Price, Duncan 81 Shaw, Trevor 110, 134 Price, Graham 126, 131 Sheppard, Jack 4 Price, Howard 79, 98, 101, 102, 103, 120, 136, 165, Shipley, Terry 121 144, 164 shotholes 83 Price, Jeff 2, 5, 30, 35, 56, 61, 75, 78, 82, 103, 123, 109, 125 129, 175 Silica Mines 60 Priddy Green 37, 149 Simmonds, Vince 80, 82, 102, 148

Index to Wessex Cave Club Journal No. 20 - Page V – Simpson's Pot 148 The River Clydach Project 20 Singing River Mine 57, 58 The Wessex Hammer Drill 85 Skocjanske Jama 116 Thomas, Alan 147 Slater, Pete 103, 165 Thomas, John 147 Smart, Jim 74 Thompson, Don 104, 123 Smith, Carmen 79, 124 Thrupe Lane Swallet 9, 59, 124 Smith, Dick 43 Survey 15 Smith, Gary 100, 125 Thundergrounders 138 Smith, Katherine 86 Thurrock Adventure Club 74 Smith, Lawrence 59 Timney, Ian 125 Snablet 37, 74 Tolk, Ian 87 Solymar Ordoglyuk cave 112 Topsey, Harriot 142 Somerset County Council 149 Tratman, E.K. 110 South Nordland '89 17 Treasurer - see Hansford, Brian South Wales Cave Club 123 Trill, Nickie 130 Southbank (Eastwater) 103 Tropical Caving in New Guinea 93 Sparrow, Andy 130 Tudor-Craig, Pamela 104 Speedwell Mine 82, 103 Tuffery, Dave 68 Speleoclub de Schaerbeek 101 Tunnel Cave 123 Spotty - see Carter, Russel Turner, Dave 129, 132 Sprang, Nick 130 Turner, Dave and Alan 75 Spratt, Steve 16 Twin T's 125 St Pierre, David and Shirley 157 Twinings Swallett 5 St. Cuthbert's Swallet 38, 109, 123 Two Geriatrics in Vercors 6 St. John's Ambulance Brigade 86 Tyler, Andy 165 Stanbury, Harry 104 Tyning's Farm Swallet 110 Standing in a Waterfall 107 Stanton, Willie 134 Starry Eyed in the Starless River 66 Hill Pot 146 Stephen Nunwick Memorial Lecture 101 University of Bristol Speleological Society (UBSS) Steven, John 148 45, 58, 109 Stevenson, Richard 149, 166 Upper Flood Swallett 59, 102 Stibbs, Kevin 87 Upper Pitts 3, 4, 27, 31, 57, 73, 79, 85, 121, 146 109, 124 Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association 101 Stop Press 117 Stream Passage 82 Strong, Phil 87, 148 Vanderplank , Adrian Subscriptions 3 Vaughn Taylor, Kier 44 Summerskill Andy 88, 92, 96, 98, 103, 120, 144, Vercors 6 148, 157, 170 Vice-Presidents - see Summit Cave 158 Cullingford, Rev. C Sunken Forest 141 Wedgewood, Sir John, Superted - See Cordingley, John Balcombe, Graham, Survey Sales see Hewins, Maurice Dolphin, Paul, Sweden 157 Casteret, Norbert Swift Cave 91, 92 Victoria Caving Group 130, 132 Swift, Jonathan 131 Virgin's Cave 161 Swildon's Hole 38, 59, 73, 74, 75, 60, 81 80, 82, 103, 107, 118, 125, 129, 131, 147, 148 Watergate Connection 125 Wabens, Eddy 136 Rolling Thunder 148 Wades Entrance 82 Swinsto Cave 148 Wailes, Trevor 41 Sydney University Speleological Society 41 Warman, Rich 124 Warren, P. 73 Waterfall Cave 142 Tarantula 94 Waters, Eddie 124, 148, 149 Tasmanian Caverneering Club 41 Waterson, Leonie 44 Tatham Wife Hole. 148 Watson, John 59 Tav - see Taviner, Rob Watts, Pete 35, 36 Taviner, Rob 60, 61, 74, 75, 80, 82, 102, 130, 131, Wavering Down 134 149 Webb, Andrew 16 Taylor, Alan 73, 129 Webb, Barry 16 Taylor, H. 111 Websell, Richard 68, 81, 103, 123, 148, 165 Taylor, Julian 124 Wedgewood, Sir John 2, 30, 56, 78, 100, Taylor, Nigel 73, 131 Obituary 104 The Anno Domini Prize 105 Wednesday nighters 82 The Daily Telegraph 176 Weetman, Reg 26 The Discovery of Thrupe Lane Swallet 9 Weight, Alan and Becky 33, 113 The Mystery of Tyning's Farm Swallet 110 Weil's Disease 17, 34, 109

Index to Wessex Cave Club Journal No. 20 - Page VI –

Wellsway () 80 Welsh Sports Council 25 Welsh's Green Swallett 59, 148 Wessex Challenge 146 Wessex Rescue Practice 135 West, Richard 74, 131 Westminster Speleological Group 91, 29 Wettern, Peter 33 Whistlecroft, Lisa 167 White Lady Cave 60 White Scar Cave 81, 101 White Spot Cave 148 White, Carol 165 Whitehouse, Tony 82 Whybro, Paul 158 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 18 Williams, Aidan 75, 81, 96, 98, 100, 103, 120, 136, 144, 147 Williams, Babs 61, 82, 103, 129 Williams, Barbara 75 Williams, George 104 Williams, Nick 2, 3, 18, 20, 28, 30, 31, 53, 56, 58, 62, 76, 78, 80, 81, 87, 96, 98, 99 100, 101,103, 120, 24, 125, 136, 142, 144 148, 149, 150, 164 Williams, Robin 165 Willis, David 104 Willis, Mjr Stan 25 Willis, Sarah 145 Willmot, Dave 122 Wilson, Duncan 122, 124, 136, 148 Wilson, Linda 82, 130 Wind Tunnel 125 Windy Dig (Portland) 86 Wise, Martin 145 Witches Cave 80 Witcombe's Hole 107 Witcombe, Richard 9, 16, 39 Wood-Hill, Penelope 176 81, 148, 173, 175 Workman, Brian 74, 131 Wright. D. 73

Yax Teel Ahau 91 Yordas Cave 80 York Moor and Fell Club 26 Yorkshire Geological and Polytechnic Society 137 Yugoslavia 115, 123

Zippy -see Newton, Geoff

Index to Wessex Cave Club Journal No. 20 - Page VII -