Cave and Crag message board. Please register to get the most from this facility. Registration only takes a minute. For verification purposes you will need to register using your real name and address otherwise your registration can not be approved. Personal information will not be made public unless you allow it in your profile. If you need help to register please email webmaster@caveandcrag.co.uk http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/index.phpSat, 19 May 2012 21:28:58 +0100 Phorum 5.2.14 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?3,924,924#msg-924 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?3,924,924#msg-924
Penny and I will be at the campsite Campitello Miravalle (www.campingmiravalle.it) from Wed 11th July to Sat 21st July. Booking is recommended ... let me know if you need advice or help with this.

I'll post more info as I get more! Phone me or email if you are interested in joining the expedition.

Andy]]> Andy Hemsted ClimbingMon, 07 May 2012 11:44:32 +0100 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,923,923#msg-923 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,923,923#msg-923Andy Gallon is going to run the Yorkshire meet 19th & 20th May.
Please sign up here!
Cheers
Chris]]> Chris H CavingWed, 16 May 2012 22:23:56 +0100 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,920,920#msg-920 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,920,920#msg-920PS don’t be sorry to ask for help Chris! If we can help we will Clive.]]> clive bennett CavingThu, 03 May 2012 12:09:10 +0100 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?1,913,913#msg-913 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?1,913,913#msg-913

The Cave and Crag PHOTO COMPETITION is back!
Yes dear members, the opportunity to have your mantlepiece groaning under the weight of this magnificent trophy has returned!
This year there will be two categories; ' Best Outdoor Photo' which takes the trophy, and 'Cover Shot' which will be featured on the 2013 Meet Card.
Judging will take place during Pant y Fest [1-5 June], and entries-whether by email, post or in person, must be in by 20 May to ensure we get them all printed in time. Competition is already hotting up with several entries already received, so get snapping folks, choose your SINGLE best image and send it to claire dignon Remember to include when and where taken, and a title. Members who have already sent in entries need not duplicate them.]]> John Evetts AnnouncementsWed, 18 Apr 2012 15:37:17 +0100 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,911,911#msg-911 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,911,911#msg-911

Dear all

You are invited to MCRO's training day and AGM.

Training Day
The next training day for MCRO will take place on Saturday 12 May 2012. The location will be Total Access (UK) Limited, Raleigh Hall Industrial Estate, Eccleshall ST21 6JL. The doors will be open at 10am to commence training at 10:30am. Please note that this training day will be for MCRO members only.

AGM
The MCRO AGM will take place at 4pm on Saturday 12 May 2012. The location will be Total Access (UK) Limited, Raleigh Hall Industrial Estate, Eccleshall ST21 6JL.

For those that are interested, we are hoping to arrange a pub meal after the AGM in Eccleshall and will require confirmation by 28th April 2012 if you want to join us.

Full details will follow in due course.

Many thanks
Emma

Emma Porter
Warden/Training Co-Ordinator]]> Chris H CavingSat, 28 Apr 2012 23:14:50 +0100 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?3,908,908#msg-908 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?3,908,908#msg-908
I'm pretty keen to do some scrambling this year and wondered if anyone fancied going? I've not really done much yet so I was thinking interesting but not too hard routes. Does anyone have any suggestions where's good to go? Maybe somewhere with a pub at the end...

Thanks!]]> Emma ClimbingFri, 27 Apr 2012 09:08:31 +0100 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,906,906#msg-906 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,906,906#msg-906Best
Chris :)-D

Date: Saturday 21st April 2012
Time: 8.30pm
Place: Waterloo Hotel, Taddington, Derbyshire

Featuring live band - 'The Woolly Jumpers'

Admission price is £5.00 and there is free camping available in a field
behind the pub.

The stomp is open to all cavers and friends.
We look forward to seeing some of you there.

Regards,
Jason Rider
Social Secretary
Eldon Pothole Club]]> Chris H CavingMon, 09 Apr 2012 20:42:36 +0100 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?1,904,904#msg-904 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?1,904,904#msg-904I wonder if you could put on your website a note that my father's service will be at approximately 11am on 5th May at the Holy Trinity Church in Dunoon.
It's tucked away above the west bay in Dunoon, their website www.holytrinitydunoon.co.uk has directions.
Thanks and regards,
Ewan Lyons.]]> John Evetts AnnouncementsTue, 03 Apr 2012 15:16:01 +0100 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,903,903#msg-903 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,903,903#msg-903 Jon Hardy CavingSat, 12 May 2012 00:59:30 +0100 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?1,900,900#msg-900 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?1,900,900#msg-900John Rudman died at Parkinsons Hospital, Talgarth on Monday 19th March after a long ilness. The Funeral will be held on 5th April at St Edmunds Church, New Road Crickhowell at 12.30 pm. This will be followed by cremation at Gwent Crematorium, Treherbert Road, Croesceiliog, Cwmbran at 2.00 pm and thn refreshments at The Bear Hotel in Crickhowell. The family would love to see members who remember John at the funeral and it would be hrlpful if you could let David Rudman know if you will be able to be there on djrudders@hotmail.co.uk.
Edgar Harwood]]> Edgar Harwood AnnouncementsMon, 26 Mar 2012 09:16:56 +0100 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?1,899,899#msg-899 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?1,899,899#msg-899
Stuff to me by Sunday 15th April, please. Hopefully the newsletter will be ready for April 18th.]]> Andy Hemsted AnnouncementsSat, 17 Mar 2012 09:06:59 +0000 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,896,896#msg-896 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,896,896#msg-896www.chelseaspelaeo.org.uk] which is near to Crickhowell.

Trips wise I am hoping to get keys for Agen Allwedd on the Saturday (which is about a 10 minute walk from the cottage) which will be a full day trip, and Craig y Ffynonn on the Sunday, a short drive away, which will be a shorter trip but is well worth it (photo here: [en.wikipedia.org] but it doesn't do justice to the real thing!)

It is only possible to book 10 bed spaces in the cottage, although if there are more some may be able to camp. We are also limited to maximum group sizes of 8 people for both caves.

Please also note the date change of this from the meets card, it is to be a weekend earlier than originally as I can't make the weekend it should have been (and from people I have spoken to quite a few others couldn't either). Therefore the meet date is 14th/ 15th April]]> JoW CavingMon, 16 Apr 2012 22:09:42 +0100 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?1,894,894#msg-894 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?1,894,894#msg-894Ewan Lyons, his son, was on the phone recently to let us know that the Memorial Service for Hughie will take place on Saturday 5th May 2012 at Holy Trinity Church, Dunoon. Time still to be arranged. If I get any further information I will let you know.]]> Bob Jayes AnnouncementsThu, 23 Feb 2012 16:03:18 +0000 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?3,890,890#msg-890 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?3,890,890#msg-890 Andy Hemsted ClimbingTue, 21 Feb 2012 07:25:31 +0000 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,887,887#msg-887 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,887,887#msg-887
Dry stone walling weekend for cavers
Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th April.
There is no formal charge for this training as the DCA/BCA are funding it. The aims are to
give cavers the skills useful for their own digs, conservation and stabilization work and to
enable to cavers to help local farmers/landowners rebuild any damaged drystone walls and
undertake any conservation work required by the DCA conservation team.
(2 dates offered, choose 1 day, either) :-
Saturday 28th April, Bonsal Moor Area
Meeting place and time: 10.00am outside Bonsal Village Hall, The Dale, Bonsal. SK 278 580 (on a
road junction by Fountain memorial and a bus shelter).
Training given by Mick Biggin.
Equipment: own food/drink, warm clothing/waterproofs, wellies/boots (steel toe caps?), tough
gloves. If possible please beg, borrow and bring a Mason's hammer or lump hammer!
Finish time 4.00-4.30 (or when had enough!)
Dry stone walling venue: Bonsal Moor
Maximum numbers 8.
29th April Monyash area
Meeting place and time: 9.30 for 10.00am start, Old Smithy Cafe, Monyash, GR: SK 150 665
Training given by Andy Norman.
Equipment required by participants: food/drink, warm clothing/waterproofs, wellies/boots (steel toe
caps?), tough working gloves, If possible please beg, borrow and bring a Mason's hammer or lump
hammer!
finish time: 4.00/4.30 or until had enough!
Dry stone walling venue: Milkings Lane, GR 151 662 -just off Derby Lane that goes to Water
Icicle Close Cavern
Maximum numbers: 8
If interested please contact Nigel Atkins below:-
Nigel Atkins. DCA. Training officer.
Wharfedale House, Springfield Close, Midway, Derbyshire, DE11 0DB
t: 01283 210666 f: 01283 210777 m: 07831 449919
nigel@pennineorganisation.com
www.cavertraining.co.uk]]> Chris H CavingThu, 16 Feb 2012 21:02:02 +0000 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,885,885#msg-885 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,885,885#msg-885Cheddar caving club, who will be guiding us in Box Mine next weekend, want to do the Croesor-Rhosyd through trip over the weekend of 22nd/23rd April. They will be staying at Pant Ifan.
Is anyone available to help out by meeting them at the hut to unlock etc, and/or to guide them through the mine?
Cheers
Chris]]> Chris H CavingWed, 15 Feb 2012 19:23:59 +0000 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?3,884,884#msg-884 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?3,884,884#msg-884
There are 2 crags within easy walking distance of Grandbach Mill, Back Forest and Grad Bach Hill.

Bring your climbing gear and hopefully we'll get the first outdoor climbs of the year in at the AGM.]]> Dave Milford ClimbingTue, 21 Feb 2012 07:24:03 +0000 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,881,881#msg-881 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,881,881#msg-881Cheers Jon]]> Jon Hardy CavingTue, 31 Jan 2012 07:40:41 +0000 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?1,863,863#msg-863 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?1,863,863#msg-863More details later]]> Bob Jayes AnnouncementsThu, 26 Jan 2012 07:20:44 +0000 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?3,855,855#msg-855 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?3,855,855#msg-855
The purpose of this funding is to assist clubs in taking on and supporting novices and young members who may not yet possess all of the mountaineering equipment they need.

If anyone has any suggestions or requests for equipment the club could buy please reply to this thread or email me at d.j.milford@gmail.com

Cheers Dave M]]> Dave Milford ClimbingTue, 10 Apr 2012 15:14:28 +0100 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?3,837,837#msg-837 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?3,837,837#msg-837
Cheers

Dave]]> Dave Milford ClimbingFri, 13 Jan 2012 20:48:40 +0000 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?1,833,833#msg-833 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?1,833,833#msg-833Saturday 3rd March 2012

This years AGM will again be held at Gradbach Mill Youth Hostel.
This former mill is set on the banks of the River Dane in Derbyshire and sleeps 66.
We have booked the Hostel for Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd
As last year, we will be providing a meal, as the hostel is self catering.

Walks are planned for Saturday and Sunday and the Roaches are nearby for climbing.
A caving trip is also planned.

Costs for the weekend are £37.00 accommodation and meal and £12 00 for the meal only

……………………………………………………………………………………….….......

BOOKING FORM

Please return to Dave Haines ASAP including full cost - dave.haines@blueyonder.co.uk


Name/s…………………………………………………………………………...…………

Accommodation and meal No. ..…….…. @ £37.00 £……….

Meal only No. ..…..…… @ £12.00 £……….]]> John Evetts AnnouncementsThu, 12 Jan 2012 11:46:22 +0000 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?3,816,816#msg-816 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?3,816,816#msg-816
Can anyone wishing to come on the Verdon Meet from May 5th - May 12th 2012 please contact me as we will need to book accommodation and guides for the Canyoning ASAP.

If you wish to book your own accommodation we will be staying in Castellane a lovely village well positioned for water sports, walking and climbing.

I will be looking at flights to Nice shortly, anyone wishing to come can also contact me for flight information.

This is a great site showing what Verdon has to offer and a handy Map of the area too, showing Catellane.

[www.verdon-en-provence.com]

See you all soon!

David Milford
d.j.milford@gmail.com]]> Dave Milford ClimbingTue, 21 Feb 2012 10:35:40 +0000 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?1,811,811#msg-811 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?1,811,811#msg-811 Andy Hemsted AnnouncementsThu, 05 Jan 2012 11:59:13 +0000 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?5,804,804#msg-804 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?5,804,804#msg-804Anyone wishing to have a carvery meal should ring the pub on 01905 770130 to book and it is suggested for 1.30/2.00PM.
Sorry about this change.

Gordon has told me that the route description for the short walk has changed in that the "No Sign" near Knotts Farm has been replaced with a "New Sign".

Mike]]> Mike Varley WalkingTue, 03 Jan 2012 15:03:35 +0000 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,800,800#msg-800 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,800,800#msg-800If you've got the time, please sit back and enjoy the video of our little trip.

video: [youtu.be]]]> Jon Hardy CavingThu, 29 Dec 2011 18:44:11 +0000 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,797,797#msg-797 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,797,797#msg-797There have been some memorable trips, Box mine, Otter, North wales etc.
Looking forward to another good year underground.
Happy Christmas, hope santa brings you some SRT kit!
Chris:)-D]]> Chris H CavingSat, 24 Dec 2011 11:57:51 +0000 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?5,793,793#msg-793 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?5,793,793#msg-793
The walk starts from Piper's Hill near Bromsgrove - OS Map 204 Grid Ref. 958 652. How to find Piper's Wood from the M5?. Junction 4 (Lydiate Ash)
Take the A38 south towards Worcester/Bromsgrove. After 6 miles at Stoke Heath turn left towards Hanbury on the B4091. After 2.5 miles, just past the Country Girl pub, 200 yds on a right hand bend turn right into a car park in trees. NB! The turn is easily missed.

A long walk of 11 miles starting at 9.30 AM and a short walk of 6 miles. Walkers taking the short walk, start to arrive at the mid - day pub for 12.30/1.30 pm.

[The long walk will be lead by Gordon and copies of route will be available on the day.

The short walk route is as follows:-

Walk down the path from the car park turning left to pass a pool. 200 yds. After Knott's Farm turn right though trees (no sign) to a way marked gate. Continue in a straight line to the canal. Turn left for 2 miles to the Eagle and Sun pub, the lunch stop. There is a sign on a bridge stating where the pub is located. On the opposite side of the canal, for non drinkers are two picnic tables. The pub is a "Free House" with a carvery.

On leaving the pub return to the canal walking north. Take the first path on the right (by bridge no. 36) and cross over the railway lines. Where the path divides take the left hand path which will pass Summerhill Farm on the right. Continue with the woods on your right until a National Trust sign ( Hanbury Hall) is reached. Take the right hand path, pass a large oak tree to reach Hanbury Hall. On leaving the hall via. the entrance drive turn sharp left by the gates. Continue in a staight line up to a lane. Turn left and follow to Hanbury Parish Church. The path passing the left hand side of the church will lead back to the car park.

Looking forward to the usual good turnout. Mike.]]> Mike Varley WalkingMon, 19 Dec 2011 12:27:07 +0000 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,792,792#msg-792 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?4,792,792#msg-792

cartoon_titan_small.jpg

With the planned riggers having cried off, I was the unfortunate soul voted as rigger of the day! The 45m entrance shaft should have proved no problem, but doubt was in the air and 2/3rds of the way down a knot came into view way off the bottom and no sign of a tangle of rope on the floor - panic, we had brought the wrong rope! Ric and Craig set off back to the cars for a new rope whilst I slowly prussiked back up whilst admiring the work that had gone into this modern shaft. Sat at the top amongst the falling snow flakes I pulled up the rope, only to find the knot was far from the end and once untied happily would reach the bottom - whoops! Off down again, I wasn't hanging around in the blizzard. At the bottom, a short passage led to the dammed window that looked out on Titan. Wow!!! Endless darkness both outward and downward. I had been told that four St Pauls could fit inside, I wasn't surprised. The other two arrived, Ric took one look, 'I'm not doing that!'. A week of indecision, odd mishaps and sickness had taken it's toll.
The belay involved hanging out of the window on my tiptoes and leaning backwards to reach the y-hang - this was possibly the scariest moment of my caving life - I just had to keep telling myself that this was what I had come for! 400+ ft below me was the floor. I set off with all the bars of the rack done up - however slow it was, there was no way I was going to take one off. The spectacular 80m free hanging pitch brought me down to the Event Horizon, a comforting shelf jutting out in this spectacular Shaft. Three blows on my whistle brought Craig down to join me. We sat down for a while hoping for Ric to join us but no show. I set off to complete the final 60m drop to the floor. It entailed a free hanging y-hang under the lip of the shelf - warning to myself - make sure I shorten my short cowstail! A number of expletives later, I was off again. Craig quickly joined me. The pair of us sat out to the side contemplating the awe inspiring experience we had both had before I set off back up. Slow progress under a constant shower of water and yet more questions at that blasted rebelay under the lip. I let Craig go up the giant pitch first (in what seemed record time - compared with my own!), but however long it took, it was amazing, and some fantastic flowstone. On reaching the window, I found myself yet again voted to undertake the **** inducing job of hanging out over that drop - and I seemed to have shrunk since rigging the thing! All of us found the final shaft a strain, not to mention the freezing walk back to the car that seemed twice as long - I think there was a sense of relief on reaching the cars, but definitely some euphoria at having reached the bottom - bring it on!

P1030232.jpg

P1030234.jpg

P1030237.jpg

]]> Jon Hardy CavingTue, 17 Jan 2012 18:13:18 +0000 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?1,790,790#msg-790 http://www.jotech.co.uk/forum/read.php?1,790,790#msg-790Hugh was on holiday travelling in Australia and suffered a stroke whilst cycling which resulted in a collision with a motor car
Our thoughts are with Jill and the family at this difficult time.]]> Mike Varley AnnouncementsSun, 18 Dec 2011 13:17:00 +0000