1986-1987 19-09-1986

Richard Collcott, Dave Wilson, Tim Flack, Pete Hambly, Tim Palmer, Malcolm Barr, Chris Backhouse, Simon Seward, Rob Chaddock, Chris Birkhead, Harry Lock, Dewi Lloyd, Charlie Cawthorne, Jennie Gilbert, Kathy James, Clive Orrock, Steve Lane, Debbie Armstrong, Mark Bown, Steve Gill, Simon Leach, Helen Cawthorne, Catherine White, Spike, Chris Cawthorne, Sarah-Jane Hunt, Jane Enderby, John Harrison, Kath Bonnick, Andrew Pugh, Katy Lock, Mark Turnbull, Mark Aspinall, John Hurn, Andrew Bartos, Richard Chaddock

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I typed these up in 2024-2025, and occasionally I chose to leave out sentences or words that I deemed "offensive". Typically I thought these to be sexist, though on occasion there were racist epithets. These decisions were entirely my own. In a similar vein, typos, incorrect attempts at transcribing handwriting, and misattributing trips to cavers who share first names are also my mistakes.

Fiona Hartley

The Renault 12 Rides Again

• Steve
• Sarah-Jane
• Richard

Once more the trusty (but exceedingly dirty) Renault 12 driven by the "capable" hands of Steve headout to Yorkshire for a "plan well in advance" weekend.

The trip in true clique style had been kept fairly quiet though several others expressed an interest in going. These were given different replies from direct honesty to mumbled denials but none managed to claw their way on.

The trip down (or should I say up) wasn't too bad getting to the caravan by 12.00pm.

Car Pot: Richard Collcott, Steve Lane, Sarah-Jane Hunt

Up in reasonable time, packed ropes in Ingleton car park. Drove over to Clapham where we got changed (with an audience). Walk up the Gill wasn't half as bad as I remembered it and Steve located the cave with ease in the gorgeous weather.

The actual caving was ace, the cave was fairly dry and the cave bottomed with relative ease in a short time (2 1/2 to 3 hours). I wandered around the bottom a lot getting totally caked in mud whilst my more reserved (saner?) companions waited for me to bimble around.

Sarah derigged on the way out as practice for rigging and no trouble was found till Baptistry crawl - which in mine and Steve's opinion had seemed to have got smaller, so small Steve smashed his petzl combination lens in disgust.

All of us had difficulties in the letter box though poor Steve being last up had no one to help him (Where was Gerald?) so an impromptu rope ladder was devised to solve the problem.

Still light as we exited what must be "an ace cave!!!"

R.J.C.

We decided to stay up on Monday as well but due to poor weather, bad planning of light charging and general wimping out no further caving was done or even for that matter climbing. However an ace time was had bimbling around, walking, sight seeing and cafe sampling - noteable the Copper Kettle and Beck Hall (Malham).

All in all an ace long weekend, very relaxing and great to get away from London. We all enjoyed ourselves (didn't we) and got a good cave done in Car Pot.

Qoute of the year: Richard to Steve: "Open it up and get it out of my trousers."

The Renault 12 Goes West (to Mendips) 26th to 28th September

• Steve
• Debbie
• Richard

Desmond (Debbie's "friend") was also supposed to be turning up but cancelled due to a bad back (yeah I bet!)

Got to the BEC after a slightly hair raising drive - Steve practising rally driving down the "wide" country lanes. There was a piss-up and slide show at the BEC that night but we decided for an early night and a "good" "cave" the next day.

Longwood/August: Richard Collcott, Steve Lane, Debbie Armstrong

Got up at reasonable time and bumbled around Wells till eventually we found a key for Longwood/August from the Wessex hut.

The cave was a good laugh (HaHaHaHa - Bottoms!!) and much disgusting conversation was had. We took several pictures (which undoubtedly won't come out) and met another team of WetSuit cavers whose ladder rigging was to put it mildly - appalling.

Didn't bother with Reynold's passage - Wimp Soc - and were out by 3pm (a two and half hour trip in total). But still a good time was had by all.

Got drunk down the pub on Saturday night, poor Steve drinking Cyder. Sunday was a miserable day weather wise and climbing in Cheddar was off, so we went walking in the gorge instead. Got back to London late afternoonish.

Yet another good weekend, blah blah

RJC

Harry's weekend 3-6 October 1986

Coach/bus to Lancaster Ingleton. Stayed in caravan at Beezley's. Excellent crimson sky on Fri night promised good weather for Saturday.

Saturday

Blue sky, hot, gentle breeze etc. Toiled over to West Kingsdale with two rope bags and caving gear. Got to Bull pot. Straightforward 3 hour trip to bottom and back out. Very dry. Went down to Valley Entrance to meet massed hordes (including a Texan caver, and various other randoms). Ultra-fast trip to Swinstos/Simpsons inlets, and to Rowten sump. A few pints in Craven Heifer (empty at 9pm on Sat night!). Lonely night in caravan (it's only the sound of the trees, isn't it!)

Sunday

Cold, misty, occasional showers. Decided not to go caving. Checked out Chapel le Dale cave entrances. Gods Bridge to Joint Hole to Midge Hole via Hill Inn to Roaring/Sunset/Meregill. Direct ascent of Ingleborough (scree/cliff) in zero vis. Less than zero vis on summit and cold, strong winds. Descended to Crina Bottom where met Mr. Chippy ("Been down Gaping Ghyll today?"). Back to Beezleys, half fized bike and tidied caravan.

Monday

Left caravan at 5am for coach back to London (full of geriatrics). OK weekend. Solo caving is fine, but more enjoyable with company.

Harry Lock

Yorkshire Weekend (Freshers)

10-12 October 1986

The Drive Up

Two vans went up, along with Jennie's Renault 5, which arrived on Saturday morning. The two vans got to Brackenbottom at a reasonable time, but only after a

Tatham Wife Hole: Dave Wilson, Harry Lock, Katy Lock, John Hurn

Reasonably early start meant we beat a group of ULSA to the entrance, but they forced past us at 2nd pitch. Ladder and lifeline trip. Average water conditions. Tried to ladder clear of water at most pitches using Elliot bolts, but still not satisfactory, since we got a soaking on each pitch; therefore cave better suited to SRT: 3rd pitch only requires one ladder (not 2 as suggested). "Ramp" is best part of cave - no need for a line on it. Stopped at duck since we didn't want to get caught behind ULSA (we did though). Next trip in should look at the high level passage/aven reached 10' down 3rd pitch. Exited with no real problems on ladders, at 4pm. Walked back to road to meet assorted Alum Pot Amateurs and Chem Eng Pissheads etc etc. Back to hut for shower, then pub. A straightforward moderately enjoyable trip.

HEL

[some text at the side thoroughly Tipex-ed out]

Sunset Hole/Roaring Hole: Richard Collcott, Tim Flack, Rob Chaddock, Alison Seward, Alistair Goodall

A good time was had wallying around in these two caves and we still got the Hill Inn by opening time. Sunset is a very basic cave (just like I remember it). The pitch was about 53 feet (out of the water - amazing). Rich performed some classic text book life lining - just like Steve does. However the prat forgot his ascending gear so climbed up without a lifeline.

Got down the first pitch in Roaring before we met Clive et al. Didn't bottom Roaring (then we didn't really bottom Sunset), but got out in time for opening time. A good enjoyable day's caving, though I think Alistar got a bit worried on some of the tighter bits.

unknown

Long Churn: Simon Seward, Kath Bonnick, Dean (Millar?), Roger Wilson

[I can hardly read this]

Walked around a bit whilst Simon tried to find the entrance - with little success. Eventually an entry point was found through what looked like a subterranean waterfall. Where were my mask and fins when I needed them most? After that headway was made pretty quickly - Simon's expertise at jumping in puddles was well demonstrated. Kath tried it and fell in to her neck. Dean and I overcame the hindrance of having to go on a trip with Simon and Kath and forged ahead manfully.

On encountering the cheese press we made it through with not too many problems. We came to the major pitch, well 40ft, two ladder's worth which was good fun. Simon lifelined, the only time I would consider relying on him!! This brought us out into Alum Pot - and a superb scenic view - I was impressed anyway.

We then headed up and back the way we'd come until we chose a different route out. The exit was a crawl through a stream and into the middle of a Lancaster University CC tea party on the [] of the hill. We all enjoyed it and strolled back to the van and back for a-blower.

R Wilson

Saturday night

All got to Marton Arms very early (some even got 2 pints in at Hill Inn before) Unfortunately met Bown, Foster et al, ALSO Dave Warrington who's been to Tresviso blah blah now accepted into Northern Caving Circles. OK night in pub, lots of good fun had knocking beer over, insulting landlords etc. Some freshers found it all so exciting they fell asleep half way through. Good fun had necking back Chartreuse. On way back got stopped by les gendarmes - ok though since Dave wasn't pissed ho ho. Made ourselves really welcome by our low profile when we got back to Bradford PC. Lots of good fun running around hut, making plenty of disturbance etc etc. Finally didn't get to sleep till we woke up the next morning (?!).

Sunday

Zero grade caves / Rambles Soc: Harry, Kate, Tim

"The Ingleborough Roundabout"

Left hut early and did a 26 mile "organised" walk - circular from Feizor. Moughton to Sulber Gate to GG to Harryhorse Stone to Crina Bottom to Harry Hallams Fold to Beezleys to Scales Moor standing stone to Weathercote to Hill Inn to Colt Park to Selside to Sulber Gate to Norber Erotics to Austwick to Feizor. Superb weather, good food at checkpoints and at end of walk. Everyone managed walk OK. Slight error on pick-up with Simon and Rich setting off to look for us, and, inevitably, missing us. Did the walk in 10 hours - a time probably best forgotten! An excellent day!

Harry

Sell Gill: Dave Wilson, Kath Bonnick, Alistair

Set off from van at 12:40, after gear buying session in Inglesport, got to entrance to find Yorkshire Dales Caving on way out, only using 6 anchors for 20' pitch. Carried on down with no problems except bad takeoff on 2nd pitch, rerigged later. Lifelining/self-lining every pitch. V dry - so no problems on pitches, then crawl round in mud/water at bottom. Good trip for freshers ladder practice, certainly better than when I did it in flood years ago - note - in flood, water diverted down the wet entrance can reappear in between second and third pitches (I think). Back to van and changed around 5:30, not too bad, thence to hut and the long wait for H...

Dave Wilson

Southerscales Pot/Great Douk Cave: Richard Collcott, Rob Chaddock, Alison, John

Southerscales quite interesting - proper entrance quite tight (Alison found it quite psychologically so). Again Rich, the intrepid but dumb leader forgot to bring self lining gear so had to climb all the ladders unlined. Crawl seemed quite long on the way in. Good freshers trip. Great Douk quite dull in comparison, just a long walk, stooping towards the end. A good easy day;s caving in preparation for the horrors to come later in the year no doubt.

Rich

South Wales Freshers w/e 17th-19th October

Simon, Richard, Harry, Clive, Sarah, Neill, Andrew, Tim Palmer, Kevin Oliver, Mark, Rob, Andy de Burgh Thomas, Penny Gamble, Ben Loaden, Peter Hambly, Chris Cawthorne, Charlie, Clog + 2 randoms, Matthew Shaw

The Drive Down Union van went with Simon driving, who tried to take us to Yorkshire. Rest went with Matthew in his VW camper. Minor Coup d'Etat in van when Simon wanted to get the beers in and not let us wimps have chips. He lost! [following sentence Tipex-ed out]

Tunnel Top: Tim Palmer, Harry Lock, Mark, Kevin Oliver

Found entrance fairly easily despite mist. 40' and 25' pitches straightforward, though entrance pitch is a bit awkward to lifeline safely. (Actually both pitches can be done fairly safely without a line.) Calcite slope DID HAVE a wire traverse and handline (misinformation from u2!). Way on from there is generally straightforward, but with a number of climbs up and down over and under boulders choking the rift. It is possible to progress at at least 3 different levels in the rift passage - we stayed high and managed to miss out the "prominent T-junction" both in AND going out. Had 2 keys so got into Cathedral and out by the 1953 entrance to exit at ~2pm. Turned round and went back out, managing to do a different route again! one which involved a low bedding plane crawl with sandy floor. Met a group at calcite slope so had to wait for them to kick lots of boulders down before we could safely exit. 'Marine Boy' deserves a special mention for caving on a very dim Tekna lite during the trip! (His Oldham failed straightaway) Drove back to SWCC to discover we were the last trip out as usual ("Ha, ha, did your watch fail Harry? ..... Ha, ha, who got stuck this time? ..... Ha, ha, we've been waiting for you for 5 hours!") Very good trip (well, good for South Wales!)

H

Cwm Dwr & OFD II: Richard Collcott, Sarah-Jane Hunt, Andrew Pugh, Andy

Rigged ladder in Cwm Dwr so no problems descending. Proceeded quick through large passags and small rift. Had slight navigational problems before reaching Dim Dwr. Sarah thinking that Dim Dwr was much tighter than 2 years ago. No evidence of having been dug out. Explored many passages in boulder choke before finding a way through it. Andrew and Andy disappeared off towards the streamway leaving the leader behind. Turned back at end of boulder choke and had a quick exit. Rested in large chamber past Dim Dwrt so we could put back on all jumpers and thermals removed on the way in before heat stroke set in. Very warm cave, and low water level. Had problems with Andrew's Nicad.

After 'doing' "Cwm Dwr-chamber of horrors" we went into Top Entrance. Didn't take the route described by Clive. Ended up going straight ahead until reached a dry waterfall climb which Sarah didn't like. Wandered around caverns of good formations and kept finding pitches ~20-50ft, probably Pendulum Passage past Poached Egg series, but even finding a survey in cave didn't help position us. Ended up climbing down Waterfall Climb because Sarah couldn't convince Richard that she REALLY did know the way out. "This, I definitely remember from before, blah blah." A good Welsh caving trip in 5-6 hours total.

Sarah

Aggie!: Simon Seward, Rob Chaddock, Charlie Cawthorne, Simon Leach, Chris Cawthorne

The Outer Circle "The Bridge Beckons": Charlie, Chris, Robert, Matthew, Simon

Entrance series "We're already here": Clog, Joe Halifax

In the footsteps of 20+ sherpas of the Walker Diving Circus the CEDs took three potential members of their illustrious fighting formation on an arduous initial ceremony. Several questions had to be answered: Will Charlie ever slow down? Will Chris (strictly 9pm-9am) ever shut up? What is a VW bonnet? Has Simon got a CG? Where's Turkey pool? Despite much feigned uncertainty Charles had no route problems and this marvellous Welsh classic was seen at breakneck speed. Turkey passage being the highlight and Easter passage a significant low spot. "Just like Marco Polo all over again" was the opinion of one star member of the trip. At all times Chris led the debate on his sexual moves (or lack of) and who was the mysterious girl making breakfast for his brother. Even when Charlie went into labour at a tight section there was no let up in the prodigious words per minute. A relief to regain the streamway and eventually the entrance series. I guess Rob and Mat passed the test but I think that due to failing to identify the true problem and caving next to it for ~6 hours cost me my place in the Death Squad. Excellent trip good fun even if the cave wasn't. However one of my illusions were shattered: Christopher has at no time in his life been involved in the sale of second-hand cars. What a waste of talent.

SMS

Sunday

Mass Assault - Target - Little Neath: Richard Collcott, Simon Seward, Rob Chaddock, Charlie Cawthorne, Chris Cawthorne, Matthew, Kevin

Went down in good weather as two teams - both under orders to do short round trip then out. Both teams disobeyed and went to bottom. Ace trip - everyone seemed to enjoy themselves (esp Rob and Matthew after the "boredom" of Aggie). Out in quick time. A good trip was had by all.

RJC

Ogof Fechan: Pete Hambly, Harry Lock, Sarah-Jane Hunt, Andrew Pugh

Van dropped us off, got changed, then it started to rain. Called at farmhouse on way. Found entrance OK. Sarah's light failed so she used Harry's headtorch, then Andrew's light failed so he caved in the dark then Harry's carbide failed (only temporarily) so he had to put some water in it (what a clever idea!). Despite these setbacks we pressed on (!). Had minor route finding problems in the large dry chamber and at boulder choke fairly near the end. Apart from these problems, it's quite an enjoyable little cave, with a good streamway, canals and deep pools, and some reasonable stal formations. The nature and size of the cave passages continually changes, which adds interest. Didn't go to end of cave, which was a good idea because van was waiting for us when we got out. Met a large group of Kingston Poly on way out. Got changed and drove to PyO to pack the van. This is an enjoyable Sunday trip that can be done in 2-4 hours.

H

Non-fresher w/e 24 to 26 October 86

Richard, Simon, Neill & Fun-sized (Harry) - the A team are back

A good time was had by all

Basically we all acted like animals in York. The A team hit York with all it had and it will never be the same again (Amen to that).

RJC

Yorkshire 1/2 November 86

Those attending: Simon, Chris, Dean, Graham, Harry, Steve Gill, Malc, Pete

31/10/86 Harry's extra day

Train from Euston to Bentham (4 half hours) walked via Craven Heifer to caravan (~4 miles). Friday dry and sunny. Walked to Rift Pot, Masongill.

Rift Pot: Harry Lock

Trip chosen because it combined crawling and a 60m pitch - more advanced than my previous venture down Bull, but not TOO committing. Straightforward trip. Interesting Elliot muddy traverse half way down big pitch. Final chamber impressive. 2 1/2 hour trip. A very good trip (?best of the w/e?). Next trip? Could be Juniper or Vesper.

Saturday (Friday night it rained heavily)

Ireby Fell Marble Steps (sort of): Simon Seward, Harry Lock, Chris, Dean, Graham

Ireby too wet at 2nd pitch so laddered Marble Steps entrance. (impressive) Poked up Lost Inlet. then followed 240' Rift to next pitch. Strange how this cave was relatively dry compared with Ireby. Clearly it floods AND drains faster. Quite good fun. Got out in daylight (!) and went to meet others.

Saturday night in New Inn. Good time was had by all, especialyl Malcolm. Ha ha....

Sunday

Jingling Pot: Harry Lock, Steve Gill, Graham, Chris

Straightforward trip down alternative route/shaft. Graham and Chris had no real problems on this, their first underground SRT trip. Took about two and half / three hours. Wandered over to Bull Pot, and got van keys off them at top of third pitch. Back to van then hut.

H

Derbyshire "Not quite as far as Yorkshire weekend"

14 to 17/11/86

Those attending:

• Tim Palmer (RCC) - ?
• Mark Padley ("next thing was...amigo") - SF someone's friend
• Chris Backhouse (the bloke in Caving Supplies recommended I buy it!) - OL Old Lag
• Simon Seward (I don't think I'll go caving today...or tomorrow) - A A-team
• Chris Orchard - Tactical throw team
• Tim Flack (what day will it be yesterday?)
• Kevin (traverse with confidence) - SF someone's friend
• Nick (Capri driver) - SF someone's friend
• Richard Collcott (I can handle Owd Rodger...honest!) - A A-team
• John Harrison (Mr. Respectable these days) - OL Old Lag
• Jane Enderway (!) (Uranium explorationist...shhh!)
• Peter Hambly (what window?) - F "Fresher" (only one?)
• Chris Cawthorne (9 till 9, now "going steady") - ?
• Helen Cawthorne (leave me alone... Simon)
• Harry Lock - OL Old Lag
• Roger Hare (not laid back enough)
• Simon 'Clog' Leach (bullshitter) - OL Old Lag

Saturday

Nettle Pot: Richard Collcott, Simon Seward, Chris Orchard

Basically a fucking good time was had by all, even down this quite basic but exhilerating cave. When we arrived at the cave found it was double rigged and moments later yet another group arrived, Simon wanted to dip immediately (minus several A team points) However Rich went down first double rigging, whilst the team behind us - a group of surprising good lads from the Army started to put a few bolts in at the top of the first pitch (which it badly needed).

At base of first pitch (160') Simon came down last forgetting one vital thing - the rope bag. Rich taking pity on Simon's poorly state went back up and got it for him (what a pal)

As the next 12m pitch was being rigged the first team down came up the big 170' pitch with chants such as - just like the Hurricane pitch - you know the one at the bottom of the Berger - that the B-E-R-G-E-R the fifth deepest cave in the world. Simon "politely" told them they were speaking out of their arses ignorance.

By this time the Army arrived and we teamed up temporarily as one group using their ropes to bottom the cave. An ace trip performed with high spirits (much singing etc) and very enjoyable.

RJC

But then came the pub! (Aaarrrghhhh)

Anon

NO, next comes

Giants Hole, or Lifelining the Three Thousand, an epic of biblical proportions, starring: Tim Flack, Pete Hambly, Chris Backhouse, Harry Lock, Simon Leach, Helen Cawthorne, Chris Cawthorne, Jane Enderby, John Harrison, Kevin, Nick, + Aston University (Group No.2) + Group No.3 + Group No.4 + Group No."n"

(Farmer's earnings for the day: £ many spons)

2 teams of 6. one down Crabwalk, 1 traversed above streamway (swopped over on exit). Straightforward apart from numbers. Geology Pot laddered OK - dry. Then final cascade. East Canal was sumped so turned back. Minor epic as 3+ parties arrived at bottom of 1st pitch at same time, with only 1 ladder in place. Resulted in waves of people climbing up unlined / half lined etc. Good traditional caving, with lots of shouting etc. Turned out Aston Uni didn't have a line, but wanted one, and had no idea how to use it, so resulted in rest of IC3 exiting cave while H lifelined an endless queue of people - aaaahhh! Nevertheless a fine cave and a good time had by all!

H

The Pub

After food ICCC descended upon a somewhat empty Jug and Glass, Tim P driving (or trying to). Once there the beer flowed quickly and a inner drinking clique developed - Mark, Rich, Simon, Chris O, Peter in a 10 pint go for it round. Rich did much of the early pace making but was hndered in the later stafes by a "no-tactical throw" ability. Peter tried to dip out but was dragged back in. Towards the end of the evening (in the pub) silly games of arm wrestling broke out and the landlord finished serving just before pint number 10 was downed.

Then it was back to the hut for bread eating and an enjoyable game of cricket; till Harry in a typical H humourous mood rucked the bat. It was deemed that for this heinous act his trousers should be removed this led inevitably to bunk room war. H defended well vesus a [] in somewhat drunk and uncoordinated attack, full marks to fun-sized [ed: Harry's new nickname].

Got up very late in morning and only eventually left the bunk room due to the awful smell wafting from various sleeping bags.

Gerald

Knotlow Mine: Harry Lock, Roger H, Chris Orchard

"The cave is situated 3 field East of Grassy Triangle at junction of lanes"... says TD Ford/DW Gill - CRAP - we searched N,S,E,W for 10 fields radius for one and a half hours and didn't find the Climbing Shaft entrance. Eventually found out way to Hillocks Mine, so did that as far as 2nd pitch, where "ADRIAN, pull the bloody ladder up, was stuck" i.e. the cave was rapidly backing up with "absolute knacker" cavers - with 2 parties below us and 2 parties behind us - so we decided to give it a miss and leave these "traditional Derbyshire cavers" to their "typical Derbyshire mine" - they're welcome! Walked into Monyash.

H

Long Rake: Simon Leach, Jane Enderby, John Harrison

Why hasn't this minor event been written up?!

Anon

(written up 1/5/87 - as soon as I could manage!)

Clog's idea of a Sunday trip. He vaguely remembered where the entrance was, so we drove round for half an hour to find it.

Very impressive - mined out rake, open to the surface, about 10m wide, 300m long.

Climbed down fixed ladders, through hole in a concrete roof slab, into the mine.

3 levels are accessible, each 500m long or more, lots of old mining gear around.

Bottom level led into series of ancient (>150yr) workings which seemed to go for ever. At this stafe everybody's head and stomach had had enough (well, everybody but Clog) so a retreat was beat.

Very impressive as mines go, crap as caves go (bit like Aggie with railway lines in).

After exiting, made our way to Bakewell to sample to local tarts.

John Harrison

Eldon Hole: Pete Hambly, Tim Palmer, Chris Backhouse

Rotherham

Tim F, Rich, Kevin and Nick, decided not to go caving due to factors such as hangovers, gut rot, late start, bad weather and instead headed to Rotherham for Sunday lunch at Nick's place which was ace - Thanks Mrs Beaumont, we'll be back for more.

RJC

Stopped at a good chippy in Derby, got back to London early at 9:30pm!!

The Rotherham team got back at about 10.30

A good weekend

Castleton - pub and tea excellent trip

Yorkshire 28/11/86 to 30/11/86

Harry, Dave, Rich, Clive, Alexandro, Rob - Van mega trip - it's like pass the parcel, but you start off with 20 people and the last 6 to dip have to go caving instead.

Van breakdown, blah blah, AA called, blah blah, battery/attenutator etc etc

DW

Also Steve Gill, Mark Bown, Tim Flack, Charlie C, Helen C and Chris C

Cow Pot: Tim Flack, Charlie Cawthorne, Steve Gill, Helen Cawthorne, Chris Cawthorne, Alexandro

Juniper Gulf (or Gulp): Richard Collcott, Dave Wilson, Rob Chaddock

Took 45 mins to walk to cave (would have been sooner but Rich and Dave ace navigation walked past it once). Had to double rig it with a group from SUSS (who we didn't meet til bottom).

We tried to combine the second and third pitch using Elliot's route but Rich ran out of rope after tying a superb traverse line and bunny ears at pitch head - even used Alpine butterflies!! Woohh! Ended up going down with the water (bloody typical). At bold steps Rich found no traverse line had been packed - should be paying more attention!! so Rob and Rich went across un-lined.

When Dave caught up, informed Rich that the bold step was to be rigged using the rope for the fourth (ie continuing then). This meant however the 4th pitch had to be done down the wet alternative but fortunately the water was very low. At the big pitch waited for SUSS to derig then Dave rigged. Alexandro decided not to bottom it because he was feeling tired. Exited cave quite quickly though Alexandro's arms were quite weak and he was wise to have turned back (let's have more sense like this in the rest of the club). Back to van at about 8pm. Had to get a jump start from farmer to start the van. Very good trip.

Gerald (RJC)

Lizard Pot: Harry Lock, Clive Orrock, Mark Bown

Found entrance reasonably quickly. 'Bown' arranged dodgy deviation near top of entrance pitch - (large loose boulder) Clive later rearranged it! Second pitch a bit messy, with poor hang and no opportunity for deviations. Mark put a bolt in at head of pitch to aid a free-hang. Pretty horrible muddy rift passage and crawl to head of third pitch - muddy take off from boulders. Fourth pitch had knotted line on it and led quickly to final boulder choke (which we were here to investigate?!). Boulder choke was, however, very terminal, and crawl over it to choked aven too muddy/slippery to progress (we dipped!). Exit ok - Clive derigged (well done) Back down to Crummack, then walked to Austwick for 4 pints in Gamecock, waiting for Juniper Gulf "real cavers". A cave not often visited, understandably.

HEL

The Pub

Many beers drunk - several achieved gallons including even H. Unfortunately to get to this magic number many people said things they probably wished had remained unheard!

RJC

Mainly H. Quote available from Dave - for a price.

DW

Sunday

Rowten Pot: Dave Wilson, Charlie Cawthorne, Helen Cawthorne, Chris Cawthorne

DIPPED

Vesper Pot: Richard Collcott, Rob Chaddock, Harry Lock

DIPPED

Kingsdale was absolutely packed with cars, vans and even a coach. The Vesper team did get changed before they realised that even if their cave wasn't already overflowing with steel toe-capped cavers, the late hour would not allow them to bottom and cave and exit at a reasonable hour.

The Cawthornes left whilst Dave drove Rob, H and Rich to a potential digging area where some initial exploration seemed very promising (shhhh... you know where...). Digging was followed by tea and sticky toffee pudding at the Copper Kettle, then back to the hut.

RJC

Wretched Rabbit: Tim Flack, Simon Leach

Didn't dip +10 A team points

Not feeling too jaded by the previous night's drinking, we hacked across the moor for a half an hour, finding the entrance fairly quickly (after one false alarm). Easy trip down to Stop Pot - Minarets and beyond, quick look at Manchester Bypass, back down Stop Pot and out County.

unknown

Yokrshire X-Mas Tour

"Here we go, here we go, here we go!!!"

Saturday

Link Pot: Simon Seward, Rob Chaddock, Richard Collcott, Tim Flack, Harry Lock, Clive Orrock, Sarah-Jane Hunt

2 teams: a) Simon and Rob b) S-J, Clive, Rich, Harry and Tim

(b) team failed miserably to find the way and wallied about doing impressions of being interviewed by Sid Perou, whilst making noises similar to cave divers. Many songs were song, though few words were actually known.

RJC

(a) team Well what can I say? dusty junction after muddy wallows then more mud in Hall of the Mountain King - then down into the streamway of Cigalere up a series of climbs through Ha rapids then a swim in the canal before grinding to a halt at the cascade. Back up the junction to the Hobbit an interesting investigation up 'the 2nd rope' which was not the right way. On return followed the draft out of The Mistral. Closely questioned by a possible Lord Shuttleworth spy who later revealed himself (!) to be a member (!) of the RRPC (another wanker). When we got back the van was actually waiting for us. Huh huh huh. Rob performed well.

SMS

Lancaster Hole: Dave Wilson, Kath Bonnick

Went most of way down to fall pot (which couldn't find). Came out and went to look at Link, I think I got most of way down to Echo Aven, but not quite. V short trip(s) with no real happenings.

Dave

The Pub

The first port of call was the New Inn for a quick pint. The pub was very empty so we moved on to High Bentham, Horse and Farrier for a few beers. Played a few games of pool then onto the chippie in Bentham which was very good. Then onto the Marton for yet a few more beers. Then the club went to the New Inn to pick up the hut keys. At this point Simon, Rich and tim decided to get their gallon in and stayed in the pub whilst the rest of the club went to bed (quote Clog "you bunch of wimps"). In the pub the gallon was soon reached and then passed with several extra green chartreuse. Also several green chartreuses were forced down Pete Riley's throat because he was small (don't ask how we knew). now well pissed Tim and Rich took on Clog's friend at arm wrestling and got well thrashed. Next thing was Simon and Tim were watching Rich make a fool of himself chatting up Maid Marian (and failing of course).

(I disagree with pub trips being written up in the log book.)

Then Clog drove the hard drinkers back to the hut. Next morning all three regretted it as their brains and wallets had both disappeared during the evening.

Gerald (RJC)

Sunday

Black Shiver (the only grade V of the tour, bottomed): Richard Collcott, Harry Lock (last surviving A-team members)

Ace weather, gorgeous walk to the cave in lovely crisp conditions. However thoughts that it would be dry were soon squashed. Took an hour and a half on the first pitch (just a bit slow). The 20m rope was too short (take 25m next time). Proto Elliot Rich put in two bolts where two of the MAN's bolts had been hacked out. After this the trip started to speed up. Rich rigged next two pitches, then Harry rigged Thunder pitch and the Big pitch. Rich put a bolt in at the top of Thunder as a back up to the main belay and then followed on. Both A team stars showed trepidation at the 82 metre pitch. (In fact Rich was shit scared amd Harry actually trembled though only slightly.) Then after slight route finding problems (the only possible in the cave), the motorway was quickly negotiated and Rich rigged the last pitch. It was on this pitch that Rich also decided to try the Andrew Pugh style of descending with his new improved Petzl Go technique. After Rich failed to kill himseld, Harry pushed on to the sump pool where a team Mars Bar was scoffed. Exited very quickly and efficiently and got back to the Hill by 8:30. Both Harry and Rich celebrated their ace trip with a pint of OP, however as always at the Hill it was shit. Ace day and ace cave.

RJC

King Pot: Dave Wilson, Rob Chaddock, Sarah-Jane Hunt

Good trip down this classic cave. Dave rigged and he and Rob dragged the tackle bags, even through T-shape passage. Dave managed to drop some gear down a hole at the end of the passage but retrieved it together with a carbide contained. Continued down freeclimbing Anne's pitch. Rigged Bloodaxe pitch and Victoria pitch together with a 35m rope. Turned back before the wet crawl. Uneventful trip out, Rob and Dave again dragging the tackle bags. 7 1/2 hour trip to ?Kakemono Hall and back, walked back and met van on the way. Excellent trip.

[something erased with Tipex]

Sarah

Mossdale: Simon, Tim

Good trip to this even more classic system. A three-quarter hour trip to the entrance, 43mins 16" on return! Journey was excellent via chip shop at Settle - Tim managed to drink a can of orange!!! On to Kirkby Malham and Malham in one drive!!! Malham Cove was absolutely fantastic!!! A truely classic limestone feature. Uneventful journey down into Littondale with beautiful views of this classic valley. Arncliffe pub - situated under the classic crag provided some Tetleys before on to Coniston and the walk in to Mossdale. Conversation ranged over many subjects. Met SUSS at the entrance. We were all impressed by the site. Swapped stories about [?] and Iain Mackenzie before the trip back to the van. We didn't free climb anything up but on return Tim freeclimbed a stile!!! and Simon opened a gate!!! On arrival at van - no power from batteries and even the headlights weren't shining brightly like when we left. There ensued much tecnical electrical business with jump leads and SUSS's escort which I didn't understand. We bump started frontwards after failing in reverse. And then the journey back began... classic drive! More chips at Settle and then on to Kingsdale pick up Clive who had been caving. Excellent trip. Our first walk in the Dales this year. Oh yes if you want technical detailed or more importantly who rigged, drove, opened gates, bought chips or pints, put which tapes on - well you'll just have to ask Simon or Tim.

SMS

Why does every minor event need a write up!

unknown

Tim's version:

What day was it tomorrow? Am I awake? Whats my name? I went to Mossdale yesterday. Time for bed. I feel wacky after that gallon. Where's my caving gear. Anyone seen my brain this morning. I feel horrendously pissed. Where's Hangman's Hole?

Tim

Yordas Pot, Yordas Cave, Bullpot: Clive Orrock

-- straightforward, very fast and efficient trips.

Clive

Munday

Rowten/Jingling: Dave Wilson, Tim Flack, Harry Lock

Clutching Elliot's guide in our hands, we descended first pitch of Rowten in an attempt to find new route from base of big pitch. Unfortunately H failed to locate bolts in cleft below overhang, and since there was rather a lot of water about we DIPPED. Dave went back to van to let Rift Pot team know that Tim and Harry were going to go down Jingling to salvage a day's caving. Tim rigged, Harry derigged - no problems, except with Harry's lights, which both failed at the base of the shaft. The alternative descent of Jingling Pot is an ideal first rigging trip - close supervision possible, with plenty of re-belays, deviations and traverses.

H

Rift Pot [Masongill]: Richard Collcott, Clive Orrock, Sarah-Jane Hunt

Found entrance easily, S-J rigged entrance climb OK (found iron bar and bolt reasonably quickly). S-J led into the wet crawl and eventually got the big pitch which she again rigged using Elliot traverse (though this was missed on the first descent). However the deviation put in to hold the rope out of the water came out on the way down. Rich re-rigged a deviation, which again came out. Clive followed down and put a deviation in on a flake towards the top of the pitch. Fortunately this held. Explored the large chamber at the bottom and found the way to the new extension, but didn't explore it. Rich derigged big pitch (45m). Water level had dropped by the time we exited, no problems except Clive broke his carbide head piece. Clive and Rich freeclimbed entrance pitch and S-J derigged.

Sarah-Jane and Richard

--Possible new passage. 1m dia phreatic tube found ~15m up last pitch, pendulum away from water. No signs of previous ecploration didn't go in no light.

CMO

Sorry Clive this isn't new - see latest NCC Journal p.16!

H

Pippikin: Simon Seward, Dewi Lloyd, Pete Riley (NPC)

Straightforward trip to the Hobbit + (after 10 mins!) out through Mistral, not much of a draught present, noticeable only in narrow sections. Back down Mistral and up through Pippikin, derigging 5 ladders used on descent. Good, fun trip.

Tuesday

Vesper Pot: Richard Collcott, Dewi Lloyd

Originally planned a bolting trip down hangman's hole but the van was very late back from the SRT course, so did Vesper instead. Straight forward trip to top of the last pitch. However due to the very high water levels decided to turn back. Exited quickly and efficiently. Good cave, must get to the bottom next time, ace fun caving as a pair. Got back to van just as Simon and Dave exited Rowten.

RJC

Lost Johns: Tim Flack, Harry Lock, Sarah-Jane Hunt

The permit was for Wednesday so we asked at the farm and it was OK. The swift 3 man (including 1 "honorary") set off to get some rigging practice in! Traversed over the 3 holes to reach Hammer Pot route. Sarah rigged Hammer, Mud, Centipede, Dome Jct and Shistol - no problems, with H as her sherpa (carried the tackle bag). Tim took over on Battleaxe traverse and pitch, and on Last Pitch - again, no problems, with H carrying tackle bag and bullshitting caving techniques. Yes, it certainly is amazing how these youngsters have picked up the skills so quickly! Moved on to Master Cave quickly, for a quick Mars Bar. Then out rapidly, with H and Tim derigging and Sarah providing the choir from above. Yesterday I said Jingling is an ideal cave for a first rigging trip - Lost Johns is ideal for a second rigging trip. Lost Johns is a really ace cave, and the entrance streamway to the start of the traverse is a classic passage (must be done on carbide for full golden/brown/ochre effect!). Second bes trip of the weke. Full marks S-J and Tim!

H

Ta H!

Sarah or Tim

Wednesday

Bull Pot (Kingsdale) solo trip by Richard Collcott

Very quick trip to bottom of fourth pitch and out in 3 hours. I quite enjoyed this my first real solo experience (ignoring LNRC). First two pitches were straight forward. At the third pitch instead of going down the slot, I tried an Elliot route off a side passage. Involved more rigging and was actually wetter!! Unfortunately this meant I was very short of bollards etc by 4th pitch so had to cut down on the amount used for the traverse line and couldn't do a Y-hang (back to my old rigging techniques). in fact the rope was about 4m too short and so I had to change over in a water fall. Couldn't rig it as I would have liked because of lack of gear.

Gear required next time

• 20m rope first pitch - 2 bollard, 1 deviation cord, 1 snap crab
• 16m second pitch - 4 bollards
• 35m third pitch slot 3 bollards (?)
• 25m or Elliot 4 bollard, 1 sling, 15 screw gate crab
• 35m fourth pitch 6 bollard, 1 deviation and crab
• fifth pitch as per book (ask Harry)

RJC

ab off 1 bolt, hope for best

Harry

Rowten Pot - Tues and Wed

Tues: Dave Wilson, Simon Seward

Wed: Dave Wilson, Rob Chaddock, Dewi Lloyd

Got to bottom of this classic hole - 105m deep with 180m rope - classic trip avoiding water via 'Flyover' route. Only need to find 2 bolt deviations on 1st pitch and avoid bridge to make perfect almost all-weather SRT trip. Real Elliot-style trip. OK both days, good rigging trip. V cold at bottom of big 40m pitch.

Dave

"What the Telecome worker saw" or "Confessions of a Telephone Box"

starring: Sarah, Kath, Simon, Harry

Dropped off in Settle at 1pm. Walked up hill behind past Attermire Scar, heading for Malham. Superb weather, strong cold breeze. Decided to miss Malham and headed for the Tarn instead, and witnessed the first interesting happening of the walk!!! At 90 degrees to the wave fronts on Malham Tarn were long white streaks, regularly spaced, parallel to wind direction - wow!! Then pressed on towards Yew Cogar scars and the path to Arncliffe. Weather started to deteriorate (Cags, llamas etc went on). Got down to Arncliffe at ~4pm. We were due to meet van in Falcon Inn at 6pm - but it didn't open til 7pm - so we had 3 hours to kill in Arncliffe. Left a note pinned on pub door and set off to Litton for something to do (3 miles away). Saw lots of powerful resurgences on way, S-J kept those carols coming. Dark by Litton - no pub, no nothing, so turned round and walked 3 miles back to Arncliffe. At 6pm we kncoked on pub side door and asked publican if we could wait inside since it was cold and pissing down outside - answer: NO (traditional English hospitality). So, went for a 1 hour rewarming session as 4 of us huddled together in the phone box (best event of the week without a doubt, and Simon didn't mind me putting my arm round him! Wow! Mega!!). Atmosphere got very steamy (ha ha Mr Amusing). At 7pm we entered the pub, bought some drinks then:

1. 1. Don't stand in front of fire
2. 2. Don't sit down on fabric seats
3. 3. Take your wet coats out to hallway
4. Stop making a noise; and, finally....
5. Move in to the next room (unheated), because one of my locals might went to sit down in here

In short, the publicam was an inhospitable, obnoxious, absolute knacker and we would not tolerate his behaviour. Left immediately leaving all doors open and complaining bitterly to villagers about him. Anyway van turned up shortly after, and we went to the Dinner.

The Dinner

We all arrived on time, except Andrew Pugh, who turned up 24 hours late - is this a record!

New Year 1986/1987

Due to a lack of organisation, no formal caving trip organised

• Richard and Simon got pissed in Lincolnshire
• Clive and Malcolm and Jim """""""""" Chester
• Steve G and Chris Birk went skiing in Cairngorms
• Kath went climbing with ICMC(!
• S-J did her revision (not really....!)
• Dewi tried to save money BUT Harry, Dave and Tim (and Tim's mate John) went CAVING, in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.....

Wednesday - evening in Hill Inn/Craven Heifer/Bridge Inn

Thursday - appalling weather. Got soaked on walk from Ingleton to Hill Inn via Greenwood Pots / Meregill etc. Sat for one and a half hours in limekiln waiting for pub to open, then 7 pints waiting for Tim to arrive, which he did at 10:30pm!

Friday - a fine day. Taught John SRT, did Jingling Pot and Bull Pot. Good caving. Evening in Marton.

Saturday - very cold in morning. breakfast in Clapham then walked up to Gull to do Flood entrance. "Speleo-Rahl CC" were already down, so we double rigged. Big pitch took a long time, but Tim learnt a lot about rigging and John learnt a lot about re-belays! Went through to main chamber. Exit very straightforward to cold night, some snow. Food and beers in Horse and Farrier, Bentham.

Sunday - continual heavy rain from 1am to 11am put paid to plans to do Ireby. Sat in cafe then marton, then back home.

Verdict: 2 out of 4 days caving. 2 out of 4 days superb weather. John learnt the basics of SRT, Tim got some rigging in. Flood Entrance was a new cave for Harry. Plenty of beers in. 4 people in a car is the best way to go caving (get out of the car to go underground though)

H

Yorkshire 16-18 Jan 87

Cancelled [Editor: various text tip-exed out arguing about whether a lack of a Union van means you can't go caving]

Harry went ice-climbing in Cairngorms

Rich and Simon played badminton on Sunday after going on the piss with Clive in Richmond the night before. (much more important than Ice climbing)

IC3 expedition slide show - Sat January 24th 1987

Or "The change from adolescence to adulthood of Steve Lane and little Chris"

A good day was had by all, though there were moments when it could have been a fiasco - El Presidente was comatose in bed and fortunately Neill phoned him up and he came in. Chris Birkhead did the Morocco talk "How to look for caves in swimming trunks" without slides because John Harrison turned up late. Anyhow was an excellent time, well done those who talked, and turned up - even Malcolm!

Jennie's Renault 5 goes North

whilst Jennie was on a field trip to the Lakes

• Steve (driver)
• Dewi (Welsh guide
• Richard (random squash player)

Saturday

Ogof Hesp Alyn: Richard Collcott, Dewi Lloyd, Steve Lane

Ace trip in this, perhaps the muddiest cave I've ever been in. Wasn't too bad up to the first pitch - split 80' (2x40'). Rigging on this pitch and throughout the rest of the cave was VERY BASIC - due to horrendous quantities of mud and lack of bolts and good naturals. By the time the cave was bottomed (well Sump 1 anyway) all of our trip were absolutely plastered in thick slimy mud. Got out of cave to twilight conditions, the trip taking five and a half hours

RJC

Sunday

Cabin Shaft

After cleaning gear and ropes at a ford, decided to take it caving. Me and Dewi took a look down an old lead mine, Steve lifelining us down and out.

Ace weekend, thanks a lot to Mr & Mrs Lloyd for putting us up. (I might even come again!)

RJC

after NO club caving since December... ... ...

Yorkshire 31/1 Jan/Feb 1987

Tues evening:

"I don't like men when they're drunk" - the less said about Tues pm the better.

The Grim reaper strikes again,

Quote: Steve: "I'm only going to have two pints" Lane

"It was pure (puke) carnage" - Gerald

"It slips down so easy Rich, lets go for double figures" - Tim

"Well Alan, let me tell you EVERYTHING" - S-J

Dewi "let's see what my stomach lining looks like" Lloyd

Why does everi minor (in this case very minor) social event need a write up? (Don't you know yet?)

York 31/1 Jan/Feb

Wot an epic

• Dave Wilson, Tim Flack, Sarah-Jane Hunt, Harry Lock, Rob Chaddock, John Hurn, Alan Goodman, Andrew Bartos, Dewi Lloyd, Dean Millar

Phase 0 Garbled note left on the desk ~2-00 to tell me to pick up KLO from service in Edgeware, as RCS took our van due to some service delay with other van. Got to Edgeware, prepared to pay 200.00 as I had been told, to be met by a bill for £453. Best joke of weekend - a mechanic told me "Ah begorah, that's a good van you have there!" I disagreed, but if I knew then what I know now I think I might not have bothered. Note, I will take a lot of persuading to drive KLO again, except to the knacker's yard.

DW

Phases 1-4

Setting off, bright and early at 6-30pm, we sped off up the M1 to our land of dreams... then the van broke down - electrical failure. Called out recovery service, drove to service station, where van was fitted with its 3rd new alternator and still didn't work!! Eventually decided we should sleep in van, Dean hitched back. V cosy with 8 in the back, tho much ice formed on inside of windows and ceiling. It was like sleeping near a race track (motorway ha ha), with ceaseless roaring of passing trucks only interrupted by Andrew's tales of Australia and figeting when you tried to scratch your buried leg. Arose amongst clouds of feathers and staggered off to the "services" for multiple cups of tea that revived the parts other tea does not reach. After what seemed like and actually was, ages, the 'electrician' arrived, soldered a contact with the alternator and pronounced the van 'OK'. After a brief conference, the galant x-1=9 rejected all ideas of returning to London, and set off northwards at ~11am from Northampton. 13.18, stopped off near Shefffield for our third consecutive meal substitute of cups of tea, and chocolate. Some team members are showing signs of junk food intoxication, and we all wondered whether we should (not) have spent last night in the spacious and well appointed toilets of Rothersthorpe after all.

The adventure continues.... hit Leeds at 1.45pm (SPLAT); van started to make a funny noise, could this be the exhaust? Surely we can somehow go caving... Tune in next line for another exciting episode!

3:30pm - you won't believe it - 4 miles from Dave's house - Boom, the exhaust went. The van sounding like a diesel vehicle or tractor, we will have to turn Steve Win up to drown the row. What else could possibly happen? - only the perishing radiator hose could burst. How to write off an ICU van by IC3 at the expense of a caving weekend! . . . . what do we have to do to get down a cave?

So... we got to Dave's house and called AA - again!! Went for a walk til they arrived. Bloke arrived and net result was he couldn't do anything (knacker) til 10 next da for spare part. So trained mechanics Bartos, Chaddock and Lloyd tried fairly successfully to fix exhaust at manifold. Set off to NPC with fairly horrendous noise.

[diagram of "fix" of exhaust, utilising wire strap and baked bean can]

BUT, the epic was not over...

The best, the final episode was yet to come....

Outside Settle, almost a total power failure, as headlights gradually faded and the exhaust continued to disintegrate, FX2's were used to light the way ahead (!!!). Struggled into NPC car park at 9:30pm, after a 27 hour journey from London to Yorkshire!! (ave speed 10mph). Ay, but it wer worth it.

(O'you realise we could have got to Australia quicker) - wait til the return journey

[but... so far only one pint in near Burnley on Sat lunchstime and no caves. What have we done? - waited for AA and drunk tea. Wot a weekend!!]

Sunday - surely nothing else can possibly go wrong!

Phase 5

Get off to a good start by getting up one and a half hours late finally drop Harry off to go with John, Alan, Sarah then take Rob to buy new troll suit. On arriving back at hut, find new suit has hole, so take it back and drop everyone else off. Get home at 12:10 and so to Kwik-fit for exhaust. Apparently whole system needs replacing, but got shortform fix on back part. Van alternator (no.5) knackered, almost from birth. Also told:

(1) Battery is too small - get heavy duty one

(2) Rear tyre is illegal (car tyre, not reinforced van tyre).

This van is not in good state of repair.

DW

Stream Passage Pot: Tim Flack, Rob Chaddock, Dewi Lloyd, Andrew Bartos, Andrew Bartos

A bright new day so Tim, Andrew, Rob and Dewi went to admire the waterfall in GG. It was very pretty and there were lots of walkers dressed in silly clothes. On seeing the top of the waterfall we went and had a look at the bottom. We took the scenic route via Stream Passage Pot. The waterfall was very nice at the bottom, especially since it was still daylight. Returning via another scenic tour at 7:30pm. (no this hasn't been censored!)

Grange Rigg Pot: Harry Lock, Sarah-Jane Hunt, John Hurn, Alan Goodman, John Hurn

Quick walk up, easily found entrance. First pitch 50' free hang. Tricky free climb (take 10' rope next time). Free climbed second and third pitches on way down (walls like glass, no belays). Take bolt kit next time. Fourth pitch off inadequate block. Anemolite crawl fairly strenuous (easier but longer than T-shape in King) met Xmas pot coming in. 5th pitch off small flake. Then collapse was found before final pitch (fairly recent - needs to be excavated for way on) returned out fairly slow on 1st/2nd/3rd pitches. No problems back to Clapham.

Phase 6 - Alternator no3 fails.

Left battery on charge while went to New Inn. Left 7:30am Monday beause we didn't want to use the lights, so waited til after sunrise/ Unfortunately hit traffic and mist. Made it to Leeds for food, then on to Woolley Edge to phone union. Later had to shop for petrol and guess what - battery died. Couldn't buy new battery so got COWAN AA man to give us enough power to start up. Made it back to the all too familiar Rothersthorpe Garage to see our "helpful" electrician. Battery stuffed so re-charged and drove down into the Wilds of Northampton to get it fixed. Dave "the Knife" Wilson conversing eloquently with dodgi mechanics. With any luck we might be home by midnight.

Arrived at IC after 8 1/2 hours, the Ordeal was over. Recovery with Pint and PIzza.

[Why does every minor event need a write up?] ( - if more people went, then the events need not be written up.)

Yorkshire 7/9 Feb 87

Harry, Mark, Dave, Tim, Rich, John (Tim's mate)

After the lack of caving last w/e and van trouble it was decided to organise a small club trip to the Dales for the exceptionally keen cavers (ha ha). Hired a 1.6L Sierra estate from Swan National (who don't insure students - lucky we didn't write it off really).

Friday

Good drive up - car went very well and smoothly (70+ all the way). Fish and chips at Leeds and a couple of pints in Ilkley. (Road Warrior was at the wheel most of the way)

Saturday

Stream Passage Pot: Tim Flack, Rob Chaddock, Dewi Lloyd, Andrew Bartos

A new cave for all of the team and worth the slog up from Clapham. No troubles encountered, except slight route finding problems to get to main chamber of GG. Waterfall impressive and quite well illuminated. Got back to car by just after 8pm.

A good trip, 5 hours, fairly simple rigging.

Bar Pot: Dave Wilson, Tim Flack, Mark Aspinall

Both teams met up at the Horse and Farrier, Bentham, where a very quiet 4 pints were had. Started raining and continued most of the night.

Sunday

John had managed to lock his keys in his car, so, rather than calling on the assistance of the police to open it, we had an early morning drive to Windermere and back to pick up spares. Got back to hut, hummed and haad about going caving. Eventually tried Rowten and Ireby, but Rowten was occupied and the Ireby team did a last minute dip. Ireby went for a drive to Sticky Toffee Town (Sedbergh) and failed t climb Great Knoutberry Hill above Dentdale. Departed early from hut. Mega-kebabs and baked potatoes in Lancaster, then rapidly down the motorway, with Roadwarrior trying to reach a ton in the last two thirds of a mile of the M1 at Brent Cross! (He succeeded) OK weekend.

Tues 11/2/87

The Following has no place in this logbook:-

A pleasant evening vomiting in the company of one's friends.

Yet another ICCC pure carnage night.

"I don't like women when they are pissed, the less said about Tues PM the better" - Quote (someone who wasn't even there).

Why did 2 people want to get me drunk? - probably because you always say that you can always resist drinking if you want to.

South Wales weekend February 13-15 1987

Simon, Harry, Richard, Rob, Andrew Bartos, Graham Gafley, Chris Backhouse, Dave, Mark Aspinall, Jon Hurn, Sarah

Good drive up. Spent 2 hours in pub in Chepstow with strange locals and a folk singer. Fish and chips also in Chepstow.

Smith's Armoury (or bust): Richard Collcott, Harry Lock, Sarah-Jane Hunt, John Hurn

ok, so we bust. But who cares. Certainly not me.

Perhaps the whole trip can be summed up with Harry's quote 3 hours into the cave "Where the hell are we!" Unfortunately chronic route finding problems even though Rich had done most of the trip to Smiths 3 times before (is he aware or what). After much tooing and froing (throwing) we finally hit Gnome passage and didn't realise it. -- But hang on, what happened to the rest of the trip. It was superb, a fast moving, efficient team zoomed expertly through the system, it was pure ecstasy, moving as one they blah blah blah. Then we came out.

[Who wrote this garbage?]

Top to Cwm Dwr: Simon Seward, Mark Aspinall, Andrew Bartos

Perhaps the whole trip can be summed up by Harry's quote "Where the hell are we." After only minor problems we arrived at Smithy's hole but were unable to find our way from there. Spent about an hour going up/down, trying all possible routes without avail, finally decided to pack it in, but on the way out we met 3 blokes who led us to the real Smithy's Hole and the streamway passage. Simon was very apologetic and full of excuses: "I had a bad hangover when I did this last time."

Andrew

Well Simon's light was dying so we shot off up the streamway negotiating pots full of water in the Marble Showers and falling in a few - excellent hack and amazing environment. We passed round the Great Oxbow and rejoined the streamway again. Leacing the streamway we became temporarily confused over the route out however our 3 Welsh friends saved the day again. Simon recognised the route again.

Mark

Both novices performed adequately.

Simon

Saturday evening in the Red Lion

Sunday

Ogof Fechan: Simon Seward, Rob Chaddock, Mark Aspinall, Andrew Bartos + Mid Glamorgan Schools/Youths/Community Scouts/Wankers

Dropped off at the farm only to see the above group changing so raced towards cave to get down first. Here Richard encountered to first navigational problem, failing to find the gate. About 150' into the cave problem number 2 was encountered when Richard could not find the way on from the Sand Chamber. We had to be rescued from this daunting dilemma by the party of Welsh schoolgirls. Lots of squeezy bits till we hit the streamway and the wet crawls ("wet suits are essential for this cave"). Those in dry gear stayed dry(ish). There was much jollity and singing featuring unique renditions of classics by the Beach Boys and the Beatles. Eventually got to the ducks (1" of airspace) and passed through to the other side only to turn round and come straight out again. On the way back Andy snapped a few pictures of formations etc. Relatively straight forward trip out with only 1 route finding problem. Got out of cave about 2:10 to enjoy the refreshments provided by St Michael. Walked back to the hut in glorious sunshine. Good trip.

Rob

Pant Mawr: Chris Backhouse, Harry Lock, Sarah-Jane Hunt, John Hurn

A good hour's walk to cave in sunshine. Metal bar for belay point is well hidden below concrete steps. Fortunately we had just enough ladder - 50ft pitch and then 25ft of ladder to belay. Explored upstream where there are good high level traverses. Excellent corals and bivalves noted by the 3 geologists in bullshit mode. Downstream leads into large caverns with helictites, boulders and mud (2 fundamentals of South Wales caves) and sandy crawl to WS6. Went to sump where Jon took a dip. On way out met 10 from Swansea Uni CC and a bunch of Knackers - one using carbide who inquired whether we were from SWCC. He was also wearing sunglasses! None of the party except the two leaders had climbed ladders before so it was quite interesting climbing up the ladder with a novice climbing down. They also had belayed their ladder and lifeline to the same belay as ours. Good trip in another virgin cave. Good for a freshers trip.

Sarah

---

[some back and forth about people going caving]

Roll on Yorkshire!!

Blah Blah Blah.

Yorkshire 27 Feb-March 1st

Harry, Dave, Tim, Mark A, Mark T, (special guest apperance: Bown), Andrew P, Pete, Malcolm, Chris B, Charlie, Chris C, John + mate Henry, Clive

Quaking Pot: Dave Wilson, Pete Hambly, Harry Lock, Clive Orrock, Mark Bown

After an energetic walk a fair way up Ingleborough we found the pot, and we soon underground. The first pitch (25') was laddered, although virtually free climbable, and was followed by a short squeeze down to the next pitch (35'). There then followed a series of rift passages too narrow for comfort, with the added excitement of tackle bags. We then appeared at the top of the 85' pitch, billed in the guide as dry, except for bottom 35'. The top was wet, so when Harry descended, the bottom section involved climbing down through the stream, so he returned. After discussion - where no one wanted to be first to suggest packing it in - we gave up, concluding ropes would be a better idea next time - SRT could be rebelayed out of the water flow. Getting out was fairly easy once the tackle bags were persuaded to go through the rift passage, and we retreated to an expensive cafe in Ingleborough to contemplate a good stay. the other excitement was meeting Bohn (Bown) above the 85' pitch.

Peter

As people haven't written up the log book, your 'well-informed secretary' will do so:

Tim, Mark + X did King - Mark rigged. Bottomed it in 10 hours.

Rob, Andrew, Malcolm, Chris did Whitescar. Just traverse - you don't need a boat.

Sarah

Usual quiet night in Marton, till around 12. Only event of evening was trying to start fire at hut before we left, the only wood found being a branch 2' long, 4" thick, and the only delicate hardworking tool a full size sledgehammer. H tried 6 times in vain to smash the wood up, then Dave tried the good old Canadian Axeman style (max length swing, max speed, max danger), with the expected result - the other end of the wood twatted him on the forehead and removed a moderately large piece of flesh and also removed any chance of Sunday caving, due to his inability to wear a helmet.

Dave

Sunday

Long Kin West: Malcolm Barr, Chris Birkhead, Harry Lock, Clive Orrock

Eventually found shakehole and sent Malcolm down. Good hang in dry. Second pitch impassable due to water.

Jingling Pot: Tim Flack, Pete Hambly, Andrew Pugh, Mark Turnbull, Mark Aspinall

Completing the transformation to full leadership of Tim, Mark, this trip went off with no problems, using the technical route.

Van

Dave went for confidence-regaining country road rally in nice newish transit - Kingsdale - Dent - Ribblehead - Horton - Austwick - Ingleton - Kingsdale to wait for Jingling lot.

All packed up and thence to Lancaster, the 'Bentham Bypass' causing the van to overtake Malcolm - shock horror. Food at Platos and then quick drive back, convoy with the Renault 18 to Cheshire at 80mph - more economical and faster due to new improved gear ratio, but better than AHU etc any day.

Dave

The Easter Tour

Attending: Rich, Dave, Chris Bir, Tim, Rob, Mark Asp, Richard Chaddock, Malcolm

Friday

Went up form London in a Landrover (Rob's father's driven up from Wells by his brother Richard) and Rich's "faithful" mini meeting Malc up there. Landrover made it after throttle failure in Leeds however tragedy struck the mini. Decided not to go to Leeds since we wouldn't get any beers in, so went to Rotherham, and Tim's local. Mini developed engine trouble which got progressively worse. Ended up staying night at Tim's sister's and didn't get to Yorkshire til Saturday evening. (Did watch the rugby though.)

Anon

In Leeds, throttle cable snapped and so engine was set to mid-low revs and rest of drive by Richard C without any control except 1.5 and neutral - bloody good job it was a diesel or else we'd have been kipping out that night. Drive only one and a half hours from Leeds roller-coaster style (10mph uphill, 50mph+ downhill - excellent driving in bad conditions (the junctions were a bit dodgy though)).

Dave

Saturday

Black Shiver: Dave Wilson, Malcolm Barr, Rob Chaddock, Richard Chaddock, Richard Chaddock

Others not arrived, so got new throttle cable in Settle and decided to do Black Shiver, in best IC3 tradition not even picking the cave til 1 o'clock. Set off around 2.00, parked God's Bridge, got to top around 2:30, finally found cave an hour or so later, carried on down slowly and wetly. Got to bottom around 8:00 and set off out, carrying in addition a LUSS tackle bag we'd found in pool at top of big pitch. Got out around 11:00, back to hut around 12:00. Only around 7 hours, not too bad.

Dave

Sunday

Bull Pot: Richard Collcott, Mark Aspinall

Good straightforward trip to bottom and out. Mark derigged and got in some practice for later rigging trips. 3 1/2 hours in total, Mark experienced very little troubles considering this was only his second SRT trip.

1st: 20m (2 bollards and deviatoin) / 2nd: 16m (4 bollards) / 3rd: 25m (2 bollards) / 4th: 35m (6bollards and deviation and krab) / 5th: 25m (5 bollards and deviation)

Rich

Large Pot (Red Herring Series): Tim Flack, Chris Birkhead

Descended at around 1 o'clock, using ladder on scaffolding pole entrance pitch. past the 'tight' second pitch (2 bolts) quickly and down short climb to third. Rigged from one bolt and dodgy tape. Route divides, up on left to Arcadia, down on right with water to red herring series. Next pitches rigged together with 40m rope, bolts (2) and tape back up, two deviations to get out of water, onto ledge and rebelay to natural for short drop to pitch bottom.

Pitches 6 and 7 rigged together, 2 bolts and deviation (strong!) down to ledge then natural for rebelay to bottom. Short rope and 1 bolt for "climb", natural and 1 bolt for 9th, 10m rope. 10th and 11th done one 20m rope with two bolts at head, and natural rebelay. last climb done on tapes!

Chris

Monday

Bull Pot: Richard Collcott, Richard Chaddock

Good trip to the bottom in good time (3 and half hours or less) No problem Richard derigging.

Rich

Jingling Pot: Richard Collcott, Richard Chaddock

A first for both of us. Used a straight down method with one knot to pass and a rebelay near the bottom. Took a look at the dig, looks fairly terminal. Dead and decaying hare at base of main pitch added a certain speed to the trip. Richard derigged again, already notching up A-team points.

Rich

Washfold: Dave Wilson, Tim Flack, Rob Chaddock

Yet another late start only getting down at about 2pm. Avoided the ramins of the sheep in the entrance and proceeded downstream to short climb to bedding plane squeeze before dropping to stream way.

Traversed along to top of first pitch which Dave rigged. Tim put in 3 deviations on the way down around to the right of the shaft. Quite wet at bottom of the impressive pitch. Pitch is 40m, used 55m rope for the traverse and pitch but 50m would do.

Proceeded in rift above stream. Used 20m rope 8mm to aid climb down to stream. A few problems find the right hole through the chock stones slowed us down. Got above top of second pitch but it was late by this stage (7pm) and enthusiasm was waning with the sight of a lot of water ahead. Decided as to turn back. Surfaced at about 9.10pm. Interesting but wet trip.

Rob

Tuesday

Lost Johns: Dave Wilson, Rob Chaddock, Chris Birkhead, Richard Chaddock

New Roof traverse - Centipede route.

Set off around 12. Quick yomp down to Hammer Pot, thence to Mud Pot and Centipede pitch. Candle, Shistol down to Battleaxe. Long Elliot/Lawson traverse up and up to end of traverse, using fixed deviation on way down, good traverse route. Down last pitch to master cave, downstream until wet, upstream until bored, thence leisurely out via Y-hangs and 9mm, an easy 7 hour trip. Good nice cave with classic mid-length pitches, lots of bowlines-on-bight.

Dave

Meregill: Richard Collcott, Tim Flack

Ha!-we went caving! A good time was had by both down Meregill. A first for Tim! [DW - a first for both!] No real problems, a steady 8 hour trip to the bottom and out. So get those bloody oversuits off the fucking fite and let the real cavers gear dry. Must remember to take the following gear next time:

[some rigging info]

6th pitch: 16m (needs bolting in my opinion) *

*Actually is bolted - 4 bollards, possibly combine it with the 7th pitch using a 30m rope.

Rich

DW note: He found this [that it was already bolted] out after starting to bolt it himself.

Wednesday

Simpson's Pot/Valley Entrance: Richard Collcott, Dave Wilson, Rob Chaddock, Mark Aspinall

Intended to ab through Simpson's, however at first pitch no rigging present which was a slight shock. We had to assume the rest of the cave would be as bad so decided not to burn our bridges and exited. Went down Valley entrance, which Rob had already rigged. Larked around a bit and exited to sunshine at about 3pm. At last got to see West Kingsdale Master Cave.

Rich

ICCC curry and beer tour of Bradford

(The only clique Bradford trip.)

Yes, a first for ICCC, decided to drive down to bradford for a "few" beers and a curry. Rob, Tim and Rich got the allon in and we then proceeded to stagger to one of Bradford's "finest" curry houses, where several of us had the hottest dish on the menu - Vindaloo only to discover that they did a tindaloo but that wasn't on the menu. Drive back seemed to go very quickly and back at the hut there was much horse play physical and verbal. An ace night, must repeat it next year some time. Only Chris "threw" (in Leeds and Hellifield churchyard).

Rich

Thursday

Simpson's Pot: Richard Collcott, Rob Chaddock, Mark Aspinall, Richard Chaddock

Quite a lot of water around, which proved to make the trip interesting. thought the way on was sumped at one point but Richard found the way on, an intimidating duck with literally 5 inches of airspace - all except him were in dry gear so he was laughing. Unfortunately miscalculated on the rigging, and used the big rope early, so couldn't get down slit pot. Richard found a frog just before slit pot, which after a small debate we decided to chuck down the pitch so it might possibly survive. Exited quite quickly. A good trip which I'd do again.

(Note pitch before big pitch requires a 20m rope)

Rich

Rowten Pot: Richard Collcott, Mark Aspinall

After leaving Simpson's went over to Rowten to derig for Dave and Tim as had been planned. Impressed by the amount of water and the Elliot route which expertly avoids it all entirely. Got back to the hut by 12:30am. A good day's caving.

Rowten rigging: Dave Wilson, Tim Flack

Got down around 1:00 and went down, planning that I would do most of the technical stuff and Tim would rig last traverse and pitch, however due to his light all but failing I ended up rigging it all (again). On my tenth Rowten trip the cave is rapidly losing its magic and I doubt I'll go down again soon unless and training trip takes place, or it can be done in v high water conditions and so be more useful/impressive respectively. Out around 5:00 and back to Landrover for three and a half hour wait for Simpsons. "Quick-trip."

Dave

Guess who arrived on Thursday evening, after all caving done - hint - who turned up at end of week last year, who turned up a day late for Xmas dinner?

Uneventful 55mph journey back with massive head/side winds and several dead upturned 18 wheelers. Got back around 4 o'clock in afternoon, Rich arrived about an hour later. V good week on whole, 2 vehicles makes things much easier and convenient and it cost around £3 less than Xmas, including Bradford and three evening meals (thanks Chris, Mark, Chris).

Dave

The Renault 12 Easter Tour

Steve, Dave, Dewi, Richard (of course)

Left Wednesday afternoon (2pm). Good drive up via Leeds (Bryans). Went to Marton in the evening.

Thursday

Meregill: Richard Collcott, Dave Wilson, Dewi Lloyd, Steve Lane

Quite a misty day, though no significant rain. Trip went quite smoothly, taking under 7 hours. Steve managed to slice his thumb off the razor sharp cam of his Stop. Rich managed to at last find the Elliot bolts on the first "free" climb, only after putting a further bolt first unfortunately. Dewi and Dave derigged. A good trip, out in the last showings of daylight. (Frog Rescue International brought a toad out to the surface from the sump - still alive).

Rich

Friday

Large Pot / Rift Pot / Marble Steps: Richard Collcott, Dewi Lloyd

Arrived at Large to find it already rigged with ladders - shock horror, as we continued on, double rigging found fixed lines in place as well. The party ahead had been sickenly efficient and used all bolts available. Hoped they were going down to Colossus but no they were going to the Red Herring series as we had planned. Instead of double rigging decided to exit and go down Rift. Quick trip down Rift to the base of the big pitch, though no enthusiasm for pushing on into the muddy crawls. Still had some time to kill so free climbed as far as we felt comfortable down Marble Steps, playing spot the Elliot bolts. Good day's caving, Steve picked us up at 5.30.

Rich

Friday evening consisted of Chilli and a couple of pints at the Marton. When we got back to hut found Wolverhampton had booked in, so we moved into an emoty member's room. As the night progressed more cars arrived, so we all pretended to be asleep. In the morning it was clear it was going to be a very boozy weekend and "no room at the inn" was forcasted, so decided to leg it early - leaving before 9am. Breakfast in Clapham, then drove to Padiham to drop Dayev off before heading on to Derbyshire for the:

Saturday

Treak Cliff Cavern Experience

Yes our intrepid trio actually got underground even though they didn't finish dinner till 3pm. Treak Cliff Cavern was beautiful. Starting in mine workings (mining the precious stone Blue John) it later broke into natural passage containing fabulous formations. However the presence of novice cavers and many fixed aids did slightly detract from the overall experience. Steve took several pictures of the formations. You can also savour Treak Cliff Cavern for only £1.70 the trip only taking about 35 mins (show cave - us - never!!)

Rich

Sunday

Three of us plus Pooch (the Lane family dog) went up to Stanage Edge for a walk in ace weather. Lots of climbers pity we had no gear with us. Then onto Derwent Valley to look at the glorious Victorian dam - very impressive. Sunday lunch and headed back to the shitty city at 2pm.

Rich

The Dinner Meet [May]

[Editor note 2025: I made up the date]

Simon Seward, Richard Collcott, Kath Bonnick, Dave Wilson, Rob Chaddock, Tim Flack, Clive Orrock, Cath Davies, Tim Palmer, Chris Birkhead, John Harrison, Jane Enderby, Mark Aspinall, Steven Lane, Jennie Gilbert, Spike, Kath James, Debbie Armstrong, John (friend of Deb's), Clog, Chris Backhouse, Julie Backhouse, Harry Lock

Saturday

Marble Steps: Rob Chaddock, Chris Birkhead, Jane Enderby, John Harrison, Kath Bonnick

Birks Fell: Richard Collcott, Tim Palmer, Kathy James, Spike

First time for any of us down this cave. Long drive over to Wharfedale (even longer due to scenic route taken), not changed til nearly 1pm. Weather quite changeable and cave did have a flood warning but decided after a little time to risk it. Rich had no helmet and so had to use his HAS cloth cap and hold FX2 in his teeth. (Back to the old ways of traditional caving) Very good cave, did most of the horizontal passage, but turned back at second pitch to ensure we would not be out late. Water level had risen on way out and discovered it had rained quite hard whilst we were underground. Good trip, very enjoyable nice to do a new cave which was sporting and no rope work for a change.

Rich

Ireby Fell: Dave Wilson, Clive Orrock, Catherine White

Incredibly dry trip down, using Elliot route for Ding/Dong, thence simple route down. Elliot route good when cave wet, but somewhat superfluous in drought. Met wetsuit "Isn't it hot down here mate?" group, who were leaving when we met them above Bell pitch. Straightforward trip to sump and out, thence walk in cold sunlight, to M.S. entrance to wait for Bumbly Soc to exit. Chris 'directions' Birkhead's excessive confidence in transit turning circles helped to re-form front bumper, but no real damage done. I'd like to do Ireby Fell in wet weather next time.

DW

Juniper Gulf: Tim Flack, Simon Seward, Harry Lock, Mark Aspinall - a triffic trip

Gulp - the big one. A nice day as we left Crummack with a bowel movement behind the sheep pen. 'Ho ho ho last night's curry sauce' joked Tim. Up the steep hill to the alotment in no time at all - well that's an exaggeration but we were very quick. I rigged the entrance but Tim went down first. 'Ho ho ho hope I screwed the bolt in' I joked. We always have good fun on these trips. Then we had to wait ages and ages as Tim learned to rig the difficult second/third pitch. 'I'm getting a bit chilly' quipped Mark. On again across the bad step which Aspinall nailed jammed on the right hand side. And then more fun and the sump looked adequately gloomy. On the way out, it was my turn so I derigged which I love doing. Harry taught us two new words: EPIC which means really scary and DELICATE which means fucking difficult. Surely they are the same? Anyway keep P-y-Bwise and use them at every oppprtunity - P-y-Bcreditability counts! NB entrance can be rigged from above cascades // can traverse out above next pitch to take two in one.

SMS

Good night in pub, most of evening in Marton arms. Quite a few had the magic gallon.

Rich

Sunday

Long Kin West: Tim Palmer, Chris Backhouse, Chris Birkhead, Kath Bonnick

Slasher Hole: Harry Lock, Clive Orrock, Mark Aspinall

"A SOFT mega-trip". Harry's usual small hole technique did not prove a match for the excessive lack of absence of limestone (intellectual stuff - hah), and so the trip could get down first "pitch" (or drop in middle of first passage).

"When pushing the limits of speleology one expects certain setbacks" - HEL

Dave

Rest of the club went walking or to Lancaster (for money). Simon, Dave and Rich walked from Crummack to Pen-y-ghent (the top of course) and back to Crummack via Juniper Gulf.

The most surprising feature of the day was for a long time WE WEREN'T LATE FOR THE DINNER!!!

The Dinner

22 attended the dinner, Harry unfortunately had to be at work on Monday and couldn't make it. Big Dave never turned up (the shit) and Charlie phoned during the meal to say it couldn't make it as his girlfriend had been taken ill (short notice or what). The meal was OK and the atmosphere of the whole evening was excellent (best dinner meet I've been to yet).

Elections:

• Richard Collcott - President [DW: the first president in at least 8 years who doesn't have a carbide lamp]
• Tim Flack - Vice President
• Rob Chaddock - Secretary
• Dave Wilson - Tackle Officer (no sorry Treasurer)

After incoming and outgoing president's rounds plus speeches and toasts the silly games began.

Clog amazed us wuth a display of 'atnerative medicine' with his victim being Debbie and Clive, looked like an elaborate way to drope someone to most of us. Next Rob tried to do the three man lift and of course got very wet and embarrassed. Then Clive was the next to get wet with the airplane game, Simon was pilot, Rich enermy fighters and flak, Rob, Mark and Chris were engines 1 to 3, Clive was engine 4 and John was the fire extinguisher.

Actually preceding the airplane game came a three team boat race won by the incoming committee (of course). The old lags nearly won due to Steve's tactic of simply pouring his pint over his head (apparently a legal tactic). The third team came last even though Chris ("I don't know what a boat race is") Birkhead cheated.

the evening then progressed with more silly games of which I have only a blurred memory.

Things wrapped up at about 4:30 am (aaaaaarghh!!!)

Monday

Woken up at 9am, left Brass Cat byt about 10:30am after quite a few had breakfast there. The majority of the club then went in several teams for a walk up Ingleborough and then ran down to Gaping Gill in superb weatherm then onto the New Inn at Clapham for lunch time shandies (several still recovering from the previous night).

One van stopped off at Bradford for a curry (but no beers this time). Tim (curry expert?) had the hottest curry Bradford could throw at him - a tindaloo and eat it with no problems. (?) Simon (after previous promises) decided not to follow his example. Both vans got back before midnight. All in all an ace bank holiday weekend.

North Wales 5 to 7 June 87

Richard, Sarah, Amanda (mini from London); Malcolm (renault 18 from Chester), Harry (Plas-y-Brenin spy)

Saturday - walking, quarry inspections, climbing, Pete's eats, skiing, orienteering, the pub Sunday - canoeing and sport for all, video watching, skiing

Bloody ace weekend, ho ho ho

Yorkshire 19-24 June

19-21 June - Dave and Harry - the ultraclique trip

Sat

Growling Hole: Dave Wilson, Harry Lock

7hr coach journey home and then drive to end of M66 to pick up Harry. Meal at home and then up to Brackenbottom as we were to go caving with a mate of H's, who turned out to be going to North Wales with a school group on Sat, so it turned out to be a BPC-based twosome weekend.

Woke up Sat and 7:30am in members' room, waited for pans and then cooked breakfast, sorted out ropes and headed to a Kingsdale totally devoid of vehicles at 11:30 on Sat - very strange. Off to growling on sunny day, no location problems so on down, the only problem being the loss of my triangle maillon, so a crab was substituted, all gear being hung off the Croll's side loops. On down easily free-climbable entrance and down wet crawl to bastard right/left bend where gear was a real problem. On down to first REAL pitch off flake with no backup - bolt required here. Traverse along and then down freeclimbable thrutch '3rd' pitch, shortly followed by 4th pitch.

Here belay is one plate hanger of dubious nature with bend horizontal and above bolt? Backup is couple of feet back of 8mm anchor, but anchor is knackered, bolt going in OK, but on loosening, threads crossed and needed real effort and so two dubious belays being much worse than one good one, it was decided to come back with the right gear next time (know what I mean). So, quick wet exit to car of 4X cooled in entrance, and warm summer walk to car.

Thence to Marton - to check it out after a rumour H heard. Then, walk to Caravan to check it out - seems OK, thence drive to Pluto's which turned into a Lancaster curry due to the closed nature of the former eating place. Then back to BPC and walk for couple of real shit pints in Crown - supposedly Theakstons. Early bed 11:00.

DW

Sunday

Diccan Pot: Dave Wilson, Harry Lock

Quickish trip following the Great Red God's rigging topo. Note - fixed deviation half way down first pitch and fitted line on last pitch is missing, Good practice in 1987 SRT techniques - my how the times change. Thence to Lancaster to drop off Harry, where due to the lack of Pluto's, or even chippies, we were forced to eat in a McDonalds - shame. Got to station at 8:31, 2 mins after last connecting train had left. Drove to Preston, but same story, so I drove H to Warrington to ensure he got back on Sunday.

A really relaxing (!) weekend with no trouble (?) from any quarter.

DW

Monday

Van came up via Buxton and picked me up from home about 4:30. Chips in Settle, beers in Austwick after quick walk. S-J forgot ALL the bolts, "I thought they were on SRT kit" - luckily I had a few to spare.

DW

Tuesday

Ireby Fell: Richard Collcott, Dave Wilson, Pete Hambly, Sarah-Jane Hunt

King: Tim Flack, Simon Seward, Andrew Bartos

Wednesday

Bull: Richard Collcott, Pete Hambly, Sarah-Jane Hunt

Epic 7 hour trip with Sarah taking 3 hours to rig all 5 pitches. Richard disappeared off to pick up the walkers while Sarah had to help get Pete up a free climb above P5. Wot fun! Pete derigged. Curry in Bradford's moonlight restaurant, Mr Bartas doing kangaroo impressions due to a sprained ankle. Stores at 3am.

ICCC Summer tour 1987 - Apuan Alps, Italy

[may be typed up at a later date in a seperate account]

Yorks 31st July / 2nd August