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1986-1987

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

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 own mistakes.

Fiona Hartley

The Renault 12 Rides Again

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

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:

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

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