News
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Otter Hole film
Descent (215) carries an article on a rather special caving trip to Otter Hole in the Forest of Dean – a trip by 73-year-old Sparky Parker, who discovered the cave back in 1970. A film was made of the trip and the date of its first showing has been announced: if you would like to see the results and meet both Forest cavers and some of those who were involved in the early days of exploration here, contact Paul Taylor for further information (e-mail: chairman [at] gcrg.org.uk). The event is planned for 11 October in the Palace Cinema, Coleford; tickets will cost in the region of £5 with proceeds going to Gloucestershire CRG.
Ogof Draenen gates
During the evening of 7 July the gates to Ogof Draenen and Drws Cefn on the Pwll Du hillside in South Wales were stolen by persons unknown. The theft is being taken very seriously by the landowners and the Pwll Du CMG, which acts for the landowners on behalf of cavers. An accurate time for the theft is known and all keyholders have been asked to account for the whereabouts of their keys between set hours, to aid a police enquiry in progress.
Fortunately, at the time of writing the landowners have agreed that access may continue through the original Draenen entrance; no entry (or through-trip) is allowed via Drws Cefn. Please respect the landowners’ wishes related to caving on their land. Articles on the background to problems at Draenen and advice concerning legal issues and caving access in general appeared most recently in Descent (213) and (214).
Keyholders should continue to carry a key (which can be shown to the landowners if required, indicating that you have permission to be there). Non-keyholders should contact Sue Mabbett, PDCMG Secretary, 2 Garth Close, Morganstown, Cardiff CF15 8LF before undertaking a trip.
Wes Skiles dies
Wes Skiles, renowned in both caving and underwater filming circles, died on 21 July while open-water diving off the Florida coast; he was 52 years old. He is reported to have left his companions to return to the surface for additional film stock; his body was later found on the reef.
Matlock Mining Museum threatened
The Peak District Mining Museum in Matlock Bath has been threatened with closure. The Pavilion building where it is situated requires high expenditure to bring it up to standard and Derbyshire Dales District Council, the landlord, is taking the tack that it should be sold to a private buyer, which would force the museum to close. A Save the Pavilion Group has been established to raise awareness and funds to keep the Pavilion open: follow the link for more details.
Aberystwyth CC sponsored walk
Members of Aberystwyth CC are planning a sponsored walk from Aberystwyth to Penwyllt in the Swansea Valley, ending at the headquarters of South Wales CC. The walk is expected to take four days from 10 to 13 August and is being undertaken in aid of the Cave Rescue Organisation, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2010. That's 75 miles for 75 years ... Donations are welcome in support of this worthy cause.
Three Peaks challengers wanted
The CRO is organising a sponsored Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on 7 August and is looking for volunteers to take part. The 24.5 mile circuit takes in Ingleborough, Penyghent and Whernside and by tradition is completed in under twelve hours. The idea for the CRO challenge originated with Phil Haigh, who died in 2009 before he could see it put into action for the first event that August with over fifty participants helping to raise money for the team
The 2010 challenge aims to be bigger and better and, if three peaks are too much, suggestions for shorter routes and even guided walks are available. Entrants are asked to donate the first £50 of their sponsorship receipts to CRO; the rest can be donated as well, of course, or can go to a different charity of their choosing. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a day out, to meet people and help the rescue team; learn more and register at the CRO website.
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