Wednesday 18 February 2015

Redcliffe Caves, Redcliffe, Bristol.

When:  18 Feb 2015  19.00 – 21.30 pm.
Where:  Redcliffe Caves, Redcliffe, Bristol.
Who:    Darren T, Burt, Dave Grovener, Tim Taphouse, John Da'casto, Alan Grey and a few other members of Bristol and District caving club.

Caving two weeks running I must have the bug again lol.
This trip was organised by Johnny from Bristol & District CC which I am also a member of.
Redcliffe caves are not really caves they are Mine workings from 15th-18th century that extend under the Redcliffe area of Bristol. There are many entrances to the caves and the full extent of the caves are unknown.
Bristol was the largest glass making centre outside of London and the mines main product was fine sand perfect for making glass. Bottles for beers and spirits were produced and the fine sand was also used for ship’s ballast. Goods for African and West Indian trade were stored here in the caves. Some parts were used as an air raid shelter during the second world war. There are many local myths about these caves with tales of smuggling and hidden treasure.
We are returning to do a Photography trip in the future so pictures to follow soon.

For bookings contact the Axbridge Caving Group, c/o Alan Gray. 42 Maynard Terrace, Clutton, Somerset. BS39 5PW, enclosing a SAE. Alan Gray has been giving these tours since 2001. Tours take place on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening from 7.30pm

Wednesday 11 February 2015

Goatchurch Cavern, Burrington Combe, Mendip.

When:  11 Feb 2015  19.00 – 21.30 pm.
Where:  Goatchurch Cavern. Burrington Combe, Mendip.
Who:    Darren T, Rach Sparrow, Nikky Dennis, Chris Castle, Trish Denning-Kendell, Pete Sanders and two possible new members.

After a layoff of some 8 months or so from caving I thought its about time I got underground again. This trip was organised by ChCC for a couple of new members to try out caving and it turned out to be a rather good trip considering it was in Goatchurch Cavern which has got to be one of the easiest of caves to cave.
 

Survey of Goatchurch Cavern.

 We started off in the Old entrance and after Trish gave a history lesson we spotted a couple of bats which got one of the newbies very excited. We then went down the Giants steps and followed the passage to the bottom of the new entrance. Here we met Rachelle, Nikky and Chris who were running late. We then preceded down the smaller steps to the terrace. we opted to go under the terrace and along tight rift to Boulder Chamber. Down the slide to Water Chamber and then onto the Drainpipe, This is a flat out crawl of 12 metres or so. Even the newbies managed this. After a brief rest we went back through the Drainpipe and made our way to the new entrance and exited the cave. I think everyone enjoyed the trip and it was good to say hello to everyone after my layoff from underground exploration.
 
Click on the link below to see a short video of me following someone through the Drainpipe.
 
 
 
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