Graham Balcombe - Tales of early cave diving
(Francis) Graham Balcombe (1907-2000) was one of the leading pioneer cave divers in the UK, and together with Jack Sheppard, was a co-founder of the Cave Diving Group. Graham and Jack originally teamed up as climbers, and were responsible for several major first ascents in the Lake District. Graham transferred his attention to the subterranean world whilst based in Bristol. In this recording, he describes how a meeting with Herbert Balch inspired him to take up caving, and of his association with Jack Sheppard and the progression that led them to the first diving explorations in Swildon's Hole, where they were the first to pass Sump 1 and Sump 2; Wookey Hole, where he and Don Coase were the first to reach Chamber 9; Keld Head, which he penetrated for 55 m; Goyden Pot where he passed the first sump; and elsewhere.
Interviewee: Graham Balcombe
Interviewer: Sid Perou
Title: Tales of early cave diving
Date of recording: 28 June 1988 (published 19 Feb 2009)
Sound recordist: Gavin Crowther
Copyright details: Sid Perou
Duration of recording: 14 minutes 00 seconds
Recording details: Sampling frequency: 44,100 Hz; Channel mode: mono
MP3 file details: File size: 13,148 kB; Bit rate: 128 kbit/s constant; Compression: 82%
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