British Caving Library | Audio Archive

Mike Wooding | The first 1,000' cave dive in Keld Head

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mike Wooding (1943-2006) began caving whilst at Bristol University, and soon built up a considerable reputation, being involved with a number of new explorations in Swildon's Hole. In 1964, together with Dave Drew and Dave Savage, he co-founded the Independent Cave Diving Group, a short-lived group which met with considerable success. He later continued his caving career in the Yorkshire Dales. In 1970 Mike successfully completed the first 300 metre cave dive in the UK. In this recording he discusses his Keld Head dive with Sid Perou, explaining how it was a deliberate attempt to overcome the psychological problems associated with long cave dives. Mike also recounts how he was forced to leave the line for some distance on his return when he discovered that it had pulled over into a tight bedding. You can also hear another account of the same dive.

Martyn Farr | Diving in Agen Allwedd and the death of Roger Solari

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Martyn Farr is a world renowned caver, cave diver, author and photographer who has been diving for over four decades both at home and abroad. In the UK his explorations include major discoveries in Wookey Hole, Peak Cavern, and South Wales. In 1986 he completed the first subterranean traverse of Llangattock Mountain between Daren Cilau and Elm Hole, a distance of some 5 km - the culmination of many years of exploration by many cavers. Unfortunately, such progress does not always come without a cost. In this harrowing account, Martyn describes his 1974 diving explorations in the Agen Allwedd cave system with Roger Solari, and the circumstances surrounding Roger's unfortunate death on the 15th June of that year in the terminal sump.

Dave Brook | Part 1 - His early caving experiences

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Dave Brook, together with his brother Alan, was a leading light of a very successful ULSA group in the late 1960s and the 1970s. ULSA's many important discoveries included Kingsdale Master Cave, Far Country in Gaping Gill, Black Shiver Pot, and the major part of Langcliffe Pot and was largely a result of undertaking major resurveying projects and an unwillingness to accept the guidebook. Dave was also a member of a number of international expeditions to places such as Borneo and China. These recordings were made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain. In this recording Dave describes how he started caving and his early trips to Skoska Cave and to Ireland, where he first became involved in surveying.

Dave Brook | Part 2 - Surveying and a possible Car Pot connection

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Dave Brook, together with his brother Alan, was a leading light of a very successful ULSA group in the late 1960s and the 1970s. ULSA's many important discoveries included Kingsdale Master Cave, Far Country in Gaping Gill, Black Shiver Pot, and the major part of Langcliffe Pot and was largely a result of undertaking major resurveying projects and an unwillingness to accept the guidebook. Dave was also a member of a number of international expeditions to places such as Borneo and China. These recordings were made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to making the connection with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain. This recording covers surveying Car Pot for Monty Grainger, and the discovery of a potential link with East Passage; discussion on surveying as a tool for exploration, and the prospecting for a connection between Car Pot with Gaping Gill's East Passage.

Dave Brook | Part 3 - "Cloak and dagger" in Whitsun Series

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Dave Brook, together with his brother Alan, was a leading light of a very successful ULSA group in the late 1960s and the 1970s. ULSA's many important discoveries included Kingsdale Master Cave, Far Country in Gaping Gill, Black Shiver Pot, and the major part of Langcliffe Pot and was largely a result of undertaking major resurveying projects and an unwillingness to accept the guidebook. Dave was also a member of a number of international expeditions to places such as Borneo and China. This interview covers the (re)discovery of Gaping Gill Whitsun Series, searching for a way on in Hensler's roof passages, a "Cloak and Dagger" episode with the Bradford Pothole Club, and surveying Whitsun Series. It is interesting to compare with the BPC account of the same episode. These recordings were made in 1979 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book which was to be a follow-up to the Yorkshire Television film "Underground Eiger". The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Dave Brook | Part 4 - Chasing draughts in Hensler's Master Cave

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Dave Brook, together with his brother Alan, was a leading light of a very successful ULSA group in the late 1960s and the 1970s. ULSA's many important discoveries included Kingsdale Master Cave, Far Country in Gaping Gill, Black Shiver Pot, and the major part of Langcliffe Pot and was largely a result of undertaking major resurveying projects and an unwillingness to accept the guidebook. Dave was also a member of a number of international expeditions to places such as Borneo and China. These recordings were made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain. In this recording Dave tells of chasing draughts in the Hensler's Master Cave roof tubes.

Dave Brook | Part 5 - First breakthrough into Far Country

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Dave Brook, together with his brother Alan, was a leading light of a very successful ULSA group in the late 1960s and the 1970s. ULSA's many important discoveries included Kingsdale Master Cave, Far Country in Gaping Gill, Black Shiver Pot, and the major part of Langcliffe Pot and was largely a result of undertaking major resurveying projects and an unwillingness to accept the guidebook. Dave was also a member of a number of international expeditions to places such as Borneo and China. These recordings were made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain. This part describes the breakthrough into what was to be called "Far Country" and the first stages of the ensuing exploration.

Dave Brook | Part 6 - The first exploration of Far Country

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Dave Brook, together with his brother Alan, was a leading light of a very successful ULSA group in the late 1960s and the 1970s. ULSA's many important discoveries included Kingsdale Master Cave, Far Country in Gaping Gill, Black Shiver Pot, and the major part of Langcliffe Pot and was largely a result of undertaking major resurveying projects and an unwillingness to accept the guidebook. Dave was also a member of a number of international expeditions to places such as Borneo and China. These recordings were made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain. This part tells of the discoveries in Gaping Gill's Far Country as exploration progressed.

Dave Brook | Part 7 - Far Country - Mountain Hall and beyond

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Dave Brook, together with his brother Alan, was a leading light of a very successful ULSA group in the late 1960s and the 1970s. ULSA's many important discoveries included Kingsdale Master Cave, Far Country in Gaping Gill, Black Shiver Pot, and the major part of Langcliffe Pot and was largely a result of undertaking major resurveying projects and an unwillingness to accept the guidebook. Dave was also a member of a number of international expeditions to places such as Borneo and China. In this interview Dave describes the continuing exploration of Gaping Gill, Far country, Mountain Hall and beyond. These recordings were made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Dave Brook | Part 8 - Further discoveries in Far Country

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Dave Brook, together with his brother Alan, was a leading light of a very successful ULSA group in the late 1960s and the 1970s. ULSA's many important discoveries included Kingsdale Master Cave, Far Country in Gaping Gill, Black Shiver Pot, and the major part of Langcliffe Pot and was largely a result of undertaking major resurveying projects and an unwillingness to accept the guidebook. Dave was also a member of a number of international expeditions to places such as Borneo and China. These recordings were made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain. This part describes the discovery and exploration of Northgate and Southgate passages in Far Country in 1968.

Dave Brook | Part 9 - The implications of the Far Country finds

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Dave Brook, together with his brother Alan, was a leading light of a very successful ULSA group in the late 1960s and the 1970s. ULSA's many important discoveries included Kingsdale Master Cave, Far Country in Gaping Gill, Black Shiver Pot, and the major part of Langcliffe Pot and was largely a result of undertaking major resurveying projects and an unwillingness to accept the guidebook. Dave was also a member of a number of international expeditions to places such as Borneo and China. These recordings were made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain. This part reflects on the impact of the Far Country discoveries of 1968, and the new possibilities of a link to Ingleborough Cave.

Dave Brook | Part|10 - Reflections on an era of discovery

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Dave Brook, together with his brother Alan, was a leading light of a very successful ULSA group in the late 1960s and the 1970s. ULSA's many important discoveries included Kingsdale Master Cave, Far Country in Gaping Gill, Black Shiver Pot, and the major part of Langcliffe Pot and was largely a result of undertaking major resurveying projects and an unwillingness to accept the guidebook. Dave was also a member of a number of international expeditions to places such as Borneo and China. These recordings were made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain. In this part, Dave reflects on the ULSA spate of discoveries, and what had made it possible.

Geoff Yeadon | Early dives in Boreham Cave and Bear's near miss

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Geoff Yeadon | The "Dead Man's Handshake" incident in Keld Head

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Geoff Yeadon was at the forefront of UK cave diving in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. The successful projects he was involved with included the linking of Kingsdale Master Cave with Keld Head in 1979; the linking of Gaping Gill with Ingleborough Cave in 1983; and the linking of King Pot with Keld Head in 1991 (a dive of about 3 km). In 1975 Geoff and Oliver ('Bear') Statham began a systematic exploration of the Keld Head system, taking cave diving in the UK to a new level in the process. Over the next two years several kilometres of passage were explored, and the link between Keld and Kingsdale Master came ever closer. In January 1978 the leading German cave diver Jochen Hasenmayer was invited to join the exploration. Geoff describes how Hasenmeyer became disoriented on the wrong side of a complex squeeze 914 m from the entrance. The name of the obstacle, Dead Man's Handshake, reflects what Geoff thought was happening.

Graham Balcombe | Tales of early cave diving

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(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.

Ken Pearce | Gouffre Berger 1963 Expedition

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Dr. Ken Pearce (1932-1992) was one of the hard men of the 1950s and 1960s caving scene, whose new explorations included major extensions in Peak Cavern and Giant's Hole. He was a member of Frank Salt's 1962 expedition to the Gouffre Berger. He was inspired by the clarity and size of the terminating sump and was determined to return. In this interview, Ken tells the story of the somewhat illicit twelve man follow-up expedition in the following year, during which he passed the sump into a large passage and established a new world depth record. He was stopped by a second sump, which he was to pass on the 1967 expedition. Ken's interesting man-management techniques, such as ordering Aldo's Shaft to be deladdered to keep people in the system, helped to establish his reputation as a controversial character. You can also listen Bob Gillibrand's account of the same expedition.

Ken Pearce | Rescue in Carlswark Cavern

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Dr. Ken Pearce (1932-1992) was one of the hard men of the 1950s and 1960s caving scene whose new explorations included major extensions in Peak Cavern and Giant's Hole, and breaking the world depth record by diving the terminal sump in the Gouffre Berger in 1964, and again in 1967. In this interview, Ken tells of the extraordinary rescue that took place in July 1965, when 16-year old cadet John Stevens inadvertently dived a 27 metre sump into an air bell in Carlswark Cavern, Derbyshire, and waited to be rescued. Ken searched the sump, and at the end found a narrow hole leading to airspace that he couldn't penetrate. He returned, and the sump was drained to allow the rescue party to reach John, who had been waiting without a light, and dressed in denims and a sweater for some 12 hours.

Mike Wooding | Part 1 - His early caving on Mendip and in Yorkshire

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mike Wooding (1943-2006) started caving whilst at Bristol University, and he soon built up a considerable reputation, being involved with a number of new explorations in Swildon's Hole. In 1964, together with Dave Drew and Dave Savage, he co-founded the Independent Cave Diving Group, a short-lived group which met with considerable success. He later continued his caving career in the Yorkshire Dales. In this interview Mike describes how he graduated from climbing into caving. He goes on to talk about his early trips in Mendip, and then in Yorkshire, and his introduction to Gaping Gill in 1964. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Mike Wooding | Part 2 - Early cave diving and success in Swildon's Hole

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mike Wooding (1943-2006) started caving whilst at Bristol University, and he soon built up a considerable reputation, being involved with a number of new explorations in Swildon's Hole. In 1964, together with Dave Drew and Dave Savage, he co-founded the Independent Cave Diving Group, a short-lived group which met with considerable success. He later continued his caving career in the Yorkshire Dales. In this interview Mike describes how he became a cave diver, was thrown out of the UBSS, how he teamed up with Dave Savage and Dave Drew, and of their early successes in the sumps of Swildon's Hole. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Mike Wooding | Part 4 - The Lancaster Hole to Bull Pot of the Witches connection

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mike Wooding (1943-2006) started caving whilst at Bristol University, and he soon built up a considerable reputation, being involved with a number of new explorations in Swildon's Hole. In 1964, together with Dave Drew and Dave Savage, he co-founded the Independent Cave Diving Group, a short-lived group which met with considerable success. He later continued his caving career in the Yorkshire Dales. In this interview Mike tells of how an emergency dive in Bull Pot of the Witches led to him making the underwater connection with Lancaster Hole, the first diving connection between two caves in the country. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Mike Wooding | Part 3 - Diving in Swildon's & Stoke Lane and the first Yorkshire trips

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mike Wooding (1943-2006) started caving whilst at Bristol University, and he soon built up a considerable reputation, being involved with a number of new explorations in Swildon's Hole. In 1964, together with Dave Drew and Dave Savage, he co-founded the Independent Cave Diving Group, a short-lived group which met with considerable success. He later continued his caving career in the Yorkshire Dales. In this interview Mike describes further extensions in Swildon's Hole and Stoke Lane Slocker with Mike Drew and Dave Savage, how he was thrown out of the UBSS, and his first dives in Ingleborough Cave. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Mike Wooding | Part 5 - Life as a commercial diver

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mike Wooding (1943-2006) started caving whilst at Bristol University, and he soon built up a considerable reputation, being involved with a number of new explorations in Swildon's Hole. In 1964, together with Dave Drew and Dave Savage, he co-founded the Independent Cave Diving Group, a short-lived group which met with considerable success. He later continued his caving career in the Yorkshire Dales. In this interview Mike describes how he worked for a while as a commercial diver, which gives some insight into his approach to cave diving. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Mike Wooding | Part 7 - Diving tables and to the Dales

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mike Wooding (1943-2006) started caving whilst at Bristol University, and he soon built up a considerable reputation, being involved with a number of new explorations in Swildon's Hole. In 1964, together with Dave Drew and Dave Savage, he co-founded the Independent Cave Diving Group, a short-lived group which met with considerable success. He later continued his caving career in the Yorkshire Dales. In this interview Mike describes how he realised there was a problem with the commercial dive tables, and how following an argument with his management, he moves back up to the Yorkshire Dales where he goes to Lancaster University to study while restarting his caving career. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Mike Wooding | Part 6 - Gouffre Berger 1967 Expedition

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mike Wooding (1943-2006) started caving whilst at Bristol University, and he soon built up a considerable reputation, being involved with a number of new explorations in Swildon's Hole. In 1964, together with Dave Drew and Dave Savage, he co-founded the Independent Cave Diving Group, a short-lived group which met with considerable success. He later continued his caving career in the Yorkshire Dales. In this interview Mike describes how he joins Ken Pearce's second expedition to the Gouffre Berger, in the wake of the worse British caving accident in history. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Mike Wooding | Part 8 - His first dives in Keld Head

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mike Wooding (1943-2006) started caving whilst at Bristol University, and he soon built up a considerable reputation, being involved with a number of new explorations in Swildon's Hole. In 1964, together with Dave Drew and Dave Savage, he co-founded the Independent Cave Diving Group, a short-lived group which met with considerable success. He later continued his caving career in the Yorkshire Dales. In this interview Mike describes the start of his long and fruitful association with Keld Head that led to the first cave dive to pass 1,000 feet. You can also hear another account of the same dive. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Mike Wooding | Part 9 - The Gaping Gill film (1)

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mike Wooding (1943-2006) began caving whilst at Bristol University, and soon built up a considerable reputation, being involved with a number of new explorations in Swildon's Hole. In 1964, together with Dave Drew and Dave Savage, he co-founded the Independent Cave Diving Group, a short-lived group which met with considerable success. He later continued his caving career in the Yorkshire Dales. In this interview Mike describes how he became involved with diving in Ingleborough Cave for Sid Perou's film The Lost River of Gaping Gill made for the BBC in 1970, and now available for viewing on this site. However, following an unexpected breakthrough, the BBC decide to also bring in fellow cave diver Tom Brown in order to secure a link up for the film. The link with Gaping Gill wasn't found, but Gandalf's Gallery was explored. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Mike Wooding | Part|10 - The Gaping Gill film (2)

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mike Wooding (1943-2006) began caving whilst at Bristol University, and soon built up a considerable reputation, being involved with a number of new explorations in Swildon's Hole. In 1964, together with Dave Drew and Dave Savage, he co-founded the Independent Cave Diving Group, a short-lived group which met with considerable success. He later continued his caving career in the Yorkshire Dales. In this recording Mike recounts some of the remarkable stories of how the film progressed with road accidents, and an epic trip to Far Country's Deep Well where Tom Brown had a close call whilst diving with a broken wrist! This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Mike Wooding | Part|11 - The discovery of Far Waters

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mike Wooding (1943-2006) began caving whilst at Bristol University, and soon built up a considerable reputation, being involved with a number of new explorations in Swildon's Hole. In 1964, together with Dave Drew and Dave Savage, he co-founded the Independent Cave Diving Group, a short-lived group which met with considerable success. He later continued his caving career in the Yorkshire Dales. In this interview Mike describes his solo caving trip into Gaping Gill's Far Country and the consequent discovery of Far Waters through the Orifice in Clay Cavern. Once through the Orifice he explored the lower series of Far Waters, including Shallow Well. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Mike Wooding | Part|12 - Hallucination Aven, the real story

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mike Wooding (1943-2006) began caving whilst at Bristol University, and soon built up a considerable reputation, being involved with a number of new explorations in Swildon's Hole. In 1964, together with Dave Drew and Dave Savage, he co-founded the Independent Cave Diving Group, a short-lived group which met with considerable success. He later continued his caving career in the Yorkshire Dales. In this interview Mike continues his story of discovery in Gaping Gill's Far Waters series. He tells of his amazing solo exploration of Hallucination Aven and of the events that led to its name, denying the rumour that went round shortly afterwards that he was hallucinating on LSD whilst he was in the cave! This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Bob Leakey | Part 1 - (1983) The early days, discoveries in Gaping Gill and elsewhere

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Bob Leakey (1914-2013) was a legendary caver active from the 1930s to the 1950s, whose many solo explorations included the far end of Mossdale Caverns, Ingleborough Cave, and Disappointment Pot. In this interview, Bob talks about his early days with the BSA. He was the second man to go through Hensler's Crawl just after it was found. He also recalls some of his free diving breakthroughs in Hull Pot and Peak Cavern before returning to tell about further exploits in Gaping Gill. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Bob Leakey | Part 2 - (1983) Passing the sump in Disappointment Pot

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Bob Leakey (1914-2013) was a legendary caver active from the 1930s to the 1950s, whose many solo explorations included the far end of Mossdale and Ingleborough Cave. In this interview Bob describes how, on a trip with his future wife, Barbara Fidoe, which was meant to be her first introduction to caving, he stripped off naked in order to attempt to pass what was then the sump that barred further progress in Disappointment Pot. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Bob Leakey | Part 3 - (1983) Break up of the BSA and extensions in Ingleborough Cave

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Bob Leakey (1914-2013) was a legendary caver active from the 1930s to the 1950s, whose many solo explorations included the far end of Mossdale and Disappointment Pot. In this interview, Bob talks about the break up of the BSA and the other clubs that resulted. He then describes the Northern Speleological Group trip that led to the discovery of Secret Stream and the Inauguration Passage extensions in Ingleborough Cave. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Geoff Yeadon | Diving at Boreham Cave and the discovery of the "China Shop"

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Dick Glover | Part 1 - Early years and the Gaping Gill Whitsun Series discovery

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Dick Glover (1930-1994), whilst never being a hard caver, made many important contributions to the caving world. He was heavily involved with the development of the precursor to the Molephone, and during his long study of the Gaping Gill system was the first to recognise the importance of the Porcellanous Band as an inception horizon. He also gave much of his time to the CRG and BCRA, and was the founder chairman of the NCA. In this interview Dick tells how he set out to find out more about Gaping Gill and write a thesis about the system whilst at Lancaster University, and how that played a part in the Whitsun series discoveries. It is interesting to hear the Bradford Pothole Club side of the "cloak and Dagger" episode which inadvertently followed Dave and Alan Brook stumbling on the discovery shortly after the BPC. See Dave Brook's account of the same episode. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Dick Glover | Part 2 - Dating in Gaping Gill and the Whitsun Series conclusions

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Dick Glover (1930-1994), whilst never being a hard caver, made many important contributions to the caving world. He was heavily involved with the development of the precursor to the Molephone, and during his long study of the Gaping Gill system was the first to recognise the importance of the Porcellanous Band as an inception horizon. He also gave much of his time to the CRG and BCRA, and was the founder chairman of the NCA. In this interview Dick discusses stalactite dating in East Passage, and the conclusion of the Whitsun series discoveries. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Dick Glover | Part 3 - Gaping Gill Far South East Passage

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Dick Glover (1930-1994), whilst never being a hard caver, made many important contributions to the caving world. He was heavily involved with the development of the precursor to the Molephone, and during his long study of the Gaping Gill system was the first to recognise the importance of the Porcellanous Band as an inception horizon. He also gave much of his time to the CRG and BCRA, and was the founder chairman of the NCA. In this recording Dick discusses the remaining questions to be answered regarding Far South East Passage and what the flow markings reveal. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Dick Glover | Part 4 - The early development of the Molephone

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Dick Glover (1930-1994), whilst never being a hard caver, made many important contributions to the caving world. He was heavily involved with the development of the precursor to the Molephone, and during his long study of the Gaping Gill system was the first to recognise the importance of the Porcellanous Band as an inception horizon. He also gave much of his time to the CRG and BCRA, and was the founder chairman of the NCA. In this recording Dick describes how he and Bob Jarman were involved in developing the first "Molephone", or "Speleophone" as he called it. He describes its origins, and the early trials in Gaping Gill. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Eric Hensler | Part 1 - Beginnings and early ventures in Swildon's Hole

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Eric Hensler (1907-1991) was an iconic caver, very active in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s who was involved in a large number of original explorations including Hensler's Series in Gaping Gill, which bears his name. In this recording he gives a lovely account of early (1934) trips to Swildon's Sump One, with home made rope ladders and candles. You can see Eric's caving logs on the MCRA web site. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Eric Hensler | Part 2 - The Wessex Years and first trips to Yorkshire

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Eric Hensler (1907-1991) was an iconic caver, very active in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s who was involved in a large number of original explorations including Hensler's Series in Gaping Gill, which bears his name. In this recording Eric talks about his caving with the Wessex Cave Club on Mendip and how he started to do trips up to Yorkshire, and joined the Northern Cave and Fell Club, under the guidance of Eli Simpson, Jumbo Baker, and Digger Harris. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Lindsay Dodd | A nightmare cave filming trip to Iran

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Lindsay Dodd (1954-2010) started caving with ULSA in 1973. Chance had it that he found himself helping Sid Perou on a caving film, an event that led to many successful collaborations at home and abroad with Lindsay serving as the sound recordist. He was the inspiration behind the Speleogenesis film, which won the Barcelona Film Festival 1991 for the best film for the decade 1980-1990, and the Grand Prix in the 1981 International Speleo Film Festival. In 1978, Lindsay and Sid were invited to film caves in Iran by an Iranian who lived in Germany. The resulting "no expense spared" cave filming trip to Iran was a nightmare of disagreements, and far from what was promised. This is an account that Lindsay sent back to his friends at Yorkshire Television.

Sid Perou | Part 1 - "Discovery" of Ingleborough Cave Inauguration Series

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Sid Perou is an award winning adventure cameraman, who was very active in the 1960s through to the 1980s. He started caving as a lad, and after doing his national service became a sound recordist with the BBC, but circumstances led to him taking over the camera when filming a rescue in Sunset Pot, and he never looked back. He has made films all over the world on caving, climbing, microlighting, and ballooning, many of which have become sought after classics. In this recording Sid relates how he started caving and how later, with Norman Hinchcliffe, he broke into the Inauguration Series of Ingleborough Cave only to have the excitement shattered by the discovery of a single footprint. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Sid Perou | Part 2 - Making "The Lost River of Gaping Gill" (1970)

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Sid Perou is an award winning adventure cameraman, who was very active in the 1960s through to the 1980s. He started caving as a lad, and after doing his national service became a sound recordist with the BBC, but circumstances led to him taking over the camera when filming a rescue in Sunset Pot, and he never looked back. He has made films all over the world on caving, climbing, microlighting, and ballooning, many of which have become sought after classics. In this recording Sid tells of the extraordinary sequence that led to the making of his film Lost River of Gaping Gill and the even more remarkable story behind the scenes during the final stages of the filming. The film was first broadcast on BBC One at 19:25 on 13 September 1970, and a cut-down version is now available for viewing on this site. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Eric Hensler | Part 3 - The discovery of Hensler's Crawl in Gaping Gill

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Eric Hensler (1907-1991) was an iconic caver, very active in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s who was involved in a large number of original explorations including Hensler's Series in Gaping Gill, which bears his name. In this recording Eric describes how, on a BSA meet shortly after the Association was formed, followed a tip-off from Eli Simpson and undertook a solo exploration through a low passage which led off from Booth-Parsons crawl in South-East Passage. He soon realised that it was previously unexplored. It eventually led into the now well-known "Henslers Master Cave". Don't be fooled by Eric's modesty - it was one of the finest solo explorations in the history of British caving. His log book account of the exploration may be found on the MCRA website. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Eric Hensler | Part 4 - The discovery of New Hensler's Crawl in Gaping Gill

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Eric Hensler (1907-1991) was an iconic caver, very active in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s who was involved in a large number of original explorations including Hensler's Series in Gaping Gill, which bears his name. In this recording Eric describes how in the 1960s he and Mike Boon followed the upstream passages in Hensler's Master Cave to discover yet another long crawl, which was to result a year later in a connection with South-East Passage in the floor of South-East Aven. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Bob Mackin | Part 1 - The development of the "Molephone"

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Bob Mackin was the developer of the Molephone, a magnetic induction-based underground communications device which proved be vital for cave rescue, and also for radio location of underground points which proved to be to useful in exploration, allowing surveys to be checked and digging sites to be identified. In this recording, Bob describes the development of the Molephone, although his account of the history of underground communication using magnetic induction is somewhat inaccurate. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Bob Mackin | Part 2 - Continuing developments of the "Molephone"

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Bob Mackin was the developer of the Molephone, a magnetic induction-based underground communications device which proved be vital for cave rescue, and also for radio location of underground points which proved to be to useful in exploration, allowing surveys to be checked and digging sites to be identified. In this recording, Bob tells how the "Molephone" was refined and how Dick Glover realised its value as a surveying tool. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Bob Mackin | Part 3 - Early use of the "Molephone" for rescue purposes

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Bob Mackin was the developer of the Molephone, a magnetic induction-based underground communications device which proved be vital for cave rescue, and also for radio location of underground points which proved to be to useful in exploration, allowing surveys to be checked and digging sites to be identified. In this recording, Bob relates how the CRO became interested in the Molephone for cave rescue communication purposes and how it was first used on a rescue in Meregill. He was then approached to see if it was possible to use the system to talk to a cave diver in a sump and its further use for surveying in Gaping Gill. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Bob Mackin | Part 4 - The "Underground Eiger" film

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Bob Mackin was the developer of the Molephone, a magnetic induction-based underground communications device which proved be vital for cave rescue, and also for radio location of underground points which proved to be to useful in exploration, allowing surveys to be checked and digging sites to be identified. In this recording Bob describes how circumstances delayed work in Gaping Gill and how the team work required for the Underground Eiger, the film made by Sid Perou recording the traverse between Kingsdale Master Cave and Keld Head made by Oliver Statham and Geoff Yeadon, forged bonds that were to be taken forward for use in Gaping Gill. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Bob Mackin | Part 5 - The Gaping Gill - Ingleborough Cave link-up

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Bob Mackin was the developer of the Molephone, a magnetic induction-based underground communications device which proved be vital for cave rescue, and also for radio location of underground points which proved to be to useful in exploration, allowing surveys to be checked and digging sites to be identified. In this recording Bob Mackin and Geoff Yeadon discuss the series of events that led to the final link-up between Gaping Gill and Ingleborough Cave. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Jack Myers | Part 1 - Yorkshire caving during the Second World War

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Jack Myers (1925-2008), co-author with Arthur Gemmel of the classic caving book Underground Adventures, was one of the hard men of the northern caving scene in the 1940s and 1950s. He was involved in the original explorations of many major systems including Easegill Caverns, Magnetometer Pot, Notts Pot, Disappointment Pot, as well as Penyghent Pot which contains the feature Myers' Leap named after him. In this recording, Jack talks about Bob Leakey's breakthrough in Disappointment Pot and Eli Simpson's dominating influence on Yorkshire cave exploration throughout the war years. He also tells how a chance meeting brought him to meet Simpson and to join the BSA. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Jack Myers | Part 2 - Disappointment Pot exploration and equipment at the time

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Jack Myers (1925-2008), co-author with Arthur Gemmel of the classic caving book Underground Adventures, was one of the hard men of the northern caving scene in the 1940s and 1950s. He was involved in the original explorations of many major systems including Easegill Caverns, Magnetometer Pot, Notts Pot, Disappointment Pot, as well as Penyghent Pot which contains the feature Myers' Leap named after him. In this recording, Jack describes the continuing exploration of Disappointment Pot after Bob Leakey was called away to war, and the part played by equipment in the difficulty of the task. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Jack Myers | Part 3 - Equipment during the war years and now

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Jack Myers (1925-2008), co-author with Arthur Gemmel of the classic caving book Underground Adventures, was one of the hard men of the northern caving scene in the 1940s and 1950s. He was involved in the original explorations of many major systems including Easegill Caverns, Magnetometer Pot, Notts Pot, Disappointment Pot, as well as Penyghent Pot which contains the feature Myers' Leap named after him. In this recording, Jack compares the communications and the equipment in use during the war years to that available in the 1980s, and describes their aspirations during the Disappointment Pot exploration. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Jack Myers | Part 4 - Communication and an early call-out at Disappointment Pot

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Jack Myers (1925-2008), co-author with Arthur Gemmel of the classic caving book Underground Adventures, was one of the hard men of the northern caving scene in the 1940s and 1950s. He was involved in the original explorations of many major systems including Easegill Caverns, Magnetometer Pot, Notts Pot, Disappointment Pot, as well as Penyghent Pot which contains the feature Myers' Leap named after him. In this recording, Jack talks about the limitations of communication in the war-time period, Eli Simpson, and the limitations of cave rescue at the time, illustrated by a near miss in Disappointment Pot. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Jack Myers | Part 5 - Yorkshire cave exploration after the war

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Jack Myers (1925-2008), co-author with Arthur Gemmel of the classic caving book Underground Adventures, was one of the hard men of the northern caving scene in the 1940s and 1950s. He was involved in the original explorations of many major systems including Easegill Caverns, Magnetometer Pot, Notts Pot, Disappointment Pot, as well as Penyghent Pot which contains the feature Myers' Leap named after him. In this recording, Jack describes how caving was slow to take off after the war, and how the exploration of new wet cave systems like Penyghent Pot and Mossdale led to the adoption of home-made exposure suits. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Jack Pickup | Part 1 - Gaping Gill from a cave rescue view point

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Jack Pickup is best known for his long-standing association with the Cave Rescue Organisation which he joined in 1967, but his caving started with the Accrington Caving Club in the early 1960s. After he joined the Happy Wanderers Cave and Pothole Club in 1964, he was involved in the early explorations of Kingsdale Master Cave, Pippikin Pot, and Dalehead Pot, and he was also a keen cave diver. At the time of this recording he was Chief Controller of the CRO, and he discusses with Geoff Yeadon the problems that Gaping Gill has presented to the Cave Rescue Organisation, and the incidents that have occurred over the years. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Jack Pickup | Part 2 - The Jes Peterson incident

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Jack Pickup is best known for his long-standing association with the Cave Rescue Organisation which he joined in 1967, but his caving started with the Accrington Caving Club in the early 1960s. After he joined the Happy Wanderers Cave and Pothole Club in 1964, he was involved in the early explorations of Kingsdale Master Cave, Pippikin Pot, and Dalehead Pot, and he was also a keen cave diver. At the time of this recording he was Chief Controller of the CRO, and he tells how when Lancaster University member Jes Peterson went missing on a solo abseiling through trip from Stream Passage Pot to Bar Pot, the rescue attempt escalated into a huge logistic exercise involving several rescue teams. Jes Petersen's account may be heard here. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Jack Pickup | Part 3 - Conclusion and lessons learned from the Jes Peterson rescue

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Jack Pickup is best known for his long-standing association with the Cave Rescue Organisation which he joined in 1967, but his caving started with the Accrington Caving Club in the early 1960s. After he joined the Happy Wanderers Cave and Pothole Club in 1964, he was involved in the early explorations of Kingsdale Master Cave, Pippikin Pot, and Dalehead Pot, and he was also a keen cave diver. At the time of this recording he was Chief Controller of the CRO, and he reflects on the outcome of the Jes Peterson Rescue in Gaping Gill, and the lessons learned that were later applied to other search situations. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Jack Pickup | Part 4 - The Far Country incident and Mike Wooding's "Great Escape"

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Jack Pickup is best known for his long-standing association with the Cave Rescue Organisation which he joined in 1967, but his caving started with the Accrington Caving Club in the early 1960s. After he joined the Happy Wanderers Cave and Pothole Club in 1964, he was involved in the early explorations of Kingsdale Master Cave, Pippikin Pot, and Dalehead Pot, and he was also a keen cave diver. At the time of this recording he was Chief Controller of the CRO, and he tells of two further incidents in Gaping Gill, the first involving several well known cavers and the second involving a remarkable near incident involving the Craven Pothole Club. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Jes Peterson | Part 1 - His account of the mishaps which led to his rescue

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In November 1979 Jes Peterson set off on a solo trip down Stream Passage Pot planning to exit from the previously laddered Bar Pot. His failure to report back on schedule sparked off a mammoth rescue operation involving 80 cavers searching Gaping Gill, and 200 other volunteers combing the moor. This is the first of three recordings in which Jes gives an account of his experiences to Geoff Yeadon. He describes his preparations, and how he came to be off route and fell down Mud Pot. It was recorded on a telephone answering machine and the quality is not very good, and is regularly interrupted by pips. Nevertheless, it is fascinating to hear his side of the story. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Jes Peterson | Part 2 - Continuation of his account of being trapped down Mud Pot

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In November 1979 Jes Peterson set off on a solo trip down Stream Passage Pot planning to exit from the previously laddered Bar Pot. His failure to report back on schedule sparked off a mammoth rescue operation involving 80 cavers searching Gaping Gill, and 200 other volunteers combing the moor. This is the second of three recordings in which Jes gives an account of his experiences to Geoff Yeadon. In it, Jes describes how he coped whilst waiting at the bottom of Mud Pot for help to arrive. It was recorded on a telephone answering machine and the quality is not very good, and is regularly interrupted by pips. Nevertheless, it is fascinating to hear his side of the story. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Jes Peterson | Part 3 - Conclusion of his account of being rescued from Mud Pot

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In November 1979 Jes Peterson set off on a solo trip down Stream Passage Pot planning to exit from the previously laddered Bar Pot. His failure to report back on schedule sparked off a mammoth rescue operation involving 80 cavers searching Gaping Gill, and 200 other volunteers combing the moor. This is the third of three recordings in which Jes gives an account of his experiences to Geoff Yeadon. In it, Geoff asking him about his mental state during his 57 hour ordeal, and what he experienced during the rescue and afterwards. It was recorded on a telephone answering machine and the quality is not very good, and is regularly interrupted by pips. Nevertheless, it is fascinating to hear his side of the story. This is one of a series of recordings made in 1983 by Geoff Yeadon and Lindsay Dodd who were researching a book about Gaping Gill, which was to be a follow-up to the link up with Ingleborough Cave. The book was never written, but these valuable records remain.

Peter Haggett | Tribute to Oliver Lloyd

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Professor Peter Haggett, the eminent University of Bristol geographer and academic, introduces a number of speeches celebrating the life of Oliver Lloyd (1911-1985).

Tom Hewer | Tribute to Oliver Lloyd

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Professor Tom Hewer (1903-1994), former Professor of Pathology at the University of Bristol, recounts how Oliver Lloyd (1911-1985) came to be a lecturer at Bristol University, and his sometimes off-beat qualities as a lecturer. This eulogy was given as part of a celebration of Oliver's life by his friends and colleagues at the University of Bristol.

Bob Savage | Tribute to Oliver Lloyd

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Professor Bob Savage (1927-1998), former Professor of Vertebrate Palaeontology at the University of Bristol, gives a wonderfully humorous eulogy to Oliver Lloyd (1911-1985). He describes Oliver's interests, including music and dancing; his art deco house; and his long association with caving and cave diving. In particular, he describes the opening of St. Paul's and Paradise Regained in Swildon's Hole. This eulogy was given as part of a celebration of Oliver's life by his friends and colleagues at the University of Bristol.

Kenneth Mobbs | Tribute to Oliver Lloyd

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Kenneth Mobbs is an eminent musician renowned for his early keyboard collection, who was appointed to the staff of the Music Department of Bristol University in 1950, finally retiring from the post of Senior Lecturer in 1986. Here he talks about Oliver Lloyd's (1911-1985) love and enthusiasm for music - an aspect of Oliver which will surprise many cavers. This eulogy was given as part of a celebration of Oliver's life by his friends and colleagues at the University of Bristol.

Raymond Stoyles | Part 1 - UK Caving Expedition to Jamaica in 1965

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Ray (Farmer) Stoyles (1945-2012), of the Bradford Pothole Club, remembers the four man, six month long caving expedition to Jamaica in 1965. The Karst Hydrology Expedition was the first major caving expedition to leave UK shores. During their time in Jamaica they explored 29 km of cave passage - much of it previously unknown, included the Quashies River Cave System documented in Mike Boon's book Down to a Sunless Sea. Ray and Sid Perou also reminisce about the other three remarkable characters who were on the expedition - Mike Boon, Pete Livesey, and Trevor 'Tich' Morris. This interview was recorded at the 2009 Bradford Winch Meet.

Raymond Stoyles | Part 2 - The Dales caving scene in the 1960s

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Ray (Farmer) Stoyles (1945-2012), of the Bradford Pothole Club, describes the social scene in Horton and at Brackenbottom in the 1960s. He remembers the original overnight exploration of the Whitsun Series, and recounts tales of dye testing in Jamaica which disconcerted the locals. This interview was recorded at the 2009 Bradford Winch Meet.

Gerald Benn | Part 2 - Whitsun Series and other discoveries

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Ged Benn has been caving with the Bradford Pothole Club since 1959 when, as a 15 year old boy, he was taken through from Lancaster Hole to County Pot. Since then, Gedd has been a leading member of the club, and has been involved in many new explorations, especially in and around Gaping Gill, including the Whitsun Series, Hensler's Pot, Corky's Pot, Motley Pot, and Clapham Bottoms Pot. In this interview recorded at the 2009 Whitsun Winch Meet, Ged talks about the the Bradford Pothole Club's discoveries in Gaping Gill and elsewhere over the years, and gives a full account of the discovery of the Whitsun Series.

Gerald Benn | Part 1 - Early caving, GG winch and some hairy moments

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Ged Benn has been caving with the Bradford Pothole Club since 1959 when, as a 15 year old boy, he was taken through from Lancaster Hole to County Pot. Since then, Gedd has been a leading member of the club, and has been involved in many new explorations, especially in and around Gaping Gill, including the Whitsun Series, Hensler's Pot, Corky's Pot, Motley Pot, and Clapham Bottoms Pot. In this interview, recorded at the 2009 winch meet, Ged describes how he became a BPC member, and recounts some of the early winch stories, and some incidents in the Gaping Gill system and elsewhere.

Gerald Benn | Part 3 - Aftermath of the Whitsun Series discovery and other stories

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Ged Benn has been caving with the Bradford Pothole Club since 1959 when, as a 15 year old boy, he was taken through from Lancaster Hole to County Pot. Since then, Gedd has been a leading member of the club, and has been involved in many new explorations, especially in and around Gaping Gill, including the Whitsun Series, Hensler's Pot, Corky's Pot, Motley Pot, and Clapham Bottoms Pot. In this interview recorded at the 2009 winch meet, Ged describes the aftermath of the Whitsun Series discoveries, and discusses the climate of competition and secrecy prevailing at the time. He goes on to recount the origins of the Bradford Pothole Club, and some of the more recent discoveries that the club has been involved with.

Andy Jackson | Cave rescues and expeditions

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Andy Jackson started caving as a teenager, exploring the holes in Nidderdale with his friends. At the time of this interview, which was recorded at the Bradford Pothole Club Gaping Gill Winch Meet in 2009, he had been a member of the BPC for over 20 years, and served as Underground Leader with the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association for a number of years. In it, he shares some of his memories of his early caving days, his experiences of rescues with the UWFRA, and his expeditions abroad including one filming in Lechuguilla in New Mexico in 1999 with Sid Perou, and one to Vietnam in 2003 where the team surveyed 45 km of cave in just seven weeks.

Geoff Workman | Part 1 - Caving background and the 105 day camp in Stump Cross

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Geoff Workman has been an active caver since 1945. He is best known for his underground sojourns spent in isolation - ten days in Gaping Gill in 1953, and 105 days in Stump Cross Cavern in 1963. He is also a prolific cave digger, and was largely responsible for the discovery of Reindeer Cavern in Stump Cross, and Great Expectations which links into Stump Cross. In this recording Geoff talks about his early caving and how in 1963 he became involved in his 105 day camp in isolation in Stump Cross Cavern. He describes the details of his record breaking stay and the final moment of exit. This recording was made the day before Geoff's eightieth birthday celebrations held in Stump Cross.

Geoff Workman | Part 2 - After his record camp in Stump Cross

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Geoff Workman has been an active caver since 1945. He is best known for his underground sojourns spent in isolation, ten days in Gaping Gill in 1953, and 105 days in Stump Cross Cavern in 1963. He is also a prolific cave digger, and was largely responsible for the discovery of Reindeer Cavern in Stump Cross, and Great Expectations which links into Stump Cross. In this recording, Geoff talks about his continued involvement with Stump Cross Caverns, the digging and the discovery of "Great Expectations", his thoughts on "Long's Lake", and prospects of future discoveries in the system. This recording was made the day before Geoff's eightieth birthday celebrations in Stump Cross.

Dave Gill | Part 1 - Gouffre Berger 1967 Expedition

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Based in Derbyshire and a long-standing member of the Eldon Pothole Club, Dave Gill has been on over 35 expeditions all over the world, including France, Peru, Java, Philippines, Thailand, Iran Jaya, Sarawak, and China. In 1992 he became the Development Officer for the Gunung Mulu National Park cave complexes in Sarawak, and later became the Head of the Karst Management Unit of the National Parks and Wildlife Department in Sarawak, responsible for all matters relating to caves and karst regions in the state. His first expedition was the 1967 Gouffre Berger Expedition lead by Ken Pearce which had the objective of passing the terminal sump. It followed close on the heels of the Mossdale disaster in which cavers that were due to join the expedition lost their lives. Dave describes how the impact of Mossdale nearly brought an early end to the prospects of the Berger trip. Accounts of the same expedition by Mike Wooding, Stuart Whitmey and Frank Barnes may also be found in this archive.

Dave Gill | Part 2 - Mulu

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Dave Gill | Part 3 - Untamed River expedition

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Based in Derbyshire and a long-standing member of the Eldon Pothole Club, Dave Gill has been on over 35 expeditions all over the world, including France, Peru, Java, Philippines, Thailand, Iran Jaya, Sarawak, and China. In 1992 he became the Development Officer for the Gunung Mulu National Park cave complexes in Sarawak, and later became the Head of the Karst Management Unit of the National Parks and Wildlife Department in Sarawak, responsible for all matters relating to caves and karst regions in the state. In this interview, Dave describes a classic and daring trip to the Nare River sink in New Britain where they were faced with white-water rapids, and a huge underground river. Unfortunately, the quality of the last two minutes of the interview has suffered owing to an intermittent microphone connection problem.

Mike Jeanmaire | Part 1 - Free diving in Swildon's Hole

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mike (Fish) Jeanmaire (1945-2010) was one of the new wave of air cave divers in the 1960s, and became renowned for his free diving exploits. In 1967 he was a member of the first party to free-dive to Swildon's Six, returning through the Damp Link and Shatter Series. In 1973 he dived Northern Line in Gaping Gill, and in 1975 the Grotte de la Cigalère - both formidable caving trips in their own right. He became the well-respected Chairman of the Cave Diving Group in 1987, a role which he fulfilled until 2007. In this interview Fish tells the story behind his nickname, and how he came to notice by his "reckless" free diving of Swildon's Sumps 2 and 3. Note: The quality of this recording was impaired by a faulty microphone lead, but in view of Mike's failing health, it was felt important to place it in the archive. At the time of the recording his breathing had to be assisted by an oxygen bottle, and the recording is interspersed with his sharp intakes of breath.

Mike Jeanmaire | Part 2 - The Independent Cave Diving Group

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mike (Fish) Jeanmaire (1945-2010) was one of the new wave of air cave divers in the 1960s, and became renowned for his free diving exploits. In 1967 he was a member of the first party to free-dive to Swildon's Six, returning through the Damp Link and Shatter Series. In 1973 he dived Northern Line in Gaping Gill, and in 1975 the Grotte de la Cigalère - both formidable caving trips in their own right. He became the well-respected Chairman of the Cave Diving Group in 1987, a role which he fulfilled until 2007. Fish tells how the Independent Cave Diving Group came into being, the reaction to it, and the impact it had. Note: The quality of this recording was impaired by a faulty microphone lead, but in view of Mike's failing health, it was felt important to place it in the archive. At the time of the recording his breathing had to be assisted by an oxygen bottle, and the recording is interspersed with his sharp intakes of breath.

John Lovett | Part 1 - Early days with the Yorkshire Ramblers' Club at Gaping Gill

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

John Lovett's first experiences of caving was attending the YRC winch meets at Gaping Gill in 1936 with his father. He eventually joined the YRC in 1950 at the age of the 20. In this evocative interview he remembers an early winching accident when a member landed upside down and broke his skull. He also reminisces about Ernest Roberts, one of the "Grand Old Men" of Yorkshire caving, and of the rope ladders in use after the war.

John Lovett | Part 2 - Caving memories and underground bonfires

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

John Lovett's first experiences of caving was attending the YRC winch meets at Gaping Gill in 1936 with his father. He eventually joined the YRC in 1950 at the age of the 20. In this recording John recounts a mixture of caving memories ranging from new explorations in Avalanche Pot in Gaping Gill in 1952, a major extension to Reyfad Pot in Fermanagh in 1960, to a bonfire in Meregill Hole.

John Lovett | Part 3 - Rescue in Penyghent Pot in 1951

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

John Lovett's first experiences of caving was attending the YRC winch meets at Gaping Gill in 1936 with his father. He eventually joined the YRC in 1950 at the age of the 20. In June 1951 John was a guest on the first Craven Pothole Club bottoming trip in Penyghent Pot. He recalls how Johnny Frankland, a 20 year old member of the CPC, fell from a ladder on the ninth pitch, knocking himself out and injuring a couple of ribs. John went out of the cave by himself for help, before returning to the scene. It took over 100 cavers more than 24 hours to bring Frankland to the surface, but Lovett wasn't too impressed with the manpower deployment! Johnny Frankland died in 1996.

John Lovett | Part 4 - Bob Leakey stories and caving politics

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

John Lovett's first experiences of caving was attending the Yorkshire Ramblers' Club winch meets at Gaping Gill in 1936 with his father. He eventually joined the YRC in 1950 at the age of the 20. In this recording John recalls an eye-watering story of Bob Leakey on a rescue, other Leakey stories, and talks about the caving politics of the day.

John Lovett | Part 5 - Northern Ireland pub and first trip in Meregill

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

John Lovett's first experiences of caving was attending the Yorkshire Ramblers' Club winch meets at Gaping Gill in 1936 with his father. He eventually joined the YRC in 1950 at the age of the 20. In this recording John recounts a wonderful Northern Ireland pub story, gives his view of modern cavers, and remembers an early Meregill trip.

Mike Jeanmaire | Part 3 - Changes in cave diving and the risks Involved

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mike (Fish) Jeanmaire (1945-2010) was one of the new wave of air cave divers in the 1960s, and became renowned for his free diving exploits. In 1967 he was a member of the first party to free-dive to Swildon's Six, returning through the Damp Link and Shatter Series. In 1973 he dived Northern Line in Gaping Gill, and in 1975 the Grotte de la Cigalère - both formidable caving trips in their own right. He became the well-respected Chairman of the Cave Diving Group in 1987, a role which he fulfilled until 2007. In ths interview Fish discusses the development of cave diving techniques and how that affects the risks involved. Note: The quality of this recording was impaired by a faulty microphone lead, but in view of Mike's failing health, it was felt important to place it in the archive. At the time of the recording his breathing had to be assisted by an oxygen bottle, and the recording is interspersed with his sharp intakes of breath.

John Buxton | Part 1 - A trip to Wookey 9

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

John Buxton (1931-2016) had his first cave dive in 1952 at the age of 21 in Keld Head, and in 2011 he celebrated his 80th birthday by diving to Chamber 20 in Wookey Hole. He was at the forefront of cave diving and cave diving technology for many years. During his most active period, he made important explorations all round the UK including in Wookey Hole, Swildon's Hole, Ogof Ffynnon Ddu, and Beck Head Cave. In this recording John describes a trip into Wookey 9 with Don Coase using oxygen rebreathers, when a phantom rescue led to a camera bag going missing. This recording is of variable quality owing to a microphone lead problem.

John Buxton | Part 2 - Early rebreather diving

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

John Buxton (1931-2016) had his first cave dive in 1952 at the age of 21 in Keld Head, and in 2011 he celebrated his 80th birthday by diving to Chamber 20 in Wookey Hole. He was at the forefront of cave diving and cave diving technology for many years. During his most active period, he made important explorations all around the UK including in Wookey Hole, Swildon's Hole, Ogof Ffynnon Ddu, and Beck Head Cave. In this recording, John describes early cave diving in Hurtle Pot and Wookey Hole using Nitrox rebreathers supplied by Siebe Gorman. These exploits took place in 1957.

John Buxton | Part 3 - Royal Navy experiments on nitrogen narcosis

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

John Buxton (1931-2016) had his first cave dive in 1952 at the age of 21 in Keld Head, and in 2011 he celebrated his 80th birthday by diving to Chamber 20 in Wookey Hole. He was at the forefront of cave diving and cave diving technology for many years. During his most active period, he made important explorations all around the UK including in Wookey Hole, Swildon's Hole, Ogof Ffynnon Ddu, and Beck Head Cave. In this recording John describes how he became a guinea pig in experiments on nitrogen narcosis conducted by the Royal Navy.

Gillian Luccock | Filming in Pippikin Pot

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Pippikin Pot was the most ambitious of the Beneath the Pennines television series made by Sid Perou, involving filming and transporting filming equipment through the tortuous entrance passages. On this particular incident, Sid writes: "This is the rushes sound of Gill coming through the 'Stemple Squeeze'. It was genuinely her first time through it. The rest of the team and equipment filled the floor of the chamber below the squeeze, which brings you head-first into the roof of the chamber, ten foot above the floor. All went well with Bob (Henpot) Emmett guiding her from below, until Gill, with hands on the stemple, brought her legs down to straddle the shaft. I soon realised she was descending legs akimbo toward my upturned lens. At the same time I could see nothing through the viewfinder. It had steamed up! What everyone else could see was that her wet suit crutch had split and I was filming with the lens only a foot away from it. You can hear the result!" The film was first broadcast on BBC Two at 18:40 on 13 December 1977, but is now available for viewing on this site.

Jim Eyre | Filming in Lancaster Hole

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Jim Eyre (1925-2008) was a renowned caver, author, cartoonist, and raconteur. Film star he was not. Sid Peou writes: "We were filming in Lancaster Hole for the television series Beneath the Pennines. Jim was skirting a hole in Montagu Cavern which is now known to drop 30 metres into the roof of the Master Cave below. As he did so he was supposed to be recounting an incident from an early exploration. He started speaking too soon. Take 2. This time I suggested that he counted to three before he started the story and that he continued out of shot at the end. He was wearing a radio microphone. Bear in mind that I needed to use virtually the full length of the take. Take 3...". The film was first broadcast on BBC One at 18:40 on 6 December 1977, and is now available on this site.

Tom Austin | His first caving experience in Alum Pot

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Tom Austin, together with his twin brother Fred, was one of the stalwarts of the Craven Pothole Club immediately following the Second World War. In this interview, taken from Sid Perou's Beneath the Pennines television series, Tom describes his first caving trip which was through Lower Long Churn into Alum Pot.

Harry Long | Thoughts on Dowber Gill Passage

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Harry Long has been at the forefront of northern caving since the late 1950s, and has many new explorations to his name including Growling Hole, Out Sleets Beck Pot, Pasture Gill Pot, and Dry Gill in Chapel-le-Dale. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of Dales caves and was co-author of all volumes of Northern Caves. He has also been a prominent member of the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association for over four decades. In this short extract, taken from one of Sid Perou's series of films Beneath the Pennines, Harry gives his thoughts on route finding through Dowber Gill Passage, on the Providence Pot to Dow Cave traverse. The film was first broadcast on BBC One at 18:40 on the 22 November 1977, and is available for viewing on this site.

Kenny Taylor | Thoughts on the risks of caving

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Kenny Taylor was a member of the Happy Wanderers Cave and Pothole Club during their most active period, during the 1960s and 1970s, and was involved in the original explorations of Aygill Caverns and Pippikin Pot, amongst others. In this interview, which is an extract from Sid Perou's television series Beneath the Pennines, Kenny gives his thoughts on the risk element of caving, whilst sitting outside the entrance to Pippikin Pot in 1976.

Wessex Cave Club | Part 1 - Wessex singing 'Aint a gonna dig this cave no longer'

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Members of the Wessex Cave Club make a valiant attempt to sing the song Aint Gonna Dig This Cave No Longer at the Crown in Horton in Ribblesdale around 1962. The words may be found here. It's a memory of Tankard Hole, a large shakehole a few hundred metres from the Hunters' Lodge Inn, at the bottom of which a 50 m boulder ruckle was dug through into some dubious boulder chambers. The cave was blocked in 1970, and the shakehole landscaped over.

Wessex Cave Club | Part 2 - Wessex singing 'Boulder Have a Crunch'

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Members of the Wessex Cave Club make a desperate attempt to sing the song Boulder Have a Crunch at the Crown in Horton in Ribblesdale around 1962. The tune is 'Cocaine Bill', and the original lyrics were by Bob Lawder. See here for further details.

Wessex Cave Club | Part 3 - Wessex singing an unknown song

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Members of the Wessex Cave Club make an attempt to sing a caving song, the title of which, as Les Williams has kindly pointed out below, is The Wessex Hymn. The words may be found here. The tune is Aurelia, by Samuel Sebastian Wesley, commonly used for the hymn The Church's One Foundation.

Dave Parker | Breakthrough at Otter Hole

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Dave Parker of the Gloucester Spelological Society tell how he initially started a promising dig at Otter Hole alone, but soon called on the rest of the club for assistance. When the breakthrough was made, success at first followed slowly, but as the passages became larger, they began to realise they had made a major discovery. This recording was made by Sid Perou for his film Realm of Darkness - Otter Hole, now available on Youtube.

Geoff Yeadon | Breakthrough at Wookey Hole

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Herbert Balch | Part 2 - The opening of the ACG & AS Museum

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Herbert Balch (1869-1958) was a pioneer Mendip caver who explored most of the known caves in central and western Mendip in the 1890s, and who also was the first to enter Swildon's Hole and Eastwater Cavern. He was a founder member of the Wells Natural History and Archaeological Society, and opened Wells Museum in 1894. This historic recording of Balch opening the Axbridge Caving Group and Archaeological Society Museum in 1952 was discovered by Alan Gray of the Axbridge Caving Group in 1984 and realising the historic nature of the tape he sought permission to copy it. The quality is understandably limited. Fortunately, Alan has made available to us an excellent transcript which if read at that the same time makes listening easier. This is the first part of Balch's speech.

Herbert Balch | Part 3 - The opening of the ACG & AS Museum

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Herbert Balch (1869-1958) was a pioneer Mendip caver who explored most of the known caves in central and western Mendip in the 1890s, and who also was the first to enter Swildon's Hole and Eastwater Cavern. He was a founder member of the Wells Natural History and Archaeological Society, and opened Wells Museum in 1894. This historic recording of Balch opening the Axbridge Caving Group and Archaeological Society Museum in 1952 was discovered by Alan Gray of the Axbridge Caving Group in 1984, and realising the historic nature of the tape he sought permission to copy it. The quality is understandably limited. Fortunately, Alan has made available to us an excellent transcript which if read at that the same time makes listening easier. This is the second part of Balch's speech.

Herbert Balch | Part 1 - The opening of the ACG & AS Museum - Introduction

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Herbert Balch (1869-1958) was a pioneer Mendip caver who explored most of the known caves in central and western Mendip in the 1890s, and who also was the first to enter Swildon's Hole and Eastwater Cavern. He was a founder member of the Wells Natural History and Archaeological Society, and opened Wells Museum in 1894. This recording is the introduction to Herbert Balch's speech by the Rev. W. F. Brimson at the opening of the Axbridge Caving Group and Archaeological Society Museum on the 9th August 1952. This historic recording was discovered by Alan Gray of the Axbridge Caving Group in 1984 and realising the historic nature of the tape he sought permission to copy it. The quality, in spite of as much enhancement as I have been able to manage, is understandably limited. Fortunately, Alan has made available to us an excellent transcript which if read at that the same time makes listening easier.

S.W.C.C. | Part 1 - Balinka Pit Expedition, 1964

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In 1964 S.W.C.C. mounted an expedition to the hitherto unexplored Balinka Pit in Croatia, led by Clive Jones. The shaft was known to be very deep, and so a winch with 580 m of cable was used. During the explorations the conversations between the winch man and those in the shaft were recorded on some nine hours of tape. In this extract a boom was being installed on a ledge some 60 m below the surface. 'Noel' is Noel Dilly; 'Bernard' is Bernard Woods; 'Clive' is Clive Jones; 'Gordon' is Gordon Clissold (d. 2012); and 'Dennis' is Dennis Kemp.

S.W.C.C. | Part 2 - Balinka Pit Expedition, 1964

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In 1964 S.W.C.C. mounted an expedition to the hitherto unexplored Balinka Pit in Croatia, led by Clive Jones. The shaft was known to be very deep, and so a winch with 580 m of cable was used. During the explorations the conversations between the winch man and those in the shaft were recorded on some nine hours of tape. In this extract John Osbourne was being lowered to about 570'. 'John' is John Osbourne; 'Bernard' is Bernard Woods; and 'Gordon' is Gordon Clissold (d. 2012). On the next descent Bill Birchenough reached -700', and on a follow-up expedition two years later, the exploration was continued on ladder and the cave bottomed at 283 m.

Jack Pickup | 1969 Rescue at Meregill Hole (Part One)

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Jack Pickup is best known for his long-standing association with the Cave Rescue Organisation which he joined in 1967, but his caving started with the Accrington Caving Club in the early 1960s. After he joined the Happy Wanderers Cave and Pothole Club in 1964, he was involved in the early explorations of Kingsdale Master Cave, Pippikin Pot, and Dalehead Pot, and he was also a keen cave diver. In this recording Jack describes a rescue he was involved with in 1969 at Meregill Hole. The incident started when Chris Hay fell from a ladder which resulted in minor injuries, but when his condition clearly showed signs of deterioration, the situation became serious. The rescue operation was hindered by a flood caused by melting snow, giving the rescuers no choice but to dive the patient out through the mere. It was probably the first underwater rescue ever attempted in a cave.

Jack Pickup | 1969 Rescue at Meregill Hole (Part Two)

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Jack Pickup | The Mossdale Tragedy

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Jack Pickup | Early days with the Happy Wanderers

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Jack Pickup | Early involvement with the C.R.O.

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Jack Pickup is best known for his long-standing association with the Cave Rescue Organisation which he joined in 1967, but his caving started with the Accrington Caving Club in the early 1960s. After he joined the Happy Wanderers Cave and Pothole Club in 1964, he was involved in the early explorations of Kingsdale Master Cave, Pippikin Pot, and Dalehead Pot, and he was also a keen cave diver. In this recording, describes how he first became involved with the CRO in 1964 when he and some fellow members of the HWCPC helped retrieve Alan Clegg's body from Lancaster Hole downstream sump, and how he formally joined the organisation when he moved to Ingleton in 1967. He talks about early rescues which involved fatalities to cavers he knew well, and discusses the "black" humour that often occurs on rescues, particularly where death is involved.

Jack Pickup | Filming "What a Way to Spend a Sunday"

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Jack Pickup is best known for his long-standing association with the Cave Rescue Organisation which he joined in 1967, but his caving started with the Accrington Caving Club in the early 1960s. After he joined the Happy Wanderers Cave and Pothole Club in 1964, he was involved in the early explorations of Kingsdale Master Cave, Pippikin Pot, and Dalehead Pot, and he was also a keen cave diver. In 1971 Sid Perou was commissioned to make a caving film for BBC Leeds which resulted in What a Way to Spend a Sunday. This told the story of a team from the HWCPC, including Jack, doing the through trip down Simpson Pot, through Kingsdale Master Cave, and out of the newly opened Valley Entrance. In this recording Jack tells the epic tale of the making of this film, which was first broadcast on BBC One at 15:40 on the 26 October 1972, and is now available for viewing on this site.

Jack Pickup | A Fishermans Tale: A sad non-caving rescue with a humorous ending

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Jack Pickup | Cave rescue during the 1960s and 1970s

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Jack Pickup is best known for his long-standing association with the Cave Rescue Organisation which he joined in 1967, but from the early 1960s onwards, he was an active member of the Happy Wanderers Cave and Pothole Club and a keen cave diver. In this recording Jack and Sid Perou discuss the perils of Cave Rescue during the 1960's and 1970's when the rescue team were more often than not press-ganged from the Ingleton pubs; Sid's involvement with filming rescues, and Sid's bizarre missed scoop on a fell rescue.

Jack Pickup | Memories of Reg Hainsworth

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Reg Hainsworth (1903-1999) was a keen climber, skier, walker, and caver. He joined the Gritstone Club in 1923, serving as its president from 1956 to 1968. He was heavily involved with the exploration of Swinsto Hole, a siege which took some nine years. In 1934, following an incident in Gingling Hole, the Cave Rescue Organisation was formed with Reg being one of the three elected wardens. He was secretary of the organisation for eleven years, and its Chief Controller for the twelve years up to his retirement in 1973, when he received the MBE for services to cave rescue. In this recording Jack Pickup, Reg's successor as Chief Controller of the CRO, shares his memories of Reg with Sid Perou, the award winning adventure cameraman.

Frank Royston | Early origins and conflicts within the early Cave Rescue Organisation

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Frank, aged 84 at the time of this interview, has lived in Ingleton most of his life. He started caving seriously just after the war with the Gritstone Club through his close friend Reg Hainsworth. Together they became part of a local team which was part of the Cave Rescue Organisation. Later in the 1950s conflicts largely instigated by Eli Simpson, caused the rescue team to be split into two, with the new Ingleton Fell Rescue Team being formed to deal with Fell Rescue, although many remained members of both. This is an important account of the early days of the CRO.

Frank Royston | Early rescues and conflicts with Eli Simpson

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Frank, aged 84 at the time of this interview, has lived in Ingleton most of his life. He started caving seriously just after the war with the Gritstone Club through his close friend Reg Hainsworth. Together they became part of a local team which was part of the Cave Rescue Organisation. In this recording Frank recalls early rescues that stick in his memory; early photographic trips into White Scar; the story of the Lancaster Hole lid, and a possible insight into a conflict that might have contributed to the break-up of the BSA.

Frank Royston | White Scar stories

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Frank, aged 84 at the time of this interview, has lived in Ingleton most of his life. He started caving seriously just after the war with the Gritstone Club through his close friend Reg Hainsworth. Together they became part of a local team which was part of the Cave Rescue Organisation. In this recording, Frank recalls some stories surrounding White Scar Cave. Some of them are probably true, others may be true!

William Stanton | Exploring the Black Hole Series in Swildon's Hole

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

William Iredale Stanton (1930-2010) was a major figure on the Mendip caving scene for over half a century, making important contributions in the fields of exploration, geology, hydrology, and surveying. Amongst his published cave surveys were Swildon’s Hole, Manor Farm Swallet, Reservoir Hole, Gough’s Cave, Grebe Swallet and Waterwheel Swallet, and he wrote an important biography of Herbert Balch. In this interview with Peter Glanvill and Martin Grass recorded shortly before his death, Willie talks about the exploration of the Black Hole Series in Swildon's Hole in 1950.

Jim Newton | Part 1 - A strange encounter with Jim Eyre and tales from early expeditions

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Jim Newton started caving in the late 1950s, and joined the Red Rose Cave and Pothole Club in 1961. He has been an active member since then, contributing to many new explorations in the area especially around Ease Gill where he helped open up Sylvester Pot. He has also travelled extensively on expeditions including France, Turkey, Jugoslavia, and India - many of which were in the company of the late, great Jim Eyre. In this recording Jim talks about his early days of caving, and how, as a humble potenital apprentice painter-decorator, he first came to meet Jim Eyre. He goes on to recount some of the overseas expeditions that he shared with with Jim, that were always full of incidents.

Jim Newton | Part 2 - From Provatina to Lancaster Hole and Easegill Caverns

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Jim Newton | Part 3 - An horrific accident in Lost Pot

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Jim Newton started caving in the late 1950s, and joined the Red Rose Cave and Pothole Club in 1961. He has been an active member since then, contributing to many new explorations in the area especially around Ease Gill where he helped open up Sylvester Pot. He has also travelled extensively on expeditions including France, Turkey, Jugoslavia, and India - many of which were in the company of the late, great Jim Eyre. On the 28th February 1982 Jim was at the wrong end of an horrific accident in Lost Pot on Leck Fell, and was lucky to survive. Returning up the newly opened entrance shaft complex after a trip to Ground Sheet Junction at the bottom of Lost Johns' Cave, a rain of boulders fell 90', one of which struck him on the head, knocking him unconscious. He was retrieved after a highly hazardous rescue operation. He woke up in hospital a month later, with a broken arm and minus a glass eye. In this recording, Jim tells of the circumstances that led to up the accident.

Jim Newton | Part 4 - Rescues from both sides

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Jim Newton started caving in the late 1950s, and joined the Red Rose Cave and Pothole Club in 1961. He has been an active member since then, contributing to many new explorations in the area especially around Ease Gill where he helped open up Sylvester Pot. He has also travelled extensively on expeditions including France, Turkey, Jugoslavia, and India - many of which were in the company of the late, great Jim Eyre. In this recording, Jim recounts a second incident where he needed to be rescued, and two other rescues where he was among the rescuers involving a multiple fatality in Ease Gill Caverns, and possibly the first of many incidents involving a lost party between Providence Pot and Dow Cave.

Jim Newton | Part 5 - To India by double-decker bus

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Jim Newton started caving in the late 1950s, and joined the Red Rose Cave and Pothole Club in 1961. He has been an active member since then, contributing to many new explorations in the area especially around Ease Gill where he helped open up Sylvester Pot. He has also travelled extensively on expeditions including France, Turkey, Jugoslavia, and India - many of which were in the company of the late, great Jim Eyre. In 1970 Jim was a member of an eleven-man expedition, led by Rod Plant, that set off in a Preston double-decket bus to investigate the limestone area around Shimla, in the Indian province of Punjab (Tony Waltham led a trip to the Himalayas in a fire engine in the same year!). The 'British Speleological Expedition to the Himalayas 1970' was not a success in the amount of cave discovered, but it was one hell of an achievement getting a double-decker bus to India, and half way back. This is a story of rough expeditioning at its best!

John Frankland | Cave Rescue Organisation doctor

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

John Frankland caved with the Red Rose club for many years before he became involved with the Cave Rescue Organisation. As a caver and a qualified doctor, he was capable of being at the sharp end of the underground team and made a valuable contribution for many years. He was co-author of the book Race Against Time. A History of the Cave Rescue Organisation. In this interview, John discusses how all this came about, as well as incidents with which he was involved, including Mossdale. It was recorded on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Cave Rescue Organisation - hence the background noise.

John Frankland | Hypothermia, the press, and histoplasmosis

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

John Frankland caved with the Red Rose club for many years before he became involved with the Cave Rescue Organisation. As a caver and a qualified doctor, he was capable of being at the sharp end of the underground team and made a valuable contribution for many years. He was co-author of the book Race Against Time. A History of the Cave Rescue Organisation. In this interview, John discusses the various issues associated with being a doctor at the sharp end of cave rescues, in particular the treatment of hypothermia and the use of air re-warmers pioneered by the CRO, and dealing with the press. He also discusses histoplasmosis, for which he advised Sid Perou and others when they were seriously ill with the disease in Mexico in 1983. This was recorded on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Cave Rescue Organisation - hence the background noise.

Bob Leakey | Part 1 - (2010) Beginnings and claustrophobia

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

These interviews were recorded for a project about Eli Simpson. Bob Leakey (1914-2013) was a legendary caver active from the 1930s to the 1950s, whose many solo explorations included the far end of Mossdale, Ingleborough Cave, and Disappointment Pot. Although some of Bob's recall of details are suspect (forgivably considering his age at the time of the recording), the insights that these memories give are very valuable. Clearly, it is unlikely that he made his bike trip to Settle in the 1920s - he would have been too young. In this part, Bob describes how he became interested in caving, and gives some details about his early life.

Bob Leakey | Part 2 - (2010) Settle, Eli Simpson and the BSA

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

These interviews were recorded for a project about Eli Simpson. Bob Leakey (1914-2013) was a legendary caver active from the 1930s to the 1950s, whose many solo explorations included the far end of Mossdale, Ingleborough Cave, and Disappointment Pot. Although some of Bob's recall of details are suspect (forgivably considering his age at the time of the recording), the insights that these memories give are very valuable. In this recording Bob describes how he came to live in Settle, and became involved with the BSA and Eli Simpson. Finally, he recounts how he and the BSA eventually parted company.

Bob Leakey | Part 3 - (2010) Sacked from the BSA and the financing of the BSA

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

These interviews were recorded for a project about Eli Simpson. Bob Leakey (1914-2013) was a legendary caver active from the 1930s to the 1950s, whose many solo explorations included the far end of Mossdale, Ingleborough Cave, and Disappointment Pot. Although some of Bob's recall of details are suspect (forgivably considering his age at the time of the recording), the insights that these memories give are very valuable. In this part Bob discusses his "sacking" from the BSA, how the BSA was set up and funded, and how he produced his cave sketch map surveys.

Bob Leakey | Part 4 - (2010) The "Cymmie" years

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

These interviews were recorded for a project about Eli Simpson. Bob Leakey (1914-2013) was a legendary caver active from the 1930s to the 1950s, whose many solo explorations included the far end of Mossdale, Ingleborough Cave, and Disappointment Pot. Although some of Bob's recall of details are suspect (forgivably considering his age at the time of the recording), the insights that these memories give are very valuable. In this recording Bob describes how he climbed into Leakey's Caverns in Gaping Gill, and how he followed up Eric Hensler's explorations into Hensler's Long Crawl. He also describes how Miss Adeline Montagu, after whom Montagu West Passage and Montagu East Passage in Lancaster Hole were named, helped finance the British Speleological Association.

Bob Leakey | Part 5 - (2010) BSA politics, and his involvement in rescues

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

These interviews were recorded for a project about Eli Simpson. Bob Leakey (1914-2013) was a legendary caver active from the 1930s to the 1950s, whose many solo explorations included the far end of Mossdale, Ingleborough Cave, and Disappointment Pot. Although some of Bob's recall of details are suspect (forgivably considering his age at the time of the recording), the insights that these memories give are very valuable. In this interview Bob first discusses the political fighting in the final years of the BSA, and then describes how he was involved with rescuing the same man twice - once from a mountain in India and then from A.G. Pot (now known as Grange Rigg Pot)!

Bob Leakey | Part 6 - (2010) Cave Rescue and Penyghent Pot

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

These interviews were recorded for a project about Eli Simpson. Bob Leakey (1914-2013) was a legendary caver active from the 1930s to the 1950s, whose many solo explorations included the far end of Mossdale, Ingleborough Cave, and Disappointment Pot. Although some of Bob's recall of details are suspect (forgivably considering his age at the time of the recording), the insights that these memories give are very valuable. In this interview Bob remembers his involvement with various rescues, and shares further reflections on being expelled from both the BSA and the BSAC.

Harry Long | Part 1 - The later years of the BSA and Eli Simpson

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Harry Long | Part 2 - The downfall of the BSA, and cave politics in the 1960's

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Harry Long | Part 3 - The Simpson archive 16 mm film

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Harry Long has been at the forefront of northern caving since the late 1950s, and has many new explorations to his name including Growling Hole, Out Sleets Beck Pot, Pasture Gill Pot, and Dry Gill in Chapel-le-Dale. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of Dales caves and was co-author of all volumes of Northern Caves. He has also been a prominent member of the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association for over four decades. This interview was recorded as part of an ongoing project about Eli Simpson. Around 1953, under the direction of Eli Simpson, Eddy Percy, John Tobin and others set about making a 16 mm film supposedly (according to their notes) about the source of the River Aire. When the footage was rediscovered in 2010, it was found to include some excellent caving footage for the time. Although Harry wasn't around when it was shot, he remembers seeing the footage in Eddy Percy's office. Sid Perou and Harry discuss the difficulties of filming underground at that time. The original rushes of the 1953 film can be viewed on this site.

Harry Long | Part 4 - "Northern Caves" - The story of the guide books

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Harry Long | Part 5 - The Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Sid Perou | The start of a career as an adventure film maker

Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Sid Perou is an award winning adventure cameraman, who was very active in the 1960s through to the 1980s. He started caving as a lad, and after doing his national service became a sound recordist with the BBC, but circumstances led to him taking over the camera when filming a rescue in Sunset Pot, and he never looked back. He has made films all over the world on caving, climbing, microlighting, and ballooning, many of which have become sought after classics. In this recording Sid describes the circumstances that led to him making his first film which was eventually released as Sunday at Sunset Pot available to view on this site, and tells of the desperate attempt to save the life of Eric Luckhurst who received fatal injuries as a result of a fall. Soon after Sid quit the BBC to start a career as a freelance film-maker. This interview was recorded when Martin Baines was making a video tribute of Sid called, appropriately, I Knew I'd Forgotten Something to mark his retirement to Thailand in 2010.

Jack Pickup | Reminiscences of filming with Sid Perou

Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Sid Perou is an award winning adventure cameraman, who was very active in the 1960s through to the 1980s. He started caving as a lad, and after doing his national service became a sound recordist with the BBC, but circumstances led to him taking over the camera when filming a rescue in Sunset Pot, and he never looked back. He has made films all over the world on caving, climbing, micro-lighting, and ballooning, many of which have become sought after classics. Most of Sid's films are available for viewing on this site. In this interview, Jack Pickup recounts some of the many trials and tribulations associated with filming with Sid. This interview was recorded when Martin Baines was making a video tribute of Sid called, appropriately, I Knew I'd Forgotten Something to mark his retirement to Thailand.

Dave Gill | Filming with Sid Perou in the Pierre de St. Martin

Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Sid Perou is an award winning adventure cameraman, who was very active in the 1960s through to the 1980s. He started caving as a lad, and after doing his national service became a sound recordist with the BBC, but circumstances led to him taking over the camera when filming a rescue in Sunset Pot, and he never looked back. He has made films all over the world on caving, climbing, microlighting, and ballooning, many of which have become sought after classics. In this interview Dave Gill tells of how in 1972, Sid was commissioned by the BBC to film a major British expedition to the Pierre de St. Martin system in the Pyrenees. This was Sid's first filming abroad, and things didn't always go to plan... The Deepest Hole in the World, however, proved to be a caving film classic. It was first broadcast on BBC One at 17:05 on 17 June 1973, and is now available to view on this site. This interview was recorded when Martin Baines was making a video tribute of Sid called, appropriately, I Knew I'd Forgotten Something to mark his retirement to Thailand.

Brian Price | The discovery and naming of Agen Allwedd

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In this remarkable recording Brian Price (1924-2012) stands by the entrance to Ogof Gam and describes how Agen Allwedd was named. He also recalls how on Christmas Eve 1949 he, a couple of lads, and Cecil Cullingford's trusty crowbar unlocked the original entrance to the cave. On the second trip Harold Hicken was able to pass Sally's Alley, but he initially thought the passage ahead closed down and so the trip ended with a little disappointment. It was the third trip when David Seagrave and Harold reached large open passage and Brian describes the follow-up trip of 2nd January 1950 when they first explored Agen Allwedd as far as the First Boulder Choke. This recording was produced by Clive Gardener as part of 'Searching for the Secret River' - a film and associated book project, 'Exploring The Caves of Llangattock Mountain'.

Mel Davies | The first excavation of Upper Trident Passage in Agen Allwedd

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Mel Davies (1928-1997), one of the most influential cavers on the South Wales caving scene during the 20th century and a key founder member of the renowned British Nylon Spinners Speleology Section, describes how specially manufactured digging equipment was an important asset in the work and successes achieved by the club. After examining the new Cambridge University Caving Club discovery of Erse Passage on 9th July 1960, Mel and his B.N.S.S.S. team went on to commence a dig in Upper Trident Passage, Agen Allwedd, using a unique digging tool which he describes. Some 115 ft of progress was made, but it eventually became necessary to move on to other leads showing greater promise. This recording was produced by Clive Gardener as part of 'Searching for the Secret River' - a film and associated book project, 'Exploring The Caves of Llangattock Mountain'.

Paul Hartwright | The discovery of Summertime in Agen Allwedd

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

During Hereford Caving Club's 50th anniversary celebration trip, to commemorate the discovery of Main Passage in Agen Allwedd on Sunday 13th October 1957, Paul Hartwright pauses for an interview by the confluence of Main Stream Passage and Meander Passage. He first reached Turkey Pool on 18th May 1958, following an initial exploration there on 5th April by two British Nylon Spinners Speleological Section members. He describes the early crossings of Turkey Pool, with a graphic reminiscence of Inett Homes floating across the pool on an inner tube, stark naked apart from his boots, lamp and helmet! During the further exploration of Turkey Streamway, Paul and other H.C.C. explorers were the first to push Draught Passage. Paul recalls why this tunnel was renamed as 'Hawkins' Horror', along with the resulting discovery of Sand Caverns Passage and the Summertime Series. This recording was produced by Clive Gardener as part of 'Searching for the Secret River' - a film and associated book project, 'Exploring The Caves of Llangattock Mountain'.

Clive Westlake | The creation of the Grand Circle in Agen Allwedd

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The 5.2 km-long Grand Circle route in Agen Allwedd, which follows the Main Stream Passage, almost to the original Terminal Sump, and then returns via the lengthy and arduous Southern Stream Passage to Main Passage, has become one of South Wales' classic caving trips. It was on 13th April 1971 when Clive Westlake in Biza Passage achieved a CB radio communication with Steve Smith at the base of the 4th Boulder Choke. In this recording Clive Westlake recounts how, working with Paul Deakin and Dave Gill, the promise of making a physical connection was ultimately turned into a practical reality on Saturday 20th May 1972. As a result of 6 trips worth of excavations and the expenditure of 435 man hours by 28 cavers, some 12 ft of cave passage was finally successfully located and negotiated. This recording was produced by Clive Gardener as part of 'Searching for the Secret River' - a film and associated book project, 'Exploring The Caves of Llangattock Mountain'.

John Parker | Discovery of the Hall of the Mountain Kings, Ogof Craig a Ffynnon

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

John Parker describes the vagaries of digging the Second Boulder Choke in Ogof Craig a Ffynnon. The choke was initially discovered on Friday 19th November 1976 but it wasn't until the application of some dogged persistence by John and his digging team that a final breakthrough was achieved on Sunday 10th July 1977. John describes how on this day he, Jeff Hill and Ann Franklin enjoyed the pay-off with a breathtaking exploration of some magnificent passages, crowned by the Hall of the Mountain Kings. Even so, the cave was not to relent particularly easily for what they discovered at the end of it all was yet another boulder choke! This recording was produced by Clive Gardener as part of 'Searching for the Secret River' - a film and associated book project, 'Exploring The Caves of Llangattock Mountain'.

Bill Gascoine | Determining the hydrology of the limestones of South Wales

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The foremost expert on hydrological studies in South Wales, Bill Gascoine (1939-2012) made key contributions to our understanding of the hydrology across the limestones of South Wales. In particular, he solved a number of the hydrological mysteries of Llangattock Mountain, especially by determining a previously elusive subterranean route - linking Llangattwg Swallet to Pwll y Cwm - traced over a 48-hour period during November-December 1979. It was the groundwork laid by Bill's experiments that inspired the extension of Daren Cilau through to the first underground sighting of water from Llangattwg Swallet in 1985. In his interview, Bill tells us how from his upbringing in Staffordshire his interest in hydrology was stimulated at a young age. Later, an approach for assistance by the Welsh Water Authority as a result of the draught in 1976 enabled Bill to undertake a major dye-testing campaign, spanning the longest distances hitherto achieved. This recording was produced by Clive Gardener as part of 'Searching for the Secret River' - a film and associated book project, 'Exploring The Caves of Llangattock Mountain'.

Ian Rolland | Explorations beyond St. David's Sump in Daren Cilau

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Ian Rolland (1964-1994) made several notable cave discoveries beneath Llangattock Mountain, including the discovery by diving in 1987 of dry passage beyond the extreme limit of Sump 4, in Agen Allwedd, where Roger Solari lost his life in 1974. In this interview Ian recalls the gripping conclusion to the epic discovery of the Seventh Hour Sump in Daren Cilau and how he put together the follow-up trip for Saturday 8th February 1986. The second trip saw further discoveries and the extensions surveyed and photographed. For Ian, Rob Parker and Julian Walker the follow-up trip lasted 24 hours, whereas for Colin Boothroyd an additional 6 hours was spent camping underground! This recording was produced by Clive Gardener as part of 'Searching for the Secret River'- a film and associated book project, 'Exploring The Caves of Llangattock Mountain'. Ian was to lose his life in the San Agustin sump of the Huautla cave system, Mexico, in March 1994.

Steve Pedrazzoli | Unravelling the mysteries of Llangattock Mountain

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Steve started caving in 1959 and was the main assistant to Bill Gascoine during the course of his experiments, placing dye and tracer nets. He played a major part during the first speleological excavations in the Carno Adit from 1982. Later, as a leading member of the Gwent Cave Rescue Team, he assembled in 1985 the component parts for a major underground rescue dump/emergency supply of food, first aid and camping/cooking equipment, which was established in White Passage, Daren Cilau, prior to the existence of any underground camps in the cave. In his interview, recorded at his home in Ebbw Vale, Steve describes the motivations which have driven him to spending his caving career helping to unravel the mysteries of Llangattock Mountain, and the quest for the '200 mile-long' cave system. This recording was produced by Clive Gardener as part of 'Searching for the Secret River' - a film and associated book project, 'Exploring The Caves of Llangattock Mountain'.

Rob Parker | The discovery and naming of the Seventh Hour Sump in Daren Cilau

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Rob Parker (1962-1997) recalls the epic diving exploration trip in Daren Cilau on Saturday 23rd November 1985, during which he explored approaching one mile of new passage beyond St. David's Sump with Ian Rolland - leaving other leads to be followed up later. Rob describes the experience of caving in Daren Cilau at a time when there was just a single quarry entrance to the cave. The portering of diving equipment to such a remote site as St David's Sump presented a logistical nightmare and resulted with an economy of technique which cut against the grain of the established diving rules - yet through skill, confidence and camaraderie everyone managed to keep themselves on the right side of survival. Rob also recounts how the Seventh Hour Sump, at the end of their new extensions, came to be named. This recording was produced by Clive Gardener as part of 'Searching for the Secret River' - a film and associated book project, 'Exploring The Caves of Llangattock Mountain'. Rob was to lose his life diving in a Blue Hole in the Bahamas in 1997.

John Wilcock | Dowsing for caves

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Dr. John Wilcock has been caving since the early 1950s, originally with the scouts and subsequently with the WRPC, the OUCC, and other clubs. He was on the CRG Council and the BCRA Council for over 30 years, including a spell as Chairman. Since 1985 he has been interested in the applicability of dowsing to cave hunting, and has regularly published the results of his experiments. In this interview recorded at Hidden Earth, he recounts how he became interested in dowsing, gives his views as a physicist of how dowsing may work, and recalls some of the experimental successes he has claimed over the years.

Jack Pickup | Rescue in Stream Passage Pot

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

In this riveting account, Jack Pickup reads out the words of Andrea Wynne, who was involved in an incident at Stream Passage Pot in Gaping Gill, on 26th May 1985. Andrea fell 60' when she came to the end of the rope when abseiling down a 110' pitch, sustaining head injuries, a fractured arm, cuts and bruises. Cave Rescue was called out, and she was evacuated by means of the Gaping Gill winch, and then by RAF helicopter. This tells the story from the casualty's perspective. Jack was the Controller of the Cave Rescue Organisation at the time of the incident.

Frank Atkinson | Memories of 'Cymmie'

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Frank Atkinson (1924-2013) was best known for his work in founding the Beamish Museum for which he was awarded the CBE in 1995, but when he was younger he was an active member of the BSA with a particular interest in geology and surveying. He had a closer relationship with Eli Simpson than most in Cymmie's later years, based on mutual respect and understanding. As Frank says "I let him do what he wanted to do as long as I could do what I wanted to do". In this interview, Frank gives a rare insight into Cymmie's sometimes self-serving character, and his passion for caves.

Frank Atkinson | Further memories of Cymmie: The last years and his legacy

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Frank Atkinson (1924-2013) was best known for his work in founding the Beamish Museum for which he was awarded the CBE in 1995, but when he was younger he was an active member of the BSA with a particular interest in geology and surveying. In this second of three interviews, Frank shares more recollections of the BSA and of Eli Simpson. In particular, he remembers the later years of Cymmie's life, and the efforts made to save his records after his death.

Frank Atkinson | Death in Penyghent Pot

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Frank Atkinson (1924-2013) was best known for his work in founding the Beamish Museum for which he was awarded the CBE in 1995, but when he was younger he was an active member of the BSA with a particular interest in geology and surveying. On May 14th 1951, Frank was a member of a BSA team comprising of Bob Leakey, Ken Pearce, K. Braithwaite, and John Williams, which descended Penyghent Pot. John Williams (back left in photograph) started to experience difficulties near the bottom. In this interview Frank (in front in photograph) recounts how he and Bob Leakey stayed with the casualty until help eventually arrived. Sadly, John Williams, aged nineteen, died of hypothermia before he reached the surface, and Frank himself needed help to exit. He retired from caving shortly afterwards.

Dave Brook | The Three Counties System Celebrations (1)

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

On the afternoon of the 6th November 2011, the Bruno Kranskies Rising Sump dig in Notts 2 was connected to Lyle Caverns in Lost Johns' Cave, forging the final link in the Three Counties System. To celebrate the culmination of all the hard work put in by hundreds of cavers over several decades, a Three Counties System Connection Party was held on the 26th November 2011 in Burton-in-Lonsdale Village Hall. It was well attended by generations of cavers who had contributed to the project. In this speech, Dave Brook recalls how the vision for a system that connected the caves beneath the fells of Westmorland (now Cumbria), Lancashire, and Yorkshire came about.

Alf Latham | The Three Counties System Celebrations (2)

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Dave Cobley | The Three Counties System Celebrations (3)

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

On the afternoon of the 6th November 2011, the Bruno Kranskies Rising Sump dig in Notts 2 was connected to Lyle Caverns in Lost Johns' Cave, forging the final link in the Three Counties System. To celebrate the culmination of all the hard work put in by hundreds of cavers over several decades, a Three Counties System Connection Party was held on the 26th November 2011 in Burton-in-Lonsdale Village Hall. It was well attended by generations of cavers who had contributed to the project. In this speech, Dave Cobley first recalls the initial exploration of Upper Lyle Cavern, and then the early pushing trips in Pippikin, describing the breakthrough into the stream passage, Hall of the Ten and on into a pristine Gour Hall. Dave's account of the discoveries really captures the excitement of being the first to explore untouched cave passages.

Andy Walsh | The Three Counties System Celebrations (4)

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

On the afternoon of the 6th November 2011, the Bruno Kranskies Rising Sump dig in Notts 2 was connected to Lyle Caverns in Lost Johns' Cave, forging the final link in the Three Counties System. To celebrate the culmination of all the hard work put in by hundreds of cavers over several decades, a Three Counties System Connection Party was held on the 26th November 2011 in Burton-in-Lonsdale Village Hall. It was well attended by generations of cavers who had contributed to the project. As enthusiastic as ever, Andy Walsh gives a really good historical overview of the exploration of the system. On the night, Andy used slides (and some of his own superb paintings of cave passages) to assist his explanation, which obviously won't be much help on here. Starting with Balderstone's famous 1880s map of the area, through to the latest developments in digging, with almost everything in between, this talk is highly entertaining.

Frank Pearson | The Three Counties System Celebrations (5)

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

On the afternoon of the 6th November 2011, the Bruno Kranskies Rising Sump dig in Notts 2 was connected to Lyle Caverns in Lost Johns' Cave, forging the final link in the Three Counties System. To celebrate the culmination of all the hard work put in by hundreds of cavers over several decades, a Three Counties System Connection Party was held on the 26th November 2011 in Burton-in-Lonsdale Village Hall. It was well attended by generations of cavers who had contributed to the project. In this talk Frank Pearson describes his involvement with the Bruno Kranskies dig in Notts 2. Frank and the "Preston Posse" were recruited to the digging team almost by accident after a tourist trip on Leck Fell and a moonlit inquisition from some of the diggers! Firmly bitten by the digging bug, the Preston Posse became a major force in making the final connection.

Hugh St. Lawrence | The Three Counties System Celebrations (6)

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

On the afternoon of the 6th November 2011, the Bruno Kranskies Rising Sump dig in Notts 2 was connected to Lyle Caverns in Lost Johns' Cave, forging the final link in the Three Counties System. To celebrate the culmination of all the hard work put in by hundreds of cavers over several decades, a Three Counties System Connection Party was held on the 26th November 2011 in Burton-in-Lonsdale Village Hall. It was well attended by generations of cavers who had contributed to the project. Hugh St. Lawrence begins his presentation by talking about the Iron Kiln dig which eventually dropped into Mincemeat Aven in Notts 2 on Leck Fell. Digging in the various inlets in Notts 2 were all frustrated by emphatic chokes, and he transferred his attentions to Barbondale. Eventually he was persuaded back into Notts II and Bruno Kranskies, which after two years eventually resulted in the connections with Lost Johns' Cave.

Bert Bradshaw | Wartime caving with the B.S.A.

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Gilbert (Bert) Bradshaw (1926-2016) was a very active caver originally with the BSA, and subsequently as a founder member of the Northern Pennine Club, and he was involved in the original explorations of such as Notts Pot, Disappointment Pot, and Ease Gill Caverns. Indeed, he was the first to enter Easter Grotto, and Bradshaw's Passage is named after him. He joined the BSA as a young lad during the war, under the leadership of Eli Simpson, and caved in the Dales at weekends. The only transport was bicycles, and the caving equipment included football shorts and candles. This is a fascinating account of caving during that period.

Bert Bradshaw | Caving changes at the end of the war and the impact on the BSA

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Gilbert (Bert) Bradshaw (1926-2016) was a very active caver originally with the BSA, and subsequently as a founder member of the Northern Pennine Club, and he was involved in the original explorations of such as Notts Pot, Disappointment Pot, and Ease Gill Caverns. Indeed, he was the first to enter Easter Grotto, and Bradshaw's Passage is named after him. In this recording he gives a valuable insight into how Eli Simpson's old-school manner was found not to go down too well with those returning from the war, and was one of the causes for the fragmentation of the B.S.A.

Bert Bradshaw | Reflections on Eli Simpson and the B.S.A.

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Gilbert (Bert) Bradshaw (1926-2016) was a very active caver originally with the BSA, and subsequently as a founder member of the Northern Pennine Club, and he was involved in the original explorations of such as Notts Pot, Disappointment Pot, and Ease Gill Caverns. Indeed, he was the first to enter Easter Grotto, and Bradshaw's Passage is named after him. In this recording, Bert recalls memories of Eli Simpson and the B.S.A. and on the long-term positive influence both had on British caving.

Bob Leakey | (2010) Explorations on Grassington Moor and in Mossdale Caverns

Sun, 05 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Bob Leakey (1914-2013) was a legendary caver active from the 1930s to the 1950s, whose many solo explorations included the far end of Mossdale, Ingleborough Cave, and Disappointment Pot. Although some of Bob's recall of details are suspect (forgivably considering his age at the time of the recording), the insights that these memories give are very valuable. In this recording, Bob remembers a hair-raising descent of a mine shaft on Grassington Moor, and the initial Mossdale Caverns explorations. His solo explorations in Mossdale in 1941 were a feat of extraordinary courage and endurance. These interviews were recorded for a project about Eli Simpson.

Dave Cobley | Part 1 - Explorations in Marble Arch Cave (1)

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Dave Cobley was a very active caver with the Happy Wanderers in the 1960s and 1970s, who spent a number of trips caving in Fermanagh. In this interview, he recalls the events leading up to the exploration of a mile of new passage in Marble Arch Cave in the company of Mike Boon, Pete Livesey, and others in August and December 1965. A great story.

Dave Cobley | Part 2 - Explorations in Marble Arch Cave (2)

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Dave Cobley was a very active caver with the Happy Wanderers in the 1960s and 1970s, who spent a number of trips caving in Fermanagh. In the second part of this interview, he vividly recalls the original exploration of the extensive Skeen Hill 2 extensions, including the Legnabrocky Way, in Marble Arch Cave in the company of Mike Boon in December 1965. He returned the following Easter with a party of Happy Wanderers and BPC members which included Bill Frakes, John Ogden and Colin Vickers who all died in Mossdale Caverns the following year, as well as Mike Boon. The sump at the end of Skreen Hill 2 was passed, and the massive Skreen Hill 3 extensions entered. This is a graphic account of an important exploration in the company of some great cavers.

Dave Cobley | Exploration of Peterson Pot

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Dave Cobley was a very active caver with the Happy Wanderers in the 1960s and 1970s, who was involved in many of the explorations of the time including that of Pippikin Pot. In this interview he provides a riveting account of the major extensions made in 1969 to Peterson Pot, with its infamous Roly Poly Passage. The 'Hilda' referred to by Dave was Hilda Guthrie. This is a story of exploration with total commitment.

Jochen Hasenmayer | The story of a cave diving legend

Mon, 20 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

The legendary cave diver Jochen Hasenmayer played an important role in the exploration of Keld Head, where he was involved in the notorious 'Dead Man's Handshake' incident (Geoff Yeadon's side of the story can be heard in this interview). This interview, in German, was originally conducted over the phone for an Icelandic radio documentary made by Jan Murtomaa. The questions were formulated by Jan in English, and translated and presented by Hjálmar Sveinsson in German. The English transcript was kindly created by Chris Snuggs. In this interview Jochen describes how his development of new equipment allowed him to continually push the boundaries of cave diving, even after a decompression incident left him paraplegic.

Alan and Dave Brook | Beginnings and explorations in Mossdale Caverns

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0100

Alan and Dave Brook | Further work in Mossdale Caverns

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0100

The Brook Brothers were leading members of Leeds University caving in the 1960s and the 1970s. During that period, the club resurveyed many of the caves in the Yorkshire Dales, and made many important discoveries including Kingsdale Master Cave, Far Country in Gaping Gill, Black Shiver Pot, and Langcliffe Pot. In 1968 ULSA were responsible for the discovery of over six miles of passage. They also contributed much to our understanding of the development of the caves, with Dave hypothesising the existence of the Three Counties System in 1968. In this recording, the Brooks discuss the ULSA explorations of Mossdale Caverns, and how they managed to survey 4,300' of the Marathon Crawls in one day.

Alan and Dave Brook | Explorations in Langcliffe Pot

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0100

The Brook Brothers were leading members of Leeds University caving in the 1960s and the 1970s. During that period, the club resurveyed many of the caves in the Yorkshire Dales, and made many important discoveries including Kingsdale Master Cave, Far Country in Gaping Gill, Black Shiver Pot, and Langcliffe Pot. In 1968 ULSA were responsible for the discovery of over six miles of passage. They also contributed much to our understanding of the development of the caves, with Dave hypothesising the existence of the Three Counties System in 1968. After Mossdale Caverns were closed, ULSA turned their attention to Langcliffe Pot, where they discovered over six miles of passage, and were involved in a rescue when a party of eleven were trapped below Boireau Falls Chamber resulting in a forty-four hour caving trip.

Alan and Dave Brook | Exploration of Hangmans Hole

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0100

The Brook Brothers were leading members of Leeds University caving in the 1960s and the 1970s. During that period, the club resurveyed many of the caves in the Yorkshire Dales, and made many important discoveries including Kingsdale Master Cave, Far Country in Gaping Gill, Black Shiver Pot, and Langcliffe Pot. In 1968 ULSA were responsible for the discovery of over six miles of passage. They also contributed much to our understanding of the development of the caves, with Dave hypothesising the existence of the Three Counties System in 1968. In 1969 whilst on a surveying trip in Nick Pot, Tony White wandered down the adjacent Nick Pot II, and pushed past the previous limit reached by the Yorkshire Ramblers Club in 1934. A tight bedding passage, pushed by Dave Brook, led to some loose, awkward pitches. Dave describes how he managed to fracture a collar bone whilst extricating himself from the top of one of these.

Alan and Dave Brook | Exploration in Sleets Gill Cave

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0100

The Brook Brothers were leading members of Leeds University caving in the 1960s and the 1970s. During that period, the club resurveyed many of the caves in the Yorkshire Dales, and made many important discoveries including Kingsdale Master Cave, Far Country in Gaping Gill, Black Shiver Pot, and Langcliffe Pot. In 1968 ULSA were responsible for the discovery of over six miles of passage. They also contributed much to our understanding of the development of the caves, with Dave hypothesising the existence of the Three Counties System in 1968. In this recording Dave describes how he found himself exploring Hydrophobia Passage and The Ramp in Sleets Gill by himself with a flaky light.

Alan and Dave Brook | Exploration of Black Shiver Pot

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0100

The Brook Brothers were leading members of Leeds University caving in the 1960s and the 1970s. During that period, the club resurveyed many of the caves in the Yorkshire Dales, and made many important discoveries including Kingsdale Master Cave, Far Country in Gaping Gill, Black Shiver Pot, and Langcliffe Pot. In 1968 ULSA were responsible for the discovery of over six miles of passage. They also contributed much to our understanding of the development of the caves, with Dave hypothesising the existence of the Three Counties System in 1968. In this recording, the Brooks discuss the original exploration of Black Shiver Pot in 1967, and how after eventually descending the 260' Black Rift pitch, Dave found himself confronted by a submerged section of passage.

Alan and Dave Brook | Discovery of the Kingsdale Master Cave

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0100

The Brook Brothers were leading members of Leeds University caving in the 1960s and the 1970s. During that period, the club resurveyed many of the caves in the Yorkshire Dales, and made many important discoveries including Kingsdale Master Cave, Far Country in Gaping Gill, Black Shiver Pot, and Langcliffe Pot. In 1968 ULSA were responsible for the discovery of over six miles of passage. They also contributed much to our understanding of the development of the caves, with Dave hypothesising the existence of the Three Counties System in 1968. In this recording Alan and Dave describe how on a trip down Simpson Pot in 1966, they followed up a lead given to them by Geoff Boireau and pushed a crawl from Swinsto Great Aven through to the Master Cave which they proceeded to explore together.

Alan and Dave Brook | The Three Counties System and The Mohole

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0100

The Brook Brothers were leading members of Leeds University caving in the 1960s and the 1970s. During that period, the club resurveyed many of the caves in the Yorkshire Dales, and made many important discoveries including Kingsdale Master Cave, Far Country in Gaping Gill, Black Shiver Pot, and Langcliffe Pot. In 1968 ULSA were responsible for the discovery of over six miles of passage. They also contributed much to our understanding of the development of the caves, with Dave hypothesising the existence of the Three Counties System in 1968. Here Dave talks about the original thinking behind the concept of The Three Counties System, and goes onto discuss the exploration of The Mohole with Alf and Joe Latham, dressed in his flat cap.

Alan and Dave Brook | Caving in Papua New Guinea

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0100

The Brook Brothers were leading members of Leeds University caving in the 1960s and the 1970s. During that period, the club resurveyed many of the caves in the Yorkshire Dales, and made many important discoveries including Kingsdale Master Cave, Far Country in Gaping Gill, Black Shiver Pot, and Langcliffe Pot. In 1968 ULSA were responsible for the discovery of over six miles of passage. They also contributed much to our understanding of the development of the caves, with Dave hypothesising the existence of the Three Counties System in 1968. Between April and December 1975 a British speleological expedition led by Dave Brook, investigated the high altitude karst area between the Strickland Gorge and the Star Mountains in Papua New Guinea. During that time it explored and surveyed the 20 km long Selminum Tem system with its huge passages, and descended a number of deep shaft systems. In this recording Dave reminisces about the expedition, and filming with Sid Perou.

Alan and Dave Brook | Caving in the Berger and the PSM

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0100

The Brook Brothers were leading members of Leeds University caving in the 1960s and the 1970s. During that period, the club resurveyed many of the caves in the Yorkshire Dales, and made many important discoveries including Kingsdale Master Cave, Far Country in Gaping Gill, Black Shiver Pot, and Langcliffe Pot. In 1968 ULSA were responsible for the discovery of over six miles of passage. They also contributed much to our understanding of the development of the caves, with Dave hypothesising the existence of the Three Counties System in 1968. In 1971 and 1972 ULSA, with members of other clubs, spent some time in the Gouffre Berger and the Réseau de la Pierre St. Martin. In this recording the brothers reminisce about some of the events of those expeditions.

Bob Toogood | Early days

Sun, 05 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0100

Bob Toogood started caving in the mid-1950s when he was fourteen, and in a long and illustrious caving career has been involved with major explorations in all of the main caving areas of the UK, as well as abroad, accompanied by some of the best cavers of the day. In this recording Bob recalls his early caving with such as Les Salmon, Ken Pearce, and Mike Boon down such caves as Mossdale Caverns and the newly explored Giant's Hole. He also describes his experiences accompanying Ken Pearce on his diving expeditions in the Gouffre Berger in the 1960s.

Bob Toogood | A mile in Agen Allwedd

Sun, 05 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0100

Bob Toogood started caving in the mid-1950s when he was fourteen, and in a long and illustrious caving career has been involved with major explorations in all of the main caving areas of the UK, as well as abroad, accompanied by some of the best cavers of the day. In this recording Bob recalls how at Easter 1962 he, Jeff Morgan, and Ken Pearce Pushed Southern Stream Passage in Agen Allwedd to discover a mile of passage on a fourteen hour trip. He also discusses his involvement with other explorations made in the same system.

Bob Toogood | Climbing exploits

Sun, 05 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0100

Bob Toogood started caving in the mid-1950s when he was fourteen, and in a long and illustrious caving career has been involved with major explorations in all of the main caving areas of the UK, as well as abroad, accompanied by some of the best cavers of the day. In the 1960s and the 1970s Bob was also a climber of some repute, putting up a number of new routes in the UK, especially with Bob Dearman, including Kyrie Eleison at Thor's Cave which at 60 m is the longest roof climb in the Peak. He also put up a number of first British ascents in the Alps, mainly with Clive Rowlands. In this recording, Bob talks a little about his climbing career.

Bob Toogood | Veteran fell runner

Sun, 05 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0100

Bob Toogood started caving in the mid-1950s when he was fourteen, and in a long and illustrious caving career has been involved with major explorations in all of the main caving areas of the UK, as well as abroad, accompanied by some of the best cavers of the day. When he was in his forties, domestic duties kept him out of the caves, and Pete Livesey enticed him into fell running. In the 1980s and 1990s he proved himself to be one of the best in the country in his age group, winning a number events. In this interview Bob talks a little about his fell running days.

Bob Toogood | Caving in Matienzo

Sun, 05 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0100

Stuart Whitmey | Gouffre Berger 1964 Expedition

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Following his pirate expedition to the Gouffre Berger in 1963 when he was successful in passing the terminal sump, Ken Pearce gathered together a team of hard cavers for a follow-up expedition in the following year to help him to push beyond. It didn't achieve its objectives, with flooding preventing them from reaching the sump, but it was eventful as Stuart Whitmey recounts in this interview. In the days of electron ladders and wetsuits, Stuart describes how a continuous eleven day underground session included two days sheltering from flood waters on a ledge, and helping two injured people up the entrance series. This is riveting listening, and an important contribution from a lead member of this poorly documented expedition. In the next recording, Stuart describes the more successful 1967 expedition.

Stuart Whitmey | Gouffre Berger 1967 Expedition

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Following the unsuccessful 1964 expedition to explore beyond the terminal sump in the Gouffre Berger, Ken Pearce got together a larger team for a more organised attempt in 1967. Unfortunately, the shadow of the Mossdale Caverns incident from a couple of months before loomed over it, and the expedition soon began to splinter under the psychological pressure. Pooling resources with the Pegasus expedition led by Peter Watkinson, Pearce managed to pull it back together, and made a successful attempt on the sumps, passing sumps 1 and 2 before being stopped by a pitch. This account by one of Pearce's right-hand men, Stuart Whitmey who was also on the 1964 expedition, provides a great insight into the the highs and the lows of the expedition. It was recorded on Stuart's 74th birthday. Accounts of the same expedition by Mike Wooding, Dave Gill and Frank Barnes may also be found in this archive.

Margaret Scarr | Farming at Ease Gill

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Margaret Hunter Scarr and her husband farmed the land around Ease Gill and Bull Pot of the Witches between 1958 and 1968. She came into frequent contact with cavers whilst living at Gale Garth, and this interview casts a fascinating light on the relationship between farmers and cavers. In particular she soon became aware of the cowboy element in caving, and in 1960 together with the RRCPC, established an access system for the caves, with herself acting on standby and call-out duties. Margaret remembers with real emotion the death of Alan Clegg in the Lancaster Hole downstream sump in 1964, and she remembers the damage caused during the Pegleg Pot rescue in 1962. But she also remembers the time when she was taken down Lancaster Hole all the way to the sump by the Red Rose, which was when she first appreciated what it is that motivates cavers. This is a lovely interview.

John Donovan | Memories of Mike Boon

Mon, 08 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0100

Mike Boon (1940-2014) was a truly legendary caver whose many outstanding achievements included being a pioneer in the use of aqualungs for cave diving which allowed him to pass Sumps 6 and 7 in Swildon's Hole; explorations at the far end of Mossdale Caverns with Pete Livesey; exploring major river caves in Mexico, Guatemala, and Jamaica; and a solo exploration to the far end of Castleguard Cave in Canada which he pushed to a glacial ice plug. On the 17th May 2015 a group of Mike's friends gathered together on the banks of the Maligne River near Jasper in Alberta to celebrate his life, reminisce about his exploits, and scatter his ashes - an event that Bill Steele recorded on video. Here, John Donovan shares some of his memories of a remarkable man.

Ian Drummond | Memories of Mike Boon

Mon, 08 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0100

Mike Boon (1940-2014) was a truly legendary caver whose many outstanding achievements included being a pioneer in the use of aqualungs for cave diving which allowed him to pass Sumps 6 and 7 in Swildon's Hole; explorations at the far end of Mossdale Caverns with Pete Livesey; exploring major river caves in Mexico, Guatemala, and Jamaica; and a solo exploration to the far end of Castleguard Cave in Canada which he pushed to a glacial ice plug. On the 17th May 2015 a group of Mike's friends gathered together on the banks of the Maligne River near Jasper in Alberta to celebrate his life, reminisce about his exploits, and scatter his ashes - an event that Bill Steele recorded on video. Here, Ian Drummond shares some of his memories of a remarkable man.

Daryl Donovan | Memories of Mike Boon

Mon, 08 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0100

Mike Boon (1940-2014) was a truly legendary caver whose many outstanding achievements included being a pioneer in the use of aqualungs for cave diving which allowed him to pass Sumps 6 and 7 in Swildon's Hole; explorations at the far end of Mossdale Caverns with Pete Livesey; exploring major river caves in Mexico, Guatemala, and Jamaica; and a solo exploration to the far end of Castleguard Cave in Canada which he pushed to a glacial ice plug. On the 17th May 2015 a group of Mike's friends gathered together on the banks of the Maligne River near Jasper in Alberta to celebrate his life, reminisce about his exploits, and scatter his ashes - an event that Bill Steele recorded on video. Here, Daryl, wife of John Donovan, shares some of her memories of a remarkable man.

Bill Steele | Memories of Mike Boon

Mon, 08 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0100

Mike Boon (1940-2014) was a truly legendary caver whose many outstanding achievements included being a pioneer in the use of aqualungs for cave diving which allowed him to pass Sumps 6 and 7 in Swildon's Hole; explorations at the far end of Mossdale Caverns with Pete Livesey; exploring major river caves in Mexico, Guatemala, and Jamaica; and a solo exploration to the far end of Castleguard Cave in Canada which he pushed to a glacial ice plug. In 1976 and 1977 he was a member of expeditions to the Sumidero Yochib river cave in Mexico, which were led by Bill Steele. In this interview Bill shares some of his memories of Mike. It was recorded during the 2015 Huatla Expedition.

Peter Thompson | Memories of Mike Boon

Sat, 05 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Mike Boon (1940-2014) was a truly legendary caver whose many outstanding achievements included being a pioneer in the use of aqualungs for cave diving which allowed him to pass Sumps 6 and 7 in Swildon's Hole; explorations at the far end of Mossdale Caverns with Pete Livesey; exploring major river caves in Mexico, Guatemala, and Jamaica; and a solo exploration to the far end of Castleguard Cave in Canada which he pushed to a glacial ice plug. On the 17th May 2015 a group of Mike's friends gathered together on the banks of the Maligne River near Jasper in Alberta to celebrate his life, reminisce about his exploits, and scatter his ashes - an event that Bill Steele recorded on video. Here, Peter Thompson shares some of his memories of a remarkable man, and in particular how he survived a number of interesting incidents.

Derek Ford | Memories of Mike Boon

Sun, 10 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Mike Boon (1940-2014) was a truly legendary caver whose many outstanding achievements included being a pioneer in the use of aqualungs for cave diving which allowed him to pass Sumps 6 and 7 in Swildon's Hole; explorations at the far end of Mossdale Caverns with Pete Livesey; exploring major river caves in Mexico, Guatemala, and Jamaica; and a solo exploration to the far end of Castleguard Cave in Canada which he pushed to a glacial ice plug. In this recording, made for Sid Perou's film In Memory of Mike Boon available on Youtube, Derek Ford describes how he persuaded Mike to join his Karst Research Group at McMaster University to help explore the karst of the Canadian Rockies, which eventually led to the Castleguard Cave explorations. He gives a vivid account of Mike's solo exploration in that cave.

Mike Boon | Pioneer Cave Diver

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Mike Boon (1940-2014) was a truly legendary caver whose many outstanding achievements included being a pioneer in the use of aqualungs for cave diving which allowed him to pass Sumps 6 and 7 in Swildon's Hole; explorations at the far end of Mossdale Caverns with Pete Livesy; exploring major river caves in Mexico, Guatemala, and Jamaica; and a solo exploration to the far end of Castleguard Cave in Canada which he pushed to a glacial ice plug. In this interview, which has been extracted from Sid Perou's cave diving film The Devil is a Gentleman, available on this site, Mike discusses the first uses of aqualungs in cave diving, and goes on to describe the experience of getting stuck and losing his mouthpiece whilst passing Swildon's 7 for the first time. The film dramatised some of the important episodes in Mike's early diving career, hence the sound effects.

Mike Boon | Explorations in Castleguard

Mon, 22 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Mike Boon (1940-2014) was a truly legendary caver whose many outstanding achievements included being a pioneer in the use of aqualungs for cave diving which allowed him to pass Sumps 6 and 7 in Swildon's Hole; explorations at the far end of Mossdale Caverns with Pete Livesy; exploring major river caves in Mexico, Guatemala, and Jamaica; and a solo exploration to the far end of Castleguard Cave in Canada which he pushed to a glacial ice plug. In this interview, conducted by John Donovan and Nicholas Viera, Mike is first asked about the writing of his book Down to a Sunless Sea, and he then goes on to talk about his Castleguard explorations, including the occasion when he and Pete Thompson were trapped by flood waters for two days, which resulted in the de facto closure of all caves in the Banff National Park. He also talks a little about his solo exploration in the cave. The interview was edited by Sid Perou.

Clive Westlake | Forging the Oxbow Cavern - Giant's Hole Connection

Tue, 28 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0100

On the 22nd May 1966 after many months of surveying and digging by a large number of Derbyshire cavers, the connection between Oxlow Cavern and Giant's Hole was finally forged through the Chamber of Horrors, a horrendous 700' flat-out crawl which includes three ducks. Fifty years later, a celebration of the achievement was held in Castleton village hall on the 21st May 2016. In this talk recorded at the time, Clive Westlake, who was intimately involved in the project, describes with the help of his log books, the events leading up to the connection. He explains how a re-survey of Giant's Hole by Paul Deakin clarified the relationship between the two systems, which inspired a concerted digging effort. As this was recorded before an audience, there is some background noise.

Dave Nixon | Getting Started

Sun, 06 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Dave 'Moose' Nixon has been at the centre of many significant finds in the Peak Cavern system since the mid 1980's, with his explorations including the White River Series, the extensions to James Hall Over Engine Mine, and Titan. In this interview Moose describes how he wasn't tempted by the gritstone crags surrounding his home town of Hathersage, but with some school friends, was drawn to the limestone caves which they explored with the minimum of equipment. He also pays homage to three iconic figures of Derbyshire caving who were his greatest influences - Ian 'Buster' Wright, Keith 'Ben' Bentham, and John Beck.

Dave Nixon | Explorations in the Peak Cavern System

Sun, 06 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Dave 'Moose' Nixon has been at the centre of many significant finds in the Peak Cavern system the mid 1980's, with his explorations including the White River Series, the major extensions to James Hall Over Engine Mine, and Titan. In this interview Moose describes how he heard what he thought was a waterfall at the end of The Trenches whilst on a solo trip between Peak Cavern and Speedwell in 1991. Further investigation resulted in the discovery of the extensive White River Series. He goes on to describe how four years of intensive effort in JH allowed him and his colleagues access to the passages beyond Far Sump, which eventually led to breaking through to the base of Titan.

Dave Nixon | Titan: The Surface Connection

Sun, 06 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Dave 'Moose' Nixon has been at the centre of many significant finds in the Peak Cavern system since the mid 1980's, with his explorations including the White River Series, the major extensions to James Hall Over Engine Mine, and Titan. In this interview, Moose describes the opening of the top entrance to Titan, a task that took from October 1999 to June 2003, and required the excavation of a 46 metre deep shaft and a 20 metre long adit. The result has allowed cavers ready access to the most impressive shaft in the UK.

Emma Porter | The Thailand football team cave rescue

Sat, 06 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0100

A BBC Radio Shropshire interview with Emma Porter, the Secretary of the British Cave Rescue Council, about the Thailand cave rescue

Mike Clayton | The Thailand football team cave rescue

Sat, 06 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0100

A BBC Radio Shropshire interview with Mike Clayton who was responsible for assembling equipment and ensuring it was sent out to Thailand

Richard Harris | Thai Cave Rescue - Against all Odds

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Australian Cave Diver and Anaesthetist Richard Harris is interviewed about the traumatic decisions made to dive the 12 boy football team and their coach out of the flooded Tham Luang and the very slim chance of a successful outcome.

Doug Nash | Doug Nash on mining part 1

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0100

Doug Nash on mining part 1

Doug Nash | Doug Nash on mining part 2

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0100

Doug Nash on mining part 2

Doug Nash | Doug Nash on mining part 3

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0100

Doug Nash on mining part 3