Jim Roberts, Starkholmes, Matlock Sad news, I was informed earlier this week by John Wilmot that Jim Roberts had died and that his funeral is on Tuesday 29th March at Brimington Crematorium, Chesterfield at 8.30am. In brief, Jim was an Ex-miner who worked at both Jugholes and Riber Mine...

A low-flying 1940s plane doing survey work will be a common sight over mid and west Cornwall during the next two to three weeks. The geological mapping plane is hoping to identify where lithium and other minerals may be located underground. The flights are happening in the mornings at about...

I visited Mouldridge Mine, with a small group on Tuesday April 27th (great to get back underground, first trip since October last year) and got a surprise at the entrance, as the mine gate has been rehung and now opens like a normal gate and also self-closes. So much better & safer. First class...

Hi Guys, I didn't know I was a magician until last Sunday, when I visited Jugholes, Matlock. I was doing a reccy of the 'Lower Series' Upper & Lower entrances for a forthcoming group trip. I had brought a rope for Upper entrance, which I rigged and wanted to make sure it was long enough to reach...

Hi Guys, I was wanting some advice please. I am thinking of purchasing a couple of 18650 batteries for a Fenix hand torch. According to instructions these batteries can be used, with caution! Recommended manufacturer? LG or Samsung seem to be a good choice. Capacity? 3000mAh/20a or 2500mAh/15a -...

Hi Guys, I have been thinking about getting my defunct hand-held floodlight (Halogen bulb, 12v, 100w, 3.5 million candle-power, large diameter reflector: 16.5cm/6.5 ins, Yellow body) converted to LED, or would it just be easier/cheaper to purchase a new LED floodlight? I have viewed a couple of...

Yesterday, a group of us were walking through Rake Vein plantation in the direction of Sparrowpit and we came across a fenced, open shaft, with two metal belay bars in place. I thought it might be Rake Shaft, but according to CofPD it is covered with concrete slabs. Any information regarding...

Peter Dell , who met Prince William after his involvement in the Thai cave rescue. Priceless publicity for Derbyshire Cave Rescue Organisation. For article & pictures, see https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk Cheers, Paul. :)

A mate of mine asked, if I knew anything about a 'dig' about 200m east of Convenience Cave in Eldon Hill Quarry. I had a look through my 'Descent' magazines in Peak District section over past few years, but didn't see anything. Can you help? Many thanks, Paul. 

Hi Guys, The following items of caving equipment are still available, which were surplus to requirements from a caving club, based in the Peak District. All other items of PCE have now gone. List of items: WELLIES - Size 8(Shorties/Heavy duty/As new) & Size 11(Lightweight/Seen wear).          ...

Hi Guys, A friend of mine has recently found a tackle bag in parking area for Jugholes/Masson Cavern on Salters Lane, Matlock. If it is yours, can you confirm contents. Send a PM, if you prefer. Cheers, Paul. :ang:

A friend of mine visited Bull Pit recently and took pictures of a timbered adit entrance('Wild West' look!) and a shaft with ropes, stacked scaffold tubes, etc in place. Can anyone supply any information on both locations please?

Hi Guys, Firstly, by the footpath from Slitherstones to Jewelknoll Plantation, there is a fenced off (possibly) natural shaft, with a clywd(coned) cap(NGR SK123809 approx). I assume it's not Thistle Pot? Also, nearby Jowle Grove Mine shaft, with grilled cover(NGR SK12508088 approx). Anybody...

I am thinking of purchasing a basic Scurion for use in Slate Caverns in North Wales, etc. If you own a Scurion, what are the pros & cons? Any feedback appreciated. Any other lights, I could purchase with similar illumination? Noted, that there is a new light reviewed in latest 'Descent' from...

Hi Guys, Last year, I posted a message, concerning this topic on this forum and there was certainly some interest and plenty of views. As a follow up, I am organising three trips as a trial, starting with Devonshire Cavern, Matlock Bath(Details as follows). DEVONSHIRE CAVERN, Matlock Bath -...

Cave & Mine trips are arranged on a fortnightly basis on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening. Majority of trips are easy/moderate grade, ideal for novices/less experienced explorers, but some will be of interest to more experienced explorers. Usual popular sites are visited, also obscure/rarely...