BCRA does contribute funds to the Library - BCA pays the rent of the building and some other costs. BCRA pays for the equipment and services used: phone, broadband, scanners, printers, shelving, publications which we need to buy but can't get for free - all this runs to several thousands of...

Actually Caving Supplies first operated from a garage in North Cheam, very close to where I used to live in Worcester Park, Surrey. I can remember paying a weekend visit from Derbyshire to my Mum and Dad's house just so I could nip up the road and buy some of the new batteries they had just...

Actually we did have a forward thinking "national body" back in the 1990's when the idea of CRoW was first put forward ! In 1998, when the government first introduced the idea of the CRoW Act and asked outdoor organisations for their comments on its proposals, the then NCA Conservation and...

I think I'm correct that the fall of boulders in the Canyon section of Little Neath River Cave, some years ago now, was attributed to an earthquake. I can't recall the details or the year but do remember going along the passage before the event and admiring the high and relatively narrow...

Apologies for my error - the copyright is with the family. The actual material will be at NPC.

This is the most amazing collection and well worth a look but it will take you some time to get through it all. Many thanks to John Gardner, Alan Jeffreys (aka Goon) and John Manchip for their dedication and hard work in getting it online. Thanks also to John Cordingley, who liaised with the...

Maybe you should have a look at all the Regional Council run websites to see how they work and how they differ. All have been set up by people who know their region well and have probably taylored their websites accordingly. The most important thing is that they should be easily available and...

I'd like one for myself and could see if other Orpheus members would like them. Obviously this would be from the next print run. As for it being "distressed" - I think I can manage that myself thanks ;o)

Pitlamp said: There used to be an annual DCA Congress in the Peak District, which was also really good (you've been around long enough to remember it). I never did understand why it ceased to happen (unless there was a shortage of willing organisers). Jenny may remember. Apart from the hassle...

Looks as if mice have been at the handle!

Hi Stu, All of these will be in the British Caving Library so, if you don't have them to hand, email us and ask for scans of these. Check out our website www.caving-library.org.uk and you'll find the contact details for the Librarian.

It's the curse of sports which go in for competitions because they can get money from UK or England Sports officialdon as they have a chance to win gold medals. It's bedevilled university sport with some caving clubs being told they now don't qualify for support from the Student Union (or...

There is a BCRA Cave Studies Series no. 20 booklet called "The Cumbrian Ring", written by Phil Murphy, which has details of mining remains in this area. It specifically mentions the haematite mines and also refers to the natterjack toads. Can't lay my hands on a copy at the moment but it may...

We had a Bible left at the Orpheus Cottage. I had to post it back to its rightful owner but she did refund the postage. We also once had a complete set of clothes: trousers, shirt, pullover, jacket, etc. left. Did make us wonder what the person went home wearing ...

That book is totally magic! I have the reprint which was done a few years ago now and it is absolutely fascinating to read - well worth nacquiring a copy if you get the chance.