Without wishing this interesting debate to descend to any further depths of cattiness, Mel still seems to be missing the point. The enlargement of the entrance squeeze of Ladyside Pot - used as an example in the earlier post to illustrate the ethical quandry highlighted by current goings-on -...

Just to backtrack for a moment, Mel (7 April) uses the example of modifications, past and future, to Darfar Swallet, which as the driving force behind its original exploration he was perfectly entitled to carry out and mention here - this seems a reasonable yardstick. He also admits to having...

Interesting discussion. A few well-placed pendants always add to the atmosphere at Christmas.

Not mention Penistone Hill, in Bronte country.

For the record as it was quite iconic, the poster photo was taken by Boyd Potts then printed by Geoff Thornber and Groins Harrison.

Well, it's very gratifying to hear that one of the more serious branches of our pastime, demanding great skill and experience in the toasting of raw teacakes, etc. (or trt as we used to call it), is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Having sat around doing nothing much else for - my...

Roger, you're ahead of the game, as ever ...

No matter how weirdly experienced in a remote place, falling stemples and oscillating ropes could have some sort of rational explanation, but the 'tap on the shoulder' episode? Perhaps not. Any plausible theories? .

Sam's right, most mining taboos have a perfectly sensible origin in survival. Ben was neither superstitious nor was his phobia restricted to mines (or even the underground); it was related to a medical condition that he otherwise kept very well hidden.

Yikes, no photos available, so someone else can have a go..

St Bertram's?

Although cavers did the route decades ago, of course.

Easy. For budding Derbyshire gateologists, the downward-opener in question was the work of Hubert Harrison, who discovered the cave. Sorry, no pics to hand, so someone else can have a go.

Etches Cave.

An elegant and sensitive solution to the problem from Leclused. The H&S benefits, along with the possibility of passing large currents through the tapes if needs be, could obviously be a bonus. In the UK, however, it's best to keep conservation messages simple, so the grammar of the roadworks or...

At least that's one place it'll be safe from vandalism when... Damn!

Despite playing a somewhat greater role than Ms Bailey, Ron Peters doesn't appear in this footage. The chap with the specs at 37sec could be Johnny Plowes, who was effectively the controller.

The Cave of Caerbannog?

And your command of Australian slang is admirable...

Out of curiosity, can anyone remember who invented / produced the Texolex?