Frankly that describes most nights for me. Not enough to wake me up in Derby. Having missed the Northern Lights earlier in the week, I'm disappointed to have missed this too.

That’ll presumably be the Imodium then?

It’s certainly an experience. If you spot a Little Brewing hat above a beard do say hello. Absolutely loved your book.

More’s the pity.

Neither. 14th Battalion Innocent Bystanders, although we are supplying beer to the Green Man and The Queen’s Vaults.

I’ll be there! If you spot a Little Brewing Co bobble hat it might be me.

As soon as my CBA muscle has recovered I’ll pop up there and have another look. Could do with a cold snap first, rather than the current murk.

What a lovely life-affirming film. If nothing else, it’s made this 63 year old resolve to get underground more in 2024.

Got this for Christmas and I am engrossed! An excellent read. I recognise many of the names from drinking in The Stags back in the late 70s. Having peered at a few of the muddy sumps I remain in awe of how you divers do it.

Has the feature on Photo 3 ever been dug?

It’s a level inside Hodgkinsons Hotel in Matlock Bath. I did a bit of digging there about 40 years ago and I think someone has done more since, and written it up in a PDMHS Newsletter. I’d look it up but I’ve pulled my CBA muscle.

Welcome back. If only you knew a diver, that spanner would soon be retrieved. Get the magnet out. All the best with the dig and keep the pics coming.

Being a sensitive, easily shocked soul, I had been avoiding a search for the term 'dry-tooling'. Curiosity got the better of me though. Turns out it's the ice-climbing equivalent of alcohol-free beer.

Notwithstanding sensitive sites, will there be a means of disseminating ‘next steps’ and potential projects/help wanted etc for those of us unable to make the event? Sounds a really interesting day and sorry not to be attending.

As a (once upon a time) mining engineer turned brewer, I'm inclined to worry more about the former..........:cry:

No, not really a joke at all. Whatever the rights and wrongs of the situation, when someone is ill enough to require in-patient mental health care, it’s probably best to show a bit of concern. IMHO, recognising others may choose to disagree.

@pwhole I’m not sure that’s entirely accurate. There’s a chance you’d also make East Midlands Today, given that they occasionally cover items from that area (albeit on a slow news day). Here’s sincerely hoping we never find out.

What a wonderful resource. Already found stuff of interest. Thanks for the heads-up.

Unroll the bag on a mattress, preferably in an upmarket hotel. Make sure you’ve hung the ‘Do not disturb’ sign on the door, but do set your alarm so you catch a full breakfast. I’ve always slept well in such circumstances, albeit without the bivvy bag, but I’m sure it would still work...

At the risk of provoking a gag reflex in some, the best treasure I’ve found underground has been some enduring friendships. Far more valuable than ‘stuff’. Thank you to all those (on here and elsewhere) who have enriched my life with their company and insights. Here’s to more fun.