BCA legal officer - Linda Wilson? Really?

[Ship-badger]

Without wishing to rock the boat, I really am with NewStuff on this; really.
The BCA does need legal advice from time to time, that I agree with. But to seek this advice from someone who believes that a few indistinct scratches on the wall of a short cave that has enjoyed free and unfettered access is enough to warrant the complete removal of that access, is utter folly.
I doubt that she is incapable of an unbiased opinion.
But I can always cease to be a member of BCA if I don't like it, so that's ok isn't it.
Well-done NewStuff for airing your view; you are not alone in your opinion. I was on a caving club New Year's Day walk yesterday when this very topic was being discussed, and not at my instigation; so there are others who think, as you and I do, that this might not be a very wise appointment.
Let's see what happens.

 

[rhychydwr1]

[snip]  But to seek this advice from someone who believes that a few indistinct scratches on the wall of a short cave that has enjoyed free and unfettered access is enough to warrant the complete removal of that access, is utter folly.
snip]

More than folly, amusing 

 

[aricooperdavis]

From what I can tell the role is to advise the BCA on legal matters. I am sure that Linda will be most capable of this, regardless of her specific views on those matters - she'll be advising on legal options not on "the right thing to do". Let's not judge too early! Best of luck, Linda, and thank you for volunteering!

 

[droid]

Are we actually going to get confirmation of this appointment from BCA?

 

[Ship-badger]

I did, of course, mean to say that "I doubt she is capable of an unbiased opinion".

Sorry for any confusion.

 

[ZombieCake]

I've found Linda (and Graham) to be most helpful in some the research I've been undertaking recently.  (And before the trolls come out, yes it is related to 'faint scratches' in caves....)
Volunteers are rather hard to come by these days, so Linda gets my vote.

 

[cap n chris]

Is this thread an example of a failed keyboard lynch mob? Some of the contributors appear to be sailing ever-so-close towards libel.

 

[droid]

Given the (implied) subject matter, I was thinking it's a pretty tame thread 

Rather disappointed The Great Leader hasn't chipped in yet, though....

 

[Ship-badger]

Is this thread an example of a failed keyboard lynch mob? Some of the contributors appear to be sailing ever-so-close towards libel.

Oh gawd! We don't want any more instances of cavers setting the law onto other cavers. That's already being covered isn't it?

 

[nickwilliams]

Persons interested in this topic may find it useful to refer to the minutes of the October meeting of the BCA Council, specifically my report and the subsequent discussion.

http://british-caving.org.uk/wiki3/doku.php?id=about:documents:council_meetings:start&s[]=council&s[]=minutes

The matter will be discussed again at the meeting this coming weekend.

Nick Williams
Ac. Hon Sec, BCA

 

[zomjon]

Cap'n Chris, on the whole quite the opposite of a lynch mob I would have thought, other than the contributions of maybe two, all of the rest have been relatively supportive!

 

[cap n chris]

I was referring to the OT/title, not the way it has (thankfully) panned out, but thanks anyhoo.

 

[2xw]

I agree with the deletion and split. In my opinion, the BCA should seek professional advice when it needs it, preferably from currently employed professionals, and these should not be an officer role but more advisory. This would preferably be from someone far from the caving world as possible to ensure any advice is unbiased and accurate.

 

[BradW]

Some observations to consider:

1. If you don't want an individual to volunteer, but are not in a position to do it yourself or propose a willing alternative, perhaps it's best to stay silent.

2. If the purpose of this discussion was to raise alarms and suspicions, one could say, in view of the number of supportive messages for Linda, that it has backfired spectacularly.

3. Do we REALLY want to turn BCA into an echo chamber where those on council only ever hear comforting words that please them?

4. A high-functioning governing body will always include a diverse set of views and ideas, but also a meaningful respect of those with differing views.  Individual integrity and mutual trust between members is another vital ingredient.

 

[NewStuff]

Brad, consider this.

I don't need to raise suspicions and alarm, as many, many people are already suspicious and alarmed. I was, as far as I can tell, one of the last to hear about this, I just happen to be the one that doesn't care about being "blacklisted" from Mendip, or other such nonsense, hence me making this thread, and not other, more recognised people. The fact that a significant number of people have legitimate concerns about being blacklisted, or there being other "problems" with access to many Mendip caves if they raise any concerns about this. Does that not tell you something?

We certainly don't want to turn the BCA into an Echo chamber, but as one person put it to me, that appointing Linda into that position would be akin to putting me in charge of a scheme to remove access for everyone. It's not realistic, given our histories. We're too entrenched in our respective positions.

I don't have a volunteer to suggest, because I think the BCA should outsource from someone that has no vested interest either way. Many people also think that. You are correct in that individual integrity is essential - With regards to Caving, I am *firmly* of the opinion that Linda Wilson does not have it, and this would be very bad for the BCA.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

As a matter of interest is Linda a member of this forum ? I rather think her partner Graham has been banned but for what reason I do not know. The consequence of this is that they have started their own forum now.

 

[BradW]

Newstuff - lots of folks here don't share your views, and I think would be disappointed, if not alarmed, if much heed were taken of them.

 

[BradW]

Brad, consider this.

I don't need to raise suspicions and alarm, as many, many people are already suspicious and alarmed. I was, as far as I can tell, one of the last to hear about this, I just happen to be the one that doesn't care about being "blacklisted" from Mendip, or other such nonsense, hence me making this thread, and not other, more recognised people. The fact that a significant number of people have legitimate concerns about being blacklisted, or there being other "problems" with access to many Mendip caves if they raise any concerns about this. Does that not tell you something?

Yes it tells me that you don't really know how Mendip cavers think. The idea of a blacklist is risible. And how can they blacklist someone they can't identify - you won't be "signing in" with the name "NewStuff" I imagine.

 

[Aubrey]

There is no such thing as a Mendip blacklist and I am annoyed that Newdtuff should suggest otherwise.
Does he have any evidence to say we are not friendly and welcoming to all cavers?

 

[Pitlamp]

As a matter of interest is Linda a member of this forum ? I rather think her partner Graham has been banned but for what reason I do not know. The consequence of this is that they have started their own forum now.

I didn't know that - please can you give us a link?