BCA SRT Training Grants

[ttxela]

I've read several places about the possibility of SRT training grants from the BCA, I'm in full time employment and not a student or anything like that so wouldn't normally expect to get a grant for anything, however, living outside a caving area and having very little spare time it looks like if I want to learn I am going to have to have some form of paid instruction and cost is an issue for me.

The forms I've seen don't seem to say outright that it has to be group instuction but they are kind of worded that way. Has anyone applied for these grants? Are they available for individual instruction?

 

[Les W]

My understanding is that grants are available for recreational cavers, for assistance with an organised training event, such as a club or regional council training event.

However, you have nothing to lose but a bit of time, so why not apply and find out, or email the training officer (address on the BCA web site) and ask his advice, he is very approachable. 

 

[paul]

Also have a look at the Derbyshire Caving Association "Training Events" page on their website.

The annual training weekend in February or March each year in particular is excellent value at only £10 per day covering topics ranging from SRT to cave photography.

I attended one a couple of years ago on SRT rigging which was run by Dave Elliott and it was definitely worth much more than a tenner!

 

[ttxela]

Also have a look at the Derbyshire Caving Association "Training Events" page on their website.

The annual training weekend in February or March each year in particular is excellent value at only £10 per day covering topics ranging from SRT to cave photography.

I attended one a couple of years ago on SRT rigging which was run by Dave Elliott and it was definitely worth much more than a tenner!

I definitely might give them a go if I haven't managed to sort anything out by next march.

 

[Dep]

...
I definitely might give them a go if I haven't managed to sort anything out by next march.

If that's your timescale I would hope we can at least give you a basic introductory try-out between now and then so you at least have the basics before going on to training.
You will better appreciate the finer details of the training then if you know the basics.
We have a spare set of SRT kit, just a matter of finding a mutually convenient time and place.
Are you coming along on the 22nd?

 

[Bob Mehew]

There should be some SRT training sessions for free at Hidden Earth (after you have paid to get in that is).

 

[Les W]

There should be some SRT training sessions for free at Hidden Earth (after you have paid to get in that is).

There will be, I have just confirmed them with BCA's Training Officer. 

 

[ttxela]

...
I definitely might give them a go if I haven't managed to sort anything out by next march.

If that's your timescale I would hope we can at least give you a basic introductory try-out between now and then so you at least have the basics before going on to training.
You will better appreciate the finer details of the training then if you know the basics.
We have a spare set of SRT kit, just a matter of finding a mutually convenient time and place.
Are you coming along on the 22nd?

I've had a bit of a try above ground last year but despite my best intentions time has slipped away and I haven't managed anything since. What with weekends being tricky and being quite a way from any holes I think a course organised a fair bit in advance is my best bet hence the query about the BCA grants. I'm going to email the BCA chap soon to se what he says.

The 22nd of July, would that be the Hangmans Wood trip? I'd love to but it's looking tricky at the moment, I think I'm supposed to be doing the London to Cambridge bike ride that day with some people from work. What are the Westerham mines like, is it a suitable trip for my daughter? There is a chance I may be able to make it down then if they are.

 

[wormster]

Hosey common mines are fun if you look in my personal gallery ove on DP you'll find something of use to you. :

 

[Dep]

...
The 22nd of July,
...
is it a suitable trip for my daughter?

yes and yes.
Hugh is coordinating both trips - see member's diary.

 

[Les W]

I think a course organised a fair bit in advance is my best bet hence the query about the BCA grants. I'm going to email the BCA chap soon to se what he says.

I mentioned your question to him last night as I happened to speak to him on other matters (Hidden Earth)

He said he wasn't sure on what the rules were concerning individuals so he would check it out.
He did say that it was his understanding that funds could only go to BCA member clubs, so unless you are a member of such a club then I think it unlikely that funds would be forthcoming. (But then of course you are a member of a BCA club... aren't you... why wouldn't you be  :-\ )


Just to reiterate - FREE (woo hoo) training is available to all comers, at Hidden Earth (Tewkesbury, 21st to 23rd September 2007) under the instruction of a CIC qualified instructor. This training is provided by BCA and all you have to do IS TURN UP Saturday morning 

 

[ttxela]

I mentioned your question to him last night as I happened to speak to him on other matters (Hidden Earth)

He said he wasn't sure on what the rules were concerning individuals so he would check it out.
He did say that it was his understanding that funds could only go to BCA member clubs, so unless you are a member of such a club then I think it unlikely that funds would be forthcoming. (But then of course you are a member of a BCA club... aren't you... why wouldn't you be  :-\ )


Just to reiterate - FREE (woo hoo) training is available to all comers, at Hidden Earth (Tewkesbury, 21st to 23rd September 2007) under the instruction of a CIC qualified instructor. This training is provided by BCA and all you have to do IS TURN UP Saturday morning 

Cheers for that, yes I'm a member of a BCA club so no problem there.

Not sure I'll make it to hidden earth as it's my daughter's birthday but I'll bear it in mind.