It's really good to see some CHECC-related discussion on UKCaving, with some (mostly) encouraging comments from 'proper cavers'.
It's true, the CHECC 2015 Forum details are all over Facebook; in the CHECC group (ca. 600 members) as well as individual university club groups' pages. Perhaps it is a sign of the times that Facebook is the go-to social media portal, even for many cavers (for example I've been caving since 2010 and have only logged 7 posts on UKCaving). Perhaps those people running student caving clubs like having a forum where student cavers, particularly impressionable Freshers, can be encouraged rather than derided. CHECC maintains a healthy Facebook presence, but thanks largely to Pegasus it is looking back to UKCaving as a supportive environment for discussion and dialogue.
The Facebook group works well for student cavers, who indeed are quite a close-knit demographic. But a quick look at the Forum on UKCaving demonstrates the sheer sum of knowledge and information of its user community. If a student posts a question on the CHECC Facebook group such as asking for advice on e.g. a kit purchase or acquiring permits they will usually get the information they need in good time, but posting the same question on UKCaving would no doubt illicit a much more detailed and valuable response from the wider caving community. CHECC is looking to once again promote UKCaving in this light and UKCaving will have a significant presence at the 2015 Forum.
As for '5 6ths partying 1 6th caving', CHECC is committed to providing training and experiential opportunities for student cavers. Training events this year include surveying, photography, beginners SRT, advanced SRT and rigging; and these are provided by both student and non-student cavers. There will also be presentations on cave science and conservation. This said, the annual CHECC Forum has traditionally harbored a 'lively' and unapologetic party atmosphere and this has always been a great way for clubs to network, spark some healthy competition and get to know one another. I would even argue that no other nationwide network of higher education sports clubs has such an intimate and supportive community, and one which I hope will grow from strength to strength with more of a UKCaving presence in the near future (thanks to everyone who's contributed to this thread so far).
Looking forward to many more CHECC and student discussions on UKCaving over the coming months! Cheers
Thom Starnes (CHECC Chairperson)
P.S. If 'proper cavers' can't handle a 'few gallons' of beer and then go and learn to use a compass and clino the next day, it's hardly the students' fault!