Mendip Caves closed due to Coronavirus

[bagpuss]

Swildons is already open & various trips have been done, including the short round.

If it's open what's the situation regarding the changing barn? I'm currently not caving, but doesn't thought not need to be given regarding communal changing? Do we have any local guidance for Mendip? I've not seen anything since the May statement by MCR.

 

[PeteHall]

The Wessex is opening outside facilities for members and guests of members, so that's where I changed.

Not sure of the status for the changing barn, but will see if I can find out next time I'm in Priddy, unless anyone can confirm before?

 

[nearlywhite]

That was written long after most access bodies were set up. The BCA has no say in how they actually run (hence the use of "should").

If they want to be members of the BCA then they do, doesn't matter what predates what. If they want insurance then they probably do as there aren't many alternatives. The requirements are pretty insignificant however. I do suspect that may change - ACBs should have a requirement of transparency, openness and democratic engagement. They pretty much all do this anyway as it's the easiest way to get cavers to have a stake in an access agreement and not try to bypass it (though I'm aware of several that still do). ACBs can exist outside of the BCA without issue - and I know of some (that generally control mines) that do.

As for examples OR - the Charterhouse issues were caused by a complaint made by an under 16, whose local area was mendip, not being allowed to go despite having bottomed the berger the previous summer. All because someone actually decided to enforce the rules. Fortunately all the other ACBs in the country are less restricting in what they do.

Apologies dragging the thread back there. Nice to know caving is resuming on mendip - someone will have to try and drown me in swildon's come August.

 

[mikem]

You may struggle, it being fairly dry at the moment...

 

[PeteHall]

Sump 2 and 3 still have some water in

 

[DanWyatt]

Some friends and I are planning to make a trip to swildons tomorrow, but I thought I should just check if anyone knows if the changing barn is open?

If not does anyone have any suggestions on somewhere else that could be used for changing afterwards?

Cheers

 

[PeteHall]

I've heard nothing to say it isn't open and there is no sign or note or anything there to say that you shouldn't use it. There is no sign or note on the box where you put your money either, so I would assume that it is ok.

 

[darren]

I've heard its open.

The alternative is cavers changing on the green.

 

[mikem]

Which the villagers aren't keen on.

 

[DanWyatt]

I figured that was likely the case but thought it's worth double checking.

Thanks.

 

[andrewmcleod]

I have been told that St Cuthbert's is now open (delayed slightly due to a stuck padlock which had to be replaced?) although as a warden-led cave, this obviously depends on the willingness of wardens to lead trips. I wouldn't expect 'normal' service.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

Just back from Swildons. Two other parties down. Hopefully a few photos. Wessex CC members plus a guest can use the open-ended washing hut for changing then walk over the fields. Honesty box in the club porch.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

I feel a photo splodge coming on ----

 

[darren]

Wessex CC members plus a guest can use the open-ended washing hut for changing then walk over the fields. Honesty box in the club porch.

As many guests as you want, just no guest groups.

Don't restrict yourselves to changing in the washdown area, feel free to get your kit off anywhere in the carpark and lawn area

 

[JohnMCooper]

Just remember there is CCTV recording you 8)

 

[PeteHall]

Good news:

CHARTERHOUSE CAVING COMPANY LTD

RE-OPENING THE CAVES 13th JULY 2020

 

Following the updated advice from government, the BCA and the BCRC, the company is able to recommence visits to the caves under its management from Monday 13th July 2020. Visits are, of course, subject to the normal requirements of the access agreements and also to the additional recommendations listed below.

Until further notice each club is asked not to issue more than one key for each cave on any one day.Social distancing and hygiene protocols must be followed when issuing and returning both keys and permits. It is recommended that visitors use hand sanitiser before and after unlocking and locking cave gates.No cars are to be parked at Charterhouse Farm by request of the owners and no changing is to take place there. Parking for G.B. and Charterhouse must therefore be in the layby by the field entrance on the road.It is recommended that you have a plan "B" if you are likely to meet other cavers underground.Ash dieback is affecting trees throughout the Mendip area. Take care when using the permissive path through Longwood Valley especially in high winds.

We also recommend that the following additional advice from the Secretary of the BCA is adhered to.

Plan for an alternative location if the location is already occupied, so as to minimise the risk of transmission of the coronavirus between groups;Noting that whilst some rural communities are content to see cavers, others may still be reluctant to have visitors, so check local information before visiting and take care when approaching any location;The ?service? provided by cave rescue organisations may be reduced and could take longer to arrive at the scene of an incident, so cavers and mine explorers should special care to reduce the risk of a call out;Follow government guidance on contact with shared tackle, hand washing / use of hand sanitizer and maintain an appropriate social distance where reasonably possible both above and underground, so as to minimise the risk of transmission of the coronavirus; andKeep a record for 21 days of whom you have associated with in case they subsequently realise that they are infected, so as to facilitate the government?s test and trace program.

 Pete Hann

Chairman, on behalf of the Directors, CCC Ltd, July 11th 2020

 Circulation:

CCC Ltd member club representatives

Charterhouse Cave Leaders

 

[The Old Ruminator]

Caving kit packed for Tuesday.

 

[PeteHall]

Light charged for tomorrow 

 

[The Old Ruminator]

It's fairly safe to say that most of Mendip is open to caving following whatever guidelines are in place nationally and locally. Possibly Eastwater remains closed at the landowner's request but the key collection notice was in the lane on Thursday. For the moment it is best to remain unobtrusive. A rush of applications for leader caves would not be appreciated as a gentle phase into caving is best. In any case, a willing cave leader ( warden ) will still have to volunteer to take a trip and that might be an issue for further delay.

 

[PeteHall]

Don't know how other leaders and wardens are doing, but I've already got two Charterhouse trips booked in for August, which is as much as I'll have time for, for a while unfortunately.