Mossdale - Fifty years on

[Simon Beck]

http://simonbeck.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/mossdale-cavernsst-marys-church-2425th.html

 

[G. Hardwick]

At best unnecessary, at worst attention-seeking.

 

[Madness]

At best unnecessary, at worst attention-seeking.

I don't know Simon and I don't know whether you do. From reading some of his bloggs about Mossdale I get the impression he feels a 'deep connection' with Mossdale Caverns. If he feels the need to remember those lost in any way he feels appropriate, then who has the right to criticise? Give the guy a break.

 

[Simon Beck]

People are welcome to an opinion and I can see how the post could be viewed in that way. I did debate whether to share what we'd done for fear of it been viewed as a publicity stunt of some kind. I would suggest to those who are critical to visit the bottom end of Assembly Hall tonight, switch off your lights and tell me what you see isn't a marvelous and moving tribute.

One of the benefits of posting on a blog is it can be removed/altered etc.. I would appreciate all those who feel similar to G Hardwick get in contact and I will certainly consider completely removing the post.

 

[blackshiver]

Nice one Simon, a fitting personal tribute which was clearly very well considered.  Your post stopped me in my tracks for a while and I can imagine those candles in that chamber. Take care and keep up the exporatory work which is always a delight to read.

 

[Kenilworth]

Simon,
I appreciate your tribute. I've never been in Mossdale except in imagination, but I've been there often. I cannot deny feelings, fainter surely, but something akin to your own. I suspect too that you are correct in saying that your words cannot serve your feelings justly. Mine never have. Thanks all the same. A glimpse is better than nothing.

 

[Ian Ball]

Nice one Simon, a fitting personal tribute which was clearly very well considered.  Your post stopped me in my tracks for a while and I can imagine those candles in that chamber. Take care and keep up the exporatory work which is always a delight to read.
[/quote

2nded

 

[ALEXW]

I was told Mossdale story when still at school, I was moved then and I still am.
I find the idea of 6 candles shining in the darkness with nobody there to see them very appropriate.
Thank you Simon.

 

[David Rose]

A solemn and appropriate memorial to an event that still haunts British caving. Nicely done, Simon - both the lamps and the write-up.

 

[Robert Scott]

Thank you, Simon. A moving tribute.

 

[Fulk]

I knew two of the guys involved ? Colin Vickers and Bill Frakes ? who were both good to me as a novice caver at the time. Occasionally Bill ? or was it Colin, sorry I?ve forgotten ? would give me a lift from the Dump to the cave on the bike on his motorbike . . . roaring round the narrow Dales roads on the back of the bike was far more scary than the caving.

I happened to be caving in the Dales the day following the flood, and as we took a break for dinner, my friend and I heard the news on the wireless, so went to see if there was anything we could do; I?m not claiming to be a hero, one of the brave men who went into the cave to look for the cavers, just one of the lads who dug in the mud to help divert the water. Dossing in communal tents, fed by the WVS . . . it was a grim, unforgettable experience.

I do not think that Simon?s efforts are at all demeaning or sensation-seeking, but a fitting tribute to a bunch of hard cavers who were pushing the boundaries.

 

[MJenkinson]

I think its fitting.

 

[Alex]

Yes a fitting tribute. I fail to see what problem G. Hardwick has with it.

 

[cooleycr]

I agree with Alex, it is not like Simon has taken a chisel in and gouged-out an inscription in the rock or something, this is a temporary memorial for an anniversary and very fitting.
Well done. 

 

[SamT]

Good effort Simon.

8)

 

[Hunter]

 

[tamarmole]

A good thing sensitively done.

 

[paul]

I have to agree with the majority: a sensitive remembrance of a tragedy.