Hi Phil,
I am currently the Chairman of SWCC and we would be pleased to welcome you as a provisional member or just for a one-off trip to see if you like us! The way provisional membership works is this; it lasts for a minimum of six months and a maximum of 12 (although we do extend this on request). In that time you have a chance to get your face known, and for us to get to know you. You receive the club's publications and can stay at the HQ at members' rates (currently 2.50/night as opposed to 4.50/night for guests). Sadly prov membership doesn't grant access to caves, but you will of course have plenty of opportunity to go with other members.
Then if you wish to become a full member you need two other members to propose you, your name comes before the committee and as long as we can put a face to the name you get in. SWCC gets occasional stick from those who think that we're too restrictive but this is not the case, the only reason anyone ever fails to get full membership is if not enough of the committee know who they are. It really isn't that big an ask to make yourself known in anything up to a year, and the system has worked for the club for a great many more years than I've been around.
It clearly makes sense to aim to turn up on committee weekends, not least because these act as a focus for lots of our active members, not just those on the committee. (There is a list of these weekends on the calendar on the club website.) West Brecon Cave Rescue Team practices are another good opportunity to turn up and get yourself known - these are often scheduled on committee weekends anyway - especially since you're local.
If you want any more info then please ask! We look forward to seeing you at Penwyllt sometime soon.
Regards,
Tony.
