Asked when in 6th form in North Wales would I like to go caving, thought yes I would then mentioned it to my parents - so that was a 'no'.
Went to Birmingham University the following year and was wandering like a little lost soul round freshers fair - happened across the BUSS stand. There was a guy in SRT kit on a rope up in the air (I'm sure it was Duncan Price)- he looked cool 8)
His mates on the stand chatted to me about their up coming beginners trip. There was a postcard sized photo of some stal and I remember thinking, what the heck, no parents to say 'no' now, I'd like to see some stal and these are a friendly bunch - so I paid my ?3 and joined.
A few days later I was at the entrance to Goat Church - don't remember much of the trip but joined up for the next one to Peak Cavern. That I remember, changing in the entrance, fantastic streamway, mud, soooo cold getting changed again and fish and chips- delicious. Signed up again for a weekend in The Dales.
We stopped at Bull Pot Farm, a group of us freshers were taken down County but I was the only one who wanted to go caving the next day so Mike and Simon (I think) took me down Pool Sink. A good trip - I remember liking the entrance but being absolutely knackered on the 55' pitch on the way out. It was a real struggle up that ladder and walking back over the fell was exhausting - however the feeling of achievement and club spirit from that day had me well and truly hooked.
It's such a shame BUSS no longer exists as that decision to join a caving club turned out to be one of the most influential decisions I ever made. Am looking forward to supporting CHECC via UKC for that reason.
Caving - more than a sport, a way of life
Went to Birmingham University the following year and was wandering like a little lost soul round freshers fair - happened across the BUSS stand. There was a guy in SRT kit on a rope up in the air (I'm sure it was Duncan Price)- he looked cool 8)
His mates on the stand chatted to me about their up coming beginners trip. There was a postcard sized photo of some stal and I remember thinking, what the heck, no parents to say 'no' now, I'd like to see some stal and these are a friendly bunch - so I paid my ?3 and joined.
A few days later I was at the entrance to Goat Church - don't remember much of the trip but joined up for the next one to Peak Cavern. That I remember, changing in the entrance, fantastic streamway, mud, soooo cold getting changed again and fish and chips- delicious. Signed up again for a weekend in The Dales.
We stopped at Bull Pot Farm, a group of us freshers were taken down County but I was the only one who wanted to go caving the next day so Mike and Simon (I think) took me down Pool Sink. A good trip - I remember liking the entrance but being absolutely knackered on the 55' pitch on the way out. It was a real struggle up that ladder and walking back over the fell was exhausting - however the feeling of achievement and club spirit from that day had me well and truly hooked.
It's such a shame BUSS no longer exists as that decision to join a caving club turned out to be one of the most influential decisions I ever made. Am looking forward to supporting CHECC via UKC for that reason.
Caving - more than a sport, a way of life