Author Topic: Mendip Caves closed due to Coronavirus (Read 4630 times)

mikem · « **Reply #50 on:** July 01, 2020, 04:39:21 pm »

Eastwater already has been added (as has North Hill Swallet)

domestos bend · « **Reply #51 on:** July 02, 2020, 11:58:47 am »

Swildons is an interesting one as I am guessing it will be the mendip cave that gets the most traffic as things unlock. What are the chances of picking up covid from a panting carrier who has eaten his twix sat in the water chamber? Nose in the mud sump airspace?

PeteHall · « **Reply #52 on:** July 02, 2020, 12:37:39 pm »

I doubt sump air space is likely to be worth consideration as the only closed air bell is between sump 2 and 3. Very few people go that way...

Even on a busy day in Swildon's, the only usual bottleneck is at the 20. There is a large passage upstream and a few wide bits downstream to wait.

Personally, I'm not too worried.

JoshW · « **Reply #53 on:** July 02, 2020, 12:38:53 pm »

Quote from: PeteHall on July 02, 2020, 12:37:39 pm

Even on a busy day in Swildon's, the only usual bottleneck is at the 20. There is a large passage upstream and a few wide bits downstream to wait.

Personally, I'm not too worried.

not to mention usually a decent draft through that section to "refresh" the air

mikem · « **Reply #54 on:** July 02, 2020, 02:10:13 pm »

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

PeteHall · « **Reply #55 on:** July 02, 2020, 03:19:10 pm »

I'm aware of two groups going to Swildon's tonight, so if anyone's worried about it being busy, choose a different day

The Old Ruminator · « **Reply #56 on:** July 02, 2020, 06:47:20 pm »

Will be down Swildons next week.

PeteHall · « **Reply #57 on:** July 03, 2020, 12:48:22 am »

Look out for the new road sign!

No idea how long it's been there as I've not been down since January I think, but made me smile tonight

Cap'n Chris · « **Reply #58 on:** July 03, 2020, 07:43:50 am »

A timely reminder that there's a fair amount of flytipped detritus which needs removing from the cave. Some of it has been there for decades.

JamesM · « **Reply #59 on:** July 04, 2020, 11:26:18 pm »

Quote from: PeteHall on July 03, 2020, 12:48:22 am

Look out for the new road sign!

No idea how long it's been there as I've not been down since January I think, but made me smile tonight

It was there three weeks ago when I did the short round trip

bagpuss · « **Reply #60 on:** July 05, 2020, 12:00:27 pm »

Quote from: mikem on July 02, 2020, 02:10:13 pm

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 · « **Reply #61 on:** July 05, 2020, 12:21:55 pm »

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 · « **Reply #62 on:** July 05, 2020, 03:03:39 pm »

Quote from: mikem on June 29, 2020, 08:56:01 am

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 · « **Reply #63 on:** July 05, 2020, 05:20:42 pm »

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

PeteHall · « **Reply #64 on:** July 05, 2020, 05:29:10 pm »

Sump 2 and 3 still have some water in

DanWyatt · « **Reply #65 on:** July 07, 2020, 04:48:20 am »

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 · « **Reply #66 on:** July 07, 2020, 07:21:54 am »

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 · « **Reply #67 on:** July 07, 2020, 08:50:58 am »

I've heard its open.

The alternative is cavers changing on the green.

mikem · « **Reply #68 on:** July 07, 2020, 10:32:24 am »

Which the villagers aren't keen on.

DanWyatt · « **Reply #69 on:** July 07, 2020, 11:16:19 am »

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

Thanks.

andrewmc · « **Reply #70 on:** July 09, 2020, 06:57:35 pm »

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 · « **Reply #71 on:** July 09, 2020, 07:10:25 pm »

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 · « **Reply #72 on:** July 10, 2020, 06:57:41 am »

I feel a photo splodge coming on ----

darren · « **Reply #73 on:** July 10, 2020, 08:00:09 am »

Quote from: The Old Ruminator on July 09, 2020, 07:10:25 pm

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 · « **Reply #74 on:** July 10, 2020, 09:15:17 am »

Just remember there is CCTV recording you