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¥ Newsletter No.35

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November 1993.

WATERFALL SWALLET POLLUTION.

Waterfall Swallet has been reported as being polluted with farm
sewage recently although its understood that this has now
improved. English Nature reported the incident to the NRA, and
prompt action was taken. Apparently a new silage tank was being
installed during the very wet midsummer weather. A visit to the
farm was made and the tank was found to be floating in its own
pit. It appears that every thing is now fine, and the NRA
reported that the farmer at Shepherds Flat was very helpful
Also the slime that seemed to be covering everything is a form
of fungus that feeds off sewage, and since this has been
eliminated it should clear very quickly.

RAVEN MINE.

At present some parts of the route through to the new
extensions are extremely unstable but Ben Bentham will be doing
stabilising work. I don't know what stage this is at, so
anybody thinking of visiting Raven Mine, might like to contact
Ben on 0298 70202 to find out more information.

WATER ICICLE MINE.

The top of the shaft at Water icicle is once again in a
dangerous state, so be careful! It has been suggested that you
do not use the belay bar, but instead drive a stake into the
ground to use as a belay point. The Orpheus Caving Club have
offered their services and are going to have a go at this one.

KNOTLOW. MINE.

ore Sa

DANGER - SERIOUS POLLUTION

a3 August/September 1993

At present there is very serious pollution in Knotlow Mine. It appears to
be entering the mine somewhere in the region of the big old Knotlow
Engine Shaft or the large mine level which connects this to the foot of
the Crimbo Hollow (Fourways) Shaft. The water in the level is stinking,
brown and carrying some solid matter and the eth can even be
smelt in the open air at the top of the Fourways shaft. ° :

The water flowing in from Waterfall Chamber is carrying the pollution seas
from the foot of the Fourways Shaft, downstream along the coffin level,
past Rift Chamber and on down into the Crimbo Swallow.

There is likely to be bad air in the region of the pollution and there may
even be methane gas since the pollution appears to be organic.

You are strongly advised to avoid this area of Knotlow Mine for the
present and, in particular, be wary of using carbide in this part of the
mine since methane can form an explosive combination with air.

Derbyshire Caving Association is aware of the problem and is currently
taking steps to trace the pollution and to get it stopped at source. Even :
when the source is found and stopped, the pollution is likely to take
some time to clear so you should continue to be wary. :

; WEIL'S DISEASE “
As with all organic pollution arising in farming areas, there may be a risk
of contracting Weil's Disease. NCA has issued a free leaflet giving

information on this, including where to obtain medical advice quickly.
To obtain a copy send 9" x 4" S.A.E. to DCA Secretary, Jenny Potts,

Also available is a credit-card-sized information card on Weil's Disease
to fit in your wallet, for this send S.A.E, plus a 20p stamp to:

DCA Secretary, 3 Greenway, Hulland Ward, Ashbourne, Derbyshire. DEG 3FE.

BOLT

Recent tests have revealed a problem when using drop-in sleeve anchors
in conjunction with 10mm coeur hangers. ( These hangers are designed
for use with self drill wedge anchors, ) The drop-in sleeve anchors
have much thinner walls than the self drills ( Imm as compared to
2.5mm). The offset nature of the couer hanger means that a load
applied perpendicularly to the fixing surface ( i.e. a horizontal pull
out on a wall, or a vertical hang from a ceiling ) produces a bending
moment on the plate, which is transmitted to the end of the bolt
sitting within the sleeve. The thin walls of the drop-in anchors
cannot withstand this force and at about S00kg the sleeve always
shears adjacent to the end of the bolt. This force is less than a
third of the specified tensile strength of the hanger/self-drill
combination, and may seem high in terms of body weights, but is easily
approachable in a factor one fall. ( i.e. such as a slip when level
with a bolt when clipped in with your cows tail. )

So remember: If using cordless drills, end the hole a couple of mm
less than the specified depth for self-drill anchors and finish off
the chamfer of the drill bit with a self-drill. One minute extra time
per bolt in exchange for three times the strength

For more information, contact Chris Ware or Keith Jones at Lyon
Equipment: 05396-25493

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY; FOR SALE;
Tues 2nd Nov: SAT Basic Techniques.
How to start, bolt changes, deviations etc. Leather Walking Boots, Size 2.
Holden Lane High School, 7,00pa-9.00pR, Almost new £25.00 ono Contact Sharon
Sat 20th Nov : Club
Juniper Gul Tee shirts. £3.50
WfYorkshire, NRG, SO 765733. Grade 1V, Sweat Shirts. £5.00

fucksacks. £20.00
Contact Ralph,

on 22nd Now : asic First Aid C
“ A Talk-Workstop for those who nave wondered
what ta do when things go wrong underground.
To be held by Dr Tattersall,
at the Bleeding Wolf. Starts 7.30pm.

Sun 12th Dec : Club eet.
Tathans Wife Hole.
N/Yorkshire, NR, SD 731747, Grade III.

After nas: SAT Advanced Techniques
Equipaent Failure, Rescue Techniques.
Holden Lane High School. Date to be arranged.

Wed 29th Dec : Club ni
Giants Hole. (annual xeas expedition)
Derbyshire, NGR, SK 119826. Grade 11-V.

2/28rd Jan: Don/CA Cave Training Worksh
Whitehall Centre, Guxton. Various courses
available. Further details to follow.

i)

oe A D B

LECTURE AND SLIDE PRESENTATIO

Simon Yates Is one of Britain’s leading and most prolific yous mount
t the last ten years he has climbed extensively around fhe worl
ing climbing with his other great love , travel. Simon was first
nt as a resuii Of his epic rescue oi Joe Sdiriipsor , Ofer inher
tande (Peru) in 1985, Undeterred by his experience in
the mountains five weeks later and fled au Bon
inl 3

LLANGATTOCK CAR PARK.

At present the local residents are up in arms about cavers, so access
is a very sensitive subject, so please make sure you don’t do anything
to exacerbate current difficulties, The Welsh cavers are trying their
best to sort the problems. You MUST park in the car park, and not out
side the Chelsea S.S HQ. But beware of thieves who are regularly
raiding vehicles left by cavers in the car park and take suitable
precautions.

CAR THEFTS.

As reported in the last issue, thefts from cars on Mendip continues,
especially in the Charterhouse area and Burrington Combe. The local
Police have supplied a list of known cars, stolen and hidden or
otherwise known to be involved in crime. This is displayed at the
Belfry and Upper Pitts. Anyone seeing suspicious activity or these
vehicles should contact Cheddar Police on 0823 337911, Subtlety is not
@ strong point with the criminals, as windows are smashed and whatever
is present is taken.

Following the fatal road accident at New Year, cars parked on the
wrong side of the road at night in the Priddy area are being booked by
the Police. Please park legally and sensibly.

GOUFFRE BERGER REVISITED.

John Preston and Steve Knox are talking of trying to get a permit for
the Berger in 1995 or 96. Anyone interested as I am sure there may
well be, let them know, so that they can get an idea of numbers, and
so get the idea off the ground.

NEW Policy ON ROPES.

Concern has been expressed over the life of our SRT ropes, some
of which are of doubtful vintage!! In future all ropes will be
colour coded so that after five years use they can be tested
(FF#1 Drop Test) Ropes coded in blue were purchased in 91 for
the berger expedition and are marked with their length in
metres. All other ropes cannot be accurately dated so are
assumed to be five years old (even tho many will be less than
this) These ropes are coded white and a two metre sample will
shortly be drop tested. They will then be retested on an annual
basis. All new ropes purchased will be coded with that
appropriate year colour so that testing them should become a
matter of course. As usual any ropes showing signs of damage
will be cut or discarded as appropriate. Hopefully by the time
you read this article the results of these tests should be
available so you should be able to retire from caving with a
genuine excuse!!!

MANDALE MINE

The 300ft Forefield Shaft leading into Mandale Mine is currently
inaccessible due to a layer of concrete over the lid. This was poured
there by the farmer in a fairly serious attempt to persuade cavers
they are not wanted on his land at Lathkill Farm. Obviously, through-
trips to the incline entrance are not now possible.

EYE MINE.

Update on the situation of Ball Eye Mine has reported in the first
issue of the born again News Letter. Swan Minerals now have consent to
proceed with construction of a tunnel under the Via Gellia and
excavate for ore close to the old mine complex. However, DCA have won
recognition of the heritage and recreational value of the site, and
the firm has to work within very strict limits to avoid damage.

DCA/NCA CAVER WORKSHOP.

Don’t forget about the next caver workshop to be held on 22/23
January 1994, The topics on offer are listed on the application
form enclosed ~ deadline is 20th December. If you need mare
forms, please photocopy the one enclosed or contact Nigel
Atkins direct to ask for spares. Tel: 0831 449919 or 0283
216507.

SWILDONS HOLE.

The update on Swildons Hole; after recent heavy rain in the area, very
strong diesel fumes have been reported in the section of cave
immediately before sump one, so much so, a party is reported to have
aborted their trip because the fumes were making members feel sick. No
news on the air, or should I say lack of air due to the high Co2
content, as yet.

SLAUGHTER STREAM CAVE.

At the request of the landowner, access is restricted to weekends

only, a maximum of six experience cavers only. For further details

contact the trips organiser: Andrew Clark, Sunshade Cottage, Lower
Redbrook, Nr Monmouth, NPS 4LZ. Tel 0660 716970

LL

TTLE NEATH _D!

Barly in july the rescue dump in Little Neath River Cave was renewed.
Some time during the period Monday 12 to Sunday 17 July, some body or
bodies opened and used the dump. But no callout or rescue was
recorded. While dumps are intended for use in emergencies, there seems
to be no excuse for opening the one at Littie Neath and leaving it
strewn about the chamber. I know no member of our club would commit
such an act of vandalism, but its worth noting, new comers to the
sport within our club may not realise the importance of such dumps. I
just thought it was a point worth mentioning.

7
CAVING.
ASSOCIATION

TRAINING GRANTS

The NCA Training Committee otter assistance for constituent bodies,
clubs, special interest groups, etc. to organise training and training related
workshops and events.

Assistance can take the form of financial help, use of equipment, assistance in
the organisation, use of the Training Coordinator's services or advice in selecting
speakers or instructors.

The following are some of the events that have so far been assisted by the NCA
Training Committee during 1992 and 1993.

Bolt Training days.
DCUC SRT day.

BCRA Hydrology Group.
NAMHO Field Meet.
Caver's Fairs 1992 and 1993.
DCA Training Events.
CCC Training Event
Valkyries Caving Club.
Masson Caving Group

Mine Rescue Training Exercise, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire Cave Rescue
Group and others.

Why not take advantage of the opportunity available to you and get your
caving club, special interest group etc. to organise a training workshop?

For further information contact the Training Coordinator or complete the application
form overleaf. &
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