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--- news:start 14/02/2010 02:24
+++ news:start 31/07/2010 20:24 current
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 |[[news:archive|News Archive]]|
+\\
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-====Car Break-ins====
+==== CO2 levels in caves ====
-There has been another spate of car break-ins recently.  Sites targeted include Ebbor Gorge and Blackmore Reserve car parks, presently during the daytime.  As far as we are aware no caver cars have been hit but everyone should be vigilante.\\
+It is common knowledge that CO<sub>2</sub> levels in some of the Mendip caves are problematic in the summer months, particularly after a long warm dry spell.
+It has been noted that CO<sub>2</sub> levels have increased recently, particularly in Cuckoo Cleeves where readings of more than 3% have been noted in the past few weeks.
+Cavers are reminded to be aware of CO<sub>2</sub> levels within caves and to take appropriate actions if high levels of CO<sub>2</sub> are encountered.
+NOTE: You should make yourselves aware of the symptoms of high levels of CO<sub>2</sub> and act accordingly. Here is some useful information on [[information:co2]].\\
+Les Williams\\
+Conservation & Access Officer\\
+Posted 31/7/2010
+----
+==== Priddy Green Parking and changing ====
+CSCC has been asked by the Parish Council to remind cavers to change in the barn and not in public as this offends some of the villagers. Please respect this request.
+Cavers are also asked not to park on the grass at the green but to use the hardstanding.
+Les Williams\\
+Conservation & Access Officer\\
+Posted 31/7/2010
+----
+==== Priddy Green Sink Entrance ====
+There has been a small collapse at the entrance to Priddy Green Sink. A hole has opened up around the edge of the lid and the entrance has been fenced off.\\
+CSCC are holding a working party on the green on Saturday 14th August to effect repairs. All welcome, Meet by Main's Barn at about 10:00AM
+Les Williams\\
+Conservation & Access Officer\\
+Posted 31/7/2010
+----
+==== Rhino Rift Anchors ====
+The following anchors in Rhino Rift have been reported defective and are under investigation by CSCC:
+RR-FP-08  Rebelay on first pitch
+RR-SP-01  First anchor on traverse line to second pitch
+CSCC is investigating this report and you will be contacted again when a CSCC appointed person has inspected the anchor and a decision has been made on what, if any, remedial action is required.
+Please note: the CSCC does not carry out any routine inspection or testing of bolts within the CSCC Anchor Placement Scheme. This policy is in line with the BCA statement on the testing of anchors.
+Further, the CSCC view is that individual cavers should satisfy themselves that the anchors they are proposing to use are safe.
+Thank you,\\
 \\
-Graham Price\\
+Faye Litherland\\
-Chairman\\
+Equipment Officer\\
-/2/10\\
+Posted 29/6/2010
 ----
+==== Swildon's Hole Pollution ====
+CSCC are now aware of the source of the recent pollution in Swildon's Hole. We can confirm that the source has been traced to a heating oil spillage and cavers can rest assured that steps are being taken to ensure there will be no further leaks from this source, however we have been made aware that recently, prior to determining the source, a further 1000 litres of heating oil escaped into the ground above the cave. This has not yet been detected in the cave but is expected to turn up once the good weather breaks and the ground water flow is reactivated when it next rains.
+The white deposits on the walls of the passages have been identified as a type of fungus, no link has so far been made between the fungus and the heating oil. The fungus cannot be further identified without major lab work which will be very expensive as there are something like 30 different sub species, and the samples will have to be tested for them all.
+The fungus is generally not considered harmful to most people, however a small percentage of people will be sensitive to it. If you know you are sensitive to fungus spores then you are advised to avoid the area until it clears up. The fungus is expected to disappear once it has consumed the energy source that it is currently growing on.\\
+\\
+Les Williams\\
+Conservation & Access Officer\\
+Posted 24/5/2010\\
+----
 ==== BBC Thrillseeker ====
 The BBC has asked CSCC to publicise its ThrillSeeker campaign.  The Aim of the campaign is to help individuals and families experience an adventure activity, particularly for the first time.  They are looking for caving clubs willing to participate and offer some "taster sessions" on a free or minimum cost basis.  The ThrillSeeker website can be found at www.bbc.co.uk/thrillseeker. The campaign runs until Easter and clubs interested in offering something need to submit a declaration of interest.  Further information and a copy of the form can be obtained from myself or the Secretary.\\
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 /2/10\\
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-==== Next CSCC Meeting ====
-The next CSCC meeting will be on Saturday 13th February at 10.00am in the back room of the Hunters.  Please note the change of date from the one on the BCA calendar and the earlier start time of 10.00. It is intended that all future meetings will start at 10.00am.\\
-\\
+==== Swildon's Hole Reopens ====
-Graham Price\\
-Chairman\\
-----
-===== Swildon's Hole Reopens =====
 As of Saturday 9th January Swildon's Hole is open.
 The landowner has issued the following notice concerning the cave, please read it and take note.\\
@@ Line 30: / Line 99: @@
 Conservation & Access Officer\\
 Posted 8/1/2010
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-== SWILDON'S HOLE WARNING NOTICE ==
+**SWILDON'S HOLE WARNING NOTICE**
-\\
+|The decision to close Swildon's Hole was taken by the landowner after consultation with various parties. This followed a period of significant movement in the entrance series during very wet weather.\\ \\ The cave has been closed for a period of a month for monitoring during which several visits were made.\\ \\ Following further consultations at the end of the monitoring period and on the advice of CSCC, the cave will now be reopened.\\ \\ All persons are reminded that they enter the cave at their own risk and are advised to exercise considerable caution in the entrance area and are advised to consider avoiding the area around Showerbath Chamber.|
-The decision to close Swildon's Hole was taken by the\\
-landowner after consultation with various parties.\\
-This followed a period of significant movement in the\\
-entrance series during very wet weather.\\
-\\
-The cave has been closed for a period of a month\\
-for monitoring during which several visits were made.\\
-\\
-Following further consultations at the end of the\\
-monitoring period and on the advice of CSCC, the\\
-cave will now be reopened.\\
 \\
-All persons are reminded that they enter the cave at their\\
-own risk and are advised to exercise considerable caution\\
-in the entrance area and are advised to consider avoiding\\
-the area around Showerbath Chamber.\\
 ----
-===== Swildon's Hole Closed =====
+==== Swildon's Hole Closed ====
 Following consultations, Robin Main the land owner, has decided to close Swildon's Hole for a period of one month to see how things settle down in the entrance. Please stay away for now and respect the landowners decision. The latest information will be posted here as it becomes available.\\
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-===== Tyning's Barrows Swallet =====
+==== Tyning's Barrows Swallet ====
 There have been reports of loose boulders in Tyning's. The area concerned is the small boulder choke approx 60m from the entrance. Care should be taken as you squeeze through the hole on the right as the rocks below appear to be very loose and may fall out if disturbed.\\
@@ Line 70: / Line 124: @@
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-===== Cuckoo Cleaves Reopened =====
+==== Cuckoo Cleaves Reopened ====
 Recent measurements show that the CO<sub>2</sub> levels have dropped to a more sensible level (around 2%).
@@ Line 83: / Line 137: @@
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-===== Swildon's Entrance Boulders latest =====
-The boulders in Swildon's entrance seem to have stabilised. Please take care in this area and report any concerns (my contact details can be found at [[about:officers]]) There is a relatively stable route through the boulders to the easy way down but it ends over the new hole in the floor. It is passable with care.
-The land owner is aware of the changes.\\
-Les Williams\\
-Conservation & Access Officer\\
-Posted 27/11/2009
-----
-===== Swildon's Hole - More movements. =====
-There have been more movements in Swildon's Entrance, this time just inside the entrance.
-The water has undermined some of the slabs and it was necessary to ease them down into a safer position.
-This whole area is still unstable and needs to be watched. Please treat it with respect.
-The slope to the left of the climb down is currently blocked and because of the hole, the climb down is quite committing. If anyone is struggling with the climb a less exposed and easier route is to use the rift at the start of the Zig Zags (Turn right in the entrance, brings you out in Showerbath Chamber).
-Please take care, the whole entrance area down as far as Showerbath is unstable.
-Les Williams\\
-Conservation & Access Officer\\
-Posted 25/11/2009
-----
-====Swildon's Hole - Movement of Rocks in Entrance===
-There have recently been changes in the Swildon's entrance area. A hole has opened up immediately below the low crawl/slide just in from the entrance that is used by lots of cavers to avoid the awkward climb. This hole goes all the way down to Showerbath Chamber and will catch the unwary. In Showerbath Chamber itself a large amount of gravel and rocks has accumulated from this run in and the stream is using this new route instead of flowing down the usual route to the Wet Way.
-There have also been some boulder movements in Showerbath and a large volume of the stream is flowing down Baptism Passage to the Short Dry Way. It appears that major changes are happening in the entrance series so please take extra care here.
-Les Williams\\
-Conservation & Access Officer\\
-Posted 5/11/2009
-----
-==== Cuckoo Cleeves Closed ====
-Following some high CO2 measurements taken during the week, Cuckoo Cleeves has been closed until the air quality improves. Monitoring will take place over the next week or two and the cave will be reopened as soon as possible. Please stay away until the cave has been reopened.
-Les Williams\\
-Conservation & Access Officer\\
-Posted 22/8/2009
-----
 ==== CSCC Mailing List ====
 The CSCC mailing list is open to anyone interested in supporting the work of the CSCC.
@@ Line 148: / Line 167: @@
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-====Goatchurch Boulders====
-On behalf of CSCC a group of people gave up a lot of their time to stabilise the boulders in Goatchurch Cavern. The works were carried out over several weeks and finally on the 29th of November a group of about 10 people (plus some press ganged outdoor groups) carried 600kg of cement and aggregate into the cave where it was mixed into concrete and poured into pre-constructed channels to form lintels. The works are now complete and the passage that leads towards the Drainpipe has been stabalised.
-CSCC would like to thank all those that helped with the works and also to everybody else who used the cave over the past few weeks for their understanding.
-Les Williams\\
-C&A Officer\\
-Posted 6/12/2008
-----
-====Rods Pot Boulder====
-The loose boulder in Rods Pot has been "carefully lowered to the floor" and can now be considered safe. Please still take care here as it may not be the only loose boulder in the area.
-Les Williams\\
-CSCC C&A Officer\\
-Posted 6/12/2008
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-==== Swildons Sump 1 Rope Replaced ====
-The Sump 1 rope, reported at the beginning of the month as frayed, has now been replaced.
-David Cooke\\
-Posted 20/11/2008
-----