29th April

Report by Tav:

Mike, Nick, Tav

Operation Continuing Enlargement
Arrived at the show cave to find a film crew in situ, where security directed us to park in the upper car park.Dragging Nick away from the make up and costume vans parked by the archway we proceeded to the dig in an orderly fashion. Suitable tooled up (new spafe and small crowbar), Nick dug, Mike shuttled and shuffled and Tav clambered up and down the pot to dispose of the spoil. Another 20-25 buckets were removed and by the close of play the passage had been satisfactorily enlarged. Nick confirmed cool air movement in the dig – despite there being no draught in Fuzzy Wuzzy. All very hot and sweaty work and realistically on the limit of what 3 diggers can achieve. As the next phase of operation requires someone digging on the far side of the U-Bend we ideally need 5 and even 6 or 7 can be gainfully employed moving rocks and disposing of spoil on the steep approach slope. A survey would be handy too, to establish its relationship (if any) with the foot of the big rift chamber. A useful night’s work and beer well earned.”

Update:

Unfortunately, work commitments have prevented me from attending some following digging sessions. Work has started along the small passage downslope of ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy’ in LoH&G. The initial few trips were to open up access and make the spoil removal process a bit more efficient, it is not easy but workable. At present, there is a positive attitude.

8th April

Vince, Jake, Nick, Tav, Duncan and Mike.

First trip of 2021 due to UK Government imposed lockdown, a reaction to the global covid pandemic.

Not so much of a digging trip but a ‘bimble’ just to get back into the swing of it. We had a look at a few potential dig-sites for future attention and stood around chatting about things relevant and not so relevant. As Jake commented “3 months is a long time without the opportunity to talk bollocks!”

It did not look as if anyone had been to ‘Land of Hope Glory’ since our last trip in 2020 pre-lockdown. It is still a warm trip up and down ‘20’ and, immensely enjoyable!