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--- start [13 May 2020 12:18]
admin [About] Covid statement from MCR
+++ start [30 Oct 2020 17:54]
cookie [Home] Update BCA covid link
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-<panel type="danger" title="FROM MENDIP CAVE RESCUE. Cave Rescue and Corona Virus">
+<grid>
-Following on from the Prime Ministers statement on Sunday re the easing of restrictions some people have asked about caving.
+<col xs="12" sm="6" md="4" lg="4">
+<panel type="primary" title="Cerberus Spelaeological Society. Larkshall Available For Bookings">
+{{ :cerberus_logo.jpg?direct |}}
+Cerberus have re-opened Larkshall to members and guests on a very limited basis with effect from 1st October 2020.
-Firstly I will stress that it is not Mendip Cave Rescues job to tell cavers if or where they should go caving.
+All Government legislation and guidance has been taken into account in producing our operating rules which are available online. For booking information visit:  [[http://www.cerberusspeleo.org.uk/larkshall_bookings.htm|Larkshall Bookings]].
-However, the following should be bourne in mind.
+Larkshall is available to members and guests on a first come first served basis. The maximum number of users on the premises is twelve in a maximum number of two groups of six.
-The PM made it very clear that you can meet one friend outside keeping 2 mts distance. Caves are not outside and the caving code states a minimum of 4 in a group. So unless it is a family living together its difficult.
+All users must book through [[hostelbookings@cerberusspeleo.org.uk]] or contact the bookings officer directly on 07723-006520 who will explain and provide all the relevant documentation.
-The only pastimes allowed are golf, tennis and those where social distancing can be maintained. It cannot be maintained in caving.
+CSS Hostel Warden\\
+Oct 2020
+</panel>
+</col>
-MCR have made certain preparations if we are called out but the practicalities of wearing PPE in a cave would make any rescue prolonged. In addition we have protocols issued by BCRC where all equipment needs to be treated with disinfectant.
+<col xs="12" sm="6" md="4" lg="4">
+<panel type="primary" title="Annual J’Rat Digging Awards – 21st Nov 2020">
+{{ :jrat_awards_poster_2020.jpg?direct |}}
+\\
+Owing to COVID19, there will not be an event held in the Hunters for 2020 for the presentation of the Silver Shovel for Mendip and Scotland finds, but we don’t want the finds since 1st November 2019 to 31st October 2020 to go unrewarded and unnoticed!
-Of course we would not hesitate to attend a call out but it could take longer than normal with some cavers self-isolating. Not only would rescuers be putting themselves at risk of contracting the virus from a casualty but the casualty would also be at risk from the rescuers.
+Our plan is to create a short video for release on the 21st November announcing the winner and celebrating this year’s digging efforts in what can only be described as unusual times.
-The goodwill we have with landowners on Mendip could well be put in jeopardy if cavers start arriving. The club huts are all still closed as are most caves. The two longest caves, St. Cuthberts and Swildons Hole are closed to cavers until the lockdown is lifted.
+We would like to include some footage or photos/text or short powerpoint presentation including a survey of the larger finds, but also to invite any digging teams who wish to send over a short update of theirs too as a bit of a general digging update/Mendip and Scottish roundup. Please contact Estelle Sandford – [[estellesandford@gmail.com]] – with information on anything you would like us to include.
-Finally caving and British Caving in particular gained enormous praise from the public and great PR following on from the Thailand rescue in 2018. One rescue will put the current positive profile that caving has back for years.
+As per usual, the deadline is 31st October to send details of your 50 metres or more of cave passage found and surveyed in either Mendip or Scotland to Martin Grass – [[m.grass@btinternet.com]]
-So please stay safe.
+More details of the release will follow nearer the main event...
-Martin Grass\\
+Estelle Sandford\\
-Honorary Secretary\\
+Oct 2020
-Mendip Cave Rescue\\
-May 2020
 </panel>
+</col>
+<col xs="12" sm="6" md="4" lg="4">
+<panel type="danger" title="BCA: Information on Coronavirus and Caving">
+BCA have issued a series of useful updates on the coronavirus and how it related to caving. See the [[https://british-caving.org.uk/coronavirus-and-caving/|BCA Website]].
+</panel>
+</col>
+<col xs="12" sm="6" md="4" lg="4">
+<panel type="danger" title="BCRC: Guidance Should a Return to Underground Activity Become Available">
+BCRC have issued a press release on the coronavirus giving guidance should a return to underground activity become available. See the [[https://www.caverescue.org.uk/cave-rescue-coronavirus-update/|BCRC Website]].
+</panel>
+</col>
+<col xs="12" sm="6" md="4" lg="4">
+<panel type="primary" title="Access to caves in Cheddar Gorge">
+Further to the decision by Longleat to close the show caves and suspend their operations in Cheddar, they have notified CSCC that with immediate effect caver access to all caves on Longleat property which includes the whole south side of the Gorge, is no longer available. This includes all caves and digs, and affects sites such as Reservoir Hole, Spider Hole, Goughs Cave, Long Hole, Great Oones etc.
+Longleat are not adverse to reinstating caver access subject to an access agreement with CSCC. Negotiations to formalise an access procedure were started at the request of Longleat a few years ago but were never concluded.
+Discussions have recommenced and both parties are hopeful of a favourable and positive outcome, however in the meantime all the caves are closed.
+Longleat will be keeping a presence in the Gorge for maintenance purposes, but this is all. Approaches should not be made to Longleat or any of their representatives as permission to visit any of the caves will be denied.
+[[canda@cscc.org.uk|Graham Price]]\\
+Conservation & Access Officer\\
+th Oct 2020
+</panel>
+</col>
+<col xs="12" sm="6" md="4" lg="4">
+<panel type="primary" title="CSCC: Latest Access News">
+As far as CSCC is aware, all caves closed as a result of the coronavirus lockdown are now open.
-====== About the CSCC ======
+Restrictions may apply to some caves whilst the virus is still prevalent in the community and it is important to respect the wishes of landowners in this regard.
-The Council of Southern Caving Clubs (CSCC) is an association of Caving Clubs whose main interests lie in the Mendip Hills of Somerset. Membership is made up of in excess of 40 clubs based all over the southern part of the country and although the council is mainly concerned with Mendip, it is the Regional Body for South England, and is a constituent member of the [[http://british-caving.org.uk|British Caving Association]] (BCA).
+Access requirements for specific sites can be found in the [[https://access-guide.cscc.org.uk|Access Guide]].
-The Council's concerns include maintaining and negotiating access agreements to the caves, conservation work such as repairing gates and placement of ECO hangers under the BCA scheme and dissemination of information to the member clubs.
+If anyone is aware of any updates, please notify me.
-There are no restrictions for membership to the CSCC, all that is required of a club is that they signify their wish to join by presenting their constitution and number of members, are accepted by a Council meeting and pay the annual subscription.
+[[access.guide@cscc.org.uk|Graham Price]]\\
+Conservation & Access Officer\\
+th Oct 2020
-Meetings of the Council are held on a regular basis and member clubs may send as many representatives as they wish, although there is only one vote per club. Officers of the Council are elected annually and conduct its business, but they have no vote at meetings unless representing a member club. Certain officers represent the Council at meetings of the BCA and its sub committee/working groups, and close liaison is maintained with other Regional Councils, the Sports Council, English Nature as well as other local and national organisations.
+</panel>
+</col>
+</grid>
-\\ \\ \\ Site © CSCC 2020