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start [27 Jun 2020 16:15] cookie [About] Grid layout. BCRC Covid advice |
start [10 Jan 2021 00:17] cookie [Home] Covid Lockdown Mk3 |
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+ | Dear Southern Cavers, | ||
- | Following on from the Prime Ministers statement on Sunday re the easing | + | As all of you are now no doubt aware the UK is now in the throws |
- | Firstly I will stress that it is not Mendip Cave Rescues job to tell cavers if or where they should go caving. | + | //"The third national lockdown |
- | However, | + | //Some of you will be wondering about provisions for exercise, potentially including caving, during lockdown. |
+ | The restrictions include provisions for exercise during lockdown to help people maintain fitness and to support wellbeing. | ||
- | 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 | + | //For the vast majority |
- | The only pastimes allowed | + | //For the small number of people who live on the doorstep of our caves and are intent on visiting them as part of your exercise, we urge you to respect the restrictions on who you can exercise with, and to ensure your exercise regime is low risk and well within your capabilities.// |
- | 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. | + | //We can't wait to bring you better news over the coming months and to see a return |
- | Of course we would not hesitate | + | As before it is up to the individual to decide whether or not it is possible for them to cave, but in addition to the following CNCC advice please |
- | 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. | + | Ed Waters (CSCC Chairman)\\ |
+ | 9th Jan 2021 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
- | Finally caving | + | <col xs=" |
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+ | Dear Southern Cavers, | ||
- | So please stay safe. | + | As most all of you will be aware, the government announced on Saturday that new lockdown measures will be introduced from Thursday 5th November in an attempt to control the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic. The details of these measures can be found at [[https:// |
- | Martin Grass\\ | + | One of the issues as regards caving is that you can only leave home for specific purposes, one of which being; |
- | Honorary Secretary\\ | + | |
- | Mendip Cave Rescue\\ | + | |
- | 13 May 2020 | + | |
- | Latest | + | **"to exercise outdoors or visit an outdoor public place - with the people you live with, with your support bubble or, when on your own, with 1 person |
+ | |||
+ | If caving is considered to provide a form of " | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **“You should avoid travelling in or out of your local area, and you should look to reduce the number of journeys you make.”** | ||
+ | * **“you can and should still travel for a number of reasons, including … exercise, if you need to make a short journey to do so.”** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Further points to consider are that some landowners may not feel comfortable in allowing cavers onto their land during lockdown. In these cases please be understanding and respect their wishes. The Council of Southern Caving Clubs (CSCC) will try to maintain a list of lockdown access arrangements, | ||
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+ | A rescue during the lockdown would be a major issue for Mendip Cave Rescue (MCR). Whilst they will remain ready to come to the aid of anyone in need underground, | ||
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+ | We cannot advise you whether your trip, if you intend to cave, falls within government guidelines or not, but if you do decide to cave please think carefully about the potential consequences of your trip and ensure that you are complying with the latest government advice. The situation is evolving quickly and CSCC will continue to do our best to keep you informed of how the situation is affecting caving in the south via the [[https://cscc.org.uk|CSCC website]]. | ||
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+ | Ed Waters (CSCC Chairman) & Martin Grass (Hon Secretary MCR)\\ | ||
+ | 2nd November 2020 | ||
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+ | \\ | ||
+ | Owing to COVID19, there will not be an event held in the Hunters for 2020 for the presentation of the Silver Shovel for Mendip | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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. | ||
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+ | 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/ | ||
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+ | 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]] | ||
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+ | More details of the release will follow nearer the main event... | ||
+ | |||
+ | Estelle Sandford\\ | ||
+ | 30 Oct 2020 | ||
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- | BCA have issued a series of useful updates on the coronavirus and how it related to caving. See the [[https:// | + | BCA have issued a series of useful updates on the coronavirus and how it related to caving. See the [[https:// |
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BCRC have issued a press release on the coronavirus giving guidance should a return to underground activity become available. See the [[https:// | BCRC have issued a press release on the coronavirus giving guidance should a return to underground activity become available. See the [[https:// | ||
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+ | </ | ||
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+ | 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. | ||
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+ | 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. | ||
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+ | Discussions have recommenced and both parties are hopeful of a favourable and positive outcome, however in the meantime all the caves are closed. | ||
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+ | 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. | ||
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+ | [[canda@cscc.org.uk|Graham Price]]\\ | ||
+ | Conservation & Access Officer\\ | ||
+ | 11th Oct 2020 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
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+ | As far as CSCC is aware, all caves closed as a result of the coronavirus lockdown are now open. | ||
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+ | 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. | ||
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+ | Access requirements for specific sites can be found in the [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | If anyone is aware of any updates, please notify me. | ||
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+ | [[access.guide@cscc.org.uk|Graham Price]]\\ | ||
+ | Conservation & Access Officer\\ | ||
+ | 25th Oct 2020 | ||
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