BCA and BCRA are hosting a party weekend on 14-16 June 2013 based at the Rotary Centre, Castleton. The weekend combines a late bar, hog roast, band and disco with some introductory cave science field trips and the BCA AGM. The Rotary Centre is a large, suitably remote venue with on-site bunk-style accommodation for up to 50 people and plenty of additional space for camping. Any profit from the weekend will go to the Ghar Parau Foundation, which is a sub-charity of BCRA. All BCA and BCRA members are invited to attend.
- Friday evening - Cavers Bar from 20:00 – 01:00
- Saturday day-time - various field excursions (see below)
- Saturday evening - 18:00 Slideshow on Major Overseas Expeditions, 19:30 Hog Roast & Buffet, 20:30-01:00 Live Band / Disco / Late Bar
- Sunday at 10:30 - BCA Annual General Meeting
- Beds - Saturday £10. Friday and Saturday £15
- Camping - £3
- Beer - £2/pint
- Hog Roast - £5
- field trips - free
Saturday field trips
1) The Hydrology of Speedwell Cavern (led by Nigel Ball)
In July 2012 water depth recorders were installed in the two largest input sumps, Main Rising and Whirlpool Rising. Initial analysis has shown complex behaviour with water rising and falling by over 20 cm/minute and flood pulses of over 2m! Wetsuits essential, but no vertical gear needed. Local cavers are asked not to book but to contact Nigel separately with a view to joining him on one of his regular trips to download the data loggers. Limit of 6 participants - pre-booking essential.
CANCELLED 2) Introduction to Cave Ecology - Peak Cavern (led by Dr Paul Wood)
A fascinating opportunity to collect aquatic invertebrates and discuss cave ecology in Peak Cavern. Limit of 8 participants who will need normal caving gear – pre-booking essential.
3) Introduction to Cave Archaeology (led by Prof. Andrew Chamberlain)
An introductory talk on archaeology, followed by visit to the Peak Cavern entrance area and self-guided visits to the nearby caves. Start: 10:45. Limit of 20 participants – pre-booking advised.
4) Introduction to Limestone Hydrology and Geomorphology (led by Dr Paul Hardwick)
A walk from Rushup Edge (transport provided) back to the Rotary Centre taking in the Perryfoot Swallets, Eldon Hill , Cave Dale (with an optional diversion to the top of Titan) and the Peak Cavern Gorge. Meet at the Rotary Centre at 10:45am. Limit of 15 participants - pre-booking advised.
5) The Castleton Springs (led by Prof. John Gunn)
An introductory talk on the hydrology of the Castleton karst where Prof. Gunn and his students have undertaken over 50 water tracing experiments, followed by a trip to the Peak Cavern gorge to view the Peak Cavern rising, Slop Moll, Russet Well and a gauging station on the Peakshole Water. Meet at the Rotary Centre for a 13:00 start. Walk limit of 15 participants - pre-booking advised.
6) The British Caving Library open day
The British Caving Library at Glutton Bridge near to Buxton will be having an open day from 10:30 to 17:30. The BCL is managed by BCRA receives funding from BCA. It has a large collection of caving books and caving club journals from the UK and around the world.