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I became involved in crawling about in cold, wet, abandoned mines due to my love of mining history. It was only natural to venture into the places I had been reading about in the Lake District but it all happened, by chance, on meeting a pot holer. After a few months of being left behind to explore at my own pace, I realised that Cavers view pot holes like a free gym, keep up or explore alone. My views were backed up (in my mind) when I visited the Box mines. The sight of all those arrows pointing in various directions ruined my respect for caver's. The Rude drawings in one section was an aspect of society I was trying to escape and thought would not enter into this domain.
 
For a miner to see this desecration of his former work place would only confirm that everyone else has a cushy life while they really did work for a living.
 
The last thing I want is to start a big debate, but miners deserve a little respect in these modern times when, fortunately, we don't have to do it eight hours a day, and five days a week. Their Mates were killed trying to pay the mortgage, not trying to have fun at the weekend.
 
John Greasley - Secretary
 
Web Site : www.haigpit.com
----- Original Message -----
From: [log in to unmask]>Philip Clifford
To: [log in to unmask]>Mining History
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2000 10:54 PM
Subject: FW: Caver contempt

Hello list
 
In response to my question about Mines Rescue Vs. Cavers etc., I received the attached response which I think is very helpful and illustrative of the situation as was.
 
As I had previously stated I was asking in an historical context and I fully expect that current relationships between the two types of operation are full of respect and mutual help.
 
Many thanks for the responses

Regards

Phil Clifford

"Je Suis Prest"

mailto:[log in to unmask]
http://freespace.virgin.net/kathryn.c/index.htm

 
-----Original Message-----
From: Cris Ebbs [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 21 February 2000 20:14
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Caver contempt

In reply to your mining list query, I don't know if my opinion is of any interest but.......
 
I have been an active caver for 25 years, am still a member of the North Wales Cave Rescue Organisation, but have veered to mining history, as many of us do with age (and wisdom!). In 1993 I published a small book on the local lead mines.
There is an aged man in the village of Pentre Halkyn who worked down the local lead mines for many years and who 'enjoys' his retirement as something of a 'mining guru'. His name is Rupert Chesters. When researching my book, I phoned Mr Chesters asking if he would like to offer any information. He made it very clear that as I was a potholer, he had no intention of helping me in the least. I have come across this attitude on two other occasions when dealing with old miners. It seems to me that when one is employed as a miner, it must be exceptionally difficult to imagine any reason why one should go underground unless paid to do so!
In retrospect, I tend to agree! 
Bear in mind that cavers have always been media victims and it's not hard to imagine the dislike any professional organisation (like Mines Rescue) would have towards an amatuer sport that "keeps getting stuck in tight wet holes" etc.
On the positive side, the caving club to which I belong (Grosvenor Caving Club) have done a great deal of good work in recent years in reopening old mines and providing access to clubs from throughout the country. This work is reversing the surprisingly popular image of the irresponsible caver - but it is an uphill struggle.
 
Cheers,  Cris Ebbs   (01824-780748)