Signed up after being directed in your direction by a youtube video, I hope that makes sense!
Henllan? Otherwise known as Ian Adams? But, to be far there are several members producing some good videos at the moment.
I'm Joel, and welcome!
Where are you from, have you caved before?
How do and welcome to here.
Thats the one!
Am from Wrexham, or I was last time I looked, hard to tell with all the snow!
Not caved before, but willing to try some easy stuff, Not keen on anything that involves tight spaces though!
what are you more interested in, Caves or Mines?
Either!
ah no worries, get your self t one of the thursday night trips, give it a go, if you like it join the club.
Hi Ant,
Glad you found it to the webby ....
Dan ... found him watching you stuck in the Jingling pot vice :lol:
Ant, there are trips on every Thurs, some will be suitable for you and some might not be. There is a private members section which, sadly, you can't see unless you are a member but if you ask here we can tell you what the trip is if it is listed there instead of the public section. This Thursday there is a big trip down a 470 foot shaft with ropes and is not ideal for your first trip.
You can also email me at Ian@ucet.org.uk and I can keep you up to date that way too.
Keep posting here - everyone is friendly and will welcome you ;)
Ian
(Henllan)
[quote="Ian" post=13394]Dan ... found him watching you stuck in the Jingling pot vice :lol:
[/quote]
lol, how many views has that had now :(
Not as many as you might imagine (270) ... I don't make any effort at all to spam them. Folk watch or they don't.
Oddly, it has more views than the trip itself LOL
:P
Ian
yeh, i did spam post the link to both the trip and the vice, i'm just happy to be famous. oddly, i dont remember signing a release or receiving my fee.
I demand 3 cream egg's and a packet of chocolate pretzels or i'll pass my claim to one of those dodgey no win no fee solicitors.
Release was implied (and in any event was not yours to release).
As a club member (paid up) you have no fee conditions unless expressly conferred(and agreed) at the time of membership.
You would need a seriously dodgy lawyer to take your case on - so dodgy, you would be scammed for up front fees and you would see his 4rse as he fled with your dough ....
Unlucky :P
Ian
i would type a long and humorous reply, but to be quite honest, my pain killers are just starting to kick in, i feel warm and cosey and cant really see my keyboard.
love, hugs and belly-button fluff..
Dan x
Welcome to ucet
Thanks for the welcomes and the, unusual, discussion :silly:
This Thursdays trip does sound unsuitible for a complete beginner so, I'll certainly give that a miss!
There seem to be more and more from Wrexham appearing lately, excellent. I'm from Wrexham myself and when not working away i'm out Somewhere local most weeknights :-) You're welcome to come and join us :-) The UCET team are very accommodating when it comes to newbies, so youre heading the right way. Probably see you round soon I'm sure!
Tom Howard
TLH
Hi Ant89, I'm Rob AKA Sweetie. I'm a fairly new member to UCET and have issues with ropes, ladders, tight spaces, getting wet, marmite and the dark, however everyone at UCET went out of their way to get me underground with them. After 3 weeks of finding excuses not to go, I finally ran out of excuses and ended up going to Hendre Spar Mine (Ian AKA Henllan on youtube has posted at least 2 videos of the spar mine to give you an idea)
It's a pretty easy mine to get started with and very cavernous inside so not many tight parts!
There are plenty of cool places without any tight parts. Do you drive?
hello and welcome ,im from wrexham too ...
[quote="Mad-Dan" post=13397]I demand 3 cream egg's and a packet of chocolate pretzels[/quote]
Dan you don't even like chocolate pretzels!!! I know this cos you stole mine and told me they were horrid!
Ant, welcome to the club - were a friendly bunch and have trips every Thursday evening. This weeks trip will be in Maeshafn, if you fancy coming along and giving it a go send ian an email and he'll give you the details :-)
[quote="Ant89" post=13406]Thanks for the welcomes and the, unusual, discussion :silly:
This Thursdays trip does sound unsuitible for a complete beginner so, I'll certainly give that a miss![/quote]
Due to snow the original trip has changed and the new trip is ideal for newbies
[quote="cavefrog" post=13428] send ian an email and he'll give you the details :-)[/quote]
Sure, np, not like CAVEFROG isn't the trip organiser or anything LOL :P
[quote="Ian" post=13430][quote="cavefrog" post=13428] send ian an email and he'll give you the details :-)[/quote]
Sure, np, not like CAVEFROG isn't the trip organiser or anything LOL :P[/quote]
Yes I know but I ain't putting my email address out here for everyone, lol, but you've already volunteered yours :-p
[quote="cavefrog" post=13431] I ain't putting my email address out here for everyone, lol[/quote]
Or, you could have "cut & pasted" some of the trip details here :P :silly: :kiss:
[quote="cavefrog" post=13428][quote="Mad-Dan" post=13397]I demand 3 cream egg's and a packet of chocolate pretzels[/quote]
Dan you don't even like chocolate pretzels!!! I know this cos you stole mine and told me they were horrid!
[/quote]
They were to give to you for payment for the next lift i need to bum off you. (yorkshire cough** cough**)
[quote="cavefrog" post=13429][quote="Ant89" post=13406]Thanks for the welcomes and the, unusual, discussion :silly:
This Thursdays trip does sound unsuitible for a complete beginner so, I'll certainly give that a miss![/quote]
Due to snow the original trip has changed and the new trip is ideal for newbies[/quote]
That's a quick change, I only said that 8 hours and somthing minutes ago! :D
So, what is happening with this thursdays trip?
Here is a cut & paste Ant;
Trip: Maeshafn Mine
Trip Type: General Mooch as we haven't been here in a while. Great trip for newbies.
Meet time: 18.30
Meet place: centre of Maeshafn village
Notes: A bit squeezy on the way in/out, a bit muddy whilst in there but great fun anyway!!
I would caution against it for your first trip as it is very muddy, wet, likely to be flooded at the back and has a fair amount of tight and awkward squeezes. Not a good starting trip but one you should defo do later on :)
The other trip is an SRT trip (single rope technique) with a 470 foot shaft - most of the experienced members will even give that a miss :silly:
Ian
If you want to go, make sure someone else has you under their wing and you will probably enjoy it.
Sadly I cannot go as I am wrestling with an injury :(
;)
Ian
I cant make it or the other one either, still without my own transport for another 12 days.
I have now added January to the ever growing list of things i hate.
I'll probably consider going along and saying hello at the least, I don't really mind mud though! But I don't think I'm ready for tight squeezes so will probably give the actual activity a miss.
If you do go Ant, you will be sat around for a couple of hours bored stupid unless .... you go in ..... Mwhahahhaaaaa :evil:
[quote="Ian" post=13449]If you do go Ant, you will be sat around for a couple of hours bored stupid unless .... you go in ..... Mwhahahhaaaaa :evil:[/quote]
Nah, I'll just take the dog for a walk ;)
the only tight bit is close to the entrance and is about 15 foot long, not really tight. after that there is a small climb down then it's a walk about. i'll be going so will look after you
found your video of the mine Ian, I see what you mean about the mud, and the squeeze in and out.
Mike is a good lad (and the club Captain) - give it a go ... leave the dog and go underground ;)
i'll bring a spare lid and lamp just incase. you need some overalls and some thermals
Tempting, very tempting. Plus it's pretty close to home so that really is a plus. I shall make sure I have some suitable clothes, which I probably do have somewhere, should I make it, which I hope to.
Hi.
Another Wrexham resident...
Definitely up for this. Mud does not bother me, In uni we had to wade through a knee deep bog in the name of biological surveying ! :blink: And as long as there are people around who know what they are doing, (I hope ;) ) Then any narrow bits should not be an issue.
Hello Ant - and welcome to the UCET forum.
Do you have your own transport?
There is another member who lives in the Wrexham area who very much wants to come on our trips, but needs a lift.
I live near Bangor and mainly do weekend trips with my daughter Bella. We do not do full SRT yet, but often do things requiring ladders and a life line.
[quote="JohnNicholson" post=13546]Hello Ant - and welcome to the UCET forum.
Do you have your own transport?
There is another member who lives in the Wrexham area who very much wants to come on our trips, but needs a lift.
I live near Bangor and mainly do weekend trips with my daughter Bella. We do not do full SRT yet, but often do things requiring ladders and a life line.[/quote]
I do have transport, but am not overly keen on driving in winter especially at night, so am at the moment keeping an eye on conditions before deciding for certain if I will be going or not.
I do have transport, but am not overly keen on driving in winter especially at night, so am at the moment keeping an eye on conditions before deciding for certain if I will be going or not.[/quote]
I'll be going tomorrow, I'm not sure how to private message on here but could car share from Wrexham if needed, save the planet and save fuel ( and you said you didnt want to drive in snow), If you do want to hop in drop me an emial. tomlhoward [at] hotmail . co. uk
Just a thought. I have an oversuit you could use too if needed.
Tom.
Would you be Ant89 also of Geo-Caching fame by any chance :whistle: ?
He is ;)
I am? :unsure: Am I :silly:
Never went tonight, mainly due to the high risk of ice, but partly because I personally think it would be better if I wait until there are some suitible trips close together.
making excuses. there would of been another suitable trip next week :D
Ah but no one told me that :P
we have trips every thursday night, most are suitable for the inexperienced (but not all)
we also have trips most weekends, these are a bit of a mixed bag, some will be easy walk around trips, others will require lots of gear and lots of experance.
Welcome Ant, I'm from Wrexham too. Glad our numbers are growing :-)
'bout time we saw you out again Miss ;)
Would love to have another go, same old prob - no wheels!
[quote="Welsh Lass" post=13628]Would love to have another go, same old prob - no wheels![/quote]
:( :( :(
Welcome, Ant!
I'm Phil, presently based in South Wales.
I should warn you that when I joined, I firmly stated "I'm not doing any of that dangly rope shit"..... now have my own harness :woohoo: there's a whole new world below you, and quite addictive it is too :)
Phil, when i read "I should warn you" i was expecting something about axes, JCB's, Rohypnol and pig farms.
:o
[quote="Mad-Dan" post=13643]Phil, when i read "I should warn you" i was expecting something about axes, JCB's, Rohypnol and pig farms.
:o[/quote]
LMAO :lol: :lol: :lol:
[quote="Ian" post=13645][quote="Mad-Dan" post=13643]Phil, when i read "I should warn you" i was expecting something about axes, JCB's, Rohypnol and pig farms.
:o[/quote]
LMAO :lol: :lol: :lol:[/quote]
I should warn you, my sense of humour is a little dark, this combined with a particular way with words, tone of voice and (so Ian tells me) a glint in my eye when I'm saying it.... sadly the number of UCET members who can vouch for my harmlessness is probably matched by the number who find my jokes a little too convincing :unsure:
Inparticular, Phill does not like running water.
[quote="JohnNicholson" post=13658]Inparticular, Phill does not like running water.[/quote]
Ha ha John. Only when it's a bright red raging torrent, washing rocks and branches down the hillside above a cottage and threatening to land us in court for causing an environmental catastrophe!
[quote="ivortheengine" post=13659][quote="JohnNicholson" post=13658]Inparticular, Phill does not like running water.[/quote]
Ha ha John. Only when it's a bright red raging torrent, washing rocks and branches down the hillside above a cottage and threatening to land us in court for causing an environmental catastrophe![/quote]
Just incase you need a reminder, here's the video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cup5ZMEB0uA)
Hi Ant, here are the details of this weeks Thursday trip
This trip would be an ideal trip as a newbie. It's a straight forward trip, a few fixed ladders and you shouldn't really get wet or dirty.
Trip One: Hendre Spar Mine
Trip Type: Whatever you want it to be - SRT practice or Mooch to the water & back (SRT aside this is a great trip for newbies)
Meet point: The Oak, Hendre
Meet time: 18.30
Shall do my best to make it this time :woohoo:
Unlikely to give SRT a go, but you never know, I might be pursuaded on the night :pinch:
[quote="Ant89" post=13683]Shall do my best to make it this time :woohoo:
Unlikely to give SRT a go, but you never know, I might be pursuaded on the night :pinch:[/quote]
Newbie trip and general mooch definitely don't include SRT so don't worry about that.
But if you enjoy what the club does and decide to join ucet then we will train you up on SRT if that was something you were interested in.
[quote="cavefrog" post=13684][quote="Ant89" post=13683]Shall do my best to make it this time :woohoo:
Unlikely to give SRT a go, but you never know, I might be pursuaded on the night :pinch:[/quote]
Newbie trip and general mooch definitely don't include SRT so don't worry about that.
But if you enjoy what the club does and decide to join ucet then we will train you up on SRT if that was something you were interested in.[/quote]
I'm not worried! I'm petrified :ohmy: :lol:
[quote="Ant89" post=13686]I'm not worried! I'm petrified :ohmy: :lol:[/quote]
If I can do it, *anyone* can, I hate heights. Petrified is not an overstatement.
You couldn't ask for a better lot to learn SRT with.
[quote="NewStuff" post=13701][quote="Ant89" post=13686]I'm not worried! I'm petrified :ohmy: :lol:[/quote]
If I can do it, *anyone* can, I hate heights. Petrified is not an overstatement.
You couldn't ask for a better lot to learn SRT with.[/quote]
I hate heights *and* can be physically clumsy, don't trust my feet at all!
But a) the height is less scary when you can't see the bottom cause it's dark and
b) NewStuff is right, we are a good lot to learn with!
Well I'll never know if SRT is for me until I try it!
I'll probably prefer it to ladders!
Quote from:
I can be physically clumsy,[/quoteuuummmm don't you drive trains for a living? :dry:
Ant89 - it would be great if you can make it. Hendre was my 1st trip underground with UCET, it's a great little mine! Plus if I do anything stupid, it's not too difficult for you to carry me out :blink:
ill leave the carrying to those who have done lifting and handling training ;)
Hello everyone i am back :P
I'll bring my confined space rescue stuff if you want, Mr Sweetie ;)
Cheers Iestyn, although I'm pretty sure anyone could get out of Hendre with one arm an no legs :) blindfolded. What time do you finish on Thurs? You can meet me in Rhos / Abergele if you like? :woohoo:
I'll take your word for it!
I usually work 5 'til 2, so I'll be finished in plenty of time. A lifft from Rhos would be great! :cheer:
Is 5.30 in Rhos OK then? if you SAT NAV LL28 4RB you can try and park outside the shop as it's de-restricted at that time of night and covered by CCTV :woohoo:
Sounds good to me! Thanks Rob!
Will still have to empty the van, in case tramps try to nick my ambulance stuff again :whistle:
I'll assume somone will have a spare hat and light, but, if not, hopfully this will prompt somone to bring one.
[quote="Ant89" post=13733]I'll assume somone will have a spare hat and light, but, if not, hopfully this will prompt somone to bring one.[/quote]
Fingers crossed someone else will see this and bring a lid & light, however, I'll chuck one of each in the van just in case so don't worry, you won't turn up and not be able to get underground, it's just my spare gear isn't as good as the club gear, but it does the Job! B)
thanks
hi by any chance could you tell me the best way to join the club
[quote="Bear" post=13736]hi by any chance could you tell me the best way to join the club[/quote]
Hi and welcome to the forum, I'm Rob. Why don't you come and meet us first? we're a friendly bunch :woohoo:
Have you been underground much or are you completely new to it? I was a complete newbie when I joined UCET and now I'm out underground at least once a week.
hiya :cheer: iv been underground plenty of times using my own rope etc but i haven't got nearly enough kit to do SRT and all the other stuff UCET do. a few weeks ago i was underground in Llanrwst and met some of your cavers, one of them was called john and i think he was from bangor, he told me to go on the website. i went to the glan y afon where it said eveyone meets up on thursdays and know one was there, it would be brilliant if you could get someone to get in contact with me to arrange giving me a lift to meet everyone. because i live in mochdre and as i dont dive at the moment it would be dificult to meet eveyone.
[quote="Bear" post=13739]hiya :cheer: iv been underground plenty of times using my own rope etc but i haven't got nearly enough kit to do SRT and all the other stuff UCET do. a few weeks ago i was underground in Llanrwst and met some of your cavers, one of them was called john and i think he was from bangor, he told me to go on the website. i went to the glan y afon where it said eveyone meets up on thursdays and know one was there, it would be brilliant if you could get someone to get in contact with me to arrange giving me a lift to meet everyone. because i live in mochdre and as i dont dive at the moment it would be dificult to meet eveyone.[/quote]
ahhhh, I'm assuming you're Ben then? We met underground in Llanrwst :) I'm based in Rhos on Sea so a lift would be no problem! There is a suitable trip on tomorrow night infact and I've just made a call to our chairman who is more than happy for you to come along. I've got a 2 seater van and both front seats are full tomorrow, but if you're happy rattling around in the back, you're welcome to jump in. The trip is Hendre Spar mine near Afonwen, The mine is accessed by a short ladder (approx 16ft) then a very short hands and knees bit approx 2 meters then into open spaces with about 5 more ladders throughout the mine system.
Would be great if you could make it!
PS sorry about you turning up at the pub to find no-one there :dry:
its alright mate. and yes im ben :cheer: that would be fantastic. what time will we be setting off and proberably getting back? and where would i meet you?
Great! :woohoo: Leaving Rhos on Sea at 5.30, if you can get here, great, if not, I'll swing by Mochdre and pick you up. Can't really give an accurate time we'll be back, but we usually go for a quick pint after a trip. Shouldn't be mega late though as the other guy who is traveling with us has over an hours drive after Rhos on Sea.
I assume you have a headlight / torch as my spare is already spoken for? Helmet is a must but I've thrown a couple of spare ones in the van if you haven't got one! B)
[quote="Sweetie" post=13742]Don't like ladders, ropes, getting wet or the dark![/quote]
So how come you took up caving :huh: :P
[quote="Ant89" post=13743][quote="Sweetie" post=13742]Don't like ladders, ropes, getting wet or the dark![/quote]
So how come you took up caving :huh: :P[/quote]
The voices in my head told me to do it :blink:
Welcome to the forum Bear.
I will be at spar mine tomorrow so will see you there.
Do you need a helmet & lamp or have you already got your own?
I will bring a few spares in case either way
Ant - your forum threads taken on a life of its own, lol
iv got a head lamp but not a helmet at the moment. the majority of my kit is in llanrwst. so if i could lend a helmet that would be appreciated. is this mine going to be a wet one? jst so i know what footwear and clothing to pack and where am i goin in rhos to be picked up?
The water level in the mine is rising, but the majority is dry. I'm wearing wellies to give you an idea, as some areas may be knee high or deeper (spare socks & jeans advisable but top half should stay dry but will get dirty). Do you know Conwy Candies sweet shop on Colwyn Ave in Rhos? (just up from Spar & the chippy) I work there for my sins and I'll be leaving there at 5.30.
Any probs, my mobile is 07729444248 and work phone is 01492 543622.
I'll be offline now for the rest of tonight but will be online from 10ish in the morning.
See ya tomorrow :woohoo:
ok cheers mate :cheer: ill see you tomorrow :)
alright rob mate :cheer: so how come you like caving if you hate ladders, water and tight spaces?
Because what I hate more than all of those things is being scared of anything. I love mooching around old mines and in order for me to it, I need to push myself out of my comfort zone. I did a trip a few weeks ago which consisted of 24 ladders down. It wasn't a big deal for most people on the trip but for me it was hugely satisfying getting to the bottom then even more so getting back to the surface :woohoo:
fair play to ya :cheer: if i had a hat id take it off to ya
Cheers dude. As the t-shirts say "I live with fear everyday, but sometimes she lets me go caving" (please don't tell the Mrs. I said that though)
:) i looked at a vid of the mine on you tube and it didnt look like there was any water atall ya know considering you said that it might be knee depth
There is a small section (muddy) where there is water which should not go over your wellies ... there are "stepping stones" in the water and provided you don't fall off them you won't get wet (with wellies).
;)
Ian
[quote="Ian" post=13801]There is a small section (muddy) where there is water which should not go over your wellies ... there are "stepping stones" in the water and provided you don't fall off them you won't get wet (with wellies).
;)
Ian[/quote]
Unless you're Ian then you need waiders :whistle:
[quote="Dylan" post=13802]
Unless you're Ian then you need waiders :whistle:[/quote]
Tru Dat :) !
[quote="Ian" post=13803][quote="Dylan" post=13802]
Unless you're Ian then you need waiders :whistle:[/quote]
Tru Dat :) ![/quote]
How about a buoyancy aid ?
[quote="Ant89" post=13805]
How about a buoyancy aid ?[/quote]
Yep, I have one :)
[quote="Ian" post=13806][quote="Ant89" post=13805]
How about a buoyancy aid ?[/quote]
Yep, I have one :)[/quote]
Very useful if like me you move around in water by sinking to the bottom and walking!
[quote="Ian" post=13806][quote="Ant89" post=13805]
How about a buoyancy aid ?[/quote]
Yep, I have one :)[/quote]
Ok, while we're all laying into the vertically challenged - ian was spotted out bowling last week.....
:evil: :evil: :whistle: :whistle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLTAcg5-P3o
Hod did you find that so quickly ? I only did that 2 days ago :huh:
i was actually looking for the one of a bar in thailand where you can pay to 'toss midgets'. Now before you get too excited, its a bar that has midgets who dress in velcro suits and you get to throw them at a padded velcro wall. Demeaning to dwarfism? Maybe. But lets face it, not half as bad as the abuse you receive on here. ;)
anyway, i must return to my ebay search... mmm... "Velcro Suit" .......
i always wondered what ian did in his funny mans club in lancashire, this explains a lot. no wonder he's got soooo much attitude for a smaal guy
[quote="mike leahy" post=13869]i always wondered what ian did in his funny mans club in lancashire[/quote]
.... and now you know ;)
Hi Ant,
Are you interested in the trip in Ogof Hesp Alyn on Saturday. See the topic.
Welsh Las is also desperate to join us but needs a lift from Wrexham.
[quote="JohnNicholson" post=14135]Hi Ant,
Are you interested in the trip in Ogof Hesp Alyn on Saturday. See the topic.
Welsh Las is also desperate to join us but needs a lift from Wrexham.[/quote]
Sadly I can't see the details as I'm not yet a club member.
however I've looked at the details on the knowlage bank and considering how the site i is accessed I don't think I'll be able to make it down there! I may be reasonably ok on fixed ladders but, on those wobbly ladders, no chance!
Can you send me an e-mail to biopoweruk@hotmail.com?
The descent into both Poachers and OHA are very similar, and are not especially scary or difficult. This is because the tube you climb down is quite tight and thereore you can squeeze against the walls and get footholds all around you - as opposed to wobbling about in free space. There will also be many other visitors to this site on Saturday.
hi everyone :) by any chance is anyone passing through conwy county on the way to tonights trip that could pick me up on the way? it would be appriciated
I can bear, my no is xxxxx xxxxxx if you wanna pop me a text to arrange
kk thanks :) i have sent you a text but dont know if uv recivied it :/
Hi all :) is the spar mine in henllan? Need to know jst incase i cant get a lift tonigt.
Bear - it's the one you went to two weeks ago in Hendre .... ;)