Hi from Miles

[MilesM]

Hello everyone at UCET

My name is Miles, I'm a general purpose mine explorer from the Betws-y-coed area. Some of you might remember me from the good old days when I actually got out more and did interesting things. For the last decade or so I've been so busy with work I've not really done a lot of personal exploration and I'm a bit sad about how that's so fallen by the wayside. I'd like to get back into things but I'm a bit at sea looking for a tribe who'll have me in the ranks.

A long time ago I used to run a popular website for mine exploring (called,  imaginatively, Mine-Explorer), some of you more gray-haired types might remember it. I'm probably more known these days through the company I work for (go-below.co.uk) and as I work in Cwmorthin a lot, I frequently meet explorers and stop for a chat. The mine remains popular with explorers and I'm happy to help with any questions about the place.

I'm not political or an access activist, although I tried to be helpful in this area years ago but I'm too long in the tooth now to care much for it. I have no interest in willy-waving, empire-building, self-glorification, attention seeking or funny business. I just like exploring and would like to do more of it, well, what's within my abilities anyway.

I'd describe myself as quiet, friendly, steady and discrete. I like to take a few photos and videos sometimes but only for my own record as something to look back on when the time comes when I'm too old to wander down holes.

Anyway, those of you who I know... A big hello to you, and those I don't... I hope I get to meet you someday.

Miles

[Dave Tyson]

Hi Miles,

Welcome to the new UCET forum!

Great to hear from you and maybe when I get some free time I will pop into the office and revisit Cwmorthin!

Switching from the old forum to the new one took a lot of time and effort as I had to write new conversion tools. You know how software projects can demand exessive amounts of time from running the mine explorer website.

There is still work to do with the knowledge bank; I would like to expand the public version but the prevalence of attention-seeking social media idiots is an issue. There is a UCET-only set of boards which are freer and easier with information as members pay a yearly fee.

Anyway it's great to hear from you again and I am sure many other members will be pleased you are still active.

Cheers Dave.

[MilesM]

Thanks so much Dave, you've done a great job with the forum. Yes it's a lot of work running something like this. I'd be interested in being a member of UCET though I'm not sure how I'd go about that.

I know what you mean about the surge in clickbait-content creating idiots out there these days. I can't be bothered with them, they'll be the end of everything good in this world. I don't use Facebook or Instagram or Tiktok, although I do have some older and non-sensitive videos on Youtube for prosperity.

Would be great to see you for a coffee some time Dave! Let me know you're coming so I can make sure I'm there

[Ian A]

Hi Miles,

All of the "Old School" in the club know exactly who you are  :whistle:  :whistle:  :whistle:

No one has forgotten your mine-explorer website/forum either - between you and Simon your two sites were invaluable.

Welcome to the UCET forum (and UCET too)

Two years ago "Fresh Blood" took over the running of the club (the "oldies" stepped down) and they are doing a great job of moving the club forwards. No empire building, no willy-waving and no nonsense.

I know what you mean about just wanting to explore - I think most of the "Old Guard" across the area now also feel the same way.

Interesting choice of words you have used "I work for (Go-Below)" ... have you sold it?

Anyway, nice to see you still active 

Ian Adams

[MilesM]

Great to hear from you Ian, not seen you about in a long time. You still getting underground much?

No, not sold Go Below, I'm still one of the directors but really it's run by a small and very competent team now, I just do maintenance work mostly these days, electrical and basic mine engineering stuff. I'm involved with a few other local businesses too, so with that and two home educated teenagers, I'm pretty busy, but I'm hoping to get back into exploring places like I used to before life said no. I'm sure you understand.

[Gareth Stonely]

Hi Miles,
Great to hear from you! We have met a few of times in Cwmorthin and at NWCRO training sessions.

You'll be more than welcome to join the Club, just drop our membership secretary Charlie an email at Membership@ucet.org.uk.

Hopefully see you on a trip soon

Gaz
Ucet Chairman

[MilesM]

Hi Gaz

Thanks so much for the message. I shall indeed drop Charlie an email!

Take care

Miles

[Steve]

Hey miles welcome to the Ucet family.
You probably won’t remember me too much but you always as my name at nwcro 
 
I’m the access officer for Ucet and I don’t wave my Willy about. We leave that to Bwji lol