New access and conservation group

[mike leahy]

[quote="Suboffender" post=5051]Surely she has watched such antics as "Live at the commons" on TV before? [/quote]

does that mean there is a bar at the meeting.

I bloody hope so!

[Tim Watts]

[quote="Suboffender" post=5051]Surely she has watched such antics as "Live at the commons" on TV before? [/quote]

Ohh no, surely there's no way we could possibly degenerate to that level of mindless nonsense!??!?! :ohmy:

[Joel Colk]

Well, if there is a bar, it might be like the one in the house of commons, which one can legally smoke in... :blink:

[Joel Colk]

Any of you fancy the pub afterwards, the stables or something? (cough, Marty)

I've got Simon with me, but I'm sure he could be persuaded

[John Nicholson]

Bring her (Bella) along - she might as well see some mine/cave politics now, she'll be subjected to them sooner or later anyway!

Bella wants to come, and promisses me that she does not have any homework.  

Can someone tell us where the event is to be held and what time?

[Ian A]

It's tonight - details on the first post here;

http://www.aditnow.co.uk/community/viewtopic.aspx?t=6604&pid=1

Ian

[Ian A]

Post didnt work.

It's tonight. Details here;

http://www.aditnow.co.uk/community/viewtopic.aspx?t=6604&pid=1

Ian

[John Nicholson]

We got there! and were one of the first to arrive.

It was a very well attended meeting, with Joel, Marty, Ian, and another UCET member attending, as well as me and Bella. Plus lots of people representing commercial organisations that take childen underground.

I felt there was a well presented argument from the floor for the purpose and value of this new entity, but I felt the actual constitution as presented needed more thought.  Significantly, it was explained that the Forrestry Commission were prepared to offer access arrangements to ALL mines in their control rather than just a selected few.  Also, it was admitted that if the FC were prepared to agree, then this new organisation served no purpose to non-commercial explorers (as individuals or as clubs), if the FC would allow access to any explorer holding valid insurance card.  Clarification on this would be sought with FC.  However, most of the existing mines are now gated and locked, and we would need to seek the key or a combination from this new organisation to get access.

I felt we significantly battered the proposed constitution into a much more acceptable shape, mainly by limiting the area of coverage only to those mines in the Gwydir Forest area.  Also, many other ammendments, including a clarification that joining the outfit will not incur any membership fee.

Ian spoke well on the tensions that forming such an organisation could cause.  They were keen that small groups were included on the executive.  I hope Ian left the meeting with some relief in what was achieved.  If this body is formed and as a result there are better access arrangements made possible for mines that are presently locked then the model can be used to expand the coverage or form similar access and conservation groups in other local areas.

I personally feel that the result was a good one if this enables better access to those who hold insurance and maintain the basic values of conservation I have been taught at UCET meetings.

Very sorry Tim could not manage to attend, and I hope things are OK.

[Tim Watts]

thanks for the update john. he's been kept in overnight but appears to be through critical situation. thanks for concern.