GSG OCTOBER JOURNAL

REVIEW: The Red Rose Cave & Pothole Club Journal No. 12 (2024)

 

This is a sumptuous, 167-page publication, bringing Red Rose discoveries up to date since the 2017 Journal. Each new cave, pot or dig is illustrated with large colour photographs, surveys and clear text. Naturally, the bulk of features refer to Casterton and Leck Fells, Barbondale and surrounding areas. although other parts of the Dales feature as well.

 

In-house articles deal with historical graffiti, conservation matters and one venerable member (the indestructible Jim Newton) descending GG on his birthday. There is also an account of taking someone with Motor Neurone Disease down Lancaster Hole. Foreign trips recount an expedition to the Snezhnaya Cave in the western Caucasus and descents of the PSM in France/Spain.

 

Not the least contribution is one by Toby Speight about advances in Apt tee least contorites his one loration of Diars Sink cave Of True Wonders and Ashery Pot. Most of these trips have included Red Rose members and they are accompanied by splendid colour photographs - as indeed are all other features. Quite a few are full-page (A4 size) which converts this journal into a colourful work of art. I note an account of descents along Park Fell above Ribblehead where the GSG is credited with first exploring Gauber Pot. It is moot whether we, or Kendal Caving Club, first descended this small hole. KCC's account in 1967 claims Gauber Pot was a dig. The place we descended was an open shaft, and I think was mentioned by Arthur Gemmell in BSA records prior to any of these reports. All told, RRCPC are to be congratulated on besting their 2017 journal (which received the Tratman Award). A good read and particularly well produced publication.