MINUTES OF THE CNCC COMMITTEE MEETING

HELD ON 18 January 2008

AT HELLIFIELD VILLAGE INSTITUTE

The Meeting commenced at 20.00.

 PRESENT: Glenn Jones (LUG), Les Sykes (LUG), Bernard Bond (BCC), Roy Holmes (DHSS/CRO), F. Hartley (BCC), M. Hale (BSC/CRO), S. Lieberman (RRCPC), Andy Whitney (RRCPC), Alan Speight (YSS), M. Hughes (BPC), Marion Dunn BSG, Pete Jones CPC, Ian Lloyd BPC.

1. APOLOGIES: G. Barber, J. Sloane, P. Halliwell, R. Halliwell

2. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING:

Minutes accepted and signed.

3. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE LAST MINUTES:

No matters arising.

4. CHAIRPERSONS REPORT:

Roy Holmes took the chair as the chairman had tendered his apologies. No report.

SECRETARYS REPORT:

Written report presented to meeting which included: Review of rigging guides numbers 1-3 and consolidation into one guide. Individuals applying for permits. Potential access problems on Casterton Fell, GJ to send secretaries note to BCA for the newsletter.

TREASURERS REPORT:

Written report presented.

GJ presented a report which included the following items. CNCC rigging guides change of to private photocopying and the projected profit. Dale Head Pot, the settlement of the CNCC element for funding the work £200. Marilyn, CPC issued with a cheque as agreed for the lid £85. R & P Halliwell to audit CNCC accounts for year ending 2007.

ACCESS AND CONSERVATION OFFICER:

MD gave a comprehensive report on future projects that have resulted from three meetings with Natural England (NE). A conservation monitoring project will be trailed in Easegill agreed between CNCC, RCPC & NE. Funding for this has come from YDNP. NE ma appoint for one day a week a Cave conservation officer for £1200 PA, job description will be drafted before being advertised. MD asked if CNCC could donate <£200 to salary. This did create a degree of discussion, although in principle CNCC would willing donate to such a project there was concern as to donating to a salary. NE have stated that any information would not directly lead to cave access being restricted or withdrawn, but that they could not give an unconditional guarantee. NE is impressed with the CNCC’s access agreements and cave conservation approach. EN also commends RRCPC on their Easegill project.

TRAINING OFFICERS REPORT:

No Training Officer at present.

TECHNICAL GROUP:

It was mentioned that one of the cavers who dies over the Christmas period was Stu, a member of the CNCC Technical Group. Stu was commended for his dedication to making caving safer and his work as the anchor tester as well as an installer. There have been full tributes to Stu in the local press.

5. MEETS SECRETARYS REPORTS:

Leck Fell:

There has been an increase in permit requests.

Casterton Fell:

No problems to report.

Birks Fell:

The lock on the lid at Shockle Shaft has developed a problem, UKLF are resolving the problem.

Penyghent and Fountains Fell:

No problems, M. Aitkingson is happy with the reopen entrance to Dale Head Pot.

Other Areas:

GJ mentioned the Dale Barn Cave has apparently been filled in. LS will be discussing the matter with the landowner as a matter of urgency.

9. BCA REPORTS:

R. Mehew had contacted LS regarding a nomination for the post of BCA Equipment & Techniques convenor. A proposal from LS seconded by AS and approved by the CNCC committee, that R. Mehew was nominated by the CNCC for the post of BCA Equipment & Techniques convenor.

11. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

European Speleo congress is being held in the Vercors in august. BCA have a number of registrations at a fixed price, these are available from BCA.

The committee thanked Andy Walsh for installing the new stile at Cow Dubs

12. DATE AND PLACE OF MEETING:          AGM 08 March 2008

Hellifield Village Institute, Hellifield. AGM starting at 10:00