80 Cavers descended on Rhongyr Isaf activity centre in S.Wales on Nov 29th for the second University caving clubs seminar. These included cavers from Southampton, Cardiff, Reading, Manchester, Sheffield, Exeter, Aberystwyth, Kent, Portsmouth, and Huddersfield Universities

The aim of the event was to foster closer relationships between the Uni clubs and so be in a stronger position to make sure clubs survive. It is worth remembering that Uni clubs are a great way of introducing people to the sport and with numbers on the decline, and shops in trouble, it is hoped that events like this are a step in the right direction. Uni clubs are also in the strong position of being protected by student union insurance which meant that the recent insurance crisis didn't stop student caving.

The event was sold as weekend put on by student for students with an emphasis on going caving and socialising together and all participants were reassured that it wasn't simply Hidden Earth for students.  

The cost of the ticket included food and accommodation all for a very reasonable £15 and all profits are going back to next year's event. T-shirts were also sold which contributed to the money raised.

The format of the event was quite informal, ‘led' caving trips were organised but clubs were also encouraged to arrange their own caving trips. It was also nice to see many clubs teaming up to take new members caving. Over the weekend numerous trips down OFD and Cwm Dwr occurred plus groups also went to Darren Cilau and Pwll Dw.  

We also hired a sports hall in Ystragnlais for Saturday and ran morning and afternoon SRT sessions there under the guidance of a CIC, Simon Mullens. Both sessions were very popular with about thirty people taking part in some form of training. In the morning basic SRT was explained to some of the clubs new recruits and then in the afternoon mid rope rescue and hauling techniques were practiced by the more experienced.      

Catering was provided throughout the weekend, inclusive of the ticket price (lets see Hidden Earth manage that) and a team of helpers worked in the kitchen providing the meals. ‘delegates' were treated to cereals, toast and beans for breakfast and a lunch of sandwiches, crisps, chocolates and fruit for lunch. On the Saturday night a large BBQ was arranged followed by a stomp/disco.

Whilst the food was cooking we were all entertained by the ‘beer pong' tournament, the brain child of James from Reading who oversaw the whole thing. Beer pong is a game where two teams compete at throwing ping pong balls into their opponents glasses. When a ball lands successfully the opponents have to finish the drink it landed in and the winning team is the one with drinks left when the others have finished everything.

Originally the stomp was going to be in a marquee but the bad weather forced us inside. However this didn't spoil the fun at all and the disco was extremely successful. Simon Love (SUCC) needs to be thanked for providing all the excellent equipment and being a tireless DJ throughout the night. Fun and games were also to be had during the stomp in the form of body traversing, team drinking games and finally a bad dancing competition.

On Sunday despite the hangovers many groups managed to go caving again and the whole event finished late on Sunday afternoon. Overall it was extremely successful and great things are hoped of CHECC in the future. Next years seminar should be going up north next year so check out http://www.checc.org/ for more info.

Note: None of these photos are actually mine - they have all been taken by various other people and friends. So firstly thanks and secondly if you want me to take them down, all you have to do is ask.