Stabilising the Cwm Dwr choke

Friday the 29th March saw a team of 10 people come together and help stabilise the recent movement in the Cwm Dwr choke.

The choke is an important link for through trips and deeper access into Cwm Dwr.

Dave Dunbar went ahead and installed Cave Link in a suitable area near the choke.  Upon returning to the club and after confirming a connection to a Cave Link setup in the small common room, the advance team dragged in clamps, bars and kit. The advance team included: Tony Baker, Claire Vivian, John Roe, Jules Carter & Laura Carter-Greaves.

Paul Quill and Vince Allkins remained on the surface to help prepare lengths of scaffolding. Custom lengths were messaged through to the club using Cave Link. This worked really well and avoided the need for people to courier requests to the surface.

The second team comprised of Duncan Hornby, Adrian Turner and Alfie Exall (York University) dragging in the bespoke lengths. They were met by Claire in the crawl who helped with the scaffold bars.

Scaffolding was installed and Adrian was brave enough to pass through and model for the camera!

Advance party at club preparing to enter Cwm Dwr.

Cave link set up in small common room.

Alfie dragging in the custom cut lengths through the beginning of the crawl.

Laura passing poles into the choke.

Passing poles into the choke.

Duncan passing pole into the choke.

Cave link in Cwm Dwr used to update surface team and request bespoke lengths in a very efficient manner.

Tony sorting kit within choke.

Choke stabilised.

Adrian for scale.