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I started caving with the Darfar Potholing Club about one year ago. I
was made very welcome straight away, and my caving colleagues soon
became good friends.
My interest in caving started with a family holiday when I was a child. My
parents took my brother and myself to the two showcaves in the
Cheddar Gorge, and also to Wookey Hole. These were the first caves I
had seen, and all three were an amazing experience. Over the years I
have visited many showcaves, but always wanted to see more.
I first met Mel about ten years ago, when we did some caving together,
mainly in the Manifold Valley, but we also visited Carlswark and
Lathkill Dale.
I find the vertical parts challenging, but my friends are always
willing to help and encourage me. On a recent trip to P8, I reached
the top of the Idiot’s Leap, but became stuck and could not move
forward! As a result, I was acting as a dam for the stream, and the
water was building up in front of me. After laughing at me for a few
minutes, Mel pulled me out!! However, I am quite happy to squeeze
through small passages, especially if they are half full of muddy
water! I really enjoyed crawling through the Giant’s Windpipe in
Giant's Hole.
So far I have had wonderful trips to Giants Hole, P8, Streaks Pot,
Jugholes, Hillocks Mine and have seen several caves in the Manifold
Valley.
My home is in Uttoxeter, where I have lived for many years. I share my home with my cat Toby.
My job is office based. I work in a sales office, mainly export sales,
so I have contacts with many different parts of the world, which is
very interesting. We employ students from abroad, and I am involved
in their training.
Apart from caving, I like swimming, cycling and windsurfing, although my
windsurfing has suffered due to lack of time since I have been
caving.
My holidays are usually camping. This year I camped at Glenbrittle on
the Isle of Skye, right by the sea, with plenty of walking and
swimming – perfect.
If you fancy getting dirty on a Sunday afternoon – try caving!! See
you underground!!
Margaret, September 2009.
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