Lancaster University Speleological Society -Newsletter

October 1997.

The Executive.

  • Chairman. Phil Walker
  • Safety/Training Officer. Neil Turton
  • Treasurer. Jeremy Storry
  • Secretary. Derek Cousins
  • Equipment Officer. .

    Introduction.

    Welcome to LUSS, a very active caving and potholing club. By joining LUSS you will be getting the chance to try out an exciting and very sporting activity. The club goes caving at least once a week, mainly at the weekend, but sometimes on Wednesday afternoon.

    The society has existed for over 25 years. With many caving credits to its name. However the regular turnover brought about by degree schemes means we are always on the lookout for more members. Experienced and inexperienced alike, all you have to be is keen!

    As well as caving we have numerous socials throughout the year, largely involving eating and drinking, but often other similar activities to caving - climbing, canyoning etc.. Anything you want to do really.

    At the moment the club is not affilited to the SU but this is largely due to a lack of student members. So if you want to get involved in the running of the club please do so because there are lots of areas we could do with help on: web programmers, journal editors etc.

    Meetings.

    The club meets in LONSDALE BAR every Tuesday at 8.00pm. Out of term time or if the bar is closed we meet at the BROWN COW (nr Penny Bank) in town. Also if you are in town on a Friday night we can sometimes be found in the Brown Cow or the John O'Gaunt.

    The Notice Board is in Bowland College Foyer, next to the snooker room, giving details of forthcoming trips and events. If you want to get in touch with us leave a note on the board or ring one of the executive.

    World Wide Web.

    LUSS has its own web page at:

    http://www.comp.lancs.ac.uk/clubs/luss/index.html

    which earned us praise in Descent. However other clubs have nicked our ideas and are fast catching up. Currently the expedition section is being created with over 25 years of information been entered. Its a long process and we would gladly accept assistance; typing, scanning or programming. If you are interested talk to Phil or Derek.

    South Wales.

    Around the fourth week of term this will be a good weekend staying at the SWCC bunkhouse within easy reach of the main cave systems. The cost will be £25 (dependent on numbers) which will include transport and accommodation.

    This will be particularly good for beginner cavers as the caves are more suited to caving with hangovers.

    Again see Phil or put your name on the notice board.

    Training.

    If you are still interested in coming caving please come along to the meetings so that we can arrange basic training. Otherwise if you turn up later on in the year you will find that you will not be able to handle some of the trips. Basic training is nothing too hard, it just involves learning calls and climbing ladders. Then if you do get more interested we can arrange abseiling and SRT practice.

    Digging.

    LUSS has a number of ongoing digs attempting to discover new cave systems and new entrances to existing cave systems. If you like the idea of this keep coming along to meetings because you will need to get to know older members before they invite you to go digging. I know it sounds petty and sad but that's cavers for you.

    You too can become a famous ex-LUSS caver.

    Spain 1998.

    If you are still caving next summer LUSS is planning another expedition to the Picos de Europa, which will be around the 25th year the club has gone out to Spain. Its a chance to sample how different European caves are, make you famous, and get very drunk.

    This expedition is currently being planned but if you are interested inform us as soon as possible. Even if you have never been caving before, by next summer you will be a lot more experienced and might like to meet the challenge.

    LUSS@lancaster.ac.uk
    Lancaster University Speleological Society,
     34 Williamson Road, Freehold, Lancaster.