New members are welcome!

The MCG is a registered charity, and membership is open to all. We are an active friendly club that has a full program of organised trips & social events, keys to most of the locked caves of Mendip, a tacklestore full of equipment, a well stocked library, regular newsletters & internet newsgroup and the facilities of our cottage in the centre of the Mendips.

We are always looking for new members, either those who have caved before or are interested in trying caving for the first time. If you are already a caver and are looking for a friendly and competent group to share your caving trips, we would be pleased to see you. The best way to join is to come along to one of our regular monthly meets on Mendip. These are usually held on the first Fri/Sat/Sun of the month at our headquarters, Nordrach Cottage. If you would like to come along please let us know you are coming. If you want to apply now for membership download a Membership Application Form

If you have never caved before and are interested in starting the sport, you will be well looked after. The best way to start is with one of beginner trips/beginners weekends. On a beginners trip you will be taken underground by experienced cavers to a cave suitable to you.

Don't worry if you do not have your own caving gear - we have helmets and lamps that you can borrow for your first few trips underground. Beginners trips are normally held on member's weekends where you have the opportunity to meet members and if you choose, take part in the social events. If you are interested use this form to find out more. We look forward to hearing from you!

A successful beginners' weekend - 5/6th June 2007

What happens on a newcomers weekend? The following write-up of the beginners' weekend on 5/6th June 2007 is typical of what happens:

Seven people turned up for the weekend. Some had caved before at some time in the past so they were not all strictly "novices". There were also a good number of members who volunteered their time to take the novices underground.

On the Saturday Richard, Linda and Mike led two of the newcomers down Hillier's Cave and here is Fern's log book write-up:

"Hillier's Cave - Fern and Phil, Linda, Richard and Mike

I panicked at the entrance! Found it very challenging physically and mentally, but really pleased I didn't chicken out! Thanks to the calm encouragement of MCG members. Fantastic grottos - very pretty - and good variety of formations and crystals. It felt really good to see them in a natural state rather than in a show cave. Lots of variety on the trip with crawling, climbing - a good workout. Thanks MCG. Fern "

Also on the Saturday Biff , Doug , and Mick led Mike B and Max and Bernadette, all of whom had caved before, on a trip into GB Cavern. The log book entry for this trip reads:

"GB Cavern round trip - Biff, Doug, Mick, Mike B, Max and Bernadette. All did OK. Mike B took many photos. Max and Bernadette have asked to join MCG".

Mike, Max and Bernadette have indeed all joined MCG since the beginners' weeend.

On the Saturday morning a couple of students from turned up at the cottage and Martin volunteered to take them down Waterwheel. Even though there is more water than ever down Waterwheel due to all the extra damming, they all thoroughly enjoyed the trip and were very grateful. They were given membership forms so there maybe some more new members in the offing.

On Sunday Martin, Yvonne and Linda took two complete novices, Nadia and Ian, down Swildon's Hole. Here is Nadia's log book write-up:

"Swildon's Upper Series - Martin, Yvonne, Linda, Ian & Nadia.

Our FIRST EVER caving trip. And what a great adventure it was. We looked great, I have to say, in our oddly co-ordinate get-up - not exactly chic, but ready for anything. Joan and Bob came to see us off down the hole, and to take photos. I was in no danger of getting lost - red boots, pink gloves and yellow stripes on Ian's black motorcycle rain gear which I wore! But enough about our clothes - how was the trip?

It was thrilling and a little scary - I couldn't believe I was supposed to jump into a dark hole with water and slippery rocks in it! Martin was leading (and an excellent reassuring leader he is too), I was next, then Linda (who was really good to have nearby), then Ian and Yvonne. Mostly I tried to follow whatever Martin was doing. We went up, down, crawled, clambered - all sorts. And there were some tight squeezes too... Felt like Winnie the Poo each time I got stuck. The most memorable moments though were positive ones - we climbed down, with a rope, the old 40 foot - that was a REAL adventure, and definitely to be repeated. It would be great to get good at that, and the water in the cave did feel nice actually!

On the way back Martin let me lead (Me!!!) and I have to say, I did a fabulous job...! Until we got to the absolute end and I tried to lead everyone out through the vent. I'll be back to learn more and to experience the thrill again!"

They really enjoyed the trip and would like to do more caving so we hope to hear from them both again.

Thanks to Linda for organising the weekend and giving all the novices such a warm welcome; and thanks to all of you who gave up time to take them on caving trips.