News

Last night Keith and Sue from SMWCRT visited GCRG to talk to the wardens and committee about the digital control system that their team uses. Working with other teams is a key part of what we do so understanding their working practices is very important and it certainly has given the wardens and committee a lot to think about. There are many ways that we could further modernise the way we operate so it is very helpful to see what other teams are doing in this space. Thanks again to Keith and Sue for a thought provoking evening.

I think its fair to say that the GCRG Grand Auction and Sale was without any shadow of a doubt an excellent event that is fast closing on a figure of £4000.00 being raised and split between GCRG and MCRO along with a donation of £200.00 also being made to the BCRC through the donations for the tackle sacks. There are still a few left so if you would like one please get in touch.

None of this would have been possible without all of the donations that came in from many people, a lot of hard work sorting out all of these items into auction lots, sales and offers and of course all of the people who worked on the Friday and Saturday getting everything ready.

But of course the main people to thank are all of the people who came and purchsed the items. Without you none of it would have been worthwhile and we would still have a massive pile of items left over. It was just great so see people wandering around with arms full of items.

I hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did.

Thanks also to Charlotte Maisey for her fantastic cake stall. With your support she raised almost £140.00 to go towards her trip to Ghana in 2024. She was assisted by Issy Haynes who is going on the trip as well and the funds are being split between them. They were certainly some very nice cakes.

Thanks to Sally Harvey who stepped in at the last minute to run the BBQ. Again the BBQ was well received and the food was excellent.

Another big thanks must go to Joe, our auctioneer, who had a really great time encouaging everyone to part with their money. Not the easiest of jobs when the rain was pellting down off the steel roof. I know from chatting to him afterwards he really enjoyed himself.

I could not end without saying a big thanks to Liz Maisey (GCRG Treasurer) and Jo Clarke who had the job of cordinating all of the payments. At times when I looked down from the drying room roof it was like bees around a honey pot with masses of activity. You both worked very hard.

Yes we have some items left over. That was always going to be the case. However, we are planning to take all of the caving Related items to the Hidden Earth conference and make it available and any funds raised is to go to the Gara Parua Foundation.

We also plan to advertise some of the major items on eBay and social media so we hope that this will help boost the figures. If you know anyone who is looking for a 2.5KVA twin voltage generator or an electric compressor then please ask them to get in touch with me chairman@gcrg.org.uk as we would really like to move them on.

Our Grand Auction and sale is on Saturday 15th July 2023 at the GCRG Depot to raise funds for GCRG, MCRO and the BCRC. The auction starts at 1430 and listings are as follows:

• Items under auction
• Items for offers
• Items for sale

Head over to our Publications page to see all our newsletters, including our most recent one

GCRG Secretary Peter Mason is a Member of the Unite Union and the group would like to extend their most sincere thanks for the donation from Unite of £300.00. The group is currently in the process of expanding its training facility and the donation is to be used to help with the purchase of two large timber beams that will form part of the new section of the facility at its Headquarters at Cinderford in the Forest of Dean. This is used not only by group members but also the local caving club members for training.