Embedded Files
From self‑constructed, college‑engineered ladders and homemade wetsuits, to international expeditions and thousands of young people introduced to the underground world, Lincoln Caving Club has spent over four decades exploring, teaching and adventuring beneath the surface.
From self‑constructed, college‑engineered ladders and homemade wetsuits, to international expeditions and thousands of young people introduced to the underground world, Lincoln Caving Club has spent over four decades exploring, teaching and adventuring beneath the surface.
Where It All Began (1970's to 1983)
Where It All Began (1970's to 1983)
The club’s roots stretch back to the early 1970s, when the Centurion Venture Scout Unit went looking for “new and unusual activities to do.” A member knew “somebody who did a bit” of caving, and soon the unit found itself on a weekend at Whernside Manor, a trip that proved so enjoyable it sparked years of exploration.
The Ventures built their own ladders, bought carbide lamps, stitched wetsuits, and began tackling bigger systems across Yorkshire, Derbyshire, the Mendips and South Wales. By the end of the decade, they were caving regularly, taking other Lincoln units underground, and even joining expeditions abroad.
By 1982, caving had become so popular within the unit that other activities were being overshadowed. After discussions with District Commissioner Len Foster, the decision was made: a dedicated District caving club would be formed.
On 10 January 1983, the Lincoln Scouts Caving Club held its inaugural meeting — and the next 40 years began.
The First 20 Years as Lincoln Scouts Caving Club
The First 20 Years as Lincoln Scouts Caving Club
The early club was small but energetic: 10 members, a new logo, and a growing calendar of trips. They joined national caving bodies, ran their first BBQ, and quickly built a reputation for ambitious underground adventures.
Our logo during our first 40 years
Epic UK Trips
Epic UK Trips
The 1980s and 90s saw the club push into some of Britain’s toughest systems. South Wales classics like Daren Cilau, OFD, Otter Hole and Dan‑yr‑Ogof became regular undertakings — often 8–12 hour marathons rewarded by “beautiful formations that graced the main chambers.”
Yorkshire’s great shafts also became defining experiences:
Gaping Gill
Long Kin West
Alum Pot
Lost Johns
Notts Pot
Descending 300‑foot ropes into vast blackness left memories that still surface in club stories today.
All of this was planned during our regular pub nights at The Victoria PH in Lincoln.
Vic night in 1986
L-R (all facing the camera) Clive Wilkinson, Phil Whittaker, Ed White, Sally Wilkinson, Brian Sutton, Ian Webb, John Whittingham, Chippy (Nick Dunnet), Stu Hunter.
International Horizons
International Horizons
The club’s appetite for adventure soon took them abroad:
Austria (1983) – spectacular ice caves
Ireland (1990) – laid‑back, wet, and full of Guinness
Majorca (1991) – long walks, deep shafts, and seafood
Bulgaria (1992) – “lost in the mountains… broke into caving huts… spent no money”
France (1999–2003) – Vercors and Ardèche, mixing big caves with good food and wine
Other Activities During out First 20 Years
Other Activities During out First 20 Years
Mine Exploration
Mine Exploration
Mine exploration became a parallel passion. Slate, gold, copper, lead, coal, gypsum — each with its own history and hazards.
Abseiling Lincoln Cathedral
Abseiling Lincoln Cathedral
One of the great talking points in the early years was this sponsored abseil held in 1986. It was down the West front of the Cathedral that 55 people abseiled and £1500 was raised for Lincoln scouting and the cathedral. Both radio and the press covered the event and so we all got some excellent publicity.
"Search for Adventure"
"Search for Adventure"
One of the more unusual events we took part in was organised by the Lincoln Adventure Forum in the grounds of Lincoln Castle. The aim was to give the public a chance to try a whole range of adventurous activities: canoeing, skiing, climbing, diving, abseiling and more.
The caving club set up an underground experience beneath the magistrates’ court, fully kitting people out in boiler suits, helmets and lights before taking them below the surface. We also ran single‑rope technique sessions in the trees, giving visitors a taste of vertical caving.
It was during this event that we met the contact who later helped organise our Bulgarian caving expedition, proof that you never know where a day’s volunteering might lead.
Well Exploration
Well Exploration
During the 2001 foot‑and‑mouth outbreak, when most caving areas were closed, the club was asked to investigate a wishing well inside the Blacksmiths Arms at Skendleby. After 20 years without a clean‑out, the landlord wanted to see what lay at the bottom.
Never ones to turn down a chance to get underground, especially in a pub. We borrowed a gas detector and water pump, while the landlord organised a pig roast and a team of money counters.
By the end of the day, three‑quarters of a dustbin had been filled with coins, totalling £1,328, and a large quantity of Bateman’s ale had been consumed.
It was, in every sense, the perfect trip.
In Memory of Dick Taylor
In Memory of Dick Taylor
Dick Taylor was the club’s first Chairman and one of the key figures who shaped its early years. From 1983 until his tragic death in 1986, Dick brought energy, humour and a deep love of adventure to everything he did.
He was happiest outdoors; climbing, caving, skiing, hill walking, canoeing, and he loved nothing more than taking his Venture Scouts out to share those experiences. He was a skilled caver who tackled many of the UK’s classic systems, and he inspired a generation of young people to push themselves, explore, and enjoy the underground world.
Dick died doing what he loved, during a trip in Dale Head Pot near Horton in Ribblesdale. He was only 39, but his influence on the club has lasted far longer. His enthusiasm helped set the tone for the next four decades of caving in Lincolnshire.
Scout Caving Highlights (1983 – 2003)
Scout Caving Highlights (1983 – 2003)
A snapshot of the moments, milestones and memories that defined our first two decades of Scout caving:
Click the arrow to the right.
Thousands of Scouts Underground
Thousands of Scouts Underground
From 1983 onwards, the club ran around eight beginner trips for under 18's every year, introducing young people from across Lincolnshire to real caves in Derbyshire, Yorkshire, the Mendips and South Wales.
“Since 1983 we have taken thousands of scouts underground.”
Talks, Training & Slide Shows
Talks, Training & Slide Shows
We visited troops and units across the county, giving evening sessions on equipment, safety, cave science and what to expect underground.
Adventure Caves at Sudbrooke & Altham Terrace
Adventure Caves at Sudbrooke & Altham Terrace
The club built its own underground adventure systems beneath both camp buildings, a unique feature that gave Scouts a safe, exciting taste of caving before heading out on real trips.
Abseiling for All
Abseiling for All
With many UK caves involving big vertical drops, abseiling became a major part of our programme. We ran sessions from buildings, trees and cliffs, helping Scouts build confidence and rope skills.
Poacher International Jamboree
Poacher International Jamboree
A huge highlight whenever it came around. The club took groups of 30 Scouts per day for five days, guiding young people from around the world, including Canada, Finland, Sweden and Thailand, through the caves of Stoney Middleton.
Supporting District Camps
Supporting District Camps
From running underground challenges to building high‑level assault courses, the club became a go‑to team for adventurous activities at Sudbrooke and Altham Terrace.
A Generation Inspired
A Generation Inspired
Many young people who first tried caving with the club went on to join as adults, volunteer as leaders, or continue exploring the underground world long after their Scout days.
The Next 20 Years: Growth, Change and New Horizons (2004 – 2023)
The Next 20 Years: Growth, Change and New Horizons (2004 – 2023)
The club’s second chapter began with its 21st anniversary in 2004, a milestone that marked not just longevity, but a shift into a more modern, outward‑looking era. The next two decades would see the club evolve, adapt, and expand its ambitions, all while keeping the same spirit of adventure that defined its early years.
A Club Reinventing Itself
A Club Reinventing Itself
By the mid‑2000s, the club recognised the need to refresh how it operated. New leadership, updated constitutions, and a renewed focus on training helped bring structure to a growing organisation. Members embraced new requirements around safeguarding, first aid, and permit schemes, ensuring the club remained safe, professional and forward‑thinking.
This period also saw a push to raise the club’s profile. New club shirts, posters around the city, information leaflets, and articles in local media helped attract fresh faces. Membership, which had dipped to just 11 at one point, began to climb again.
A Golden Era of Overseas Expeditions
A Golden Era of Overseas Expeditions
The next 20 years were defined by a remarkable run of international trips. The club explored:
The Jura region of France — with huge river caves, dramatic abseils and spectacular chambers.
The Czech Republic — including the Moravian Karst and the vast Amaterska system.
Slovenia — river caves, show caves, bunkers, and the unforgettable Proteus sightings.
Sardinia — rugged landscapes and deep, technical systems.
Cantabria (Spain) — visited four years in a row, becoming a favourite for its mix of horizontal and vertical caving.
Majorca — breathtaking scenery above and below ground.
The Chartreuse and Vercors regions of France — home to classic through‑trips and dramatic alpine karst.
These expeditions blended serious caving with culture, food, wine, and the kind of shared experiences that cement lifelong friendships. They also reflected the club’s growing confidence and capability; tackling bigger systems, more complex logistics, and more ambitious objectives.
Innovation Above and Below Ground
Innovation Above and Below Ground
The club’s creativity flourished during this period. Members built:
A portable Cave Challenge using lightweight scaffold and plywood
A copper mine experience for Scout District camps
A crate‑climbing tower
A redesigned and modernised club website
Improved storeroom facilities and lighting systems
A long‑planned training tower (designed and prepared, but not developed in the end)
The club also embraced new technology, upgrading to modern lighting systems and securing grants for equipment that transformed the quality and safety of trips.
A Stronger, More Connected Community
A Stronger, More Connected Community
Social events continued to be a defining part of club life. Reunions, BBQs, Christmas walks, and shared weekends away helped maintain a sense of belonging. The club Facebook page launched in 2013, creating a new way for members to stay connected and share photos, stories and plans.
Membership rose steadily, reaching some of the highest numbers in club history — a testament to the club’s renewed energy and visibility.
Challenges and Turning Points
Challenges and Turning Points
The club navigated several major organisational changes, including the shift to Scout Active Support, which required constitutional changes and new agreements. These transitions were not always smooth, but the club adapted, debated, and ultimately found ways to preserve its identity and autonomy.
There were also moments of sadness, including the loss of members, and moments of frustration, such as the Cathedral declining a second abseil due to health and safety concerns. Yet the club continued to push forward, innovate, and stay active.
40 Year Anniversary
40 Year Anniversary
To celebrate 40 years, the club had refreshed its logo, issued anniversary badges, and celebrated four decades of underground adventure with a weekend at Dalesbridge. Membership remained strong, new cavers were joining, and the club continued to explore new regions, new caves, and new ideas.
Commemorative 40 Year Logo
New Logo Concept
Celebration Get Together
The Anniversary Badge
Scout Caving Highlights (2004 – 2025)
Scout Caving Highlights (2004 – 2025)
A snapshot of the moments, milestones and memories that defined our final two decades of Scout caving:
Click the arrow to the right.
Raising the Club’s Profile (Mid‑2000s)
Raising the Club’s Profile (Mid‑2000s)
With membership dipping, the club launched a major visibility push; new shirts, posters, leaflets, media articles and visits to Scout groups.
Membership quickly began to rise again.
Training, Permits & Professional Standards
Training, Permits & Professional Standards
The introduction of new Scout permit rules led to a wave of assessments.
Steve Chapman, Ian Webb, Brian Sutton, Mick Barker and Karl Skinner all passed their caving assessments, helping secure the club’s future as a Scout‑approved provider.
Explorer & LinSECT Growth
Explorer & LinSECT Growth
The creation of LinSECT (Lincoln Scout & Explorer Caving Team) encouraged under‑18s to get more deeply involved.
Explorer weekends in Yorkshire became a major success, with strong attendance and enthusiastic feedback.
The Cave Challenge
The Cave Challenge
Built from lightweight scaffold and plywood, the Cave Challenge became a star attraction at events including the Brayford Water Festival, Waddington Airshow and Arboretum Fun Day.
It gave hundreds of young people a safe, exciting introduction to crawling and route‑finding.
Scout Caver Badge Training Days
Scout Caver Badge Training Days
The club ran multiple badge‑training days at Altham Terrace, giving Scouts hands‑on experience with equipment, knots, safety and underground movement.
Poacher Jamboree Returns
Poacher Jamboree Returns
The club continued its long tradition of supporting Poacher, offering tree climbing, ladder climbing and the BCA porta‑cave.
Scouts from across the world once again got a taste of caving Lincoln‑style.
District Camp Innovations
District Camp Innovations
From Human Skittles to the Greater Sudbrooke Traverse, the club brought creativity and energy to District camps.
The copper‑mine‑themed building conversion was a particular hit.
100 Years of Lincoln Scouting (2012)
100 Years of Lincoln Scouting (2012)
The club played a major role in the centenary celebrations, including building the Cave Challenge for public events and attempting to take 100 Lincoln Scouts underground.
New Equipment & Grants
New Equipment & Grants
Grants from the Local Network Fund and Lincolnshire Co‑op funded new oversuits, harnesses, knee pads, ropes, lights and chargers; dramatically improving the quality and safety of Scout trips.
A Surge in Youth Engagement (Late 2000s–2010s)
A Surge in Youth Engagement (Late 2000s–2010s)
With improved visibility, better equipment and more structured training, Scout participation surged.
Membership reached some of its highest levels in nearly two decades.
Resilience Through Change
Resilience Through Change
The shift to Scout Active Support required constitutional changes and new agreements — challenging at times, but the club adapted while protecting its identity and youth‑focused mission.
A New Generation Underground
A New Generation Underground
By the time the club reached its 40th anniversary, hundreds more Scouts, Explorers and Young Leaders had experienced caving through the club — many going on to join as adults or pursue outdoor leadership.
Lincoln Caving Club (December 2025 to Today)
Lincoln Caving Club (December 2025 to Today)
The Demise of Scout Caving & Transition to Lincoln Caving Club
The Demise of Scout Caving & Transition to Lincoln Caving Club
The final years of our involvement with the Scout Association were shaped by national restructuring that brought significant changes to how specialist activity teams were expected to operate. As these new frameworks filtered down to local level, it became clear that the club could no longer continue in its existing form. After careful discussion, we parted ways with the Scout Association and re‑formed as Lincoln Caving Club.
The transition was not easy. The loss of Scout caving created a turbulent period as we adjusted our identity, governance and programme. For many long‑standing members, it marked the end of a defining chapter, one that had introduced thousands of young people to the underground world over four decades.
This was not an isolated experience. The British Caving Association reflected the wider picture in their 2025 Annual Review, noting that:
“2025 was a difficult year for Scout caving with five teams ceasing to exist, due to issues with volunteers, the charities act, or finances.”
Yet despite the end of formal Scout caving, the founding spirit of the club has endured. We continue to welcome young people underground through our own active junior caving section, supported by the BCA, ensuring that the next generation can still discover the adventure, challenge and excitement that shaped our earliest years.
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
As we move through 2026, the club remains as active and adventurous as ever. Our calendar is full of caving trips, walking weekends, social meets and training days, all continuing the rhythm that has defined us since 1983. Membership is thriving too, with six new joiners in the first six months, bringing fresh energy, new ideas and plenty of enthusiasm for the underground world.
This year we’re returning to one of our favourite regions, the Ardèche, for a week of French caving, sunshine and cuisine — a perfect blend of technical exploration and the shared enjoyment that has always made our expeditions special.
Closer to home, we’ve been working with archaeologists at Newark Castle, investigating another historic well. It’s a reminder that our skills don’t just take us into caves and mines, but into the hidden spaces beneath our own heritage sites, a modern echo of the Blacksmiths Arms well exploration that still lives in club folklore.
Through all these activities, one thing remains unchanged: the founding spirit of the club. We continue to welcome new cavers, support young people through our active youth section, and explore the underground world with curiosity, camaraderie and a sense of adventure that has carried us through more than four decades.
The story continues — and the next chapter is already being written.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse