Thanks for uploading all that info, just finished reading through it all. Some interesting proposals and a lot to think about. One immediate question - Peter Austin's notes refer to "Concerns about unsympathetic underground exploration – it was noted that a set of conditions for underground access had been posted on the website." Assuming that means CMT's website, I couldn't find these conditions - can you point me in the right direction?
Right, first I want to say that 'access controls' or anything resembling padlocks, funny handshakes, or 'north Wales type politics' in any mines owned by the Trust will be over my dead body. The only exception to this will be in any mine where there is underground work going on, which I have to say may actually involve contractors.
The conditions for access to any Trust mine (see page 2 of this thread) refers to 'permitted' access. Obviously in the absence of any locks there would be nothing to prevent anyone going in as a trespasser. At this point in time things are moving forward at such as pace that I cannot handle a permit system, so access at this time is free to anyone properly equipped to go underground. That is current trust policy.
What was actually mentioned at the meeting referred to my initiative for work on the portal of Level Fawr and the need to be able to easily get men and materials into the mine for essential work. (A timber supporting the main crib just above the skipway is sagging) Also I am determined to get the 2004? collapse spiled through to a proper full size roadway, the tight crawl tube at the end would remain as is as a second exit from the far workings.
The concerns expressed at the meeting were that this work would drain the level making access a dry or simple welly walk in and that this could attract 'casual entry'.
I take this on board and see a solution in a 'Nenthead Gate'.
As far as secured mines, such as those on land where the Trust is not in ownership but only holds Mineral Rights or acts as an ACB a combination lock is perceived as ideal solution. That is where our permits and conditions would come in, to get a permit you just ask for one and agree to our conditions and get the combination that will work all of our locks. Simples.
Yes, and no need to hold BCA insurance, we have our own. (Smiley face)
On a personal note, I am aggrieved by activities such as the commercial stripping of minerals with no regard to the fabric of the mine, theft of artefacts, plus other interferences such as stripping perfectly good ladderways out to make 'sporting pitches'. Believe me this has happened in the past and resulted in the mine in question being shut down to explorers.
My ultimate vision for Level Fawr, and indeed all the Cwmystwyth Mines, is that they can be carefully preserved underground as well as at surface, and yet the underground remain free to all explorers. I will stand corrected if I am wrong but I believe that Cwmystwyth is unique in that it is in complete ownership of the mine exploration and history community. I see no reason why ‘official’ funding cannot be available for underground works in the same way as on surface.
At the meeting I was given an interesting piece of information by the CADW rep. Scheduled Ancient Monument status extends to the underground.
Very interesting.
Anyway, if anyone has any more questions, misgivings, or whatever, then please lets hear them.
My avatar is a poor likeness.