Hi, wondering if anyone can help me with joining the DCA? I have filled out the online form this morning but it states that i need references from current members which i know nobody. My time exploring to date has been purely private affairs with a group of friends also keen but no much to join the DCA...

I am happy to attend a few trips but really only interested in the exploring side, i like to consider myself fairly young at 28 and i regurlay DJ to the late/early hours during the weekends, making morning trips and none mining related meets a lower priority to my lifestyle.

I have all the PPE required and a fairly broad experience of different mines within the peaks and Wales. No insurance though which is why i want to join and be able to visit some of the protected mines with gates and locks.

Especially interested in the Alderley edge mines and Ecton Deep which have been on my list for a long time now! I also seek SRT training which i have been told the DCA provide and is very worthwhile. I could probably get a group of at least 10 available all keen to learn SRT, at the moment we are basic self taught with very low confidence in our rope skills :-[

Hope to meet a few DCA members who will put my name forward for consideration in the near future, i have a baby boy expected to arrive in mid june so really want to get as much in before he arrives as priorities again will change after June :surrender:

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Why don't you phone up the secretary and chat to them directly?

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I've been in email chats, and they gave me some meet dates which i need to check (very busy lifestyle, full time work, university part time and then twist button and stuff to play music at the weekends :lol: )

I just thought having been a interactive member on here for a while now that somebody on here would be able to offer me a meet and trip underground and be my recommendation; as the secretary mentioned that i would need to meet up with members before being considered (to check fitness and general attitude/behavior underground i guess)

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Also i note that the DCA doesnt provide PL insurance and i need to contact the BCA for that, but would joining the DCC get me this? I have also enquired to DCC to find out my best route, but if anyone in the meantime can recommend anything that would be much appreciated, it may be that i sign up for all 3 as it is something i thoroughly enjoy doing and have invested money into with equipment etc.

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Welcome to the world of caving
:lol:

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Hi Praada. I don't believe any of the core officers of the DCA post on AN apart from myself. From your OP I think the following clarification may help you.
Membership of the BCA as a Direct Individual Member (DIM) gives you a card with evidence of PL insurance and can be used to gain access to some systems that require it.
Membership of a caving club like the Derbyshire Caving Club (DCC) would also include membership of the BCA as a Club Individual Member (CIM). The card colour changes and there are a few outdated access agreements that only accept CIMs not DIMs but other than that the benefits are the same really.
Joining a regional body, like the Derbyshire Caving Association (DCA), is separate from the BCA membership structure, but allows direct support and voting rights for local matters at DCA meetings. I am fairly sure when joining the DCA it is possible to join BCA as a DIM at the same time. Far be it for me to put anyone off DCA membership but it is not like joining the BCA or a club.

Either join the BCA as a Direct member or select one of the excellent local clubs to join and become a BCA Club member. Also joining the DCA will be a nice gesture and supports the huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes in Derbyshire.

If you need a referee for the DCA form, please put me.
Pete Knight
DCA Projects Officer

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Brilliant Pete, thanks!

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Don't forget me - I'm DCA Cave Registry Secretary - for what it's worth! :smartass:

But agreed - I'm a DIM of BCA, but also a member of DCA and TSG, and it's not complicated, though I wasn't aware of the possible restrictions on DIMs with some access agreements - what are they Pete?

If you're ever down Castleton way (with some notice), let the TSG know and we'll happily take you somewhere.

I don't think we have enough abbreviations here.

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I don't think we have enough abbreviations here.

L.O.B.

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The only balanced perspective on anything is that of the outsider looking in.

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But agreed - I'm a DIM of BCA, but also a member of DCA and TSG, and it's not complicated, though I wasn't aware of the possible restrictions on DIMs with some access agreements - what are they Pete?

I think there used to be (and may still be) a few cave permit systems in the Dales that required club membership and did not have a system for DIMs. Hopefully all in the past now but it was one of the reasons I set up my own club to get round it.

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I would join the BCA as a individual member and then fit things in around your lifestyle its cheap and easy to do online !

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Especially interested in the Alderley edge mines and Ecton Deep which have been on my list for a long time now! I also seek SRT training which i have been told the DCA provide and is very worthwhile. I could probably get a group of at least 10 available all keen to learn SRT, at the moment we are basic self taught with very low confidence in our rope skills :-[

I am the secretary for the DCC so give me a shout if you want a trip or interested in joining :thumbsup:

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Hi Edd, i emailed the DCC secretary through your website yesterday 🙂 Interested in joining and attending underground meets 🙂 Usually explore with a couple of friends who aren't as bothered about joining a club or gaining PL as they don't go as frequently as myself :)

I think eventually i will join them all (maybe once settled with new born after June) But until then i will proceed with the DCA and get as much in before he arrives :thumbsup:

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Hi Edd, i emailed the DCC secretary through your website yesterday 🙂 Interested in joining and attending underground meets 🙂 Usually explore with a couple of friends who aren't as bothered about joining a club or gaining PL as they don't go as frequently as myself :)

I think eventually i will join them all (maybe once settled with new born after June) But until then i will proceed with the DCA and get as much in before he arrives :thumbsup:

PM Sent

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