This is a notice of work planned in Knotlow Mine and also a request for extra help.

After previous work done in Knotlow Mine, Monyash, to stabilize loose sections of roof, PICA's* annual mines inspection flagged up another area requiring work.
On the Climbing shaft route into the mine, a couple of scrambles short of the pitch into Waterfall Chamber is an unsupported boulder that forms part of the holds/footplacements of the climb. It is likely that this rock would be pulled loose eventually, potentially hurting someone.
The plan is to construct a packwall below the offending rock with subtle cementing to make it secure. I hope the work can be completed in a day, but at the moment we are only 3 or 4 people strong.

I am currently trying to organise the work during the week 8th to 13th March.

Firstly it may be appropriate to avoid this area for recreational trips for that period and a short time after,
and secondly if anyone is free to help during the week I'd appreciate the extra hands. No experience needed in mine repairs, just make sure you can SRT and have your own kit.
I'll put up an exact date when we have enough people to help.

Pete Knight
07812038233
[email protected]

*Peak Instructed Caving Affiliation

---

if the date is ok then i would be glad to lend a hand.. 🙂

---

Looks like it will be Tuesday the 8th March.

---

do you have a time in mind? am trying to juggle work ..

---

I'll be there by 9:30am and I expect the work to take all day and maybe another so any help over that period will be appreciated.
Send me your email and I'll send some more info through.

---

Update:
The work at Knotlow will be going ahead on the 8th and possibly 9th of March.
Caving parties are requested to avoid the Climbing Shaft route into the mine for those days. Cement is being used as mortar to secure some of the repair work and we would recommend that this route is avoided until the weekend at the earliest. If you must go in this way then take great care not to dislodge any of the setting packwall located between the Chain Passage and the lastclimb down to the head of the Waterfall Pitch.

Anyone coming past with coffee is welcome to say hello!

Cheers, Pete

---

I'm not available for this, as it turns out

---

The work was completed today in record time by an eager crew (the promise of sausages for lunch may have helped!). The mortar used in the wall will need a couple of days to set so please be careful if in the area or even better - leave it to the weekend.
Many thanks to all the volunteers who made it today & those who offered help on other days - Works all done so day off!

Cheers to Beth, Faye, Alan, Ric (O.G.), Adam (A_R), Neil (Goose), Gordon, Leon & Simon. :thumbsup:

---