Annual Dinner weekend 2011

On Friday over 30 SUSSians descended upon Swarthygill Farm, an amazing place with a treehouse, in the middle of nowhere.

At the time I arrived, Henry and Ali were building a huge tower out of mutant Jenga blocks and climbing to the top of it. After a good catch up with people not seen for a while, it was time to get some sleep ready for the caving.

Henry atop his tower
Henry atop his tower

 

A nice relaxed start to the morning saw everyone rested up ready for the day. Mike, Alisa, Scott, Rostam, Chris and me went off to Pasture Gill, as did another team of people so even though we gave them a head start we caught up quickly so there was a bit of a build up in the cave. We got to the bottom of the big pitch and split into two, Chris and Scott heading down the rift for a bit and the rest of us heading out. Nice little trip, and even nicer that when we got to the surface it was beautifully sunny.

Don't fall in!
Don't fall in!

 

Everyone got back from their caving trips in time for the annual dinner food, which was very tasty, and good that it was at the venue so there was no hassle about getting there. After tummies had been filled it was time for the condiment race and then the awards. The night then progressed with a caving musical written by Rostam, and singing; the new song Speleo-rhapsody written by Tom went down very well.

On Sunday the morning/afternoon faff consisted of sorting out the money, cleaning the bunkhouse and trying to find Rostam’s car keys. After all was sorted we decided to go on a quick trip down Sleets Gill. We were slightly disappointed as the book lied and said there were spectacular formations but there was good company so a good trip anyway. After we had got changed we went and had a picnic of bread and jam at the top of the hill whilst waiting for Glen and MUSC Ben to get out. It would be good to go back and go right to the bottom through the sumps.

Picnic time
Picnic time

 

After the cave, people departed and me, Chris and Tom went to the Bradford hut and met up with Rosie and Sam ready for another two days of caving. In the two days we had a lot of fun; Swinsto, Tatham Wife, laughing at the film Sanctum, general witty banter, rescue practice, lovely sunsets and eating tasty food. On the way down from Tatham Wife we had more tackle bags than people so Rosie held strong to her stubborn mule award and took two down on her back.

Stubborn mule eh?

 

Overall a very good annual dinner and I think everyone had a lot of fun. Looking forward to the next years worth of caving 🙂


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