SWCC 70th Anniversary 2016 - from PCW

Yes it's true, in 2016 our Club will celebrate its 70th birthday!

Traditionally at 10 year anniversaries we have a big meal with everyone involved, including partners and friends of SWCC and former members - a really significant event.

First - save the date - the main event will happen in the evening of Saturday 30th April 2016 - that's the evening after the AGM on the early May Bank Holiday.

Next we need to have an organiser and a couple of helpers - please would you email me PCW to volunteer, it won't happen on it's own and we need to plan early to get the venue we want.

Next we need to decide what kind of event do we want? Sit down or buffet / formal or smart/casual, a band during or after / dance after. Where would be best - not too far from SWCC?

Please have a think - I will be sending round a voting email soon so everyone can have their say. Traditionaly we have also had a Guest Speaker, Prizes (silly and sensible), and a raffle. Children will be welcome, and those old enough will be able to have their own tables. There won't be a crèche unless someone organises one. There will be coaches etc.

Of course we needn't stop there - a spring or summer party - special expedition - merchandise - a bumper Journal issue . . suggestions and organisers welcome!

Controversial changes to Cambrian Caving Council Constitution - from your Committee

Dear Club member,

Please find linked documents relating to the AGM of the Cambrian Caving Council (CCC) which is to be held on the 15th of March 2015 in Bettws Y Coed. As members of a CCC member club, all SWCC members are entitled to attend this meeting and to speak if they wish to, but not to vote. Bernie Woodley will be attending the meeting as the SWCC voting representative. CCC Agenda - Constitution - Proposed Amendments

The Committee encourages all members to read the linked documents as the proposed constitutional amendments represent a potentially significant change in the ethos of the Council and its relationships with the Clubs it represents.

Firstly, the CCC is proposing to amend clause 4.2 in the Guiding Principles section. The current wording is “That the landowners and tenants of property containing caves have the right to grant or withhold access”. The proposed amendment is “That any rights held by the landowners and tenants of property containing caves to grant or withhold access be respected”

This seemingly innocuous change actually has significant ramifications. We have recently seen a large debate and a referendum on the rights to access. This change in wording could, in effect give those who believe that CROW already applies to caving (an opinion as yet untested in any legal binding way) a perceived justification to cave without gaining landowner permission since they do not believe that the landowner has any rights to refuse or grant access. There is great potential for this interpretation to severely damage existing relationships with landowners and any longer term negotiations.

Secondly, there is a proposed change to the makeup of the Council itself.

According to clause 7.3, currently “Each officer and representative shall be a member of a full Member-Club of at least one year’s standing.”

The proposed change is that “Each Officer and representative shall be a member of a Full Member-Club, or an Associate Member of the Council, of at least one year's standing.”

This is also a subtle yet very significant change. It could allow an individual who has chosen not to belong to any of the 50 or so member clubs active in Wales to become an elected officer with a position of influence on the very council that represents the interests of those clubs and therefore goes against the Councils own statement on the front page of their website – “The Cambrian Caving Council is the National Association for caving in the Principality, it is comprised of caving clubs or similar organisations therein or organisations with major speleological interests or establishments therein. It represents their interests in Wales, The Marches and the Forest of Dean on a regional basis within the UK context, whilst maintaining its position as an independent autonomous body within the Principality”

For these reasons, Bernie will be attending the meeting with a mandate from the committee to vote against the proposed constitutional ammendments.

Significant changes were allowed to happen at the last CCC AGM because only 11 of the eligible clubs attended. We would urge anybody who is available to attend this meeting and support Bernie. If you would like to discuss the Clubs relationship with CCC in more detail, please contact any Committee member.

SWCC : 1-10 Powell St : Penwyllt : Pen y Cae : Swansea : SA9 1GQ
    Contact : Calendar : FrontPage : e-News archive : fb : FaceWall