The Log Book of the Northern Cavern and Fell Club 1934. [cover-title]: Cavern and Fell 1934 Records

8vo (8" x 10"), original printed wrappers. 117 pp. of typescript. 16 original silver print photographs wth typed captions. Inscribed on an endpaper "Presented to Mrs. Robinson of the Craven Arms with the compliments of the Cavern & Fell—in appreciation of the very many kindnesses shown to them." CONDITION: Good, some wear to covers and spine; contents very good, photos with excellent contrast. A very fine and unusual typescript journal of the Northern Cavern and Fell Club of Yorkshire, including typescript accounts of spelunking adventures and sixteen striking original photographs. This remarkable journal consists of lists of the of?cers of the Northern Cavern and Fell Club (est. 1928); a list of over a dozen meets the Club held in 1934; a table of contents indexing meets, events, and detailed narrative accounts of the club’s expeditions written by members. The meets took place at such caves as Gaping Ghyll, Arncliffe, Fountains Fell, Alum Pot, Isle of Skye, Mere Gill and Lingmell Girdle. The photographs capture subterranean scenes during the Club’s meets as well as group and solo images of Club members. These variously show the spelunkers carrying and transporting gear; at the openings of various caves; rappelling and on ladders; climbing on different perilous sections of their routes (as indicated by captions); inside massive caves; at the club’s annual dinner with family members, and so forth. Captions include: "W.J. Haworth Esq. President 1934"; "Public Enemy No. 1, Public Enemy No. 2, and Public Assistance Required"; "Transport at G.G."; "The Swildon’s Hole Diving Party," etc. In this final image a group of seven spelunkers are pictured in a cave—a party of amused and amusing gents, two with headlamps and one with a mask. Another remarkable cave image pictures the Pen-y-Ghent entrance—showing a dangling ladder and sunlight shining into the hole from above. Another intriguing shot shows a man in a wheelchair reading a map as spelunkers stand nearby on a rock-face during a event. The text includes descriptions of club get-togethers; a joint-meet with the Halifax Vandals; the commemoration of Club President Wally Haworth’s marriage in 1934; a piece entitled "Baulked at Bentham; Captured at Clapham. Was it Night Starvation or Ovaltine Orgy?"; verse by member George Butterworth entitled "Through A Looking Glass"; an interesting diagram of the Washfold Pot’s levels; a reproduced letter from the Gritstone Club ("The Grits") on their expedition down Washfold Pot, and so forth. An incident termed the "Gingling Accident" is extensively detailed. Several letters concerning the accident are reproduced, including one penned from the hospital by an injured Club member, reading in part: "I am trying to forget the ghastly nightmare of the week-end, but shall never forget the wonderful work of your own and kindred club members, specially your belay pin feat." The journal is rounded out with editorial notes; an account of the Christmas meet at Giggleswick; and a club roster. SOME REPRESENTATIVE PASSAGES Pen-y-Ghent, Long Churn; 14 Apr. 1934 "Sunday morning found the gang…complete with ladders and ropes at the cottage ready for the fray. Cars were taken to Higher Birk with and from there a short walk soon landed the party at the hole. The stream had been diverted down a side passage thus leaving the ladder descent dry. It was afterwards learned that a Giggleswick party had been down the previous week-end but had failed to get very far. Nobody having thought of bringing a stake the fellows dispersed in search of more ammunition, and eventually a couple of branches were found which were believed to be strong enough—one quite dry and the other apparently half rotted. However, the N.C.F.C. are known for not being too particular a club and it was unanimously decided that ‘it’ll do.’ The two ladders were fastened together and hung down, and Downham slipped down. About twenty feet down there was an ominous crack and tho that worthy had been making.…