CHECC 2019 Forum

CHECC 2019 is fast approaching the dates are set as 22-24th of November 2019. We’re finally returning to South Wales!

This year CHECC will take place at Parkwood outdoors (Dolygaer), we will have access to the Lodge which will be our main indoor space with 44 beds and 2 communal spaces. The learning centre which will act as our training centre during the day and ‘The Break Room’ after 9 pm. We will also have a marquee for some extra space away from the elements, we recommend you all bring tents as we can’t guarantee accommodation for everyone but also please share as camping space is limited.

Venue location

The venue is situated in Merthyr Tydfil, less than an hours drive away from OFD. Dolygaer Outdoors centre, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2UR.

Arriving at the Venue

Upon arrival at the forum, please send everyone to the CHECC reception (follow signs), where you will be registered, receive your wristbands, and supplied with any other important information. We will NOT give you anyone else’s wristband – you must collect your own.

Please also take some time to visit the caving suppliers stalls we have attending. It is a great chance for you to purchase any kit you need for the trip that you just planned, at an unbeatable rate! Don’t forget to bring cash!

Please do not arrive before 6 pm as we need time to prepare for the event.

Site map

Parking

Be aware that there will be limited onsite parking and that some cars will need to double park for us to fit you all in the venue. If possible please share cars on the drive over. Most importantly if you are parking on the side of the road especially on the approach to the venue from the south please leave enough space for emergency response vehicles to make their way to the venue in the case of an emergency.

There will be a short stay drop-off point close to the venue. When arriving please pay attention to the parking marshals. When parking on the road leading up to the outdoors centre be sure to leave enough space for emergency service vehicles to make their way to the venue.

The Lodge

The lodge will be the main CHECC building where we will host the stomp, dining and talks. This is also where indoor accommodation is situated, the building has a total of 44 beds which will, as usual, be allocated between clubs as a portion of the number of members they bring with signs put up on the door.

Camping

Please remember that this is camping in Wales in November, so it is vital that you bring appropriate gear. The field should not become waterlogged over the weekend, but we have experienced all sorts of weather there before, so bring rugged tents! The field is also quite small so please try to pitch your tents close together and share where possible.

Camping is located in a field outside the lodge, please wrap up warm and share tents if you can.

Food

Breakfast will be served from 9.00am until 10.30am on Saturday and Sunday. Dinner will be served from 7.30pm on Saturday evening.

When collecting your food, please make it clear if you are a vegetarian or if you have told us about any allergies you may have as there will be something else available for you. Please bring your own extra food with you though as we will not supply any snacks for your trips or late-night munchies!

Glasses

As CHECC events have a history of a) not having enough glasses and b) breaking any that we find, we have CHECC branded reusable plastic cups available! £1 per glass and it’s yours to keep. These will be available from the sign-in area.

T-Shirts

CHECC T-Shirts can be reserved via the CHECC website, these will be on hold for you until Sunday morning so please try to collect them before then, they’re on sale for £10 each.

AGM

The AGM will be held in the Main Hall on Sunday morning from around 10am. We really appreciate as many of you attending as possible as this means that CHECC can maintain its student input.

This year, we will also be electing a new Treasurer for a three-year term, and re-electing the annual position of Safety & Training Officer. If you would like to stand for either of these positions, please speak to one of the committee who will gladly have a chat about what the roles entail.
NB – In order to stand for a committee position, the constitution dictates a number of requirements:

 You must have shown interest in CHECC/held a position of responsibility within CHECC before (e.g. a club delegate)
 You must be proposed and seconded by two separate member clubs
 You must prepare a short speech to present at the AGM as to your interest in the role.

Delegates Meeting

The delegates meeting will take place after the AGM on Sunday, in the Lecture Hall. Please ensure your club delegate attends as they will have the opportunity to represent your club and any feedback/issues you are having in a smaller group.

Fire Safety

Should the fire alarm in any building sound, all the buildings must be evacuated immediately. Please follow exit signs to the nearest evacuation point. CHECC will appoint a Fire Safety Officer who will need to check whether anyone is not accounted for.

If the fire alarms are set off without good cause, we will be charged.

Cave Safety

As previously stated, all call-outs are to be submitted to Little Si or a member of the committee. If any group exceeds their call out, this will be dealt with by the committee, who will deal with any necessary emergency assistance.

First Aid

Please find a member of the committee if you, or another, are in need of first aid. Please inform us of any incidents that happen during the event as it will need to be recorded.

Leaving the forum

The last two years have seen student cavers really pull together leaving venues as clean or cleaner than we’ve found them. Please keep up the good work! In light of this our treasurer has decided not to require security deposits from clubs, however, we are still liable for any damages so please act respectfully of the venue and hopefully, we can leave them wanting us back.

And Finally…

This weekend is all about student cavers. So cave together, party together, look after each other and the event. If you have any issues /questions/ideas throughout the weekend, come and find one of the committee!