About Us
In the 1950s a group of friends started exploring and studying disused mines and caves in Shropshire and other parts of the UK. In September 1961 they officially formed themselves into the "The Shropshire Mining Club", later changing their name to "The Shropshire Caving & Mining Club". We are still going strong, 50 years on, with several of the early founding members still involved.
The Club runs an active programme of underground and surface trips, with typically
2 to 3 main trips per month. We also organise trips to caves and mines in
all parts of Britain, the Isle of Man, 
Ireland, and the Continent - basically
anywhere we can get underground!
The Club is a major force in the Midlands Cave Rescue Organisation, regularly participating in rescue practices and training.
In addition to underground exploration and training Members carry-out historical research, the results of which the Club publishes in it's Journals, "Accounts", Quarterly Newsletter - Below!, or Videos - combining a record of Club explorations with the historical background to the sites concerned. (The videos are produced in association with I.A.Recordings).
Meetings
We hold a Club Meeting on the first Friday of every month at the British
Sugar Social Club, Allscott, Telford, Shropshire at 8pm - Please get
in touch before turning up in case the date or venue has changed!
Conservation
Members are also active in the preservation and conservation
of underground and surface sites, working with other local groups and
councils to protect bat habitats and sites of historical importance.
To help with rescue and exploration activities Club members have developed a variety of 'low' and 'high' tech gadgets.
Club Subs
Full member: £22.00 + £17 per person p.a. BCA insurance*.
Joint/Family: £30, plus relevant insurance*.
Junior (under
16): £14, plus relevant insurance*.
Subscriber: £22 (this only entitles you to receive
Club publications).
* The £17 per person BCA insurance premium covers both surface and underground activities. If you only require surface cover the premium is £6 per person.
Please
note:
- Underground exploration can be potentially dangerous if you do not
have the right equipment and skills. This is why you should consider
joining a well established Club, who can train you and lend you equipment
for your first few trips.
- Have a look at our Links page to find links to other underground exploration groups, both in Britain and around the world.