Reflections on a Red Rose Dinner
I entered the Craven Arms
with some trepidation having had little contact with the RRCPC for many years.
My caving peaked in the 70s, my whole life revolving around Bull Pot Farm.
Myself and a group of school friends had been intercepted by Frank Croll on the Fell Road one day walking back to Kirkby Lonsdale after camping in Easegill oblivious of any
access constraints. Frank climbed out of his half-timbered Morris interrogated
us harshly, delivered a severe bollocking then gave us all a lift home. Frank
was magnificent, he introduced me to the RRCPC, arranged for Ron Bliss to
collect me on a Saturday morning when he was unable to go to the Farm and
calmed the fears of my parents most successfully. I learned my caving and
exploration skills from the great master, Jim Newton who, because I was skinny
at the time, shoved me into all sorts of nooks and crannies. Jim was a pillar
and trips he led invariably went like clockwork.
I was so happy to meet
many old friends at the Dinner. While we
all have been ravaged to various degrees by the passage of time, the memories
of great times and events erupted into my memory as fresh as if they had
occurred yesterday.
Thanks to the Red Rose
committee and members for a wonderful evening of friendship, banter, good food,
fine amber nectar and unforgettable entertainment. Maybe it is time I ventured
underground again.
Dave Creedy