The Cambridge University Caving Club combines the opportunities of participating in an unusual sport and joining in with the social facilities which go side by side with that activity. This year has demonstrated beyond all doubt that a balance between these two functions provides firm foundation for invigorating a society and encouraging people to stay in close contact.

This year began with a change in tactics with regard to the first cave that most of the freshers would see - on the freshers meet. P8 was abandoned in favour of Carlswark Caverns - which could be relied upon to be dry whatever the weather conditions were like. This proved to be a sensible move and there was a notable enthusiasm from the freshers to make sure that they were included in the first Yorkshire meet.

The influx of new faces into the club formerly dominated by third years has helped to eliminate the last remaining traces of the polarisation of interest between the experienced older cavers and new members. This has been greatly helped by the presence of a number of experienced first year cavers who help to integrate all the club's members. Having reached this stage it is vitally important that the club maintains its outgoing appearance so that the caving achievements of the club improve and next year's freshers will fit easily into the existing state of affairs

With regard to the rest of the year, meets have been attended in Yorkshire, the Mendips and South Wales. Mini-bus has remained the favourite form of transport - for cost if not for comfort. A one day meet to Derbyshire was also arranged - all proving that variety is the spice of life.

The publication ot this journal has been made possible only by the assistance I have received from a number of sources. In particular I wish to thank those contributors who found time to write an article for the journal. I wish also to thank those advertisers who have supported us in this edition, thereby reducing the financial burden on the club. Please support them and mention Cambridge Underground when writing to them. For the practical help in typing out the articles and drawing diagrams, my thanks go to everyone else who gave me their assistance so readily. Finally I wish to thank tne printers for their splendid cooperation at all stages of the preparation of this journal. I am particularly gratetul to them for arranging the layout of the advertisements.

Pete Goodman. Editor.

Editorial staff :

J. A. Heathcote
A. E. R. Waddington
P. T. M. Brooks
and several others pressed into typing services.