Dear Future Cavers, It was great seeing you guys at Freshers' Fair and cheers for signing up to the caving club's mailing list! Here's some information on the events we have lined up for you to learn more about caving and to try it out for yourself: *Weekly Pub Meets – Tuesdays, Union Bar, 7pm *We meet every Tuesday at the Union Bar, with the first one this term on *12 **th** October*. This is your first chance to get to know the current members in a more relaxed setting, chat about caving (and everything else) over a pint or two, and sign up for weekend trips. We'll probably be in the corner of the bar, but if the weather's good and the bar is too crowded (since the main pub will not be ready yet) you might find us at one of the tables outside in the quad. In any case, we'll definitely be somewhere in the union – just look for a familiar face! Or give Clare a bell at 07542135310 if you can't spot anyone. *Slideshow Presentation + Free Cheese & Wine! *Our slideshow talk will be on *Wednesday, 13**th** October* at *Meeting Room 3, East Basement, Union Building* at *1pm*. Come look at some pretty pictures and hear us natter on about caving while munching on some cheese and wine! We'll be telling you more about what really happens underground, a typical weekend trip, our plans for the year, and our summer expeditions to Slovenia. For those who can stick around after the talk, we'll be having our first tree training session (see below) immediately after the presentation. *Tree Training – Wednesdays, Princes Gardens, 1pm *As most of our caving is done in rather vertical potholes which we abseil down, we're holding tree training sessions (click for photo<http://www.union.ic.ac.uk/rcc/caving/photo_archive/trips/2004-12-01%20-%20treetraining%20-%20jarvist/IMG_0680.html>) every Wednesday (starting next week) to teach you the ropework basics before you go underground. It's really informal, and you don't have to bring anything, wear special clothes or pay any fees. Ideally, before your first trip to Yorkshire you would have attended at least one tree training session. We normally meet in *Beit Quad* at *1pm*, but if you're running late just head straight to* Princes Gardens* (where Ethos, Southside/Eastside halls are) and you'll see the ropes up in the trees. *Weekend Trips *Here's our current Autumn calendar: 15-17th Oct: South Wales, Ogof Ffynnon Ddu (Fresher I) 29-31st Oct: Yorkshire, Leck Fell (Fresher II) 12-14th Nov: Yorkshire, Gaping Gill 26-28th Nov: Derbyshire 17-23rd Dec: Winter tour! Our first trip this term will be to South Wales, and it's a great introduction to sports caving. There is no rope work necessary for this particular cave, so you won't need to have attended a tree training session. Places are limited, so come on down to a pub meet or the slideshow presentation to sign up! A £10 deposit will guarantee your place on the trip. The first couple of freshers trips will cost only £10 a trip if you buy membership<http://www.imperialcollegeunion.org/caving-46/caving-membership/>, but thereafter it's £35 a weekend. This price includes everything you need for the weekend – transport, accommodation, food, and equipment, so it's a pretty good deal! If you want to know more about the club or are just curious about caving, the club website <http://www.union.ic.ac.uk/rcc/caving/> is a great place to start. There's a huge amount of information on there, with plenty of FAQs<http://www.union.ic.ac.uk/rcc/caving/new_member.php>, trip reports, and photos for your browsing pleasure. Alternatively, just get in touch with us if you have any queries at all – we'd love to hear from you! The club's email address is ic.caving@gmail.com, or you can drop me a text/phone me at 07542135310 and email at cst09@ic.ac.uk. Look forward to seeing you guys soon! Best Wishes, Clare Tan (Caving President)