Kent Underground Research Group AGM 2021 Annual Reports
Secretary’s Report - Emma Scheck
Investigations and Digs since the 2020 AGM
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The Northfeet Restoration Trust (Charity number 1158702): This charity is based near Ebbsfleet and requested KURG’s help to investigate a chamber to be found up a pipe with a water flow. KURG as able to clear and excavate brick and rubble to gain access to the chamber which has been one of the harbour inlets. This was a cold task, and the water flow was considerably stronger than expected. Assessment for safety and a survey were producted and provided to the Trust.
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Maidstone Girls Grammar School: Following the original dig to locate the entrances and confirm the state of the interior, KURG was requested once again to assist. The entrances had been re-sealed and covered for safety and security, but now that the school has acquired funding to turn the bunker into an educational space for schools in the area, the contractors involved in that task needed help refinding the three entrances.
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Family Vault in Bishopsbourne: For the second year in a row, KURG has been asked to help with vaults. This year it was to open a family vault and check for bad air and any other safety issues prior to the undertakers descending to assess burual requirements for a family member.
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SPAB (Charity No.111 3753) work at Boxley Abbey: We were again invited to investigate the culverts and the reredorter at Boxley Abbey by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB). We were able to provide them with additional information due to having use of new equipment lent by Clive Penfold.
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Broadditch Farm: A small team went to investigate a newly opened hole at the farm shop. Following a great deal of online research it has been found to be a denehole, but on the day it was not descended due to instability at the opening requiring rigging equipment.
Update of other Digs
- Shottenden Hole investigation Help was requested by a lady when a small hole appeared close to her house while she was gardening. Following an initial inspection followed by a small dig, the extent of the hole was discovered, and she was advised by KURG to get professional advice regarding underpinning parts of her house.
We understand she took KURG’s advice and has had remedial work done to her house. She reiterated her gratitude to KURG for all the help and advice that we gave.
South East Cave Rescue Organisation (SECRO)
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SECRO covers all of the south east of England, London and parts of Essex.
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There have not been any incidents or call-outs this year in the SECRO area.
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There are typically three SECRO practices per year
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There are still very few representatives from KURG in SECRO.
Subscriptions and insurance for 2022
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These are due before the end of the year. The membership subscription will be unchanged for 2021. We have been advised by the BCA that their insurance fees will be increasing for 2022.
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Emails with full details will be sent to you in good time before the end of the year.
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Please note that BCA insurance has no ‘grace period’ and expires on 31[st] December, so unless you renew promptly, you will not be covered from 1[st] January 2022.
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We currently have 55 members of KURG. 51 have Active Caver insurance and 4 have Non-caver insurance.
Web Report
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We are still in need of a webmaster. Please step forward if you could possibly help with this. It is not a huge task, but needs somebody with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
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Thank you to Dave Cushing who is still helping us with this despite having resigned from it nearly a decade ago!
Newsletter Editor’s Report 2021 - Angie Harwood
A huge thanks once again to everyone who has contributed to the KURG newsletters this year; and a special mention to Robert Hall and Terry Reeve who achieved a hat trick by providing great articles for every edition in the last 12 months.
In the last 3 editions of the newsletter, in total there have been 9 direct contributors (although many more have added to the experience by featuring in some of the photographs)! Please bear in mind the newsletter whenever you are engaged in or stumble across something that may be of interest to our group, and consider sending me a few lines for inclusion in the next edition, in whatever format is easiest for you.
Finally, if anyone has any suggestions for improvements to the current format of the newsletter, please let me know - I'd gratefully receive any feedback.
Treasuruer’s Report – Pete Burton
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Accounts Year ending 31/12/2020
INCOME EXPENDITURE
Newsletter 0.00
Cash in Bank 8402.75 Equipment 0.00
Secretary 0.00
Subscriptions 1366.00 Materials 0.00
Web hosting 0.00
Donations 0.00 AGM costs 0.00
BCA Insurance 739.00
Interest 7.97 KAS sub 25.00
NAMHO sub 20.00
CIO costs 20.72
Total 1373.97 804.72
Cash in Bank 8972.00
Surplus 569.25 Surplus is greater this year due
to accounting methods being
changed in previous year
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