Hidden Earth 2014: 26-28 September 2014, Leek, Staffordshire. Hidden Earth is the UK’s annual caving conference, hosted by the British Cave Research Association and the British Caving Association for the benefit of all cavers.
Online bookings for Hidden Earth can be made from 1 June until a week before the event.
Competition Results and Staff Credits for 2013 are now on line.
New Surveying Competitions: In addition to the usual Closed Loop Survey Contest, BCRA’s Cave Surveying Group is organising two new survey drawing competitions this year; one for printed surveys and one for digital surveys that have been uploaded to the BCA survey data repository. Leica Geosystems has donated prizes of a Disto X310 for each of these new competitions. See Cave Survey Salon.
On-site events will include…
Expedition and science lectures
Regional UK caving round-ups
Meetings and workshops
Trade and club stands in the exhibition area
Photo and art displays
Competitions
Rope testing rig
Camping
Please note that the venue has a polocy of “no dogs except guide dogs”.
Speleo-Olympics: Grab a mate and try the caver assault course, with the prospect of winning a bottle of champagne and your names on the trophy. (The event will take place at times throughout the weekend, in the exhibition area).
SRT Competitions: Prusik race, and assault course (passing re-belays).
Saturday Evening: As in previous years there is a dinner for which you need to book in advance.
Competitions
BCRA Photo Salon: This is a place where everyone from beginner to seasoned professional can display their photographs. There are three main categories of competition – colour print, monochrome print, and digital files. Additional prizes include the prestigious Premier Trophy, best UK newcomer, cave life and the fun shot, judged by the audience ‘laughometer’. There are prizes in all categories.
Video Media Salon: The term ‘video media’ is intended to encompass all depictions of moving images and sequences of pictures and the competition will cover any aspect of caves, mines or potholes. Entries will be screened at the conference and will be judged for their artistic, technical and aesthetic qualities with particular emphasis on artistic originality and innovation. Prizes awarded. Please note that entry forms must be completed in advance of the event – entries on the day are not accepted.
ISSA Art & Cartoon Salons: These are open to all forms of visual art, except photographs, including drawing, painting, print-making, sculpture and textiles relating to any aspect of caves and caving. Entries will be judged, this year, by a panel of judges. The art salon is organised for Hidden Earth by the International Society for Speleological Art.
Club T-shirt Competition: Display your Club T-shirt and if it catches people’s eye for its art or wit, you might win a prize!
Cave Survey Salon: In addition to the traditional Closed Loop Survey Contest, BCRA’s Cave Surveying Group is organising two new cave survey competitions this year; one for printed surveys and one for digital surveys that have been uploaded to the BCA survey data repository. For 2013 and 2014, Leica Geosystems has donated prizes of a Disto X310 for each of these new competitions. See Cave Survey Salon.
Design an impressive Caving Club Stand for the exhibition area and win a prize.
More information will follow on: http://hidden-earth.org.uk/index2.html