How we do it
20 tons of equipment, 1 winch, lighting gear, tents, even the kitchen sink!
How do we do it?
 The first of several tractors provided by our local farming friends arrives at GG.
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 All loading and unloading is 'handraulic'; many hands still make for heavy work! |
 First things first; the Tea Tent goes up! |
 The winch is manhandled into place and the complex assembly begins.
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 Partially assembled, the gantry must be swung into place over the 100m deep shaft and secured.
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 A critical moment; the unwieldly gantry makes it's way over the hole, brute force rules! |
 Safely in place, the 'erection specialists' take a breather. Note safety ropes securing everyone.
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 The gantry takes shape as the floor is bolted in place, stabilising legs and braces are put in. |
 The dam which diverts Fell Beck away from the winch is erected.
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 The winch is bolted securely to the bedrock. |
 The winch is readied, thr tea tent swings into action, the steps assembled and 101 other jobs are done.
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 The guide cable must be secured to the chamber floor 100 metres below before the chair can be installed. The crew abseils in with tools and equipment. |
 The chair is now in place, ready for testing before taking it's first passengers for this year.
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 The chair makes it's first run and is now ready to bring down lighting gear to illuminate the chamber. |
 The whole winch system is inspected by a professional engineer and given an insurance certificate before operations can begin.
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 The floodlights are installed and tested, giving a view of the chamber only available during the winch meet. |
 BPC members set up home for three weeks of paradise.
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 The security team have forty winks. |
 The meet in full swing |
 'Punters' wait their turn to descend. |