Bewerley Park Trial

Can I have some opinions on this tragic accident.

Info about the accident here – http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/4437998.stm

Recent info on trial here – http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/8619262.stm

It looks as though the conditions were dangerous, with a local dam being over capacity. It looks as though the conditions should have been accesed before entering the cave. My thoughts go out to this lads family and friends.

.. but, this is why I am interested in this story. I went to Bewerley park when I was at Brayton high school, everybody did. This place was amasing and a fantastic oppertunity for us to go caving, climbing, gorge walking, abseiling, rafting, canoeing, orienteering, hill walking ect. I liked it so much that me and a friend went on more trips with lower years when there were available places.

I am now a regular walker (rambler if you like) and try to get up in the hills when ever I can. This place was inspiring to me and I hope it will be able to continue to inspire others. These activitys are made available to kids who might not ever be able to try these kind of things outside school, through cost or even not being aware they exist.

These activitys promote confidence, team work and fitness. The cave in question was the first cave I ever went in. I`l be honest I was not all that keen on going in, under ground and in the dark. We sat inside the first part of the cave turned off our lights, tryd to adjust our eyes, listened to the water running in the darkness. I did`nt think it was for me. You know what, by the end of the cave I was at the front of the group. I loved it, it was something I had never seen before, the stalagmites and stalagtites. We learned about the different rocks and how the cave was formed in a cave not in a classroom. We worked together to get each other up or under obstacles, we even tryd to find the route our selves (well supervised). we all came out with a sense of achievment.

Now what do you guys think ? Obviously lessons need to be learned to try and prevent this happening again but this could put this kind of school trip in danger. There is a risk involved in everything. These kids were probably (statisticaly) in more danger in the mini bus on the way there.

I am very greatfull to my parents for paying (it was not easy) and allowing, even encouraging me to go to Bewerley Park. As a kid I was always in the woods falling out of trees or playing in quarries. These organised trips with experienced guides/instructors are much safer.

I apologise its late and I have prattled on for quite a while. You may have noticed that it is a subject I am very interested and passionate about.

I realy dont know what to think. The loss of a child is a terrible thing, I have only a little understanding of. I just dont want children missing out on these experiences I had.

My condolences to the parents of Joe Lister. It must be horrible to have all this dragged up years later.

Your opinions please.

Ben