After 43 years of dedicated service to Mendip Cave Rescue, Nigel Taylor retired earlier this year. A farewell was held as part of a presentation evening at the Hunters Lodge Inn, Priddy on the 9th June 2018. Nigel was made a warden in 1975 and has attended many call-outs over the years. In those days equipment was much more basic. Communication underground was made by reeling out hundreds of feet of wire to attach a telephone. Also, the first strike bag had a packet of 10 cigarettes in it, which were to calm the nerves of the casualty (known as a victim in those days) and the rescuer! The presentation evening also showed how cave rescue equipment and techniques have evolved over the years.

Nigel Taylor presentation

Nigel Taylor being presented with a certificate from the MCR secretary Martin Grass