In the 1950s a group of friends started exploring and studying disused mines and caves in Shropshire and other parts of the UK. In September 1961 they officially formed themselves into the "The Shropshire Mining Club", later changing their name to "The Shropshire Caving & Mining Club".

In 2021 we celebrated our 60th Anniversary and are still going strong.

The Club runs an active programme of underground and surface trips, with typically 2 to 3 main trips per month. We also organise trips to caves and mines in all parts of Britain, the Isle of Man, Ireland, and the Continent - basically anywhere we can get underground!

Club members are a major force in the Midlands Cave Rescue Organisation, regularly participating in rescue practices and training and the occasional rescue.

In addition to underground exploration and training Members carry-out historical research, the results of which the Club publishes on this website, in it's Journals, "Accounts", Quarterly Journal/Newsletter - Below!, or Videos - combining a record of Club explorations with the historical background to the sites concerned. (The videos are produced in association with I.A.Recordings).

Meetings

We normally hold a Club Meeting on the first Friday of every month at Allscott Bowling Club (formerly the British Sugar Social Club), Allscott, Telford, Shropshire. We usually start the meetings at 19:30 (7:30pm) with a presentation/talk by a Club member (to be less than 60 minutes long), before the main meeting takes place. Please get in touch before turning up in case the date or venue has changed! Note: The Social Club may be moving to a new site, across the road, before the end of 2023.

Conservation

Members are also active in the preservation and conservation of underground and surface sites, working with other local groups, councils and landowners to protect bat habitats and sites of historical importance.

To help with rescue and exploration activities Club members have developed a variety of 'low' and 'high' tech gadgets.

Club Subs

• Full member: £22.00 + £20 per person p.a. BCA membership*.
• Joint/Family: £30, plus relevant BCA fee.*.
• Junior (under 16): £14, plus BCA fee*.
• Subscriber: £22 (this only entitles you to receive Club publications).

Note: - The BCA have indicated that they aren't planning to increase their rates in 2024.

* By paying the BCA fee via the Club you become a Club Individual Member of the BCA. As a benefit of this membership you are covered by the BCA Public Liability Insurance (PLI) which covers both surface and underground activities. If you don't go underground the BCA Non-Caving membership fee is £6 per person. If you already get BCA membership via another Club/Society or you are a Direct Individual Member of the BCA we'll need to know your BCA number.

• Underground exploration can be dangerous if you do not have the right equipment and skills. This is why you should consider joining a well established Club, who can train you and lend you equipment for your first few trips.
   
• Have a look at our Links page to find links to other underground exploration groups, both in Britain and around the world.