... and the winner is ...

Giles Barker Award 2026

Giles Barker lost his life while caving in Spain in 1992. He was an accomplished cave photographer and a member of the Red Rose CPC and Morgannwg CC.

These clubs have annually, since 1993, funded the Giles Barker Award in his memory. This prestigious award – a hand-crafted statue of a cave photographer made by Ceris Jones is given to a person connected with any aspect of cave photography in recognition of his or her excellence and contributions to the field.

When I was younger, so much younger than today (that sounds like a good lyric for a song), I used to dream fantasise  about winning this award. After all, my caving videos for a while were quite popular - I have the views to prove it.

As the contestants on Britain’s Got Talent are always saying when asked what it would mean to win the contest, it would have meant the World to me.

However, each year when the award was presented at the national caving conference, I would look at the recipient and realise that they were so much more talented and deserving than me - just look at what the other three Dudley recipients, Brendan, Mark and Bartek have achieved!

In fact reading through the list of recipients reads like a Who’s Who of caving royalty. Jerry Wooldridge, Peter Collings-Wells, Dave Gibson, Chris Howes, Gavin Newman, My hero - Sid Perou, Paul Deakin, Andy Eavis, Andy Sparrow, Peter Harvey, Robbie Shone, Paul Fretwell, Clive Westlake, Rob Eavis, Dave Webb, The Freems, Pete Glanvill, Martyn Farr, Paul Taylor, Bill Nix and Roo Walters, to name but a few.

I am truly honoured, but also I am a little bemused that my name will now be entered in the Hall of Fame.

And finally in true BAFTA award winning speech style, I could not have done it without the support and encouragement that I have been incredibly lucky to have had from numerous members of Dudley Caving Club over many years. My heartfelt thanks to you all. I shouldn’t really single anyone out, but very special thanks must go to Mark, Jess, Ian and Kay aka Keith’s Cavers.

Me and Bartek at HE 2026. He won a few awards too.