In 1971 a group of British Cavers visited Iran and explored the Ghar Parau cave system. They returned to continue the exploration in 1972. The first expedition broke the Asian Depth Record and there were great hopes for the following year. However, the explorers were only able to descend one more pitch before reaching a terminal sump. One of the positive outcomes of these trips was the formation of the Ghar Parau Foundation (GPF) which has supported UK caving expeditions around the world ever since. Today it’s a standalone charity and has net assets of over £200,000.
To mark the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its creation, a meal is to be held at the Anchor Inn in Tideswell Derbyshire on Saturday February 11th 2023. As well as a meal there will be speakers on behalf of the original Ghar Parau explorers and the current GPF committee.
The meal will be three courses with vegetarian and vegan options available, cost £28. The venue can seat 50 people and we expect there to be strong interest so places will be allocated on a strict first come first served basis. To book your place please email the GPF secretary (Howard Jones) at and pay £28 into the GPF bank account as follows: Ghar Parau Foundation, Yorkshire Bank, sort code 05-08-68 account number 33353551.
Arthur Champion and John Whalley gave a talk November last year on their Ghar Parau expedition which can be accessed via the link below: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U5BbqjzfBEgPWkid0kzZDuBpT8PcekRV/view
We look forward to seeing you there,
Howard Jones, GPF Secretary