Outdoor Focus Autumn 2019 | Page 16

Fifty Years Underground I n January this year Descent, currently Britain’s only national caving magazine, turned fi fty. Descent was initially edited by Bruce Bedford and sold for the pre-decimal price of 2/6 (or 12.5p in the new-fangled money then beginning to make an appearance). Bruce remained editor until issue 82, with Descent produced under a variety of publishers, including The Mendip Press and Ambit Publications. Other than a sole editing credit by Keith Creighton for issue 83, Descent has since been edited and designed by OWPG’s very own Chris Howes and Judith Calford. (Chris needs no introduction to those who pay attention to OWPG’s annual awards, having won the Photography Award on numerous occasions.) From issue 143 onwards Descent has been published under Chris and Judith’s own Wild Place Publishing label, which - as well as Descent - also publishes a wide variety of books about caving and related topics. Chris and Judith’s aim is to provide the very best and most up- to-date information about caves and caving, as well source the most interesting and technically-accomplished photography they can. With those principles in place, and with the help of the magazine’s enthusiastic readers and contributors, there’s no reason why Descent shouldn’t be celebrating its centenary in 50 years’ time... For more information about Descent or Wild Places Publishing visit the recently redeveloped and refurbished website www.wildplaces.co.uk, or email [email protected] Main Photo Krem Sakwa © Chris Howes 16 Outdoor focus | autumn 2019