This past month, we’ve been celebrating the incredible and unrivalled career achievements of Chris Jowett, who has decided to retire from ‘student caving’ trips after a staggering 38 years as Head of Caving at St David’s College. An absolute legend and someone I’ve personally learnt a lot from.

As a fellow graduate of the I M Marsh Campus, Outdoor Education Degree at Liverpool John Moores University, we both had a similar ‘education ‘ (although I was still in primary school when he was in lectures!). He might be retiring from work, but he’s still very active in the adventerous world of underground exploration – including cave diving! This is him somewhere deep under Sardinia!…

As part of the celebrations, I wrote and performed a song at the annual Outdoor Education Awards evening. I had a lot of material to work with, but eventually trimmed things down to something that was short enough, rhymed well and was, mostly, politically correct. There’s a lot of niche references in the lyrics, but the overall theme is one of respect and gratitude, to celebrate an incredible career.

It’s called The Caving Store.

It’s just a 2×2 metre square,

To the untrained eye there’s just stuff everywhere,

Mostly all coated in thick muddy dust,

With Karabiners that look like they’re starting to rust,

Clog or HB – original gear

None of this newfangled, light-weight-stuff here

So if I say, JOWETT You say CAVING! (repeat x 2)

There’s helmets that could take a bomb blast or two,

Lovingly repaired, with gaffer or glue,

No need to replace or update stuff in here,

It’s the place that Gold Standard Inspectors most fear.

Keep the lights dimmed, as you hand out a suit,

A headlamp, and maybe an old Welly boot,

‘Coz the money that this store, has saved this school,

Could have purchased Dan Lycett two brand new sports halls,

‘Cause nothing is wasted – only repaired,

And despite it’s appearance, it’s lovingly cared,

And for 38 years, it’s been in his care,

Yet somehow still fits under the Exped Store stairs,

So if I say, JOWETT You say CAVING! (repeat x 2)

You dodge SLT – your technique never fails!

Just flatly refuse, to open emails,

Pretend that the laptop refuses to start,

Your inbox must simply be bursting apart!

You really are quite an inspiration to me,

And someone that I’d really quite like to be, *(except for all the underground stuff)

I’m talking sense of adventure, distinguished white beard,

With hobbies that seem reassuringly weird,

You help teach me to teach when you showed me your planner,

But I’ve still no idea – what on earth is Warhammer?

With 38 years to cover by song,

I’m not sure we’ve got enough time to sing on,

So if I say, JOWETT You say CAVING! (repeat x 2)

Let’s finish with gratitude, thanks, and some praise,

For flying the flag in adventurous ways.

And falcons of course, another string to your bow,

And the highlight of many an Open Day show,

Prince Edward in fact, has handled your bird,

And it’s chased off a Governor from what I have heard.

Keep your batteries charged up Chris, and your headlamp full beam,

Cos we’re sure gonna miss you, on our Outdoor Ed team,

For St David’s College Legend, Mr Chris Jowett

I.Martin

June 2026