We have been together since New Year 1997, with Oliver James joining us at the start of April 2006

Paul Mann

I currently run a small business Floorplans North providing various services to the property markets across Yorkshire and the North of England. These includes plans, photography & brochure design; see more at floorplansnorth.co.uk.

I am actively involved with caving in the UK. In younger days I participated in many overseas expeditions to caves in Botswana, The Phillipines & Spain. Now I am on the national council of the British Cave Research Association, and involved in Hidden Earth, the annual national caving conference.

I also try and keep myself fit orienteering with the Airienteers, although I rely more on navigation than speed. I have competed in a couple of adventure races recently, still do some hill walking & rock climbing, and enjoy via ferratas when abroad.

For my background; I grew up in Torquay, spent every weekend possible scouting. I went on to study Earth Sciences at St Anne’s College Oxford, then went on to study stone age archaeology. I spent several years digging for archaeology units in Oxford & Exeter before becoming more involved with buildings, photography & draughting. I spent a while working on digitising ancient manuscripts, including Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.

I enjoy single malts and real ales, particularly those from Scotland.

Joanne Whistler

I work for Benenden Healthcare as their Research & Development Manager in York. I lead a small department which develops new services and monitors trends in the healthcare industry. At the moment I am on maternity leave (Feb 06 - ?).

My main hobby in recent years has been amateur dramatics. I have enjoyed both behind-the-scenes and on-stage roles with Skipton Players and this year have joined the committee. Last year I very much enjoyed playing Gwendoline in The Importance of Being Earnest - the script’s wittiness made it a fun part to play.

I like Spanish red wines, particularly from the Rioja and Navarra regions.

Oliver James Mann

Born 1st April 2006, at a healthy 8lb 10 oz, I’ve not had a lot of time to work up much of a biography. Early career paths suggested were policeman or Queen’s Guard, due to the shape of my head, but I’m growing out of that. I’ve demonstrated caving abilities my parents marvel at, (but Daddy suggests I’d be better using a longer cowstail for security when descending tight squeezes over big drops). Other natural talents include sleeping and snuggling, and I’m now working on my eating and my vocalisations.

I like milk, with a preference for that from mummy’s left.