For your entertainment we have planned a series of interesting talks by fascinating speakers on a whole range of different subjects. These short presentations will all be given by current Nasio supporters via zoom and will be free of charge.

Our first presentation is from expert caver and explorer Dick Willis on 8th April.

Dick Willis started caving in 1971 when studying zoology and the University of Bristol. He then spent over 40 years exploring caves around the world, mostly concentrating on the huge cave systems of Asia, particularly in China, New Guinea and Borneo. In 1980 he went to the Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak for the first time and has returned repeatedly with British and Malaysian cavers and scientists, exploring some of the largest caves in the world. Their discoveries include the spectacular Sarawak Chamber, arguably the biggest natural chamber in the world, and the 220km Clearwater Cave System which is probably the largest cave in the world by passage volume and is still ‘going’.

Dick is a passionate advocate of the value of cave exploration (which, he says is the only true form of geographical exploration remaining on earth) and which is fundamental to their scientific study. The science is providing information on climate change and revealing entirely new types of bacteria which may lead to the discovery of novel antibiotics. His talk will be a whirlwind tour of exploration and science illustrated with photos from around the world. Dick lives in Bristol and would describe himself as having had a ‘portfolio career’ – a succession of jobs that provided him with the money and time to indulge his passion.