The cache
The cache is an ammo can, with a cable lock around a tree to try to keep it a bit secure, but this doesn't stop the can from being opened. Inside you'll find two boxes - one for logs and swag, and one for trackables.
The original log book from the cache's inception is still inside, but it's in poor condition now, so I've put it in a separate bag and labelled 'do not use'. Please feel free to look through if you want to read old entries, but otherwise leave in the bag and don't add any new entries to it. Have a flick backwards and you'll still find the 'First to Find' (FTF) entry from 2nd June 2011!
There's a current log book in a separate bag. Please sign this one.
Please replace the cache as found. Please re-seal the bags, close the clip-lock boxes, then close the can securely, making sure the clamp is fully engaged. There should be a nice satisfying clunk if it's closed properly.
Please place it back behind the tree, where it's not easily visible, and ideally cover with some foliage or twigs or something.
-------------------
Site history
Whilst I would love to regale a fascinating story of medieval rituals, alignment with lay lines, and religious significance, the truth is sadly a little less exciting.
Whilst this site is not as dramatic as the real Stonehenge, it's still interesting that we have our own lovely feature in Swindon. I hope you admire the area as you search for the cache. Enjoy being watched by muggles from afar as they pass on Thamesdown drive, but don't give too much away...
Note: If you know any more about the history of the site yourself, please do get in touch.
-------------------
Cache history by Cowudders
This cache was originally placed back in 2011 by steckerl family, and adopted by myself in July 2019.
In June 2019, I tried to find this cache shortly after the site had been cleared, but couldn't, so I DNF'd it. Thinking this was a lovely place for a cache, I noted that the CO hadn't logged in for some time, and I assumed that the CO was no longer an active geocacher. On that basis I started making preparations to place my own cache here as a replacement for when this cache got archived.
As part of that, I contacted the council to discuss placing a new cache and request their permission. I explained what geocaching was and the lovely lady I contacted said she had never heard of geocaching, but it did explain the box with a log in it that they found and removed from the site when they did the clearance, which they had in their office! The lovely workers had apparently spotted it, and decided that, although they didn't know what it was, it would probably be claimed by someone, and thus rescued it from the clearance.
I thus 'found' the cache after all, albeit not quite at the posted co-ordinates... :)
Having retreived the box, I made contact and agreed with the original CO that they were happy for me to take over the cache, which I duly did, so instead of just a find, I now find myself as the new CO too!
Update February 2024 We, the McBeath family, have now adopted this cache. It is special to us as it was the first cache we found in 2016 and started us on our geocaching journey. Back then the site was overgrown and Mr M had to battle with the brambles to find the tupperware box. Now the site is clear and there is a lovely ammo can to find.
-------------------
Permissions and Thanks
This is, of course, placed with the kind permission of Haydon Wick parish council.
Thank you to the Steckerl family, for placing this cache and for Cowudders for ressurecting it .
Huge thanks to the parish council for rescuing the box and for not only allowing me to place the cache back in play, but encouraging me to do so!
Happy caching