Plaum's Pit Past and Present Traditional Cache
Paul and Max: The tree that this cache was in has fallen over (Just like our Moredon Tree Collection cache) and we found the cache itself open on the ground with the contents scattered and the lid thrown some distance away.
The area has become even more overgrown than Moredon, and the footpath nearby that used to be wide and well kept has almost completely disappeared.
This was our first cache which we placed over 15 years ago and I used to check it regularly on my lunchtime walk from work nearby, but now I work almost exclusively from home so we feel it is best to archive the cache.
Thanks to all that have searched over the years.
Plaum's Pit Past and Present
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This cache involves a bit of uneven ground and scrambling through the undergrowth in the last 150 feet or so, (so is not really suitable for young children or buggies) it can be a bit muddy in winter and there are lots of nettles in summer, shorts are definitely not recommended!
Please also be aware that there is a Badger Set in the vicinity and it is essential that this is not disturbed, the cache is not in a hole in the ground!
The cache is a 2 litre plastic container in a camo bag away from the lake itself hopefully avoiding the attentions of the fishermen and muggles, please ensure that it is rehidden exactly as you found it.
Plaum’s Pit (or “Plummies” as it is known locally) is a small tranquil lake in the Rodbourne area of Swindon, quite close to the town centre and a large industrial estate, and is an unknown oasis to many of the town’s residents. As I (the Paul half of Paul and Max) work just round the corner I find the pit a nice quiet place for a lunchtime walk away from the traffic, and have become interested in the history of the site which is roughly as follows:
Digging started in the early 1900’s to extract clay for brick manufacture, using a horse drawn railway to carry it to the local brickworks at Kiln Lane just to the south. At about 30 feet deep the digging hit underground springs, extraction was stopped and the pit was shut down.
Later the pit was bought by a Mr Plaum and a Mr White who developed it into a a pleasure ground, and by the 1950’s it boasted a diving board, paddling pool, hire boats, changing rooms and even a model steam railway giving rides around the lake. Use of the pleasure ground was extremely popular at this time, with many Swindonians queuing to pay their 2 old pennies entrance fee and spend the whole day enjoying the facilities.
Unfortunately the pit was plagued with thick weed, and over the years many people needed rescuing after becoming entangled and several drowned, which may have been a factor in its eventual decline in popularity and the rumours of ghosts that abound in the area!
By the 1970’s the diving board had been removed and the paddling pool filled in, and at some stage the pit was sold to Swindon Borough Council. Since that time almost all evidence of the earlier uses of the pit have disappeared, and it is now mainly the domain of the local fishermen and dog walkers. Swindon BC still own the site and it is maintained very well, with hardcore paths around the lake and footpaths.
Many thanks to Swindon Borough Councils Park Ranger Service for giving permission for us to place our first cache.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Nobhg 30 zrgerf gb tb ghea yrsg jurer gur cngu fcyvgf naq ragre ol gur fvatyr gnyy gerr, tb hc naq fyvtugyl yrsg, vg’f va gur Unjgubea gerr ng gur gbc ba gur yrsg.
Treasures
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