Bristol Channel Divers
NEWS ARCHIVE
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Bristol Channel Divers |
Christmas 'Do' Booked
This event is now booked for Saturday 21 January in the Loch
Fyne Restaurant. Members - please check your e-mails to see if you are booked
for the meal. If you still want to come along please contact Fiona as soon as
possible.
Added 28 Dec 2005
(Post) Christmas 'Do'
We're canvassing opinions for a night out in January to celebrate the passing of the festive season. The three options are:
The dates we are thinking about are Saturday 14 or Saturday 21 January 2006.
Can you please tell Fiona
what you would like to do by replying to her e-mail.
Added 29 Nov 2005
Great Ocean Adventure
Are you watching Monty Halls's series on Channel 5 (Thursdays, 19.15)? You
may remember that Monty gave a talk to the club last winter on his exploits.
Each programme sees Monty going from rock islands and palm-fringed beaches to
dramatic coastlines and underwater caverns in search of an epic encounter with
his weekly "must see" species. This week we saw Monty exploring the
caves and islands around Belize hoping to swim with the Caribbean Reef Shark.
He also dived into the famous Blue Hole.
Added 10 Nov 2005
MCS Tackles Supermarket Fish Sales
Click here
to read Divernet's report on the Marine Conservation Society's latest initiative.
For a further report try The Scotsman's article here.
Added 9 Nov 2005
Sail the Island!
In May 2006 the Parkinson's Disease Society is running a 3 day adventure sailing
weekend. Join the trip and you will learn how to crew a 40' yacht and take part
in a special challenge to sail around the Island. Want to know more? Click here.
Added 1 Nov 2005
BSAC Launches 'Project Neptune'
BSAC has embarked on the replacement of its ageing membership database. For
more information, click here.
Added 30 Oct 2005
Seas around Western Europe 'Healthy'
Amidst the usual doom and gloom about disappearing marine life, a ray of hope
comes with evidence suggesting that seas off Western Europe remain a healthy
rearing ground for dolphins and whales.
Click here
for the full story from Divernet.
Added 30 Oct 2005
Mary Rose Latest
Possibly the last portion of the great Tudor warship Mary Rose was raised on
11 October from the bottom of the Solent. Click here
for Divernet's coverage or here
for the Daily Telegraph's report. The Mary Rose Trust has its own web site -
click here
to take a look.
Added 30 Oct 2005
Lundy Wreck Identified
Ilfracombe and North Devon SAC have finally identified the wreck situated 10
miles east of Lundy as the 'South Australian'. Click here
for the full story.
Added 30 Oct 2005
On-line Case Store
A Bristol company has recently launched an on-line shop
selling Peli's full range of underwater
cases and submersible torches at discount prices. Need a case for your underwater
camera? This company may be able to help. For further information click on the
link: http://www.casemarket.co.uk
Added 9 Oct 2005, Updated 18 Oct 2005
Marine Conservation And Research
Expedition In The Seychelles
Fancy putting your diving skills towards a good cause?
Visit this
link to find out more.
Added 9 Oct 2005
Whale Shark Secrets Discovered
Click here
to see an article from BBC news about the largest fish in the sea.
Added 25 Sep 2005
MCS Basking Shark Survey
Have you seen a Basking Shark this year? If you have, then
the MCS (Marine Conservation Society) are keen to have details. Visit their
web
site and complete the form.
Added 22 Sep 2005
Ioan & Anwen's Wedding
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Anwen & Ioan were married yesterday in Portishead. Added 29 Aug 2005 |
Once again we are running a competition (members only) to win 2 tickets to Dive 2005. All you have to do is email the webmaster the answer to the following question:-
To what depth did freediver Patrick Musimu dive to set the new world record?
Entries must be received by 15th October.
Added 29 Aug 2005
TV Stars Line Up For Dive 2005
This year’s Dive Show at the NEC in Birmingham will be packed full of familiar faces more usually seen on our TV screens. Heading up the exciting two-day programme of talks and presentations at the show on 29 and 30 October is one of TV’s most engaging natural history specialists, Nigel Marven. He is being joined by Miranda Krestovnikoff, who is starring in the current BBC series Coast, and Monty Halls, whose Swimming with Giants tour will shortly be shown on Channel 5.
This trio of TV stars will be talking each day to visitors at the UK’s annual diving extravaganza at the NEC. Each year over 300 companies exhibit and over 17,000 experienced and wannabe divers visit the show to buy the latest kit, book their holidays and listen to the experts giving presentations in the free seminar theatres.
Freediving and cave diving are also on the bill at Dive 2005, and are sure to be big crowd pullers. One of the world’s top cave-divers and author of the cavers’ bible ‘The Darkness Beckons’, Martyn Farr, is constantly travelling to unexpected parts of the world and returning with stirring tales of his adventures. Martyn will be showing film footage and will be discussing his exploits in his daily presentation.
Patrick Misumu, the current holder of the freediving world record, will be taking a deep breath and speaking for an hour about his recent record breaking dive. Wreck specialists Leigh Bishop and Teresa Telus will be giving divers a virtual underwater tour of famous wrecks such as the Lusitania and the Britannic and Richard Lundgren will be speaking about Project Oland Wreck Survey, which is revealing wreck after wreck in amazing states of preservation in the Swedish Baltic Sea.
The hustle and bustle of the exhibition halls is sure to get the pulses racing amongst visitors who are looking for kit to buy, holidays to book and new leisurewear to don when they are not in the water. And, for visitors new to the sport of diving, there is a Try-Dive pool where they can do a spot of ‘bubble blowing’ to get used to breathing and swimming under water.
Tickets to this year’s Dive Show cost £7.50 if booked in advance or £10.50 on the door). Visit www.diveshows.co.uk to book online or call the ticket hotline on 020 8977 9878. Tickets bought in advance for eight people or more will automatically be entered into a free draw to win a £5,000 Red Sea holiday from leading tour operator Regaldive. And, every visitor to the show can enter the grand prize draw to win a fabulous two-week holiday to the island of Dominica – the nature island of the Caribbean.
For more information about Dive 2005 visit www.diveshows.co.uk
or call 020 8943 4288.
Added 29 Aug 2005
Fin Whale Siting
The BBC has reported the siting of Fin Whales in the Irish Sea, observed on
a trip organised by Steve Lewis of Pembrokeshire Dive Charters, whose company
we use when we dive in Pembrokeshire. Click here
to see the full article and a picture of Steve looking miserable!
Added 22 Aug 2005
Swanage - 21 August
Carol has posted some additional information about this diving weekend, detailing
the dives we will be undertaking. Please contact Carol to book a place on this
trip.
Added 9 Jun 2005
Operation Zembe 2
Following the success of “Operation Zembe”
Monty Halls, a full time dive journalist and expedition leader will once again
collaborate with maritime archaeologist, Dr Bruno Werz of the South African
Institute of Marine Archaeology (SAIMA), to lead a second expedition from 2-22
October 2005 to Cape Town to further the story behind one of the most exciting
archaeological discoveries in decades. This expedition is being organised by
the Scientific Exploration Society who are seeking enthusiastic divers and underwater
cameramen to join the team. No previous experience of underwater surveying is
required, training will be given. For further information click here.
Added 9 May 2005
AGM Results
The AGM was held last night, attended by 20 members. The
new committee is:
The club passed a vote of thanks to Phil Harrison and Ioan Howells for the work they have undertaken as Diving Officer and Rob Parsons as Training Officer in the past year. Anwen Evans was also thanked for her two year stint as Secretary.
In recognition of their part in establishing the branch in 1999, John Francis, Becky & Phil Harrison, Carren & Mark Holden, Berny O'Reilly and Andy Wright were all made Honorary Life Members of the club.
The club agreed that it would change its meeting venue to the Hole in the Wall pub, near Queen's Square on the FIRST and THIRD Monday of every month.
Branch subscriptions were set at a reduced level of £40 for existing
members.
Added 22 Mar 2005
More Dive Trips
Thanks to Martin and Carol, we now have additional diving
dates in the diary for Falmouth and Swanage.
The Falmouth trip is for the weekend of 11th & 12th June and is hardboat diving with Bay Marine, click here for further information. Please contact Martin if you are interested and to book a place on the trip.
The Swanage trip is a single day's diving with Swanage
Boat Charters on Sunday 21st August. Please contact Carol
Dale for further information and to book a place.
Added 26 Feb 2005
Competition Winner!
Congratulations to Mark Siggins
who correctly identified Mike Rutzen as the Great
White Shark expert leading a seminar at the London
International Dive Show, being held at ExCeL in London, 5th & 6th March.
Mark has won a pair of tickets for the show, courtesy of BSAC HQ.
Added 25 Feb 2005
2004 Diving Incidents Report
As you may be aware, BSAC produce a report every year detailing
diving-related incidents that have been reported to them. It contains details
of UK diving incidents occurring to divers of all affiliations, plus incidents
occurring world-wide involving BSAC members. Key conclusions are:-
Click here
to see the full report
Added 7 Feb 2005
BSAC News
A change this month - I will now be publishing a link to the latest version of BSAC Talk rather than scanning in the paper copy received. Click here for the latest version which includes:-
To see previous versions of BSAC Talk click here
for an index.
Added 7 Feb 2005
On Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th April the Marine Conservation Society are running the above course in Plymouth. It consists of classroom teaching on the Saturday to teach you how to identify marine life properly and 2 dives on the Sunday to allow you to put your newly acquired skills into practice. The course will be held at Deep Blue dive centre at Mount Batten - participants need to be there by 09.45am for a prompt 10.00am start.
The price will be around £20 for the course pack (payable to MCS). A
£15 deposit will be required along with a completed booking form to secure
your place. There is an additional charge of £25 for the dives (payable
to the dive centre); kit hire and air fills can be arranged at special discounted
price for course participants, thanks to Deep Blue.
Divers need to hold a recreational diving qualification of at least BSAC SPorts
Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent, have dived within the last 6
months and have completed 20 dives, at least 10 of which are in temperate waters.
Chris Wood, national Seasearch Coordinator, will be in Plymouth to teach this course. You need to complete 2 dives with a Seasearch Tutor (such as Chris Wood) present, then 3 more normal Seasearch dives - (held every Wednesday evening in Plymouth) to complete the qualification.
Email Amy Bugg (Seasearch Coordinator
for Plymouth) if you are interested or would like more details.
Added 4 Feb 2005
MCS Campaign
The MCS (Marine Conservation Society) are running a campaign urging national and regional governments "...to ensure that the UK's marine environment is managed in an integrated and sustainable manner, and that our wonderful marine species and habitats are given the protection they deserve." Click here to read more information and to sign the petition electronically.
Have you ever thought about joining the MCS? Click here
for information about the work they do and how to join.
Added 3 Feb 2005
Competition Time!
We have FREE tickets to LIDS (the London International
Dive Show) to be held on 5th & 6th March. To win a pair of tickets, simply
find out the name of the Great White Shark expert who is leading a seminar at
the event. Email this name to Simon at his personal email address - you know
you have it! Entries sent to any bristolchanneldivers.org address may not be
considered. Closing date is Sunday 20th February.
Competition is open to club members only. The winners will be announced at the
Club Night on Monday 21st February.
Added 18 Jan 2005
UK Marine Life In Crisis
Did you hear the on BBC's Today programme with WWF senior
policy officer, Jan Brown? She outlined some worrying points about the state
of our underwater environment. You might be able to listen to this piece again
by following this
link and selecting the piece timed at 06:55. You can also read about the
issue here
which also has links to related sites.
Added 18 Jan 2005
Shore Diving in April
The weekend for this event has been set for 9th & 10th
April - see Diary for information.
Added 18 Jan 2005
Fish on Line
The Marine Conservation Society has launched a new web
site that aims to inform consumers about the fish they buy and how choices they
make can help to achieve a sustainable future for our fishing industry. Have
a look at the site here.
It contains a lot of interesting information that will make you think more carefully
about ordering your cod and chips......
Added 18 Jan 2005
Maritime Archaeological
Field School
ADMAT (The Anglo-Danish Maritime Archaeological Team) are organising two expeditions
to Maricaban Island (approximately three hours south of Manila) in April and
May. The courses will include an archaeological training program to teach people
how to survey for shipwrecks. The team will be using the skills taught in the
training program to solve a local mystery as to why 16th century Chinese pottery
shards are being found. Training will be given on the use of depth sounder,
sidescan sonar, magnetometer and dredges and traditional survey techniques.
All archaeological training will be given, including ADMAT’s own Underwater
Survey Diver course Pt 1&2 and various relevant BSAC skill development courses.
For further information click here
and follow the link under the News section.
Added 12 Jan 2005
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First Branch Wedding Breaking news.... Despite the miles now separating them, Anwen and Ioan got engaged on New Year's Eve. We wish them every happiness for the future. Added 3 Jan 2005 |
New Training Courses
Lectures for Sports Diver course are due to start in January
and Advanced Diver in February. Please contact Phil Harrison if you wish to
enrol.
Added 2 Jan 2005
2005!
Your webmaster would like to wish you all a Happy New Year!
Added 1 Jan 2005
BBC
Coastal Weather
The BBC have brought together a range of weather pages
suitable for planning trips to the coast for diving and sailing. Have a look
here.
Added 7 Dec 2004
EGM
News
We held our EGM last night where we discussed the future direction of the club.
Phil Harrison has agreed to take on the role of Diving Officer until the AGM
as Ioan is now working full-time in Libya. Phil will be reviewing the current
training requirements and together with John Prince and Brian Tilton will be
setting up training sessions for those members who have expressed an interest
in furthering their qualifications.
We also agreed to reduce club fees to £40 per annum and refund a proportion
of 2004 subscriptions. Simon will be reviewing how to administer this in an
equitable manner. A more comprehensive briefing will be sent to members in the
next few days.
Added 3 Dec 2004
Munitions Dumped at Sea
An interesting article has been published by the BBC about the dangers of 1st
and 2nd World War munitions dumped at sea. Click here
to read.
Added 29 Nov 2004
Seasearch Dives
Click here to
read a report of the dive Fiona & Simon did last Sunday in Plymouth.
If you are interested in joining the future dives then please contact Amy Bugg, the Plymouth Seasearch Coordinator who is organising dives most weekends over the winter to continue monitoring four sites, the eel grass beds in Jennycliff Bay, Drakes Island and Cawsand. Every fourth week there is a dive on Plymouth's new wreck Scylla. If you want to join the Marine Conservation Society, have a look on their web site.
The next dive is on Saturday 6 November on the Scylla - see diary page.
Added 2 Nov 2004
Rob Parsons - Update
Latest news from our former Training Officer Rob, now based in Sharm, is that
it's getting a bit cold, water temperature down to 28 degrees so he has to use
a full 3mm wet suit now and the viz is only 12m. We're not sure we really wanted
to know that! He has completed his videographer training and is now putting
these skills to practice.
Added 2 Nov 2004
BSAC News
Click here
to download the latest version of BSAC talk
(October 2004). This includes:
Added 4 October 2004
RIB Decision Day at next Club Night
As our members will know, we have issued a questionnaire asking for opinions and offers of loans to fund the purchase of a RIB for the club. We will hold an informal meeting after the try dive sessions on Monday 4 October. This will be at The Hole in the Wall pub, NOT at Happy Landings. Click here for a map.
PLEASE - If you have not yet returned your questionnaire do so this week.
PLEASE - If you have a strong opinion about the club owning a RIB come to the
meeting and express it!
Added 27 Sep 2004 Updated 1 Oct 2004
Try Dive Sessions
As in previous years we are taking part in BSAC's try-dive campaign and the
sessions will be taking place at St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School pool on
the 4th Oct from 6:45 till 9pm. We have 18 people to run through try dives and
all instructors, assistant instructors and club members are requested to contact
Rob to confirm they will
be able to assist and in which capacity. Here is the promised link
to a map. The school is located off Somerset Square. Details of local parking
will be added as soon as your webmaster has discovered what these are!
Added 27 Sep 2004 Updated 28 Sep 2004
Rob Parsons
Rob,
our training officer, has decided to take a career break and use his PADI and
BSAC Instructor qualifications to go and work at Sharm el Sheikh training divers.
He leaves us in October. This leaves a huge gap in the management of the branch
and we're looking for a volunteer to fill the void. If you are interested, please
speak to Phil. In the meantime we wish Rob every success over the next year
and we'd like to thank him for all his efforts in progressing training within
the club. There's a leaving 'do' for Rob on 2 October.
Added 12 September 2004
Red Sea Missing Divers
Here's a link to the news story about the 12 missing divers
that broke over the weekend. First read the BBC's
version then have a look at Diver magazine's more informed story!
Added 9 August 2004
Congratulations!
Well done LESLEY GUNTER-REES
for completing the final qualifying dives to become Ocean Diver. We are looking
forward to you accompanying us on future club dives for some "proper"
diving!
Added 2 August 2004
BSAC News
Click here
to download the latest version of BSAC talk
(August 2004). This includes:
Added 2 August 2004
Congratulations!
Well done MARK SIGGINS for completing the final qualifying
dives to become Ocean Diver. We look forward to you joining us on dives without
drills!
Added 28 July 2004
Phil
Harrison
Phil has reluctantly decided to step down from the committee
as one of our training officers. Phil has found that his current work and family
commitments no longer allow him to devote time to this role. The committee would
like to express their sincere appreciation for the help and advice Phil has
provided the club since he helped form the club in 1999. Phil intends remaining
as an Instructor with the club and will continue to be our link with the regional
coaching team.
Added 28 July 2004
Diving in Pembrokeshire
There is a possibility of a further trip to Pembrokeshire
with Pembrokeshire Dive Charters over the weekend of 21st and 22nd August. Contact
Simon if you are interested
in this trip.
Added 21 July 2004
BSAC News
Click here
to download the latest version of BSAC talk
(July 2004). This includes:
Added 12 July 2004
Diving trip to
Mull
Stroud BSAC have organised a 3 day boat diving trip from
26th - 28th June around Mull (that's Scotland for those of you who are geographically
challenged!) and there are a number of places remaining.
The cost is £82.50 per person. Extra costs are:-
Contact Paul Spence 01453 835981 to get further information or to book a space.
Added 23 June 2004
2005 Diary
Well, we've started to book diving trips for 2005 with
two trips to Pembroke - see the diary page. If there
are any specific trips you'd like to see on the programme for next year please
have a chat with Phil.
Added 15 June 2004
Cardiff Hyperbaric Centre
We have been advised that this centre opened in May 2004.
Here is the information from their email advising us of the opening:-
"Cardiff Hyperbaric Centre is now open with full approval from care standards CISW [sic].
If you use Hyperbaric treatment for any patient that requires HBO please contact Dr Mark Lavis Hyperbaric Doctor Office hours 08700 920920 or in a emergency Pager Number 07693 312 568 24 hours emergencies for hyperbaric advice.
Please visit our website for more information www.cardiffhyperbariccentre.com
Dr Mark Lavis
Hyperbaric Doctor"
Added 15 June 2004
BSAC News
Click here
to download the latest version of BSAC talk
(June 2004). This includes:
Added 3 June 2004
Chinese Evening
Thanks go to John Prince who organised our visit to Cathay
Rendezvous in King Street. Just under a quarter of the club attended and we
had a very good evening, though the pre and post dinner drinks in the Llandogger
Trow were affected by the FA Cup Final - drinks were served in plastic glasses
in case the Milwall supporters invaded! The food was fantastic, though Rob couldn't
leave the Lazy Susan alone, either spinning it enthusiastically or stopping
it when other were trying to rotate it. Mike wanted a motor installed for the
device with individual buttons. Those of us who understand these things tried
to insist that it was only rotated clockwise, but this largely fell on deaf
ears! Great evening, thanks John!
Added 23 May 2004
Diving in Pembrokeshire
We have just returned from a very enjoyable trip to Pembrokeshire
organised by Fiona and Simon. A party of 12 divers from the club dived a couple
of wrecks (or at least wreckage) near to Tenby on the Saturday and then it was
out to the Smalls and Skomer Island on Sunday. The weather was perfect for diving
- sunny with calm seas - but the water was a little cool between 10 and 11 degrees
C. It was lobster city at the Smalls and Martin managed to bag one, only to
return it to the sea when he found it was carrying eggs. All divers returned
to Bristol with broad smiles on their faces having enjoyed themselves so much.
Thanks to Fiona and Simon for organising the trip, Anwen who booked the evening meal and of course to Steve Lewis of Pembrokeshire Dive Charters for looking after us so well.
We've got another trip booked in Pembrokeshire on 17
and 18 July. The first 12 spaces have now been booked, but the good news
is that Steve can let us have another RIB that will take a further 4 divers.
If you are interested please speak to Simon or Fiona as soon as possible as
these spaces may go quickly as well.
Added 17 May 2004
BSAC News
Click here
to download the latest version of BSAC talk
(May 2004). This includes:
We'll be collecting signatures for the excess baggage
allowance petition at the next club night - 17 May.
Added 7 May 2004
More Diving Trips!
As promised, we have arranged further diving trips this
year:-
These are RIB diving and both trips will be run from Portland and should cost under £20 per day - the actual costs will be shared between the number of divers on the boat. Air will be extra. Divers will need 2 tanks. These trips will be for diving and training, though if you want to come for training you MUST get in touch with Rob or Ioan to check Instructor availability.
Contact Ioan to book a place
on these trips.
Added 7 May 2004. Updated 26 May 2004
Malta in Autumn?
Ioan is investigating the possibility of a week's trip
to Malta in the Autumn. Cost would be around £269 for a 12 dive package
with accommodation in a 4 Star hotel. Please contact Ioan
as soon as possible to register your interest.
Added 7 May 2004
Diving and
Open Water Training - new date
Our new Diving Officer, Ioan Howells is organising a shore
diving and Ocean Diver/Dive Leader open water training session on Sunday 9 May
on Chesil Beach. We can get to depths of 15m from the shore here, so this would
be an excellent opportunity for those of you who haven't got wet yet this year
to do so! Rob is assisting Ioan. Please contact either Ioan
or Rob to register your
interest and availability - especially instructors.
Added 30 Apr 2004
Congratulations!
Chris & Kris Grey have successfully completed their
Ocean Diver course. We wish them well in their future diving careers with the
club. On to Sports Diver next?
Added 30 Apr 2004
Red
Sea Diving Opportunity
Neptune Diving from Gloucester are running a week's trip
to Ocean College, Sharm El Sheikh, Red Sea in October. For further information
and to register an interest please contact Terry on 01452 313605 or visit Neptune
Diving's website
where details will appear soon.
Added 30 Apr 2004
Vobster Quay
We had a very good session at Vobster Quay on Sunday, organised
by John Prince. We had 4 Ocean Diver Trainees and 3 Dive Leader Trainees who
were all put through their paces. Yes, it was cold, yes, it was murky, but we
DID have a good time - at least the weather was perfect! The Dive Leader trainees
had to put up with their "Novice" divers misbehaving, the Ocean Divers
just had to cope with the new open-water environment, but they all did extremely
well and we're sure they will move on to complete their courses. Thanks to John
Prince and Rob Parsons for instructing; Carol Dale & Fiona Hampton-Matthews
(and me!) for being the "naughty novices".
Added 26 Apr 2004
Diving Spaces Available
Douglas Lanfear of Blue
Turtle Dive Charters in Lyme Regis has let us know about spaces available
on one of his trips:-
To book, please contact Doug direct on 01297 34892 or 07970 856822
Added 17 Apr 2004
Club RIB Update
The RIB sub-committee met for the first time on 7 April
to decide how we are going to approach the project. Responsibilities were split
as follows:
If any member has any suggestions, please contact the person nominated above.
We are particularly interested to hear if you know of a company who would be
interested in sponsoring the purchase of the RIB!
Added 14 Apr 2004
Is there a Doctor in the House?
 |
Well, not in the house but we do have a new Doctor in the branch! One
of our Instructors, Carren Holden, has just completed her PhD in Mechanical
Engineering. Those of you who have spoken to Carren will know the amount
of work that has gone into this qualification and it is well-deserved. Congratulations,
Carren, from all of us and we promise not to crack too many jokes about
medical doctors! Added 6 Apr 2004 |
HMS Scylla 
A group of members watched the scuttling of this former
Naval frigate last Saturday. Click here to see the
pictures.
Added 31 Mar 2004
Club AGM Report
The AGM was held last night, attended by 24 members. The
new committee is:
The club passed a vote of thanks to John Prince for the work he has undertaken as Diving Officer for the past three years.
A sub-committee has been formed to plan the purchase of a club RIB. Members are John Prince, Simon H-M, Chris & Kris Gray. They hope to report back to the members in a few months at a special general meeting - watch here for news.
The club also agreed that it would change its meeting frequency to the FIRST
and THIRD Monday of every month, with immediate effect. The diary page now shows
these dates.
Added 23 Mar 2004
BCD Embroidered Clothing
We are able to supply a wide range of good quality t-shirts,
sweatshirts etc embroidered with the club logo. Contact Simon to view the catalogue.
Prices from £10.50.
Added 14 Mar 2004
Skill Development Courses
You can now see the complete list of these courses on this
web site. From the main page click Training then follow the link to SDCs and
then the link to the list. Alternatively, click here.
Added 14 Mar 2004
Filwood
Pool
The swimming pool we use for training is currently closed;
we understand it is undergoing essential electrical refurbishment works. We
are currently investigating alternative arrangements - watch this space for
updates!
Added 12 Mar 2004
Marine Life
Identification Course
The Plymouth Group of the Marine Conservation Society is
running a weekend (17 & 18 April) of presentations on how to identify marine
life. There will be a session of "rockpooling" (that will bring back
happy childhood memories for some!) followed by putting names to what has been
seen. The course is based at the Marine Biological Association Laboratory and
includes lectures by Dr Keith Hiscock, Peter Messenger and Dr Frances Dipper.
Also included is a visit to the National Marine Aquarium to hone your ID skills.
For further information see the MBA
web site or contact the MCS Plymouth local group direct tel: 07971 551256
(Rose) or email: mcsplymouthlocalgroup@hotmail.com
Added 8 Mar 2004
BSAC News
Click here
to download the latest version of BSAC talk
(March 2004). This includes the list of skill development courses being run
by the BSAC regions in April. (Only the local SDCs are listed in our diary.)
Added 8 Mar 2004
Diving Spaces Available
Douglas Lanfear of Blue
Turtle Dive Charters in Lyme Regis has let us know about spaces available
on some of his trips:-
To book, please contact Doug direct on 01297 34892 or 07970 856822
Added 5 Mar 2004
Nitrox and 'A' Clamps
We have just discovered a change of legislation that will
impact all equipment used for Nitrox. We are investigating further and this
article will be updated when we find detailed information. In essence, in a
few year's time we will only be able to put Nitrox in cylinders fitted with
DIN fittings. The cylinder valve will be a different size to the current valve,
but the new valves are not yet available. It will not be possible to use Nitrox
with 'A' clamp first stages. The message is clear - be wary about switching
to Nitrox until the new equipment becomes available.
Added 28 Feb 2004
Seasearch Course
Four members of the club, along with members from Clifton
SAC and UWE SAC, attended this very interesting session run by the Marine Conservation
Society on Sunday 22nd February. We learnt about Seasearch - its aims, history
and achievements; a basic introduction to the variety of marine life in UK waters;
recognising and classifying marine habitats; position fixing and how to fill
in the Observation Form. The day concluded with a 'video dive' and an opportunity
to fill in a form without even getting wet! We now need to practice our new-found
skill on some real dives!
Seasearch is a national project for volunteer sports divers who have an interest
in what they're seeing underwater, want to learn more and want to help protect
the marine environment.
The main aim is to map out the various types of seabed found in the near-shore
zone, up to about 5 miles off the coast or 30m depth around the whole of the
British Isles. In addition they record what lives in each area, establishing
the richest sites for marine life, the sites where there are problems and the
sites which need protection.
If you are interested look at the Seasearch
website as courses are run around the country on a regular basis. If there
are sufficient numbers we could arrange another course. Please contact Phil
to register interest.
Added 22 Feb 2004
Club Boat
We've now sold the club's old boat so are now planning
the acquisition of a RIB. If you have any thoughts or ideas on what we should
buy and how we should fund the purchase, please contact John.
Added 16 Feb 2004
BSAC News
As a new service, you will now be able to view the latest
version of BSAC talk from the club website.
Click here
to download the February edition.
Added 16 Feb 2004
Caption
Competition
There
will be a prize awarded at the AGM for the member submitting the best caption
for this picture taken of Chris & Kris Gray on recent training trip at Vobster
Quay. Click the picture to get a bigger view. Send your entries to the Webmaster,
whose decision is final! For more pictures of this open-water training session,
click here.
Added 4 Feb 2004
Congratulations
Neil "Scriv" Scriven has just completed his Dive Leader qualification.
Well done Scriv - when are you starting Advanced Diver?
Added 4 Feb 2004
Training
News!
Training dates have been updated.
Our next entry-level course will combine the pool training and lectures for
Ocean and Sports Diver Qualifications, allowing trainees to progress to this
higher level more quickly. Open water training for this intake will be phased
to allow sufficient time to build experience between award of the qualifications.
This will provide our new trainees with a more appropriate qualification for
UK diving and allow greater flexibility for skills practice.
Added 4 Feb 2004
Club AGM Arrangements
The AGM will be held on Monday 22nd March 2004, starting
at 7.30pm. Venue is the offices of Hyder Consulting Ltd, 70 Redcliff Street,
Bristol, BS1 6AL. Click here
for a map. Nominations for committee posts to Anwen
please. Also let Anwen
know if you are attending (which you should!) so we can arrange the correct
numbers for a small buffet before the main business of the night.
Added 4 Feb 2004. Updated 18 Feb 2004
Lundy
& Scillies Trip
Martin is organising a trip to the Scillies and Lundy aboard
the Pride of Bristol from the evening of Friday 13 August to Saturday
21 August (may return Friday 20 August, depending on the tides). We will sail
from Bristol Harbour down the Avon Gorge and Bristol Channel taking in the North
Devon and North Cornwall coastline as we go. The cost will be around £560
inclusive. Please contact Martin
to book a place. Spaces are restricted to a maximum of 12 so please book now
to avoid disappointment!
Added 27 Jan 2004, updated 29 Jan 2004 & 6 Apr 2004
Club Meal
About a third of the club got together last Saturday at
a new-ish restaurant called Bon Viveur which is opposite St Mary Redcliffe church.
Anwen did an excellent job of organising the evening, though Simon was a little
suspicious to discover that Fiona was on first-names terms with the proprietor!
The food was wonderful with spot-on service. I've no doubt some of us will return
for other special occasions!
Added 26 Jan 2004
No Water in Pool!
Apologies to all members who were hoping to use the pool
on Monday 12 January. As there was no water in the pool, due to overrunning
maintenance work, we felt we had little choice but to cancel the session! We
believe that all will be well for next Monday's session (19/1).
Added 13 Jan 2004
Red
Sea Liveaboard
Our friends at Neptune Diving in Gloucester are running
a trip to the Northern Red Sea aboard Cyclone with Tony
Backhurst Travel. Depart Gatwick Sunday 16th May, return Sunday 23rd May.
Cost is £775 all inclusive (except alcohol!). For further information
and to book, call Terry at Neptune Diving on 01452 313605. Only
2 places remaining!
Added 6 Jan 2004 Updated 28 Feb 2004
Kingsmill Kit for Clubs
We have registered with Kingsmill Bread in their Kit for
Clubs promotion. By saving vouchers from their bread bags we can get some free
diving kit. Look out for Kingsmill bread and keep the tokens. Hand them to Simon
or Fiona who are coordinating this venture.
Added 18 Dec 2003
Lundy Mid Week Trip?
Pembrokeshire Dive Charters are running mid-week liveaboard
trips to Lundy in 2004. Up to 3 nights on board with 2 days diving. It would
cost £150 per person and they need 6 divers to make the trip worthwhile.
If anyone is interested let Simon
know.
Added 15 Dec 2003
Congratulations
Well done to Ray and Karen Cox who recently completed their
Ocean Diver qualifications. Happy future diving to you both.
Added 10 Nov 2003
Curry Evening
13 people attended the club Curry evening at the
Raj Doot, on the 11th of October. The food and company were excellent and thanks
to Simon for organising the event.
Added 20 Oct 2003
Foreign Medical Requirements
Information regarding medical declarations when diving
abroad is reproduced here.
Added 1 Sep 2003
Free Kit Hire!
Full members of the club are now able to borrow dive equipment
free of charge, subject to availability. We expect you to look after it as your
own and to re-fill any cylinders used. Contact Martin
to check availability.
Added 1 Sep 2003
Respect Our Wrecks!
