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February 2008

Quite a few things to report in this month's newsletter; with a successful try dive in January and new trainees now in place, things are cranking up and before we know it the new season will be here. Until its a bit warmer to get in the water (though hasn't stopped some club members !) we've got some social events in place to keep us entertained.

For those who don't know, your Social Secretary (and other half) are lucky enough to be on a year's break from work and so we weren't around too much during January to organise things; we have dragged ourselves back to the UK for a while now and so keep watching for events over the coming weeks. We've posted some photos of our travels so far in the gallery section if you'd like to have a look.

Hope to see you at some of the get-togethers.

Jayne



Update ... what has happened in the club since the last newsletter


Christmas Party

Another successful Christmas Party took place at The Lookout at Durlston on Friday 14th December. Sally and her team once more delivered us fantastic food and Nick entertained us with some diving slideshows in the background. Some very interesting raffle prizes this year, ranging from the more traditional boxes of chocolates to cuts of meat (!) thanks to everyone for their contribution of prizes and supportive raffle ticket folding and buying.


New Years Day Dive

Once more, the weather was kind to us, if a bit chilly, and so quite a number of club members gathered on the pier on New Years Day to see the braver (or should that be crazier?) members going in for a dip. This year, we were kindly entertained by the 'Red Hatters', Jo, Jon, Bob and Dutch who provided us with mulled wine and nibbles up in the welcome warmth of Marine Villas. It was a great way to start the new year, nice to see so many people down there. Thanks to everyone, and the 'Red Hatters' in particular for their hospitality.


Try Dive

We held a try dive on 19th January which this time attracted quite a bit of interest and has resulted in 6 new trainees for the club this year. Thanks to everyone that helped out with the evening which again was very well supported by the club. We look forward to welcoming the new members and hope to meet them at some future club events.


January Meal

There was a good turnout to this months meal which took place in the Black Swan in Swanage; many thanks to Nick for organising this in my absence! I understand that the food got the thumbs up from everyone. Plans are in place for the Black Swan to extend their food serving hours, even if it be a limited menu, so we can grab a bite to eat after the Wednesday evening pier dives. More details to follow once the season kicks off.


An Award for Bob

I am delighted to let you all know that one of our club founders, Bob, has been awarded the Frank Oschman Trophy by the Historical Diving Society in recognition of research and restoration of vintage diving equipment. Many thanks to Jon for this photo of Bob with his award and for the piece below:

The 2007 award went to Bob Campbell for his research into the history of sport diving (SCUBA) equipment.

Bob maintains a substantial collection of demand valves, a portion of which are on display at Swanage Pier, stretching back over fifty years, together with other ancillary items. His favorites are the original twin-hose regulators and besides the British designs in his collection are American, Russian, Polish,Italian, Spanish, and German models. Add to all that .a similar collection of single-hose regulators.
Bob also maintains a collection on behalf of the Historical Diving Society which, supplemented by items of his own, are used for displays at the various diving exhibitions.

Bob collects. and collates, as much of the published information on SCUBA equipment as he lay his hands on, manuals, reviews and adverts. The demand valves themselves are stripped down, cleaned and re-assembled, hopefully into functional order although this is not always possible. From all this Bob then produces a set of drawings to show the construction of the demand valves. In many cases these drawings are the only references available to these vintage assemblies where all trace of the original manufacturer's drawings have been lost.

This information is published by the H.D.S. in their "Historical Diving Times" magazine. The Historical Diving Society was originally founded in Great Britain and has now spread world wide with similar Societies in many countries which allows an interchange of ideas and information. Bob has particular contacts with the H.D.S. South East Asia & Pacific ( Australia & New Zealand) of which he is a member, together with H.D.S. U.S.A.

Most of Bob's collection at the Pier is on the upper floor of Marine Villas which although not open to the public is available to view by invited groups - you only have to ask.
So we did ! See below for details.


The Pier in Dive Magazine

In case you haven't read February's issue of Dive, our beloved pier is featured in the letters page. The letter suggests that all the dive clubs and groups that use the pier should consider supporting it by sponsoring a plank. What a good idea ! Let's see how many new plaques appear as a result of this letter !


IPSAC Diver's New Cover

And if you haven't wandered by the boat yard lately, you may not have noticed IPSAC Diver's shiny new cover ! Thanks to Kate and everyone who made this happen, and to Ian for posting pics of it in the gallery section !



Up and Coming ... details of forthcoming events


Dive Planning

Last month's newsletter had details of the Dive Poll which gives all members the opportunity to 'vote' for their favourite dive sites and preferred diving days. Thanks to those that have already voted; if you haven't, can you please ensure you do so by the 28th February so that Chris can collate your votes and begin drafting this year's dive plan. It’s your club, use your votes! Make your desires known!

The '2008 Dive Poll' is available by clicking here :

DIVE POLL


Mike Wilson has been in discussions with Chris and has offered use of his hard boat, 'Posh Harry', based in Weymouth for some dates which will be incorporated into the dive plan. This will be a good opportunity for the club to dive out of Weymouth, full details of dates and costs to follow.


Help Needed at the Pier

As we all know, the Friends of the Pier keep it open late on Wednesdays just for the club. They are in dire need of volunteers to act as 'Gate Guardians' on dive season Wednesday afternoons, plus any other times that anyone may be able to help out. Although we've still got a couple of months before the season starts, can members please give some consideration to this so that when it does, we will hopefully have a string of volunteers lined up and ready to go !


Radio Course

Jane Bell is kindly organising a VHF marine radio course for any club members interested in formalising their radio skills, expected to take place during April. Jane has e-mailed club members with details and costs; please contact Jane if you are interested.


February Monthly Meal

February's meal will be at the Halfway Inn, on the road between Corfe Castle and Wareham, on Wednesday 20th February at 7.00pm.


Skittles Night

We're having another skittles night at the Drax Arms, Bere Regis on Friday 7th March. Skittles kick off at 7pm, with a buffet served at 8pm. There's also a live band playing in the bar from 9pm that evening, so plenty of entertainment for everyone ! Cost will be £8 per person.


Visit to the Hyperbaric Chamber, Poole

Last season the club helped the Hyperbaric Chamber by putting the buoys in place alongside the pier to create a safe diver training area. In return, they have agreed to give us a tour of their facilities on Wednesday 12th March at 7.00pm. The tour will last approximately an hour but is strictly limited to 15 people. Cost will be £5 per person, a proportion of which will be donated to the facility's charity. Its a great opportunity to see the workings of the chamber and hopefully the only time we'll ever need to come into contact with one !


Bobs Collection of Historical Dive Gear

Like to have a proper look at Bob's collection of old diving gear ? Following his prestigious award, Bob has kindly agreed to host an evening for the club where he will tell us all about it. This will be on Wednesday 19th March at 7.00pm in Marine Villas on the pier. Refreshments will be available with free parking on the pier; full details to follow nearer the time. Cost will be £5 per person, to be divided between the club and the Pier Trust.



Dates for Your Diary ... a summary of what is planned


Every Saturday Evening Swimming pool sessions at Wareham swimming baths, see below for details.

20th February - Monthly Meal, Halfway Inn, Corfe Castle

7th March - Skittles night, Drax Arms, Bere Regis

12th March - Visit to Hyperbaric Chamber, Poole

19th March - Bob's Historical Dive Collection talk, Marine Villas, Swanage Pier



Pool Sessions


Don't forget that the swimming pool at the Purbeck Sports Centre, Wareham is available on Saturday evenings, 8.00 - 9.00pm until the 19th April, except for 12th April. Sessions are £2.00 per person. Please try to come along and support this; either for a swim or just to check our your kit before the season gets underway.