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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. |
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 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! |
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. |
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. |