Hello !

And welcome to the new look IPSAC newsletter.

As many of you know, Tracy has decided to stand down as the club's Social Secretary; I am sure you will join me in thanking her for much hard work over the past years. After a little coercing from some club members, I now find myself the new Social Sec. (its actually a joint appointment, myself and hubby Peter, but I'll be writing the newsletter and doing most of the organising, methinks!). Tracy will be a hard act top follow; I'll give it my best and I hope that you will support me in my new post.

My first plan of action is to set up a social club web site. If you are reading this on-line then you've found it ! This will have two aims, firstly to keep club members up to date with all the planned activities as well as other extras such as photo galleries, newsletter archive etc. Secondly, it is hoped that this will increase the profile of the club generally with a view to attracting new members. This first site has been put together pretty quickly, so please bear with me; it will eventually form part of the main club site, for which there are also plans for a revamp. Watch this space !

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

End of season Dive and Curry

The last Wednesday of the season was a night dive off the pier. It was grey, cold and windy but that didn’t deter 10 divers taking to the water, armed with torches. Thanks to Nick for organising the meal at the Golden Bengal - a really enjoyable end to the season.

AGM

The AGM took place on Friday 6th October and was well attended by over 20 members, armed with plates of food for the post meeting nosh ‘n’ natter. The minutes will be circulated shortly. A sale of surplus kit and books raised some extra funds for the club. Thanks to Robin for allowing us to use Durlston’s Visitor Centre and also to Janet and Jo for doing the washing up!

Up and Coming ... details of forthcoming events

New Light on Old Shipwrecks

Dorset County Council and the Dorset Coast Forum are running a dayschool on Saturday 14th October at the Dorford Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester. Topics include ‘Two New Wrecks off the Dorset Coast’ and ‘Wrecks, the Photographic Record’ plus many other presentations; click here for further details and a full programme. Registration is at 9.30 am, the day ends approx 5.00pm, lunch not included. Tickets are £10. Booking via DCC direct (and not us!) is recommended.

Monthly Meal !

It seems to be a running joke in the club that we like dining almost as much as diving ! So it has been proposed that we have a regular get together on the first Wednesday of each month, simply to satisfy our appetites.
The first of these will be on Wednesday 1st November at The Gurkha oriental restaurant at Sandford, Wareham. This is a newly opened place which offers a huge menu of Thai, Indian and Chinese cuisine.

Christmas Party

Yes, another excuse to eat ! Our Christmas party this year will be on Friday 8th December at the Lookout Cafe, Durlston Country Park. I will be sending a booking form with further details menu, cost etc to all members in the next few days and I look forward to receiving your bookings and payments !

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

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

14th October New Light on Old Shipwrecks dayschool at DCC

1st November Monthly Meal at Gurkha Restaurant

8th December IPSAC Christmas Party at The Lookout Cafe, Durlston

27th January 2007 Red Sea trip - click on the Club Holidays link at the top of the page for details.

Pool Sessions

The pool is booked for Saturday nights from 7th October until 16th December inclusive, except for 4th November.

The sessions are from 8:00 pm until 9:00 pm except 28th October, 18th November and 25th November when they start at 8:30 due to galas.

Cost is £2 per person.

Club Diving Rates

Evening Dives (Mondays and Wednesdays) £8.00 per person (Guests £10)

Daytime Dives (Tuesdays and Weekends) £20 per person, per day (based on 2 dives)
(Guests £22 per person, per day)

Don’t forget to contact the Dive Marshall to book your place on the boat.

Private Boat Hire
£20 (£22 for guest) per head including fuel. When hiring please ensure that the boat is left ready for use, especially fuel and oil levels topped up. Please see treasurer with fuel receipts for refund.
Any bookings for the club boat should be made with Kate.