October 2007 Newsletter

So where was the summer then ? We've all been hoping that the weather would improve... that there might even be an indian summer... but no, things just never really got better and here we are in wet & windy October already.

Very few BBQ evenings at Kimmeridge took place this year; the Under the Pier Show was cancelled, planned outings to Portland, Plymouth, West Bay, Chesil never happened, all because of the weather. Things can only get better next year!

Until then, its down to the social events to keep everyone in touch over the winter; time to become to a dining club for a few months. Keep watching your e-mails for updates of social get togethers; as ever, any suggestions for things to do, particularly new monthly meal locations welcomed; if you've had a good meal out somewhere different recently, that you think would go down well with the dining club, drop me an e-mail.

Jayne

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

Diving

We've struggled all season with the weather and boat problems, but still managed to get a few good dives in. August Bank Holiday weekend was probably the best run, with decent weather, the annual visit by members of East Anglian SAC, and most importantly, the launch of Neptune ! We were all very excited to see her finally in the water, despite the issues with the smelly engine and the challenge of getting back onto her after a dive ! Many thanks to Chris for all his hard work getting her going and sharing her with the club.

Thanks also to Jane for bringing her boat, Belle, along to help out on well-subscribed dives.

IPSAC Diver struggled on despite continued issues with her performance; she certainly had her bottom well scrubbed on numerous occasions !

Boat Handling

Two members have successfully completed the RYA Powerboat Handling 2 course, enabling them to boat handle on club outings. John Taylor, of Pierhead Watersports ran the course and is willing to do more from January onwards at a special discounted rate for IPSAC members. The course is run on an informal and friendly basis, and John is very flexible about timings, boats and so on. Contact John in the new year on 01929 422254 if you're interested.

BDMLR Course

In August, seven IPSAC members attended the Marine Mammal Medic course in Charmouth, organised by British Divers Marine Life Rescue. After a morning of lectures learning about whales, dolphins and seals, we took to the beach for the practical sessions with inflatable mammals, much to the amusement of the onlooking crowds. Thanks to BDMLR for the photo of some of us in the water practicing rescuing the dolphin.

End of Season Curry

The weather continued to be unkind to us last Wednesday, with force 4 north-easterlies mashing up the bay and leaving the sea looking like brown porridge, so the traditional end to the season night dive just didn't happen. This gave some of us extra drinking time before heading off to the end of season get together at the Golden Bengal, where all the usual regulars came along to tuck into curry. This was also our opportunity to express our thanks to Bob and Dutch for manning the pier for us on Wednesday nights. A good time was had by all.

On the subject of manning the pier, if anyone is able to spare a few hours a week to help the Friends of the Pier with this, please contact Russ Johnson via the pier on 427058 or 425806, or speak to Bob or Dutch.

AGM

The AGM was held at Durlston last week; thanks to Robin et al for hosting. Although a quieter AGM than in previous years, the new committee membership was finalised; full details will be circulated in due course.
Thanks to members who came along for bringing food to share at the buffet afterwards.

Up and Coming ... details of forthcoming events

Pool Sessions

Its that time of year again already; the Pool at the Purbeck Sports Centre, Wareham is now available on Saturday evenings, starting this week, 6th October, 8.00 - 9.00pm until the end of April. Sessions are £2.00 per person. Please try to come along and support this.

Dates the pool will not be available to us are : 27th October, 3rd, 17th and 24th November.

Try Dives

This year Nick is hoping to run the try-dive sessions earlier than usual; hopefully with sessions in late October/early November. Details will be circulated soon so that members can spread the word to friends, family and colleagues, but if in the meantime you know of anyone who might be interested, either in try-dives or just joining the club, please direct them to Chris.

*Update* - because of the restricted pool availability during November, just one try dive date has been set, on Saturday 8th December. Full details on the front page.

Bonfire Night Social

There will be fireworks on Poole Quay on Monday 5th November; to avoid the crush & rush of being there, we're having a get together at the Scott Arms in Kingston, where all being well, we should still be able to nip out of the warm pub at 8.00ish to view the fireworks across the bay.

Tables are booked for 7 - 7.30, please let me know by 1st Nov if you'd like to come along for pub grub & pyrotechnics ! Hopefully will start the non-diving season with a bang !

Christmas Party

Thanks to those members who responded to the poll in the last newsletter.

A sit down meal is definitely the most favoured way of celebrating; from the comments posted, people feel that the party should remain 'special' and be an opportunity for everyone to get together in a formal setting. As the majority felt that the service and food at The Lookout last year was excellent, its been agreed that we will return there for this year's party, on Friday 14th December. Full details of the menu will be e-mailed shortly.

Kimmeridge Tidings

The latest issue of Kimmeridge Tidings is now available to all club members. Go to this link to read it :

Kimmeridge Tidings

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

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

5th November Monthly Meal at Scott Arms, Kingston

14th December IPSAC Christmas Party at The Lookout Cafe, Durlston

Pool Sessions

The pool is booked for Saturday nights until the end of April, except for 27th October, 3rd, 17th and 24th November

The sessions are from 8:00 pm until 9:00 pm.

Cost is £2 per person.