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October 2008 Newsletter | |
Well what a sorry season we've had this year. The bad weather rolled on & on, with our hopes of a final burst of summer during September rewarded with just one sunny weekend. This must have been one of the worst years ever for diving and Kimmeridge barbecues, what a shame. Still, we are in the hands of Mother Nature so there's little we can do about it ! Next year just HAS to better, doesn't it ....? |
Update ... what has happened in the club since the last newsletter | ||
Diving |  | |
Unfortunately the weather continued to be unkind to us for the last half of the season, resulting in a dive plan with an awful lot of red on it and a long list of high winds/poor sea state showing in the end column. Only a handful of dives took place in August; even the much anticipated night dive by full moon was thwarted by a completely cloudy sky. At the time of writing, September has continued in a similar vein and the last page of the plan is also slowly filling up with red. There's always Vobster in November, or warmer, bluer places for those that prefer it ! | ||
 | Under the Pier Show | |
Amazingly, the weather wasn't too bad for our annual Under the Pier Show. The winds were light so we managed to set up the tent, and although the crowds on the pier seemed smaller than previous years, the tent was crammed full of people for every showing. The divers found that visibility under the pier that day was almost zero, but the camera performed exceptionally well, giving good pictures, even when the light stopped working ! The crowds are always fascinated by the things to be seen under the water; even the most modest shot of a tom-pot drew gasps of delight ! Thanks to everyone who took part in the whole day's event, definitely another success; there's some photos from the day in the Gallery section. |
Seahorse Surveys |  | |
IPSAC helped out DWT with a survey in Studland Bay, monitoring the eel grass beds where seahorses have recently been discovered. A survey across a large area of the bay was carried out, examining the condition of the eel grass beds and then a detailed look at the areas around a selection of moorings, again, to see what impact these are having on the delicate habitat of the seahorses. Unfortunately no seahorses were spotted ! Interest in the seahorses resident here is growing, with articles appearing recently on the BBC news pages: Seahorse Habitats at Risk Photo (c) Steve Trewhella. |
Up and Coming ... details of forthcoming events | ||
End of Season Meal |  | |
Our traditional end of season curry will take place at the Golden Bengal in Swanage, at 8.00pm on Wednesday 24th September, following the final Wednesday evening dive under the pier. Thanks to Nick for organising this in my absence. | ||
 | 2008 Annual General Meeting | |
This years AGM will take place on Friday 10th October at the Visitor Centre, Durlston. Details have already been circulated via e-mail, please try to attend this annual event for your club. After the formal business of the AGM, there will be a buffet so please bring a plate of something to share. And don't forget to check out the list of dive kit kindly donated by Peter Farmer HERE and get your offers to Chris before the AGM. |
Try Dive 2008 | |
This year the Try Dive is taking place earlier than previous years, the date set is Saturday 18th October, at the pool as usual. Full details are on the front page of the website; if you know of anyone who may be interested in joining the club and learning to dive with us, please direct them to the website in the first instance where they can find all the information including how to register for the evening. |
Dive Coordinators |  | |
Calls for volunteers have appeared in previous newsletters and several people have voiced an interest in organising dives next year. Chris plans to hold an informal training session, covering the basics of dive planning, at some point over the winter. Anyone who would be interested in learning more, please get in touch with Chris. |
 | October Monthly Meal | |
Yes, its time to restart our Dining Club, so the first get together will be on Wednesday 22nd October at the Duke of Wellington in Wareham. Although we quite often visit the 'Duke of Boots' after Saturday pool nights, we rarely eat there, so this will be a good opportunity to try out their menu. |
Fireworks on Poole Quay |  | |
Fancy fish & chips while watching the fireworks ? There's various events taking place on Poole Quay on Wednesday 5th November, ending with a grand finale firework display at 7.45pm. Meet on the quay at 7pm, grab some chips, watch the display, then finish off with a pint in the pub. Drop us an e-mail if you'd like to come along. |
 | Games at the Black Swan | |
The Black Swan is organising regular games evenings through the winter, so we thought we'd have a go and see how we get on ! Meet at the Black Swan at 6pm on Sunday 16th November for some fun (or just sit back & watch others being competitive!), followed by a meal. Chess, backgammon and cribbage will be on offer, but feel free to bring along any games of your own ! Drop us an e-mail if you'll be joining us. |
Christmas Party |  | |
Once more we will be returning to The Lookout at Durlston for our Christmas party. Other venues have been considered, but the value we get from Sally and her team is hard to beat, not to mention the warm atmosphere and having the place all to ourselves ! So I hope you will once more support this event and make it a memorable occasion. Full menu details will be circulated in due course, but in the meantime, the date for your diary is Friday 12th December. |
 | IPSAC Calendar | |
Would you be interested in a club calendar featuring pictures of IPSAC related scenes, both under and over water ? We have put together a flip-style desk calendar as shown alongside and provided there is sufficient interest (a minimum order of 10 is required), I will go ahead and order in time for Christmas. Click HERE for a snapshot of the layout for each month. The price per calendar will be £7.50, this will cover printing costs as well as a contribution to club funds. The deadline for ordering will be 1st November. |
Dates for Your Diary ... a summary of what is planned | ||
24th September - End of Season meal, Golden Bengal Swanage | ||
Pool Sessions | ||
Yes, its that time already; out of the salty stuff and back into the pool. The pool at Purbeck Sports Centre is available to club members on Saturdays, 8.00 - 9.00pm, starting 11th October. As usual, there are several dates we do not have access too the pool due to gala events, these are : 25th October, 1st, 15th, 22nd November. Cost is £2 per person. | ||