Started this early so hope I get it in before another month has flown by. January has seen us continuing to get wet, with trips away from Bristol taking place. This is the first time that I can remember this happening at this time of year, we normally dedicate these months towards training. What has happened this time that is different to normal is that we now have a new toy and it was introduced to the water (seawater) this month, for its sea trials. I thank Mark Stinchcombe for helping out with his knowledge of Rib crafts, when he oversaw this trip to Portland. I understand that everyone who made the effort had a good time and it was nice to learn that the majority of the lucky ‘First Ride/Dive group’ were able to attend.
Barrow Tanks has also been utilised this month with a number of trips taking place. All these were well attended by trainees, but sadly not by instructors. I don’t know what the problem is, this venue is much loved by ‘us’ long standing members and it would be a shame not to make the most of it before the diving season starts in earnest. (Easter is not that far off).
Training
Training is ongoing. The Club Diver program is still continuing, we are looking at the possibility of changing the lecture night from a Wednesday evening to a Monday evening. This would take the pressure off the instructor to complete his lecture before rushing off to the pool and would allow a later starting time if desired. We will be asking those currently within the training program for their thoughts, then hopefully starting this new idea for the next set of new trainees.
The new Dive Leader lectures will be starting as soon as I can inform those wanting to take part and arrange, confirm the dates with the other instructor. I have also had a request for Advanced Diver Training, so am planning to run one of the compulsory SDC’s this month, so long as Tim is agreeable as I hope to need his help. The cost will be approx. £15 for the day and will be hopefully run on the 16th February. So names to me ASAP.
Practical skills for all grades are being done when conditions allow and when Barrow tanks is available to us.
General
Sadly there have been no social events for me to talk about this month. I understand the new entertainments committee are giving us time to save our coppers for the next event, so get saving. Carol Sheppard is now running the next ‘A’ Team Fund raiser, with ‘Guess the weight of our Fisherman’s Friend’ when it is ready for the road. To help you, if I remember correctly, the Avon weighed 580Kgs, thinking hats on and £1 fee for all your guesses. As with the last time, half the monies raised will become the prize money.
I am also asking ALL members to supply me with a recent Passport size photograph, as I am trying to get access to our boat shed and produce a Membership pass that my make this easier. I WILL RETURN IT TO YOU ONCE I HAVE SCANNED IT. I promise nothing detrimental will take place with any given top me. (I have both my fingers and toes crossed)
The fund raising is still on going and monies are still being raised, we need to raise about £1000 per year to meet some of the targets that we as a club have set ourselves, and this is a painless way of parting with your money. Otherwise you may see a large increase in our fee’s next year to meet these costs.
WE NEED TO KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING WITH THIS
We need new idea for these events.
Forthcoming Fund Raisers
- A £1 prize guessing game on how much the Dunlop boats weighs will be run as soon as it is road worthy.
- A £1 prize guessing game on how much the NEW RIB weighs ready for the road.
A Treasure Hunt around Bristol City centre and another ‘Guess Who’ competitions are also being planned (I hope)
Are there any more ideas out there on how to raise funds? Come on you must have some.
Lecture Program for 2001/2002
Club Diver – Program on going, Lecture every two weeks. Should finish late April.
Sports Diver – New program completed. Knowledge review outstanding. Some missed lectures to be redone.
Dive Leader – New program being planned.
Advanced Diver – New program being planned. Mandatory SDC’s to be run when possible.
Optional SDC’s to be discussed
See our Web Site for relevant information on dates for Lecture program details
Dates for your diary
1st Monday of each month – Dive planning meetings – EVERYONE IS INVITED, no ideas
will be ignored.
3rd Monday of each month – Committee meeting – EVERYONE is entitled to attend and air
their views, sadly you cannot vote on any topics.
December 01 – March 02 – Barrow Tanks open for winter
NOTE: – There may be additional expeditions being planned that are not listed here.
See our Web Site for information on these events and other diving expedition
Happenings
WE MUST GET THE WORK ON THE DUNLOP FINISHED. IT CANNOT STAY WHERE IT IS FOR TO LONG AS WE USE THAT SPACE FOR OTHER THINGS.
Oxygen Admin course in February. The cost will be approx £15. Names to me as soon as possible if you are interested. So that should be the whole club minus those who have already done the course. (You could do the refresher at minimal cost though)
AS WE HAVE OUR OWN O2 KIT, EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW HOW TO USE IT WHEN THE NEED ARISES.
DO’s thought for the month
THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGING.
I hope this reads across to all of you?
Harry Ryalls
Diving Officer. BAS-AC
