Time waits for no one, especially me. It seems that it was only yesterday that I was writing Decembers report and I now find January has been and gone so I’m late again with this months. December has been quite a busy month sadly not with diving trips, but the hardy few did make the effort and with Christmas Spirit had a pre-Christmas dip in that lovely, clear and warm waters of Barrow Tanks. The only good that came of this trip was the training that was completed and the introduction of some virgin divers to this excellent dive site.
Tim had the task of popping the cherries of our virgin divers and the screams when the water hit those parts not normally exposed to the elements are still ringing around the area. Thankfully the two-female members suffered no lasting harm and what ills they did were soon soothed with a fine lunch at The Winford Arms afterwards. The rest of us taking part had to just grin and bear this exciting venue. What was amazing was this event took place the morning after our Dinner Dance, which took place at The Jury’s Hotel.
Training
Training is ongoing. The Club Diver program is still continuing, although we are having a few difficulties with the lecture program and availability of lecturers. Thankfully any problems have been dealt with and no lectures have had to be postponed. Those needing them, have missed some of the lectures and these will be mopped up after the current program has finished in April and hopefully before the planned knowledge review.
I have put together a new series of Dive Leader lectures and will be looking for any members who want them. So far I know of a couple of members. I have also had a request for Advanced Diver Training, we can run the compulsory lectures within the club, but cannot run all of the lectures that are needed to complete the course. The practical should also be achievable.
Practical skills for all grades are being done when conditions allow and when Barrow tanks is available to us.
General
I would like to thank the outgoing Entertainments Officers for a cracking night at The Jury’s Hotel. This was the venue for the club’s annual Dinner Dance, a far cry from last years. I for one managed to eat and enjoy something this time. The entertainment for the night was also very good and I think some may have awaken the next day with some sore muscles, they were the one’s who were unable to make the dive on the 23rd December when some of us wore our Santa Hats diving. (If have not seen the video yet, have a chat with Ian Conibear who was one of the camera personnel on the day.) I know I had some aches that were soon forgotten upon entering the water. I think this was one of the best nights that the club has enjoyed for a long time. Julie Ryalls also ran another fundraiser and managed to raise another tidy sum for our boat fund. Please note that all the prizes were donated by the Ryalls family for this fundraiser. I’m sure that the current Entertainments committee would be thankfully for any of those unwanted Christmas gifts that you may have received, you never know, you just might win it back the next time we have a raffle.
The fund raising is still on-going and monies are still being raised, I know that Carol is doing some as well as Tim Clouter, so see them if you would like to take part.
WE NEED TO KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING WITH THIS, so new idea please.
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
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
As the winter is now here, WE MUST GET THE WORK ON THE DUNLOP FINISHED. IT CANNOT STAY WHERE IT IS FOR TOO LONG.
I am also planning to run an Oxygen Admin course in February. The cost will be approx £15. Name 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)
DO’s thought for the month
THE VOICE OF THE MAJORITY DOES NOT MEAN SQUAT
Where are you when it comes time for actions, Put up or Shut up
Harry Ryalls
Diving Officer. BAS-AC
