Each month we feature a selection of your letters
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A tribute to Mick White
IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS , THAT WOKING SNORKEL AND SCUBA CLUB announce the passing of Mick White . Mick was our oldest active member , aged 77 . He passed away surrounded by his family on Monday 30 October , following a recent illness . Mick has been a longstanding , valued member of WSAS , particularly in his role as our Diving Officer for many years .
Over the years , he acquired the nickname ‘ Mick the Map ’ due to his ability to get lost en-route to familiar dive sites !
His passion was predominantly with snorkelling . He was a great mentor for countless members , in addition to other local clubs . He spent long hours inspiring future generations by teaching snorkelling to all levels , becoming a Snorkel Instructor Trainer and supporting their progression onto scuba diving . Many of our club ’ s current snorkel instructors were taught by Mick and are part of his legacy . For many members it is an end of an era , but the club will continue to remember all his experience , contributions , and passion for years to come . RIP Mick THOMAS HAWKSWORTH , Chair , Woking Snorkel and Scuba
A friend indeed
HAVING HAD A GREAT WEEK IN JUNE with all the big stuff at Ras Muhammad with the Monday Club , we went back for a week ’ s diving in October . Yes , it was another six days of warm , clear , fish-filled water , and a chance to introduce Coventry Branch 58 to some great diving . We also took the opportunity to fine-tune the skills of our new Sport Divers , who had completed their
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Each month we feature a selection of your letters
grade at a chilly Stoney Cove , our local training site . We had a rest day on the Sunday , waiting for our 10.30pm flight back to a cold and rainy UK . While on the bus from the departure lounge to the aircraft I was told that one of our group , David Bird , had collapsed and fallen to the ground , hitting his head . Two other passengers , not from our group , swung into action to initially look after him before he was whisked off to hospital , where it was diagnosed he had suffered a hairline fracture above his left ear . It was another 12 days after his missed flight that he was finally back home . The process was helped by the massive efforts of Kevin Judge , who arranged post-hospital accommodation , meals , insurance issues and flights . He had also missed his original flight to keep David company . What a star , especially as they had not even met prior to the trip . David is now recovering at home . DAVE PLUMB , Coventry BSAC
We ’ re still looking for a new prize for a Star Letter , so please bear with us for a while longer . It ’ s a difficult time for the diving industry , so sponsorships are a tricky proposition at the moment .
Fostering resilience with DfA
I WISH TO EXPRESS MY SINCERE gratitude for BSAC and especially BSAC Hartford . Due to their inclusivity , I ’ ve recently gained my Ocean Diver qualification . Having taken a great deal of time and effort , both on my part and that of my exceptionally kind and patient instructor at BSAC Hartford , Ariel Northway , I ’ ve been able to spend time with wonderful people . I lost my ability to walk over a decade ago but diving and the Diving for All programme has proven transformative . It isn ’ t simply about promoting scuba diving to individuals with disabilities ; it ’ s the fostering of resilience , promotion of inclusivity , and the creation of a space where everyone can experience the joy and freedom that scuba diving offers . Ariel Northway and the other BSAC Hartford members have supported me in this journey and are exceptional ; their unwavering support and guidance has instilled in me determination and a vital sense of confidence . I ’ m also deeply grateful to Ian Tucker and Howard Sobey , both BSAC and Deptherapy instructors who volunteer with the Scuba Trust , helping individuals with disabilities to learn to dive , and who have recently helped my with the final part of my qualification on a recent , wonderful holiday in Egypt . I am looking forward to future dives . ALEXANDRA SINGER , BSAC Hartford