Meet your new Environment Group
BSAC HAS APPOINTED THE MEMBERS OF its new Environment and Sustainability Group, who will be tasked with implementing the organisation’ s environmental initiatives.
Freya Powell, Helen Mitchem, Giulia Leanza and Ed Thompson all bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for the ocean to the group.
Recently graduating in Marine Vertebrate
Zoology from Bangor University, Freya has also completed internships with The Sea Watch Foundation( North Wales) and Sharklife( South Africa).
Nottingham University SAC’ s Helen Mitchem works in community conservation. She says she hopes to help“ raise the profile of habitat destruction and its impacts on wildlife that only divers get to see up close.”
Currently studying for her MSci in Marine Biology and Oceanography at Bangor University, Giulia Leanza’ s research focuses on marine ecosystems, particularly kelp forests and salt marshes.
Finally, Ed Thompson works in marine data as part of the dive team for NatureScot, where he also conducts surveys for its monitoring programme.
Group Chair Katherine Knight will be familiar to many within BSAC through her work at Scottish conservation charity Seawilding. She will now lead the volunteer team as it guides the organisation on green issues, continuing the work begun by Jane Maddocks, former adviser on Heritage and Environment.
Reflecting on the new group, Katherine Knight said she was delighted to be working with the new team to support BSAC members to enjoy diving with a purpose.
“ I am excited to see what opportunities and initiatives develop for everyone to get involved. We are keen to hear your thoughts and ideas. Keep an eye on SCUBA and member communications for upcoming polls on what environmental activities you would like to get involved in.”
You can contact the group by emailing environmentchair @ bsac. com
For more information on the Environment and Sustainability Group members, go to bsac. com / environgroup
When Tuesday night comes...
A SCUBA-MAD COUPLE HAS WELCOMED the third generation of their family into the sport, with their nine-year-old granddaughter taking the plunge.
Dawn and Frank Johnson were delighted when their granddaughter Lili joined their club, Chillington Divers, as a snorkeller, with her sights set on learning to dive when she turns 12. Dad Ryan has been diving since he was 15, making the weekly club pool night a real family affair.
Advanced Diver Dawn said that, with three generations of her family now diving and snorkelling together, she is looking forward to sharing her scuba adventures.
“ Tuesday night means everything to us,” Dawn explained.“ We are able to see our son and granddaughter in the water and we snorkel with them. With dive and snorkel trips planned, it also means we can all share experiences and memories.”
Dawn and Frank met as members of Wulfruna BSAC in 1985. Dawn had learned to dive at 17, while Frank had already been a member of several BSAC clubs. The couple married two years later and moved to Chillington Divers when their son Ryan wanted to learn to dive. With Lili now a club member, Dawn said her granddaughter was carrying on the family’ s‘ tradition’.
“ Last year Lili won Junior Member of the Year at our awards night, for helping other youngsters who join the club,” Dawn added.
“ It’ s great to see that Ryan and Lili love the club as much as us we do and we are so proud of them. We also love that it encourages other families to join our club and so we make sure dives and activities are always family friendly.”