Welcome
A theme that crops up frequently in BSAC circles is the notion of‘ giving something back’. I’ ve heard the phrase in conversation with countless volunteers, from senior instructors to club Chairs and committee members. At the beating heart of club life, there is a desire to help develop other divers, just as we ourselves were helped from the outset of our own learning curves. We all have our formative instructors, our early mentors – they leave an indelible mark on our lives.
So I was heartened, while editing this issue’ s Volunteer Life, to see the phrase crop up once again( see page 58). This time, it came via an interview with two young Ocean Divers from Bingham SAC, Delilah Durham, aged 15, and Skye Lewis Metcalfe, 14.
These teenagers are already making a tangible contribution to club life by working with Bingham’ s try dive team, getting kit organised by the poolside and behind the scenes. What a positive impression this must make at try dive nights, showing that the club can foster young people and develop their skills. It sets a great example. Having young people in our clubs is both an investment in the future, and good for morale!
We can only hope it will encourage more clubs to put their younger members in positions of responsibility. We’ re living at a time when the divide between adults and young people seems ever wide, but diving is a great leveller. Underwater, we speak the same language. Our clubs are full of people from a variety of different backgrounds, but divers relish the company of other divers. We are, after all, a breed apart.
I’ d also like to highlight the achievements of a hugely influential woman diver, Angela Parker, who died recently. Angela was co-founder( with her late husband, David) of AP Valves, now AP Diving, which introduced Buddy jackets, the Inspiration rebreather and a host of other innovations. Angela’ s diving CV was truly impressive, as is her legacy. Please turn to the HUB section( page 8 onwards) to read about her inspirational life.
Simon Rogerson – Editor simon @ scubamagazine. co. uk
Cover photo: Photographer under Swanage Pier, by Paul Pettitt
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