SCUBACHAT
Joe Oleisky ( left ) and Max Rodger
Offshore adventure
WE AT GRIMSBY AND CLEETHORPES BSAC travel 20 miles offshore to access our local wreck sites . On one dive this August we had two new passengers , Joe Oleisky and Max Rodger ; both 14 years old and both newly qualified Ocean Divers . They came out on the club RIB just to experience what it ’ s like to be at sea for around five hours on a dive boat .
On approaching the wreck site , they were encouraged to sit either side of the coxswain , close to the GPS and depth sounder . We explained to them the chain of events leading up to the dive . First , we would place a shot marker near wreck , using the GPS plotter , then hooking the wreck with the anchor . We explained the importance of leaving the shot marker in the water until all divers are back on board the boat .
Both agreed that there ’ s a lot more to diving than just being underwater ; they also said they had a superb day out . They loved every minute of it , and are looking forward to when they could come out on the club RIB , not as passengers but to dive a sunken wreck . The way things are going with these two newly qualified Ocean divers , it will be sooner rather than later . PETER RODGER BSAC No 37
Rhondda ’ s scouting endeavour
BACK IN APRIL OUR CLUB WAS contacted by the Scout Leader of Rhondda Explorers Scout Group . He asked if we would be able to do some try dives for their scouts at the start of the new term – something for them to look forward to after the break for the summer school holidays . In total 21 scouts wanted to participate .
At the end of last term ( July ) our Diving Officer and our Treasurer went along to the scout hut to give a presentation and distribute consent forms . The scouts were sized up for BCDs and fins , to save time on the day .
Lunedale ’ s 60th celebrations
MEMBERS AT LUNESDALE SAC WERE finally able to celebrate their 60th anniversary and awards night in some style in July , after having to postpone the event from 2021 due to Covid restrictions . The evening was held at Lancaster Golf Club , with members both past and present enjoying a superb three course meal .
Entertainment for the night was provided by Lunesdale ’ s DO Rob Hewitt and his band , ‘ Feelgood Factor ’, with Rob playing bass guitar and fellow member Nigel Watson on the trumpet .
Now the real planning started . Risk assessments were made , consent forms checked and collated , a whole host of charts and checklists created , groups allocated . Our member-volunteers were all given different tasks , ranging from ‘ meet and greet ’ in the Leisure Centre foyer , chaperones to direct the scouts to the changing rooms and poolside , a poolside support team .
We had four groups of scouts and spent four hours in the water with them , introducing them to the wonderful world of scuba diving . The event was a resounding success and the scouts thoroughly enjoyed themselves . Trying to get them to slow down was the hardest part of the morning – once they got used to being underwater , they were whizzing around like torpedoes and speeding through the hoops in the deep end .
The smiles on the faces of the scouts underwater said it all , and the four hours flew by . Was it hard work ? Without a doubt – a huge amount of planning and effort by our club members went into this event to ensure that it ran smoothly . Would we do it again ? Absolutely . ALLISON CARTER , Rhondda Sub Aqua Club
Outgoing Chair Graeme Robson and incoming Chair Liz Tallentire presented the club awards to : Cath Lee for Club Diver of the Year ; Mike Hinson for Trainee of the Year ; Dave Pearce for Diligent Diver ( promoting safe diving practices ); Adrian Willan received the Chair Award for his contribution to the club , as boat and equipment officer over recent years . The event was successfully organised by members Debbie Willan and Marie Whittaker . GRAEME ROBSON , Lunesdale SAC
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