SCUBAHUB
Expansion planned for Diving Museum
THE DIVING MUSEUM HAS LAUNCHED A Go Fund Me initiative to help complete essential conservation work on its Grade II-listed home .
Based in Gosport ’ s historic defence batteries , the Diving Museum is the only scuba-related museum in the UK . Launched in 2011 , it is home to one of Europe ’ s most extensive diving equipment collections , ranging from the early days of helmet diving to the modern day .
Built in the 1860s , the museum ’ s building – known as No . 2 Battery - was originally part of Gosport ’ s defences before becoming a Cold War nuclear defence bunker . It then remained unused from the 1980s until it was taken over by the Diving Museum .
However , over the years , severe damp issues have caused the building to deteriorate , and so earlier this year , the museum closed for extensive restoration work . As part of this restoration , accessibility to the building will also be improved , including a new ramp and platform lift .
With the National Heritage Lottery Fund providing 78 % of the restoration costs , the museum has also managed to obtain additional funding from other organisations , including the Arts Council and Gosport Borough Council . A fundraising appeal to raise the outstanding £ 15,000 has now been launched via Go Fund Me .
With only one third of the site previously used by the Diving Museum , museum director Kevin Casey said the restoration means the whole building will be utilised when it re-opens in 2025 .
“ This will enable the Historic Diving Society to develop a museum with a modern , engaging and accessible interpretation of the history , development and contemporary story of diving , as well as the story of the building ,” Kevin explained .
“ It ’ s been an amazing roller-coaster ride to get this far . We are an all-volunteer organisation , and so any support given will really make a difference in delivering the redevelopment of the Diving Museum .”
For more information and to make a donation to the appeal , go to www . gofundme . com / f / divein-and-support-exciting-change-at-the-diving-museum
Best of both with Elite
BSAC CENTRE ELITE DIVING IS OFFERING A ‘ BEST OF both worlds ’ trip for divers looking to combine a short liveaboard experience with a land-based holiday in Sharm .
Rather than committing to a full week liveaboard , Elite Diving has created a dive trip itinerary which combines a three-day liveaboard mini safari with three days ’ diving from their own day boat . Including four nights ’ accommodation in Sharm El Sheikh , divers will also get the chance to kick back and relax in a resort-based setting .
Running from 18 to 25 May 2025 , the week-long trip is open to divers qualified to 30m and have a minimum of 20 logged dives . The dive locations travellers can expect to visit during the trip include the Straits of Tiran , South Mainland Reefs and Inner Ras Mohamed . Further afield sites such as the Thistlegorm and SS Dunraven will be reached via the liveaboard . Night dives can also be included .
The trip is priced at £ 850 based on two sharing . Flights are not included . For more information contact reservations @ elite-diving . com
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