The Kingston & Elmbridge Junior Snorkellers Club held a party to mark a momentous 60 years of snorkel training
SNORKELLIFE
The club’ s extended family comes together for a group photograph
Inclusive snorkelling
Leah, Ruby-Mai and and Bella- Rose Luckhurst, granddaughters of former instructor Rob Barton
The Kingston & Elmbridge Junior Snorkellers Club held a party to mark a momentous 60 years of snorkel training
Legacy was a running theme at a Diamond Anniversary Gala held in July to celebrate 60 years of The Kingston & Elmbridge Junior Snorkellers Club( KEJSC).
For members and parents past and present, it was an opportunity to celebrate the club’ s contribution to snorkelling culture over the past 60 years. Several visiting families were represented by multiple generations, with younger would-be snorkellers waiting to keep the tradition strong.
Members transformed a local venue into an underwater-themed nightspot, complete with swaying jellyfish and a starry sky of LED lights. The decorations were designed by Vicky Lee( mum of student Izzy), aided by Richard Gidley( stepdad of student Oliver).
The club was formed in 1966 as a sub-group of Kingston & Elmbridge SAC, still a thriving branch but now a separate entity. There are still links between the clubs, however, and several members from the dive club were present on the night.
When it started, KEJSC was affiliated to the National Snorkellers Club( NSC), a governing body overseen by BSAC. During the 1980s it became a standalone dedicated snorkelling club for mostly youth membership. In 1991 the NSC was replaced by BSAC as the Governing Body for snorkelling clubs in the UK.
Much of KEJSC’ s identity lies in its inclusivity, particularly to children who are not typically competitive or sportdriven. It welcomes young members with diversity or equality needs, including conditions such as ADHD, autism and a range of emotional and behavioural issues. The club has given generations of young people the confidence that comes with putting your head underwater and breathing freely.
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Listening to Nick’ s speech