A group of 27 divers plus myself as a frustrated non-diving Dive Manager, Leah Jackson (of chocolate lipstick fame) and Barry Peel, who acted as one group’s gofor, descended upon Stoney Cove on Sunday April 18^th. We planned for an 8.30am meet. The really keen ones were already parked up close to the water when the more experienced, who had to park further away, made the rendezvous at Mark Sykes’ van. This was parked in a reserved space for a ‘training school’ which I had booked earlier in the week; it turned out to be a popular idea as we were able to ferry gear from the top car park down to our ‘base camp’.

During the day, which was warm and sunny (booked earlier in the week but £30 cheaper than the reserved parking space) we managed to complete 57 dives (dives per individual) most of which were qualification dives at Ocean and Sports Diver Level. These also included 2 ‘virgin’ open water dives and saw the successful completion of the Sports Diver for Stewart Hinchliffe (Marine Boy). Congratulations Stewart!

Despite the poor visibility (although it was as clear as a bell from where I was), everyone appeared to enjoy the day. Water temperature was 5°C so dives were relatively short though one group, led by our intrepid chairman, managed 35 minutes on its first dive.

I have posted some photographs on the website from the day. Unfortunately with 27 divers and 57 dives to log, not mentioning the demands for extra weights, lost fin straps, eating bacon butties and teaching Leah about the Precambrian-Triassic angular unconformity at the entrance to Stoney Cove, I was unable to take many shots.

Now before you think that I am moaning and didn’t get anything out of the day let me inform you that this was a wonderful branch outing and what being in a club is all about; there was lots of banter between members and positive encouragement and advice being given. I also got sunburnt on my bald patch (okay all over the top of my head) but best of all, Jacko signed off my AP1 (Advanced Diver Dry Practical on Expedition Planning).

Thanks to everyone who took part yesterday, Mark Sykes for using his van as a ‘heavy kit transporter’, all of the instructor team whether leading or assisting, the pleasure divers (we’ll arrange for compass navigation lessons sometime!) and the trainee divers who did as they were asked without too much complaint. It was a pleasure to organise it all for you.

Paul