Such is Life

Sometimes being into diving can be the most frustrating sport there is. Take this weekend. After months of planning and organising by Sheila everything was set for a great weekend in Cornwall . The only thing we couldn't plan for was, and I quote from the BBC, "a very unusual low pressure system for this time of the year" plonked right over the Cornish peninsula for the weekend with forecasted winds upto 50mph winds from the South.

Well that has scuppered the weekend's diving then. After clinging to straws all week and praying for good weather it appears that whoever controls the climate in this country just wasn't listening or decided to take the weekend off.

After much speculation Sheila received confirmation from Looe Divers this evening that the diving had been cancelled and after a bit of research and question asking on other dive forums there wasn't even the possibilty of any reasonable shore diving convenient enough to make the trip to Looe worthwhile.

This is the first time we have had to cancel a trip and its no ones fault that the weather is bad. There is nothing stopping us arranging another trip asap and I am sure most of us would still be up for it, but perhaps we need to plan in a contingency for the weather when choosing where we go next.

I am, and I'm sure you are, really disappointed about this weekend but it can't be helped and it's still only July so plenty of time yet for an alternative plan.

I would like to thank Sheila for all her efforts in putting together the weekend and I would like to blame Ernie for upsetting the weather gods.

And NO Nikki I am not going to Bluewater shopping now

Tad

Looe Dive Trip ~ Plan B for the Weekend ?

If, and it looks like it will, the weather conspires against us this weekend in Looe can I make a suggestion that if all else fails we ask if dive centre could suggest any sheltered bays suitable for diving when their boats are out of operation?

I know its not the same as wrecks but there is still some good beach or cove diving and thats free ! Would and could still be a bit of a laugh.

I am up for it if there are no other options.

Tad

Looe 5-6th July, Swanage 4th July 2008

Swanage:
Friday - Meet at 12:00 on the Pier (for those diving the Pier)

Looe:
Friday - Meet in Hotel bar 20:00. Last person buys the drinks all evening !
Saturday - Meet at the Dive Centre at 10:00. Returning at 17:00
Sunday - Meet at the Dive Centre at 11:00. Returning 18:00.

What we dive and when will depend on the weather.

Please remember to bring the following:-

Log Book
Certification cards
Proof of UK Sea diving from a boat in the last 6 months
Own equipment - including:-
Computer/watch
Reel
SMB
Torch
2 Tanks.

Looking forward to seeing you all.

Don't forget to ring me on Thursday evening.

Sheila

Looe Diving Trip ~ 5th & 6th July 2008

There is one space left on the trip to Looe on 5th & 6th July 2008. The cost is £88.00 for 4 dives and bed and breakfast accommodation is £45.00 per night. If you are interested please leave a comment with your details.

Looe & NDAC ~ Suggested Setting-Off Times.

Distances and times are from Pyecombe, which is just North of Brighton on the A23 close to the A27.

First of all NDAC. AA Route Planner = distance 161 miles and time 3hr. Suggest we all aim to arrive for 9:30, that'll be leaving homes (or pubs!) at approx 06:00. Hopefully/maybe we'll then be able to get in before most of the divers on courses.

Secondly Looe, more specifically those who fancy breaking up the journey by jumping off Swanage Pier. AA = distance to Swanage 116 miles and 2hr 42mins then on to Looe = 142miles and 3hr 33mins. If we say the stop at Swanage is approx 3hrs then leaving to arrive at Swanage for 12:00 should be about right.

What say all of you fellow intrepid types?

Meridian Divers Meeting of 28th April

Something of a record-breaker this meeting! We had 96 apologies! Mind you, in hindsight it was perhaps only to be expected that the London Symphony Orchestra would turn down a gig at the Berwick Inn. Nevertheless it was our best attended meeting this year.

Tad gave a briefing on the extensive work recently done on the T R T Project. Tad has been in regular contact with a relative of one of the crew (Leslie Francis) and developed a growing relationship. Contact has been made with a maritime historian who has provided us with copies of the plans for the ship, something we have been seeking for some time. Tad played a recording of a BBC interview with the relative which was quite touching. It's clear that the TRT Project work has helped fill some gaps in the relatives knowledge and I think that will have a lasting impression upon him. It has been a positive experience for all. Tad advised the meeting that he expected more information on the wreck to be published soon.

Forthcoming dive trips have been extremely well supported. Trips to Looe & Lundy are all but full (and all places are likely to have been taken with a few days). Dive trips to Lundy are usually booked up over a year in advance so we are fortunate to get such good dates for our trip.

Those on the Looe Trip may want to break their journey to Cornwall at Swanage. Simon is planning to do so, he aims to squeeze in a dive on the pier! He will circulate a rendezvous time for any other pier diving enthusiasts!

A new date for the Selsey Pier Dive hasa been set for 25th May. More details to follow.

The meeting heard updates from the 'Girls Night In (water)' arranged by Debbie and the Curry Night organised by Matt.

Dive planning for 2009 has started with Tracey leading on the France 2009 Trip, Tad will look at a Teneriffe trip (to dive the TRT Sister Ship!)

Next followed, Social Events, a BBQ on the Newhaven West Beach is planned for 8th June (fingers crossed for good weather). And a second BBQ to take place in Seaford will be planned by Debbie & Stuart for a date to be arranged in July. Provisonal plans to return to NEMO 33 before Christmas 2008 have been aired. Since the first Meridian Divers trip to NEMO there has been increased interest in this venue.

Tad will be contacting Rother Diving Club to organise a joint social.

The next MD meeting is planned to take place on Wednesday 28th May and it will be at a different location and involve a dinner!

With a full , active and varied diary for Meridian Divers we continue to make the news - no news there then!

Looe Diving Trip 5th & 6th July ~ Update

This trip will also be taking place, at present their are eight confirmed MD divers on the week-end. Accommodation has been booked. Dive places & rooms are still available. The boat will take 12 divers and it would be nice (as ever) to hav ethe whole booking. If interested contact Sheila or me or add a comment.


1. Ernie (+Sheila)
2. Chris (+Sue)
3. Debbie
4. Stuart
5. Therese
6. Tracey
7. Simon (+Linda)
8. Tad (+Nicki)
9. Steve (+Laura)
10. Matt (+Tina)
11. Sean (+Barbs)
12.
Res.
Res.

Looe Diving ~ Trip Planning

Sheila is planning a trip to Cornwall, an old favourite with MDers. 5th & 6th July. Looe Divers have two boats (to carry 10 or 12 divers) . Two days diving (four dives) will be £80.00 with accommodation in the order of £35-£45 pppn. Nine MDers at the planning meeting have expressed an interest. usual dive trip planning rules apply ...first come first served, places being 'reserved' on receipt of your lovely money! Add your name on a comment or email me / Sheila for more information.