Lundy Dive Trip ~ Boat 'Upgrade' !!!

Good news, I've just spoken with Andy our boat Skipper on the Lundy trip and we have been 'upgraded' to the Obsession II the twin-hulled fast hard boat! There is plenty of room for 12 divers on this boat ....oh, and it has a diver lift! How nice is that!

T.R.Thompson Look-a-Like

Whilst trying to track down more info on the T.R.T I came across this picture of the Westburn.

The Westburn was a British steamship built in 1893 by Short Brothers at Sunderland, England for the James Westoll line. She was 351 feet in length and 3,300 tons with a speed of 7 knots.

Does this sound familiar? This looks almost identical to the TRT
The better quality photo enables us to see what the T.R.T would have looked like.

The Westburn is sunk just outside Santa Cruz harbour in Tenerife in about 30m.

I can almost feel a trip coming on . See DIVER magazine (2002):-

http://www.divernet.com/cgi-bin/articles.pl?id=3223&sc=&ac=d&an=

Tad

Lundy Dive Trip ~ 9th & 10th August 2008

I have emailed all MD registered authors with information about the above trip and the link below that will allow for detailed information to be downloaded (when you reach the download site , click on the downward pointing arrow on the right of the screen alongside the document titles).

http://idisk.mac.com/stevelintern-Public?view=web

I will SOON start the process of converting expressions of interest into places on this trip. The information will be circulated to registered authors of this blog, then posted then emailed to any other interested people. It's free to register on this blog , if you are not registered add a comment with your email address (this will NOT appear on the blog).

Use the Labels (botom right of this post) to find related Lundy posts.

Channel Diving spaces available

Channel Diving

Spaces available over the weekend of the 24th & 25th May,

we will be diving
Saturday 24th TR Thompson 34mtrs 13.00 away
Sunday 25th City of Waterford 36mtrs 13.30 away

To reserve a space call Steve 07970 674799

www.channeldiving.com

Sea Zones ~ City of Brisbane ~ Saturday 12th April

Just received this from Mick Luff at Sea Zones if anyone is interested


Hi All,

I have 4 spaces.
DATE OF DIVE-Saturday 12th April 2008.(Only £30)
WRECK- City of Brisbane
DEPTH- 24m to bottom of wreck 18m to top (LW slack) followed by a drift dive.
ROPES OFF- 09:15 and back in by 3.00pm (approx)

If you want to come ring or text Mick on 07729 277651 or drop him an e-mail.
mick@sea-zones.co.uk

www.sea-zones.co.uk/

Tad

Meridian Divers and BBC at the wreck of SS.T.R.Thompson.

A little tribute to the T.R.T

T.R.Thompson Commemorative Dive 3rd April 2008

After a very early start to get to Brighton Marina for 7am to meet the other Meridian Divers and BBC crew, I wasn't hopeful that underwater conditions would make the T.R.Thompson commemorative dive a particularly good one especially after all the recent bad weather.

On leaving the Marina aboard Steve Johnson's spacious Channel Diving hard boat, the surface conditions looked perfect, although the sky was a little dark and overcast. With nearly an hours trip out to the wreck site there was plenty of time to chat to the BBC crew about the TRT project and what we are trying to achieve and also check our equipment.

The gods were smiling as we arrived at the wreck site and the sky brightened with the clouds parting it had become almost a perfect day.

Any of you who have dived with Channel Diving before know Steve is an expert when it comes to placing the shot on the wreck with perfect precision you tell him where you want it and he places it exactly there with no fuss.

Looking into the water waiting for slack tide we could see the shotline disappearing into the depths which promised surprisingly some visibility.

After kitting up it was time to enter the water and as always with my first sea dive of the year there were a few butterflies but on hitting the water and starting the journey down to the wreck they soon disappeared.

I was diving with Sara and Jim from East Sussex Fire & Rescue who had joined us for the day.

On reaching the wreck we were surprised that although dark we had at least 2-3m viz and looking up you could see daylight which was a pleasant and unexpected surprise.

The TRT couldn't show us all her glory today but we could see enough of the wreckage to make the dive worthwhile and we did pick out a massive capstan . I had taken the video camera down but wasn't expecting any success but later BBC footage clearly showed the the capstan and other bits of wreckage.

All too soon it was time to head for the surface and say goodbye to the T.R.T and the ghosts of her crew with a promise we will be back again soon to continue to tell their story.

Dive statistics:

Total dive time 32 minutes , Max depth 32.6m , Water temp 9.c , Viz 2-3m with torches .

Dive Team:

Jim H
Ernie (Safety Diver)
Sara
Jim (ESFRS)
Tad

Surface Cover: Chris-P

Tad

Girls Night In !!

On Saturday 5th April, the ladies of Meridian Divers took advantage of the fact Stuart was 'Up the Amazon' and met at Debbies for a Girls Night In.

Few drinks and the invite of a nice warm pool was too good to resist. It was decided that in the event of future dives being called off, the girls would form a sister group - The Meridian Syncro Swimmers! Fun was had with the floats and these are just the publishable pics!

The true star of the evening though has to be Puppy Parsley. Thank you Debbeie for your hospitatility and Congratulations on your new arrival! The most well behaved male I've seen in a while.

T.R.Thompson Crew Member Relative

After the BBC showed the T.R.Thompson report on their Look North Programme I was contacted by a descendant of Lesley Frances Jack (17 years) who was an apprentice on the T.R,T at the time she sank. Lesley was killed during the sinking.

I have arranged to speak to him next week to get further information but he has told me that Lesley's father who was a master of a ship also died on a ship that went down with all hands that was owned by the Westoll line who also owned the T.R.T

The story continues and I will post more info as soon as I have it.

Tad

TRT Crew Relative ~ Contact is Made

After footage of the TRT dive was shown on BBC Look North lunchtime and evening programmes a relative of a crew member who lost their life on the T.R.T. has contacted Meridian Divers

The TRT project has always regarded finding a relative as an important objective and now with help from the BBC we have.

More details shortly.

Watch this space

Tad

More TV Coverage ~ BBC Look North

BBC Look North ran a revised 'edition' of the BBC South East "Meridian Divers T R Thompson Project" story on their News programme tonight. Excellent coverage - this clip was closely focussed on finding relatives of the crew.

[Update 13th April : Sadly the BBC link to the broadcast has now expired!]

Congratulations to Alex, Nick and Amelia

While some of us were enjoying a dip in the channel , two of our friends were busy bringing a new baby into the world.

A big congratulations to Alex and Nick Parsons on the birth of their new baby daughter Amelia.

I am sure that all of us would like to wish both Alex, Nick and newby Amelia all the best for the future and send them our love.

I expect they already have a mini wet suit sorted for Amelia.

A big teddy bear will be starting the journey down to Seaford as soon as possible to meet its new owner.

Tad x

BBC South East Coverage of the T R Thompson Dive

Click on the link to watch the BBC SE Today coverage:-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7320000/newsid_7329600/7329626.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm&news=1&nol_storyid=7329626&bbcws=1

Curry Night with OV Buddies

Hi all,

Matt posted details of a 'Post Marsa Jolly' on 19th April. Everyone in MD is welcome whether or not you were on the Marsa Alam dive trip!

Anyone wishing to go, just add a comment or let me know and I will email Matt.

It will probably be held in the Lancing area.

Meridian Divers, BBC South East & the T R Thompson Project

More by luck than judgement the weather today was superb and having such good weather made a good day great. It was a great day because Meridian Divers teamed-up with BBC South East Today and Channel Diving to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the sinking of the SS T R Thompson (see the 'Links' section , top left of the homepage to go to the T R Thompson Project) .

Five divers with surface support cover made a dive on the wreck lying in 33metres of water off the East Sussex coast. The dive and the Project was subject to a BBC feature with interviewer John Young. The three minute feature was broadcast just before 7pm this evening in the East Sussex & Kent areas. It will also be broadcast in the Newcastle area to raise awareness of the wreck of a ship built in Sunderland in 1897 and headed for Middlesborough from Algiers in 1918. The ship was sunk by a torpedo from German U Boat UB57 .

The bright sunshine , clear skies with reasonable underwater visibility make the dive a useful addition to the projects fact finding dives. It also provided the setting for Tad to place flowers on the water in tribute to those merchant navy seamen who gave their lives supplying Britain with vital supplies during World War I.

The broadcast will be backed up with further radio broadcasts on BBC local radio in the Newcastle area. Meridian Divers are aiming to bring the history of this wreck to the attention of any relatives of those who served on board.

We hope & anticipate that the MD enthusiasm will motivate local divers and divers visiting East Sussex to contribute to the fact finding. The T R Thompson Project blog has been running for four years and we publish all of our findings. It would be great to think that others will add to this growing public resource.

Meridian Divers Through the Looking Glass at Nemo 33

Video reposted due to a technical error

Another Sunday at Wraysbury for Meridian Divers

A few video clips from Meridian Divers trip to Wraysbury on Sunday 31st March

Meridian Divers Photo Competition

To help manage this competition (winner to be announced at the Christmas Dinner, December 2008) I have added 'Labels' to photos on the blog . Any author wanting his or her images to be entered needs to have the images on the blog and to have them Labelled (bottom of post, as below!) as "Photo Competition 2008" . Only images on the Blog will be counted , this does NOT include images that only linked to the blog (by albums or other websites). This should mean we post our best photos!

If anyone wants a 2008 photo 'labelled' and is not sure how to do it - drop me a line and I'll do it for you!

Lundy Dive Week-end ~ Update

The Lundy week-end dive trip (as below - follow 'Lundy' link) is now looking VERY positive. A deposit on a charter boat has now been sent!

We have (as per previous post) a long list of interested divers and I am aware that the list is not complete as Matt & Sean have more names to add.

It is likely that we may be over subscribed (but, no doubt , some interested divers will not be able to make the dates when confirmed!)

When I have the full details available I will email them out FIRST to all those who have intimated an interest. I will need all the email addresses to achieve this! If you haven't personally sent me your email address or replied to one of mine assume I don't have it!

It will be first-come-first-served when the starters gun is fired! Divers will need to have UK boat diving experience and possess and know how to use DSMBs & Reels for these dives.

Nice Night View of the Marsa Alam Hotel

The Port Ghalib website has an attractive picture of the Coral Beach Diving Hotel (Now known as the Marina Lodge) and some info :-

http://www.portghalib.com/english/index.htm

Wraysbury pictures. 30/03/08

Sponsoring Kate to Run!

I'm taking part in the 5k 'Race for Life' to raise money for Cancer Research UK and would really welcome your support. Please take a moment to sponsor me. It's really easy - you can donate online by credit or debit card at the following address:

http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/katecalamatta

All donations are secure and sent electronically to Cancer Research UK. If you are a UK taxpayer, Cancer Research's partner Justgiving will automatically reclaim 28% Gift Aid on your donation at no cost to you - making it worth even more. Please join me in supporting Race for Life and a fabulous cause!

Thanks and best wishes,
Katexx

Another Sunday at Wraysbury

The sun shone and the weather was warm which was a big surprise considering the weather forecast for today.

3 of us from MD had 2 enjoyable dives at the packed Wraysbury lake . As the sea dives were cancelled today this proved a good alternative for the dive junkies amongst us

A full write up with video clips and pictures to follow shortly.


Tad

Wreck of the T R Thompson ~ MD / NAS Project

Tad will be speaking on BBC Southern Counties on Monday 31st March shortly after 08.25am , he will be highlighting the Meridian Divers Adopt-A-Wreck project which is being undertaken with the Nautical Archaeology Society "Diving into History" Project Officer Ian Barefoot. Ian is registered author for the Meridian Divers blog and a former work colleague of mine.

Sadly the Adopt-A-Wreck initiative of the NAS comes to an end in July 2008 but Meridian Divers will continue with it's project irrespective of the NAS reaching the end of its Heritage Lottery Funding.

The Meridian Divers TRT project is certain to generate continued interest amongst other local divers. Meridian Divers publish their findings on the wreck on the project blog (see Links at the top right hand side of the this blog) and are always happy to receive updates on the wreck from others who are prepared to contribute to the project.

Sea Zones 30th March

Just in case a miracle happens Mick from Sea Zones has emailed me this:-

Hi All, I have 2 spaces.
DATE OF DIVE -Sunday 30th March 2008.(Only £30)
WRECK - Lancer 2
DEPTH - 24m to bottom of wreck 18m to top (LW slack) followed by a drift dive.
ROPES OFF - 9:45 and back in by 3.45pm (approx)

If you want to come ring or text Mick on 07729 277651 or drop me an e-mail.

The day will consist of:
Arrival - All meet at Newhaven's West Quay (FREE parking) only 100m from the boat.
Load up - Don't huff and puff use our kit trolley to move your kit the 100m to the boat
Dive briefing - Full briefings on our MCA coded hard boat, dive procedures and the WRECK details
The wreck dive - Complete the dive to the full depth or go shallower to the top of the wreck.
The drift dive - With a FREE cup of Tea, Coffee or Chocolate and a Scones while you complete a relaxing surface interval. We then will do the a drift dive on our way back to the marina.
Departure - Get back home or spend the rest of the day on a nice visit to Eastbourne or Brighton.

If this date does not suit, look at the online diary if you want to see other spaces and dates available.

www.sea-zones.co.uk/

Tad

Post Marsa Alam Jolly ~19th April

Hi all,
Matt here, I`ve set the date for the so called jolly for the Saturday 19th April. If i could have names and if poss deposits as quite a large group have said there up for going out I`ll book it up [curry ok for everyone?]

Hope your all see you soon, Matt

[posted on behalf of Matt]

Wraysbury ~ Diversion Due To The Weather Gods

Due to the Weather not playing ball and being decidely British and due to this the planned Selsey dip being canned. There are plans afoot still to get wet on Sunday 30th and not just by the rain.

Wraysbury once again could be the order of the day. I knows its not the same but the urge to submerge is becoming overwhelming and must be satisfied. Therefore Simon and myself are planning to meet around middayish at Wraysbury to chill our grubby little mits off and to model the latest in 1960's cousteauesque swimwear.

It would be great if some other hardy souls would sign up and join in the fun.

Please leave a comment

Tad

PADI Enriched Air ~ Nitrox Specialty

If anyone is interested in completing the PADI Enriched Air ~ Nitrox Specialty add a comment or contact me by email.

Film Night at Arlington

The film night turned-out to be our best attended meeting since Meridian Divers began in 2006. Nineteen divers, lured-in by a buffet and Projectionist Tad's choice of diving movies braved the Arlington wilderness to enjoy a very social evening. It was great to see divers from Ocean View and Rother Diving Club, not only because the essence of Meridian Divers is networking to make things happen but also because their enthusiasm looks like it will mean all places on our proposed trips will be filled!

The Looe & Lundy dive trips were discussed after the film show and details will be circulated by email as soon as possible.

The Selsey dive planned for 30th March has been cancelled due to anticipated poor weather on top of poor coastal weather in the last week or so.

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

If you feel like watching a funny quirky film then have a look at 'The Life Aquatic' Staring Bill Murray. The film is about a group of oceanic explorers called Team Zissou who embark on a journey to hunt down the "Jaguar Shark" that ate one of their crew members. Determined to avenge the death of his dear friend, team leader Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) is melancholic about the journey he's about to make. Meanwhile, financial troubles and nostalgia for the past make Zissou behave like a reckless play boy. along with some very different and psychedelic under water scenes and an all star cast including Owen Wilson, Willem Dafoe, Cate Blanchet, Anjelica Huston, Jeff Goldblum and Michael Gambon. I found this film very amusing in places and hilarious in others. Very tongue in cheek and a send up of the Jacque Cousteau films. I would recommend this film for it quirky nature and unbalivabilty.

Lundy Dive Week-end

MD planned a Lundy dive trip for 2008 but booking a boat charter has proved tricky for a variety of different reasons , Steve L has identified what might well be a suitable date / boat and I have circulated details by email. If we are quick & can get co-ordinated (plus have the time & money!) we could still make this happen this year. Several people have been looking to co-ordinate the trip so this post is not intended to confuse any plans in hand but merely flag-up an opportunity that won't last long! If interested add a comment. If you have not seen the email let me know !

Expressions of interest (only) :-
1. Simon T
2.Debbie M
3. Stuart H
4. Trez
5.Chris-P
6. Mike T (RDC)
7. Ian S (RDC)
8. Nicky H (RDC)
9. Tony S (RDC)
10. Sean G
11. Tom D
12.
Res.
Res

Film Night

Just to let you all know I checked the film tonight and it is 120 mins long is that ok for everyone?

Tad

Red Thingy

Marsa Alam

Stone Fish

Marsa Alam ~ Dolphin Picture

Drogues Gallery ~ More of the MA Team

L-R: Gary, Matt, Darryl, Jo, Al, Tracey, Kim, Trez, Clive, Trev

Film Night Movie - 26th March at Arlington

Film for the night will be Hitlers Lost Sub . The story of a U-Boat Discovered of the coast of the USA. This is the Sub that the book and forthcoming Movie Shadow Divers is based on.

I will also bring a couple of Cousteau Movies along just in case the this isnt a popular choice!
Also showing if we have time will be a DVD showing dives on Subs sunk around the UK including the Holland sunk off Beachy Head and the M2 off Portland.

Starting to sound like an anorak now.

Tad

Post Marsa Alam Jolly!

Matt is organising a post -holiday night ( I think it's an excuse for a jolly!) and has asked me to count our 'mob' in.

No date set but probably looking at sometime in next 2 - 3 weeks, probably a Friday and will be over Lancing way.

Anyone interested, add a comment or email me.

And, More from Marsa Alam

L-R: Trez, Sean, Matt, Tracey, Chris, Jo, Sue, Trev, Kim, Tina, Laura, Chrissie, Paul

Further to Chris's blog i would like to echo what a great time i had Marsa Alam, great diving and lots of fun under the Egyptian sun with new friends...

MD + MA = MSD

Anyone with a slight knowledge of algebra will have worked out that if MD is equal to Meridian Divers and MA is equal to Marsa Alam then MSD will equal Master Scuba Divers! Meridian Divers Tracey, Therese , Paul and I tagged-on to the Ocena View trip to Marsa Alam for five days of two -tank boat diving . The last time I went I managed to photograph the 'star' of the area, Dennis the Dugong but this time it was not possible to visit his happy (sea grass) hunting ground! Highlights of the trip were dives at Shaab Samadai (Dolphin Reef) and Elphinstone and Tracey and Paul completed specialities that qualify them as Master Scuba Divers - well done ! Tracey is also contemplating a bottle opening speciality after a bit of a struggle with a coke bottle! It was quite windy for the first few days of the trip but this settled down a bit as the week went on, water temperature was 22 degrees Centigrade and air temperature reached 27 degrees.

In all there were about 25 of us in the wider group and as a result of the numbers , Emperor Divers contracted in an ex-liveaboard boat "Sea Dreams" to give us plenty of space. On board we had three Emperor Divers Instructors and three other Instructors (in the group) . Small world as it is one of the Emperor Divers Instructors was Sarah Isles from Shoreham.

The link-up with Ocena View worked well and it was good to make friends with some new buddies, some of which have already shown interest in putting their names forward for joint trips (such as France 2009). I think my most enjoyable day was the Shaab Samadai dives, I had previously only snorkeled there but there are some lovely swim-throughs and pinnacles one of which has a delightful Red Sea Anemone City !

The sea was FULL of plankton, particularly from about 8-12m in depth, and quite lively stuff it was too with several divers displaying some reddened skin as a result ! The vinegar came in handy!

We stayed at the Coral Beach Diving Hotel which is an ideal location directly on the Port Ghalib Harbour. In a few years the Harbour is destined to be a huge tourist attraction with hotels and shops springing-up, though at present tourist numbers (in March) are quite low.

French Week 2009 Part 2

Ok Guys,

I've had Chris, Tad & Therese come back to me re France. Really need some more names this week if we want to get this off the ground. Minimum of 10 - Maximum of 12. Price £330 pp for boat - accommodation & travel will be looked into once we have confirmed names and booked. I know Therese and I and the guys from OV are happy to camp and have a jolly round the camp fire!!


I do have a couple of guys from Ocean View who want to join us and am putting it on their forum so if you want to do it - email or add a comment.

I am looking at week commencing 3rd August - choice of Fe'camp or Dieppe.

Will need to book this within next couple of weeks to secure place.

Thanks

1 Tracey
2 Trez
3 Tad
4 Chris
5 Matt (OV)
6 Sean (OV)
7
8
9
10
11
12

Reserves

MD Divers Come Clean

It's a fair cop. Ernie and I have bagged our first 2008 pier and are the official front runners in the Meridian pier race.

We set off at 11ish yesterday morning on the newest, cleanest most user friendly day boat we had ever been on. Massive amounts of room to leave kit and even a covered changing area with comfy seats and yet more storage. The skipper, Steve of Channel Divers was a top man, with coffee and chockie biscuits freely available.

Our first port of call was the wreck, Indiana, apparently. Ernie and I dropped down the line into cold vichysoisse, hit the bottom, signalled "A-ok" and promptly lost each other. Eight minutes later I was enjoying the use of the electric lift, mmm easy-peasey.Met Ernie on the boat and he talked me into another go. This time we stuck together like limpets and had a 23 minute bimble in the 9 degree "water". We bumped into a couple of wrasse and numerous bits of protuding metal. Then back up to play on the lift again.

We managed to dive longer than the other 6 hardy souls and it was decided to can the drift dive. One of the other divers suggested we had a go at the Palace pier on the way back to the Marina. Ernie wasn't so keen, but once the pier challenge was mentioned we knew it had to be done.

Splash, incredibly there was less visability, now we were in pea soup and you could actually see further with your eyes shut. Like a pair of out of sync. nodding donkeys, we bounced from the bottom to the surface missing each other. Eventually we met at the bottom and headed East, after about 5 mins and 2 bruised heads we gave up and returned to the lift. A very nice days diving apart from the diving was bad!

Cheers Simon

Mystery Divers in Pier and Wreck Blackout

A little bird told me that 2 of our hardy bunch have braved the elements for the first wreck dives and pier dives of the year,diving from Nauticat out of Brighton

The report I heard from the leak, that there was a massive 6" inches of visibility on the wreck which proved interesting for the dynamic duo, plus virtually nil Viz on Brighton pier.

Still it counts for the great MD 2008 dive a UK pier challenge and puts the pair firmly in the lead.

I and I am sure you are, looking forward to seeing a full report on their adventures, appearing on the Blog asap.

Tad

Radio Star !

I just happened to be listening to BBC Radio Newcastle (or Wear, as it is known on the www) earlier this evening when whose voice should pop-up ? None other than our very own Tad! Tad was telling the good people of the North East all about our NAS Project on the T R Thompson. There was obviously no 'serious weather warning' stories in that part of the country today as the presenters were asking question after question and Tad got a lot more air-time during the prime drive-time slot than we would have otherwise expected. Well done Tad, nicely done. A Recording of the piece may be played at the next meeting .... all depends on whether or not Tad can raise enough money to bribe me not to!

Joint Events with Rother Diving Club

A while back I emailed another local dive Club with an Invite to our Film night and other social events such as BBQ's etc and also the possibilty of sharing spaces on dives where we have places. Rother Diving club Kindly placed this invite on their web news letter and yesterday at Lids I bumped into Nicky and Tony from the Rother Diving Committee.

Here is the email from Nicky I received today all very positive stuff.
My only beef is that I used to live 5 mins walk away from the pool now I dont dammit

Hi Tad,

Thanks for the email, I have forwarded info to all our members regarding your film night and hopefully I will get back to you soon with confirmation of numbers. We hope to host a similar evening soon and would also like to extend a warm invitation to Meridian divers to attend too. I will keep you posted on that one also.

Whilst writing, on behalf of Rother Diving club, I would also like to invite any of you or your members the chance to use Battle Abbey Pool in Hastings Rd, Bexhill (next to the College) on a Monday evening with us between 8.30pm and 9.30pm(costs currently only £2.50 a session)- a good chance to check out any equipment before open water diving starts again! Then we all slope off to The Bell in Bexhill Old Town afterwards for a de-brief over a beer! No need to book just come along we will be holding some skills nights soon involving nets, lights off and Wendy houses! So please feel free to come and join the fun.(The pool will be closed for refurbishment for approx. 4 weeks commencing 24th March but all will be resuming as before by end of April).

Please feel free to contact me with any queries or anything that might be of further interest to us all or check out our website: http://www.rotherdivingclub.co.uk/

Look forwards to seeing you soon,

Warm regards,

Nicky
Rother Diving Club

Well lets take up the offer and hopefully some of the Rother guys will be at our film night. This is not about training or trying to recruit new members its about like minded people getting together sharing experiences and opportunites and having a goodtime.
The more we can share social events with other Divers and groups can only be a good thing .

Tad

Some pictures from Wrasbury and Vobster.

Sadly all freshwater, a bit experimental and no wildlife.

Underwater 2008 - Click on image to open gallery

I'm doing the GUEF course in April and a couple of fellow victims and I have been trying to get some basics covered before the course. There's been some interesting dives, frozen fingers, ice cream headaches, plenty of cups of tea and I've learnt some interesting new skills. At Vobster our instructor for April was sitting on the quayside. Under her beady eye we hurried into the water and got under sharpish. Checking my depth I blushed with shame and spent the next couple of minutes struggling to fit the compass, dive timer and computer which had been in my pocket. Tricky underwater.
Jim

LIDS Dive Show

Having just got back from the Dive show at Excell I thought I would just put finger to key pad and tap out a few thoughts.

The London International Dive Show is held at Excell this time every year and I have been for the last 3. I met up with some other Meridian Divers and had a stroll around the plethora of stalls and stands plying their wares from Holidays to kit Books to training everything for the diver is catered for.

The down side was the expensive car parking, entry fee's and the extortionate price of refreshments, do put a downer on things slightly.

It was good to catch up with a few faces from the past and share a bit of banter. Just goes to show that the love of diving can overide a lot of the negative stuff that goes on and actually there's enough room for everybody to do their own thing. At the end of the day Diving is Diving and wherever you dive and whoever you dive with the chances are that you will have friends for life.

Tad

Movie Night

Has Director Tad narrowed down the choice of film/films (are there any age restrictions!!!???!!)? I'll bring the popcorn - can anyone remember if there's a microwave? The popcorn will be freshly made if there is! (along with the sun tan!!)

Might be good idea if we all said what we bringing?

French Week 2009

Hi guys,

Had email back from Steve re diving Northern France next year. His dates are:

July
Monday 13th - Friday 17th - Fe'Camp
Monday 27th - Friday 31st - Dieppe

August
Monday 3rd - Friday 7th - Fe'Camp or Dieppe
Monday 24th - Friday 28th - Fe'Camp or Dieppe


Please please, pretty please! Can I have preferences asap - Steve will only confirm booking when a deposit is received. Some of us have been saying for the last couple of years that this is a trip we want to do so lets do it!!!!!


Cost is around £330 pp plus accommodation - we could look at local hotel or singing nightly round the ol' camp fire! Either way, I'm sure it'll be fun!

I have been enquiring re hiring Mini-bus and still looking as prices seem to vary drastically!
Will hopefully have more info by next MD meeting - tho I do have an important engagement with Marsa Alam!!

Sea Zones 8th March ~09:30 28M max

This has gone to plan B
We'll be at Wraysbury from 0930.
Jim

Hello.
I'm booked on Sea zones out of Newhaven on Saturday.
Not sure what we are doing but max depth will be 28M. 8th March-11.42 slack
The meet times would be approx 2/3 hours before depending on what we dive. Will post meeting times etc when I get them. 09:45 at a guess.
I think Mick has four spaces left. If anyone is interested contact Mick
mick@sea-zones.co.uk
07729 277651
http://uk.geocities.com/sea.zones@btinternet.com/#2008%20LOW%20SEASON
If it doesn't go ahead, we might be diverting to Wraysbury for some bobbing about.
Will confirm when I find out.
Jim

Meridian Divers Through the Looking Glass at Nemo 33

A Few clips frm the Nemo trip looking in from the Cafe

Details for Sea Zones Dive 11th May

Hi Tad,

Thanks for the call Thursday!

We can dive the TRT on the LW slack (Depth 30m) and then follow it with a drift on our way back in.I will pencil you in awaiting deposit, but provisionally It will be 7.45 meet and 8.30 ropes off.

Give me a call on the Saturday to check weather and when you arrive call on my mobile and I will bring up the kit trolley for you.

Looking forward to talking again.

Mick
Sea Zones

A nice early start for the early birds

Sink One for Seaford Blog

I don't know if you are all aware that we also have a blog now -http://www.sinkone4seaford.blogspot.com/
I have just completed some updates and we would welcome your comments. Keep checking out the website www.sinkone4seaford.co.uk as we are regularly updating photos and news (even if we are a bit slow at times)

Thanks for all your support guys (oh! and if anyone wants a T-Shirt, just drop us an email, only £10 and full proceeds to the project :-)

National Diving & Activity Centre ~ 17th / 18th May

Following the level of interest in this grand puddle dive Simon has done some more research and I will circulate by email details of the hotel that is being suggested as MD accommodation.

I am sure Simon only wants to go there to see if he can scavenge aircraft parts from the sunken features there. Oh well it's an excuse to do a fresh water dive and be reminded about just how buoyant sea water is compared to fresh water!

Must get a diary with more days in, surely if we can get a 29th of February we can have some other freeby days ? The problem is with so much going on I'm running out of blank diary pages!

Bowling , Lazer Quest & Buffet ~ 30th April

Following the success of the last bowling session , MDers are headed back to Lloyds Lanes on 30th April for a more mixed menu! Sheila is organising (again) , well done Sheila!

The charge is £12.95pp , payable in advance so bring your lovely dosh to the next MD meeting!

[Updated 28/4/08: This Social has now been cancelled as the MD meeting of 28/4 was too close! ]

Selsey Lifeboat Station Dive ~ 30th March

Now it may not sound like it but the Selsey Lifeboat Station is a locally renowned dive site. The BBC 'Coast' TV programme featured the dive site and in particular the numbers of cuttlefish who call the waters home. The dive was also written-up in DIVER magazine (September 2007 from memory!)

Interestingly or perhaps not, the DIVER article was written by Gavin Parsons whereas the dive photographer featured in the Coast TV programme was Paul Parsons. Maybe a family affair!

So with all this coverage we thought it was high time Meridian Divers took a peep. Sunday 30th is the chosen day , meet at Mulberry Divers at 12.30. Dive at 14.15 (don't forget the clocks go forward!).

The Life Boat station is not technically a pier , but what the heck lets call it a pier dive as far as Meridian Divers are concerned!

Sea Zones Dive 11th May

As discussed at MD meeting last night Wednesday 28th May I have contacted Sea Zones charter boat at Newhaven
Skipper Mick Luff has provisionally booked the boat for us for Sunday 11th May.

Mick needs to receive a £10 deposit per Diver to confirm Booking
I have provisionally booked 4-5 places but at present the boat is empty we will need to confirm numbers at least 4 weeks before trip so in theory we could book the whole boat. But it would be great to fill the boat asap
Sea Zones takes a max of 8 divers so first names to me get on the list.

cost is £30 for 2 dives 1 wreck and 1 drift coffee and cakes included also you can shelter in the wheel house if its cold.

Mick has also mentioned that if we plan to book the boat more we could place an £80 deposit which would save the hassle of paying deposits individually in the future.

Please let me know if your are interested by posting a comment . Deposits are non refundable

Please send your cheques to me asap I will email those that post a comment on the blog with my address.

The plan will be to dive the TRT weather and conditions allowing but the skippers say is final on where we dive

Check out the website

http://www.sea-zones.co.uk/

Dive times and meet times to follow


Divers

1. Tad
2. Chris-P
3 Tracy
4 Terese
5 Ernie
6 Simon
7 Jim
8

Fish & Chip Supper ~ 25th February

Ocean View are holding a Quiz and Fish n Chip supper on Friday 29th February. £5 pp with all proceeds to RNLI. (redcued entry if you don't have F & C)

I'll be there (once I've confirmed the time with Mike/Den!)

I'm sure they will welcome more but be sure to call them today or tomorrow am! - 01903 767224

Halcyon & Silent Planet Presentation ~ 10th March

As Chris mentioned, our comrades at Ocean View have again invited us to join them on Monday 10th March for a presentation fromHalcyon & Silent Planet-

An evening with Halcyon at Ocean View, 5.30pm Monday 10th March.
With Jarrod Jablonski, CEO of Halycyon and Lisa Adam David & Natalie from Silent Planet UK.

Presentation from Halcyon & Silent Planet

Try the latest equipment from Halcyon in the pool.

Mingle with Halcyon staff over buffet

Contact Ocean View to book your place - 01903 767224

Meridian Divers Meeting ~ 27th February

Splendid turn-out for the meeting which at the very last minute switched venues to The Plough at Upper Dicker due to our usual place not being available on the night. The hastily changed arrangements worked very well and everyone enjoyed a change of scenery! Well done to The Plough for accommodating so many of us at short notice.

One or two MDers didn't make it to The Plough and hadn't given apologies so it's just possible they may have turned-up late at the wrong venue, sorry if you had a wasted journey! I don't think that happened but a little courtesy goes a long way!

After a quick slide show of the NEMO 33 trip updates on the dive and social diaries were made along with feedback from the last two organised events . Our Hon Sec Sheila has taken down all the new dates for planning purposes and I will circulate her notes as soon as possible to let the planners get to work!

The next MD meeting will include a filmshow and refreshments and the meeting following that will keep you on your toes! More on those plans to be circulated!

Spaces Available!!!

Sure some of you have had the email from Steve at Channel divers but for those of you who have not, there are spaces available on Good Friday to dive the P & O Liner - Oceana (28mtrs), ropes off at 8.45 am (I'm sure it was later than this originally!!!) at Eastbourne. £40pp. There are at least 2 MD (it's gonna be tough after diving in MA but someone's got to do it!) on this trip and it's a great dive. Call Steve direct on 07970 674799.

MD @ MA in March

Calling all MDers on the March Marsa Alam dive trip to get your cameras ready! There are some fantastic reefs in the Southern Red Sea and I'm hoping that you'll get some excellent shots. Definately material for a MD meeting. The Hotel we are staying at is ideal with sizeable rooms and the dive boats tie-up at a private quayside within a few metres of the restaurant - what a nuisance!

And more good news, when it comes to room allocation it's not a 'Le Mans' style start ! I've been on many a trip where you have to wait for the starter to say 'You can now go to your rooms !' Only to find the starter has copied the style of some of our other European colleagues and metaphorically placed towels on all the sunbeds they want!

Better run a best Marsa Alam Trip photo contest. Any photos of Dugongs will however be treated with suspicion as diving in their habitat is now officially off the menu!

Meridian Divers at Nemo 33

a few clips from the nemo 33 trip
didnt come out as well as I wanted due to the amount of bubbles in the water at the beginning. Will edit a few more clips taken from the camera looking in from the cafe area shortly

MD NEMOnauts ~ Just doing it!

Diving Diva Display 34m on the Computer!

In a NEMO 33 'Cave' at 10m
Looking up from 34m

The Meridian Diver Team
Our Meridian Diver Videographer in at the deep end!

Last year two MDers, who had previously obtained their PADI Recompression Chamber Awareness Specialties, were amongst a very few British divers who took part in the DAN Research Day at NEMO 33 , Brussels, during April 2007 and received Research Diver Recognition for their efforts. Their participation led to a Meridian Divers plan to take a larger MD team back to NEMO 33. That plan was put into action over the 23rd & 24th February 2008.

15 MDers had a super week-end in Brussels and 'tucked-in' a 34m dive at NEMO 33 (where DID that extra metre come from?). The week-end has generated far too many tales to 'blog' but some of the amusing moments included a confession from one MDer in which he admitted ordering a taxi to his hotel, on arrival the taxi driver asked 'where to?' and our MDer gave him the address. The taxi driver thought they may be an opportunity to rip-off an unsuspecting dive tourist but rather than take that opportunity he played it straight and simply told the MDer "We are already outside the address you want to go to"! Doh!

Other amusing moments related to our grand restaurant tour! Perhaps I won't blog all that either! Save to say we visited several and sat down in a couple before finally agreeing on THE one! Worth it in the end as we celebrated the earlier dive with a glass or two of Belgium beer and wine.

Another MD successful plan in the bag!

An MD Consultancy?

It's always nice to be flattered. And when that flattery is given in the sincerest form you know that you must be doing a good job well! The efforts of Meridian Divers is clearly being recognised and it is a delight to see others following in our footsteps.
Some people would say there is no such thing as a new idea, they may be right , but it is satisfying to see our successful ideas being taken up by divers and it's also good to know that MD is driving-up standards . May be we ought offer a consultancy service? Heck, what am I saying? We are already doing that and for no charge. Keep-up the good work MDers!

Dive Equipment ~ Special Offers

A copy of the DEEPBLUE Special Offers designed to challenge the best prices you might find at the London Dive show dropped through my letter box today, looks like some VERY good deals, for example:-

Scubapro Mk25 First Stage with S600 Regulator and 295 Octopus together with Suunto Triple Console AND regulator bag for £494!! (List Price over £800)

Scores of other deals that last until 23rd March - see their website www.deepbluedive.com

Mmmm, makes you think about buying new kit rather than servicing the old gear!

Meridian Divers Meet ~ Wednesday 27th February

The agenda for the next meeting has been circulated, please email me or add a comment if you have not received a copy. The meeting will be held at the Berwick Inn at 7.30pm. I am sure there will be a bit of a NEMO 33 debrief ....so Tad, make sure you have the video ready! Just got all my regs back from servicing so I guess we're getting close to the time when we going to do some UK diving (respect to those muddy puddle divers that have already taken the plongee!)

MD Strikes Again! And again and again and again....

Admittedly , in scuba terms, it was a bit of a dry night , but let's be fair there was always the chance someone would take a dive! Tuesday 19th February was the start of MD Bowling Championship at Lloyds Lane, Eastbourne. Five MDers slipped on the red & white combat shoes then did their less-than-level best to destroy the wooden flooring whilst being actively supported by MD's very own cheerleader group , Sheila & Ernie! The job was slowed down by the inconvenient presence of ten white pins, which on occasions, became the unfortunate collateral damage in this fiercely fought battle. Now being scuba divers none of us professed to be skilled in this challenge but after three games a total of 20 'Spares' had been notched-up and an impresssive 23 'Strikes' , three of which were on the trot! Every member of the MD team managed more than one stike and the top score over the evening was 420 points. OK, may be we will stick to scuba for a hobby but a fun night out and good team building before the NEMO 33 trip at the week-end.

Diving in North Cyprus

Cengiz has emailed some details (as below) of diving in North Cyrpus which may appeal as a 'new' venue for a trip.

"My friend has several bungalows, situated Alagadi beach, 3 people per bungalow. The cost of one bungalow for 1 week is £150, ( £50 per person) To hire a car works out at £20 per day Average cost of eating out is £5 - £10. (Beer is £1 - £2. Bottle of water is £1 - £2) Dives, will be £10 - £15 per dive .To include tanks and weights.

I would recommend you search for flights on internet. You can fly into the north (Ercan) with Cyprus Turkish Airways. Then it is just a short transfer . You can also fly to the south (Larnaca) with various big operators. But then it is a longer transfer. Hope this has been helpful, if you require further info, please contact me. Cengiz "

All very good value and no doubt an excellent host and local guide! Please add a comment / email me if you are interested.

Beats a DPV

New sports car creates a splash. A Swiss company says it has invented the world's first underwater car - and it's a convertible. The Rinspeed sQuba concept car was inspired by James Bond's The Spy Who Loved Me. Similar to 007's Lotus Esprit, the sQuba is a road-worthy vehicle that, at the touch of a button, can transform into an amphibious vehicle capable of diving to a depth of about 33 feet. Rinspeed boss Frank M. Rinderknecht admitted it was Bond who gave him the idea for the car. "And exactly thirty years later this becomes reality in today's world", he says, describing the sQuba as "the worlds first real diving car with zero emission power".
The one-off concept car is not for sale, but it cost around £750,000 to build. Propulsion on the water is by two propellers in the stern while two powerful jet drives in the bow propel the vehicle while diving underwater. The lightweight body is made of futuristic "carbon nano tubes" and the driver is supplied with air by a self-contained on-board system.

The sQuba goes on show for the first time at next month's motor show in Geneva. Perhaps there is an opportunity for a PADI speciality here or then again perhaps not Tad

Meridian Divers at Wraysbury

A few clips from the Meridian Divers trip to Wraysbury.
A chilly way to spend a Sunday morning but still pretty good fun

Wraysbury Dive

Well 2 of us turned up for the dive at Wraysbury this morning and and had a enjoyable dip.
With the water a tepid 6.c drysuits were the order of the day.

For those of you who have not dived there Wraysbury is situated close to Heathrow airport just off the M25 and is well set up with a small dive store, air fills, a bar and cafe for the apres dive.

The Viz was around 3m helped by the bright sunshine we had a little bimble around some of the in water attractions including sunken boats and an office desk complete with PC.

With various platfoms the site is well set up for training, which it seemed most people there today were doing.

We reached a max depth of 10.2m and with a few perch swimming around it was a nice way to start the season 0f 2008.

I will post some short video clips and photos once I have edited down the footage.

Even for a puddle dive it still gets me excited and makes me realise how much I love diving.

Tad

Marine Life Courses 2008

One of the refreshing things about a diving network is to be able to go where you want , do what you like without being 'tied' to narrow interests. As a supporter of the Marine Conservation Society for many years I get their newsletters which contain all sorts of diving opportunities. Last year Meridian Divers attended a marine life identification course put on by Kent Seasearch and some of you may be interested in some new courses being offered in 2008. I will will circulate full details by email. These courses also provide an excuse for a social day / week-end away! Diving is of course just an excuse to go and do things ...but then you knew that!

Ten Pin Bowling ~ Social Event

A session is planned at the David Lloyd Lanes at Eastbourne 19th February at 7.30pm. A few games and some light refreshment ! If you haven't got a bowling shirt ...no worries... you can wear your Meridian Divers shirts! Let me know / add a comment if you want to add your name to the list.

Local Dives ~ Buddy Planning

Simon has booked diving on:-

24/3/08 - Indian (Wreck)

19/4/08 - Drift Dive

27/4/08 - Drift Dive

Tracey's bookings are shown in the January blog archive. If you want to link up with these MDers add a comment / email me / them.

National Diving & Activies Centre ~ Trip Planning

Simon is planning at week-end at the above location in the Forest of Dean, Gloucester over the 17th & 18th May 2008. Accommodation will be about £45pppnand entrance fees £15pppd.
As ever , interested names on a comment or email please .

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.

Lundy Island Diving ~ Trip Planning

Planning is underway to establish costs for a Lundy Island (Bristol Channel) Diving Trip. Dates dependent on availabitity of Charters. Lundy Island has spectacular diving with clearer water and of course SEALS, the island itself is beautiful and a steep and long walk to the top is rewarded with a visit to a pub that serves good food and has wonderful views. Definately a trip to remember! More details by email when we have them! For now if you are interested add a comment with your name!

Get a flavour of the place on this link:-

http://www.lundy.org.uk/dive/index.html

And if that's not enough , take a look at the seal photo on the right hand panel of the blog, that was taken at Lundy.

Northern France Update

I have received the following from Steve re Northern France Trip

Hi Tracy,
I have attached a booking form with the price details and deposit requirements,
basically, 5 days diving in Dieppe is £3300 and thats for 10 divers, so £330pp.
you can bring 11 or 12 but 10 is best.
Accommodation is plentyful, lots of hotels all along the sea front and reasonably priced, about £85 for the
trip.

Day 1, We will do one dive on the way accross
Day 2, 2 wreck dives
Day 3, 2 wreck dives
Day 4, 2 wreck dives
Day 5, We will do one dive on the way back

The wrecks will be 1st & 2nd WW wrecks and possibly a few new targets,(unknown's), but depths will be in
the mid 20's.

One of the Hotels that Steve recommends on his website is Hotel D'Angleterre and I have listed the prices below:

Period blue
Single Room / Double Room
45.00 Euros / 80.00 Euros
Twin Room
55.00 Euros / 70.00 Euros
Triple Room
75.00 Euros / 80.00 Euros
Family Room
85.00 Euros / 95.00 Euros



Continental breakfast
5.50 Euros / pers.
Buffet Breakfast (Week end)
7.00 Euros / pers.
Parking - Pets
5.00 Euros / day

At the moment, it's not looking good. I have had 4 definate No, 1 possibility and 1 not sure! If we cant do this year would be worth looking at dates maybe for next year and booking early?? Get more choice of dates that way.