T R Thompson Wreck Dive Report ~ 5th May

L to R : Ernie , Tad, Steve , Andy & Jim (Photo Chris-P)

On a beautiful calm sunny day 6 of MD's divers left port on our first (but not last) trip on Seazones captained by the intrepid Mick.

Our hardy group descended the expertly placed line to find all light disappearing at 12 metres, but being rufty tufty divers it was torches on and keep going. We enjoyed a torchlight bimble at 33 metres around the Thompson for 30 minutes and then ascended to de-kit and enjoy copious tea, coffee and scones.

After an in depth debrief (more time to scoff scones) it was decided that we had all earned a healthy nutritious meal at McDonalds Healthfood Restaurant. Good time had by all.

Ernie

Lundy Dive Trip ~ Fully Booked!

DIVE TRIP FULLY BOOKED

Cheques have now been received from all twelve divers on this Trip. If anyone wishes to be added to the list as a 'Reserve' in case of last minute changes, just let me know / add a comment. Details of accommodation have been circrulated by email. I will circulate more info by email / text as needed. Any questions , let me know or add a comment. Follow the 'Lundy' label (link to other Lundy posts) at the bottom of this post for older information.

T.R.Thompson Project ~ Relatives Contacts 2 and 3

I have just got off the phone from a relative of 2 of the survivors of the Thompson sinking after the BBC had forwarded the family details to Meridian Divers.

The relatives Great Grand Father and Great Great Grand Father both managed to escape the ship along with one other crew member as the ship went down. They survived by holding on the part of the wreckage that was left floating after the ship was sunk and were saved by a trawler who arrived on the scene later.

I have put this relative in contact with our other original contact and will be speaking to him again in a few days time.

I now have also been in contact with a gentleman who has written a book on the Westoll Line and happens to know everything there is to know about the company and its ships including the T.R.Thompson and also has personal commections with the company. It is also happens that next week I am at a meeting in Leicestershire 3 miles from where this gentleman lives so have made arrangements to visit him. Will feed back afterwards.

The project is growing by the day.

Tad

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!

France August 2009

Hi all,

Just had email from Steve. If we want this we need to give deposit by mid May latest as he is getting booked up and has others wanting the boat!

I need confirmation (and cheques! Amount dependent on numbers) from those saying a definate Yes, but would also like a guide to any maybes that could confirm within next 2 weeks and any that will need a little longer to think about it!

Really want to get this one going.

Confirm names on comments or email me direct (think most of you have my email!)

Copperhead II ~ Littlehampton Dive RIB Up & Running!

Sean White has contacted Meridian Divers to let us know that Copperhead Diver II, is now back in the water, tested, trialled, re-equipped and now Ready To Go again !!

Littlehampton is just a short run down the coast and there is some good diving to be had there from this well equipped and well run boat.

See Sean's web site:- www.copperhead-diving.co.uk

Selsey Pier / Brighton Shark Dive

Hi all,
Firstly thanks for making my family feel so welcome and it was nice to meet you all! Right,there is a Selsey Pier dive on Sat 24th May, dive time 17.48pm meet at 17.00pm . This is organised by Mulberry Divers and anyone can turn up and dive plus they know where all the good places are, I propose a dive and if any are up for it curry after?

PS. there is also another Shark/Turtle dive at Brighton Sea Life centre on the 18th May after my experience on sunday I can`t recommend it highly enough to book on contact Mulberry Divers

Marsa Alam

My first visit and blogg article thanks to Chris P 's invite. Well a belated couple of pictures from our dive trip with Lancing Dive Club to Egypt in March 08. These pics were taken in a large shallow bay where you normallf find the Dugon (seacow) and giant turtles. On this day just the turtles I'm afraid but impressive enough with the Ramoras and Guitar Shark around us. I missed the curry night (see article below) which from the looks of things was a hoot.

Paul Richardson

Sea Zones Dive 5th May ~ T R Thompson Dive

Meet and dive times for Babk Holiday Monday 5th May with Sea Zones

Meet 08:45 , Ropes off 09:30

Dive 1: TR Thompson on the 11:35 HW slack (35m max depth)

Dive 2: Drift dive on way back in (Remember 2nd cycinder if required)
Return to Marina 15:45 approx

Divers:

1. Ernie
2. Tad
3. Chris P
4. Steve L
5. Andy
6. Jim H

There maybe spaces left. If interested, please now contact Mick at Sea Zones direct

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

Tad

MD Secret Diving Society Find Cash on Pier Dive

Report from Simon and Ernie: Nipped out of Brighton Marina on Channel Diver for a skive dive.

First was the Steam Trawler. Pitch black and poor viz, but with the reassurance of cucumber cool Ernie and my new Metalsub torch I managed to stay down for 35 mins.

Second was the Palace Pier, surprisingly good with about 5m of viz, lots of life and 20p. Quite calm when we went down and very choppy when we came back up.

(Bet you held on to your swag though Simon, Tad)

T.R.T Project ~ Or Tad Really Teases!

Will give a full update on the project Monday evening at the meeting but I had a phonecall this morning from the relative who we are now in contact with after the recent BBC coverage.

He is sending more info on the Thompson and Westoll lines. Amongst this info will be something exciting, which I won't go into now but obviously will share on the next Monday MD meeting.

This information will add to the growing portfolio of the history of the wreck its crew and the owners J Westoll. It will enable us to finally start putting together some kind of booklet, DVD on the wreck and the project.

Exciting times ahead watch this space.

SinkOne4Seaford Project ~ Competition

For all you chocolate lovers out there - Sweet Moments, the Belgian chocolate shop located in Broad Street, Seaford are currently running a free competition, in conjunction with the SinkOne4Seaford campaign. The SinkOne4Seaford campaign is ultimately aiming to promote tourism and regeneration for Seaford and Newhaven by sinking a vessel off shore to create an artificial reef which will be a haven for fish and divers in the near future.

For more information on the competition please contact Sweet Moments 01323-873388 www.sweetmomentsuk.co.uk

Muddy Puddle Outing [Vobster] 10th May

Hi all,

There a few divers wanting to try out/set up new kit and, as the weekend weather God's are conspiring against us, I thought we'd play safe and go to Vobster, the date for this is 10th May, the time will be 08.30am as the car park gets full quick. If you don't know the way we'll met before then and drive in convoy [10-4 rubber duck! ] to the site as it isn't sign posted at all!!

Tor more info on site http://www.vobsterquay.co.uk/

News from Rother Diving Club

The network is working well in linking divers to diving opportunities...Rother Diving Club have sent in a copy of their 'News' from which the following are items:-

a). From 28th April RDC will have access to their training pool. RDC are happy to have MDers use the pool (pools are expensive so a small charge can be reasonable expected). I will get some more info to post in due course.

b). Try dives in the pool are available at £10. Good for introducing new divers!

c). At 8.30pm on April 21st Rother Divers will be at the Bell Hotel and giving a briefing on their boat 'Rother Diver' , MDers who are interested add a comment and we'll organise a link up.

d). Rother Diving offers training , see their website for furher information.

PADI 'Around the Globe' News ~ T R T Project

PADI have given the Meridian Diver T R T Project a further boost by including it in their 'Around the Globe' news section on the PADI web site. PADI have written to MD with support for our project which compliments PADI's Respect Our Wrecks and Project Aware work.

You can see the PADI article on the following link:-

http://www.padi.com/padi/en/kd/around_the_globe/02001858/Default.aspx

Brighton Marina Murk...

I recently bought myself a new drysuit. Having spoken to people about diving in the UK and every bodies response being you will need a drysuit summer or winter , I thought it would be a good idea. So popped in to Ocean View and purchased one, at the same time put myself down to do a PADI Drysuit speciality course...

Well last Sunday was the day for the drysuit christening in Brighton Marina. I drove down from London to Lancing to meet up with my group of fool hardy divers also braving the weather in pursuit of warmth and adventures below the waves! We loaded up Eric's (our instructor) trailer with bottles, kit and enough weight to sink a battle ship and set out for the Marina.

On the way thinking 'whats wrong with Horsea and where are we going to dive in Brighton Marina?' When I got there I was surprised to see that we would be diving from a pontoon in the locked part of the Marina. I helped unloading the kit and stepped onto the pontoon. looking down into the water I thought 'vis is good and I can see the bottom very clearly' only to realize that the reason for that is that the bottom is only about 3 metres below!!! Oh well I thought, a puddle is better than nothing and slipped into my new drysuit. Great! Under suit is nice and warm, the drysuit is easy to get in to with the front zip setup, hood fits well, neck seal feels a bit tight but no problem been told "that is quite normal it will slacken up with time, don't cut it yet" stepped back down onto the pontoon slipped into my BCD which i had already rigged, bent down to put on my fins stood up. Oh, I can't Breath! At which point Eric noticed that I'm starting to go blue and rushes over to help me. I de-kit and manage to pull the neck seal away from my wind pipe enough to breath again... After regaining the colour in my face I  spend the next 10 mins cutting away the first ring from the seal having taken advice from Eric as how best to achieve this using a Stanley blade and the plastic lid of a mask box!

Having now a new improved drysuit I put it back on and found I could breath and stay warm at the same time. I jumped in with the rest of my trainees and spent 30 mins kicking up the silt as we all tried to practice our skills. At one point we even managed to get down to a heady 4.3 metres! After two dives like that I emerged from the silt to the pontoon a fully fledged still dry (inside that is) and warm dry suit diver ready for the open water of the south coast and all it can offer... that is if this weather ever allows it!

Meridian Divers 'Dates At A Glance'

'Cos there is SO much going on , MD have added a panel to the right of the screen (scroll down to find it!) that just lists the diary dates of forthcoming events. Hopefully a convenient reminder!

Marsa Alam Reunion Curry Night !

The weather conspired against us to put an end to the pre-curry dive but not much can come between a diver and his or her curry! It would of course be rude not to top and tail a curry with some refeshment (glass of white wine or fruit based drink for the lady ... and all that!) . So it was that we choose the Alishaan with a convenient pub just fifty metres away! Great evening, loads of laughs and more divers on more trips . Well done to Matt for putting it all together!

Meridian Divers Meeting ~ MONDAY 28th April

The next Meridian Divers meeting has been shifted to Monday 28th April . It will be held at 7.30pm at the Berwick Inn, Berwick (next to the railway staion for our eco-friendly divers seeking to reduce their carbon size twelves!)

This meeting will be a good opportunity for anyone on the booked dives to meet-up and discuss details (arrival times, accomodation, meals-out! etc) and also for Tad to give feedback on the extensive media coverage we have had in relation to our project (see Links on right hand panel of screen). Needless to say there is plenty more already in the pipeline and we fully anticipate another tranche of media interest coming along very soon!

MD is doing its bit to raise the profile of UK diving and an interest in maritime heritage , we are also having a very positive effect on raising the popularity of UK dive sites.The responsibility is awesome - we were going to announce a diving trip to the Sahara Desert on the 1st April but decided not to in case others actually followed our recommendation!

T.R. Thompson Project on BBC Website

BBC Wear have been kind enough to put the Meridian Divers and T.R.Thompson Project blogs on their local history website along with a brief account of the ship. Their web pages features a selection of images taken of the wreck by Meridian Divers.

BBC Wear also interviewed the relative that contacted Meridian Divers on the radio, yesterday morning. I have a copy of this which I will bring to the next meeting.

Clicking on the link below will take you to their website:-


http://www.bbc.co.uk/wear/content/articles/2008/04/15/wreck_feature.shtml

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.

National Diving & Activies Centre ~ 17th & 18th May

Just a reminder that this dive trip is "ON" !

Four MD divers have confirmed (and some others still contemplating!) . We have identified a Hotel which all the confiremed have now booked into. There are still rooms available so if you are interested let me know / add a comment and I'll send you the details.

Their address is the National Diving & Activity Centre, Tidenham, Chepstow, Gloucestershire NP16 7LH.

http://www.ndac.co.uk/

[Update 15/4: There are now SIX divers on this trip]

1. Simon
2. Tad
3. Chris
4. Ernie
5. Tracey
6. Trez
7.
8.

Curry Dive ~ Sat 19th April

If anyone would like to dive the Far Mulberry on the Sat 19th April, Mulberry dives are running a trip. Cost of the dive is £18. The boat leaves at 1430 and it will tie in nicely with the OV curry night happening on the same day at 1930. Myself and Chris P are booked up to go and there are five more places. So anyone who fancies getting wet you can book onto the boat by calling Mulberry Divers on 01243 601 000.

Click on the link for Mulberry Divers website: Mulberry Divers

[Update 19/4: Dive CANCELLED by Mulberry Divers - Bad Weather Anticipated]

Another Westoll line ship off of Sussex?

Just discovered that there is a possible sister ship of the T.R.T sunk off the coast of Hastings.
I say possible because there appears to be some confusion with this wreck. Some reports say that this is the SS Umber sunk on 30th April 1918 otherwise known as the gun wreck but other reports say it could be the Roecliff . My thoughts are that it must be called the gun wreck for a reason but if you look at the date the Roecliff sank there would have been no reason I can think of for the ship to be armed.

ROECLIFF
James Westoll; 1894; Short Bros.; 3,263 tons; 315- 7x45-1 X
16-2; 286n.h.p.; triple-expansion engines.
The British cargo ship Roecliff sank after a collision off Hastings
on June 4th, 1897. She was carrying a cargo of grain from Odessa to
Hamburg.

Looks like a bit of investigation may be in order.

Has anyone in the group dived this wreck?

HMS Hazardous ~ Dive Talk

Ocean View are playing host to some divers who have dived and recovered some artefacts from HMS Hazardous. HMS Hazardous is from the Mary Rose era and lies in very shallow water off Bracklesham Bay but it is usually covered in silt.

The divers are going to be holding a talk and showing a short film as well as bringing along some of their 'treasures' . OV are providing the raffle and the buffet for £3.50. It is to be held on Friday 9th May at 8pm in their club room at Lancing.

I'll be there. Anyone else interested please contact OV direct on 01903 767224

Lundy Dive Trip ~ 9th & 10th August ~ Places

This post will track the ALLOCATED PLACES on the Lundy Dive Trip. The boat, Obesession II can accommodate 12 divers. Places will be allocated only on receipt of the boat charter fees (as per circulated email) if you want a place send your cheque to me (if you missed the email, let me know and I'll send it to you! Allocated places:-


1. Chris-P
2. Simon-T
3. Trez
4. Debbie
5. Stu
6. Nicky-H
7. Tony-S
8. Ian-S
9. Mike-T
10. Sean-G
11. Gary S
12. Terry
Res. LucyB
Res. Mark M
Res.
Res.

[Update 2/5: Twelve cheques received ... all places booked! Will take 'Reserve' details for any drop-outs]

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