Ernie's Red Sea Selection

Swanage Dive Trip ~ Sat 16th & Sun 17th May 2009

There are a couple of places now available on this trip arranged by Matt at Ocean View. Before going to the Red Sea I had advised Matt that I couldn't go as I lost my dog sitter - but due to sinus problems while away, I can no longer dive for the time being anyway.

Chris and Trez have also had to drop out so it'd be great if there are a few of you out there that want to do these great dives. This is Matt's posting to give you the details: Please post a comment or contact me direct if you can fill the places.

hi all, I have 1 space left on my trip with Divers down at Swanage for 2 days diving on their hard boat "SMOOTHHOUND". The weekend`s diving is for 12 divers and the itinerary is as follow`s Sat 16th may ropes off 08.45am to dive the KYARRA then a 2nd dive in the area then Sun 17th ropes off 09.30am to dive the AEOLIAN SKY + 2nd dive the cost is £85 pp which is payable up front . Accomadation and travel i will leave to you to sort out as i think there are a few different ideas about where to stay and i for one am going where it`s cheapest so i have found a campsite a mile from the seafront to stay or some are finding b+b`s to stay at.

Links to sites http://www.diversdownswanage.co.uk/
http://www.woodyhyde.co.uk/prices.html

Red Sea ~ Thank You

What a lovely surprise, a man has just arrived at my door laden down with beautiful flowers. I had no idea what you naughty people were up to and it is very much appreciated. Thank you all very much for your kind thoughts.

Post Red Sea Debrief & MD Meeting ~ Wednesday 6th May

The post-Red Sea Debrief and next Meridian Divers meeting will be held on

Wednesday 6th May , at ARLINGTON VILLAGE HALL , Arlington!

All are welcome to attend (not just those on the trip!) and that, of course, includes all the new buddies we met on M.Y. Whirlwind.

The basic plan for the meeting (apart from usual 'business') will be:-

1. Bring your Red Sea Photos (ideally on a USB Memory Stick) , so that a huge gallery can be created and distributed (distribution may have to be done later due to the number of photos & conbined file size!) . The larger capacity the memory stick the better!

2. Watch the Red Sea Trip Video.

3. Distribute copies of the Red Sea Trip Video (if you would like a copy of the Video please let us know / add a comment to this posting ASAP to allow time to produce them!)

4. Possibly watch some of Ernie's video of several dives , including the Thistlegorm.

5. Partake of some light refreshments!

6. Sign-up any log books that need signing.

MD back from The Red Sea!

This is a 'quickie' post as we only got back to the UK late last night but as the week was extraordinarily successful it derserved a few immediate words.

The Tornado Fleet "M.Y. Whirlwind" provided us with an excellent platform , with the largest cabins (with separate 'en-suite' showers), the best and most varied food and most spacious dive deck I have experienced in my Red Sea liveaboard travels. With Nitrox 'on-tap' and sufficient spare & large (15L) cylinders to meet every need, a Course Director (Thomas) and another instructor (Susie) as 'resident' tour guides and a caring crew we were almost guaranteed the wonderful time that we had.

Special thanks to Shiela for doing all the organising. Organising dive trips is often , if not always, a lot of work , trying to accommodate everyones personal preferences and can sometimes be a very thankless task. So well done Shiela for seing it through and bringing it off so well. We had a truly harmonious trip and really enjoyed the company of five divers who we had not before (Justin, Chris, Alan , Mick & John) . Everyone got on superbly well. The week was something of a record-breaker for those of us who have been on a number of previous liveaboards in the Red Sea, twenty-two dives were offered and many of us (the newly formed "22 Club") did them all! Twenty-two dives in a week can be quite tiring especially with the morning briefings at 6.30am! So it was even more credit to those on board who had constant smiles on their faces. We all made some new friends this week.

All the usual wreck suspects were on the intinerary, the Carnatic, the Gubal Island Barge, the Dunraven, the Kingston (aka Sarah H) , the Ulysees, the Ghiannis D , the Chrisoula K, the Thilstlegorm and the Rosalie Moller. We also dived many reefs and on all the Tiran Island Reefs (Thomas, Gordon, Woodhouse & Jackson).

Literally thousands of photographs were taken and no doubt a few will be posted on this blog (lets' not forget the 2009 MD photo competition) as soon as we can all check them through and add posts & comments. There will be a Red Sea Trip Debrief at which there will be a 'photo-share' and , hopefully, a showing of the 'official' trip video!

Please post, add photos & comment at will! There is so much more to say & show! And, to our new dive buddies, check the blogs header (top of screen) to see how the comment process works!

For now, thank you to all who came for making it such a special week.

Small Summary of Own Dives:~

22 Dives Completed on Trip (of which 12 were Wreck Dives)

1082 minutes (18hrs & 2 mins) underwater

Average Dive Time 49 minutes (Max allowed time: 45mins for night dives, 60mins for others)

Sundays T.R.Thompson 91st Anniversary Dive Report

March 29th is always going to be an important date on my dive calender as it is the anniversary of the sinking of the T.R.Thompson and after last years success with project on the wreck there is a strong commitment to continue with the project and this years diving season started with the dive last Sunday on the 29th March with a dive on the T.R.T .

With hopes high we met at Newhaven to board Mick Luff's Sea Zones for the trip out to the wreck site in glorious warm spring sunshine with Divers from MD, Eastbourne BSAC and GUE making up the dive teams for the day.

On arriving at the site we joined 2 other local dive boats and a shot had already been dropped and we were invited to use this, thanks guys. The big disappointment was the water colour, brown and full of plankton so the underwater conditions didn't look promising and we were right.

Kitted up and in the water we descended into the coffee coloured water, there was at a push about a meter viz and it seemed to take forever to reach the wreck in the pitch black. Even in torch light it was difficult to actually see anything due to the backscatter from the plankton in the water so it was a bit of a fumble around the wreck more than a dive but it did give me a chance to silently pass on our regards to the lost crewmen.

There comes a point when you question the wisdom of diving in conditions such as they were on Sunday purely for safety reasons as the wreck is covered in discarded fishing tackle as one of the divers on our boat discovered , so after 29 minutes we called it a day and started our ascent to the surface and for the name legendary sea scones provided by skipper Mick. We also phoned (T.R.T relative) Norman Jack from the boat to tell him about the dive.

We are now looking forward to the better conditions to continue with the project work and plans are underway for some more exciting developments on the Thompson later in the year, watch this space. Catching up with old dive chums both on the water and in the cafe after the dive it was a great day out hopefully the omens are good for this forthcoming season.

Tad

Update - T R Thompson - 29th March 2009

Times for the anniversary dive on TRT are:-
10:45 Meet Newhaven Marina
11:30 Ropes Off

High Tide 13:40.
Dive Depth 34 metres Approx.

I will text Saturday evening to confirm on/off. At the moment Mick said it looks good.

Ernie

Meridian Divers Meeting ~ 18th March 2009

Special thanks to Sheila for the MD meeting of the 18th March! It was really good to see the MD Red Sea Diving Trip (April 2009) Team and , of course, to collect our flight tickets ! It all seems that much more close when you have the tickets in your hands!

There are one or two 'liveaboard virgins' in the Team and a number of 'liveaboard veterans' (some with the scars to show from it!) so it was good to see that those with a few 'travel tips' sharing them with those with a few questions! The important thing to remember is that when the big guy at the front bangs the drum we all pull on the oars at the same time...and if we don't, or if someone isn't pulling hard enough, the even bigger guy with the unusual taste in leather accessories reminds us by techniques handed down from one generation of sadists to the next! All very simple really. If the drum stops or if both of the big guys aren't looking just get your dive kit on quickly and get into the water!

The Tony Backhurst boat "Whirlwind" offers nitrox and 15 litre tanks. I can remember back into the mists of time when all users of 15 litre tanks would have been regarded as some kind of abnormal gas-guzzling weirdos to be ridiculed. Of course times haven't changed, except that they have on this boat and with this Team! It looks as though nitrox fills and 15 litre tanks are the individual choice of preference! It's good to see that diving has moved-on to embrace choice.

Well done to Sheila too on allocating all the accommodation in advance and letting everyone know where their cabin is before they set foot aboard the boat. In motor racing the 'Le Mans' start is famous but its not so great a technique for getting a cabin, especially when some of the 'racers' set off before the signal!

Four dives a day are offered but you don't have to do them all if you don't want! It's often argued that a little 'break' from diving during a liveaboard week is a good idea. It's definately a good idea if you are not feeling in top form at any point!

It has been indicated that we will have the opportunity to dive the Rosallie Moller , this is a deep dive famous for its condition & glass fish! There is a rather nice little video from those deep dive guys GUE :-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND_x-3CNAjQ

Whatever route / intinerary we follow I am sure we will have the opportunity of doing some great diving . Looking forward to the photo-share session when we get back too!

Serious Fun ! RNLI DVD

Just taken a look at the latest RNLI safety DVD "Serious Fun" , it's well made and jsut as you would expect from the RNLI - it's free!

The DVD has sections on a variety of watersports , including diving. The section on diving includes pictures of 'Swanage Diver' and includes an interview with PADI Course Director Steve Axell who is also a RNLI crew member.

There is always room to take a fresh look at safety and we should all make time to do so regardless of how much diving experience we have. The RNLI is entirely funded by public donations and readily (and too frequently) come to the aid of divers in emergency situations. With this in mind it is sad to recall that some of the most experienced divers I have met have held the attitude that the RNLI is too well funded! An odd view to be sure but may be they have become a little wiser with time! I became an RNLI member when I took up diving and have been a member every year since then.

I would recommend having a look at the DVD, you can find out more about it on :-

www.rnli.org.uk/seriousfun

Perhaps will find a short slot to show the diving section at a MD meeting on our return from the Red Sea. I hope this little 'promotional' piece helps raise awareness, there are many examples of how the MD blog has slowly , but surely improved the divers 'lot' , so again, let's not forget those who help us!

Sovereign Centre, Eastbourne

Diving Pool at the Sovereign Centre, Eastbourne, has been booked on Tuesday 24th March 2009 between 20:00 and 21:00. Cost of hire is £22.00 which will be devided by however many use the pool. Meet me in the car park at 19:45.

If you are coming can you please post a comment as soon as possible. Don't forget to bring your third party insurance.


Come and wash the dust of winter off before the Red Sea.

Ernie

Plan B for Sunday 29th

Just a thought if by chance the T.R.T dive is cancelled due to weather does anyone wish to undertake a plan B to an inland site. Either Wraysbury leybourne or maybe the new lake at Strood Buckland which would need to be pre booked. Any suggestions ?

Red Sea Trip ~ 2nd to 9th April 2009 ~ Update

Tickets have arrived. I have sent you all an Email regarding distribution of tickets and Q & A session.
Not long now.
Whoopee !
Sheila

Swanage Trip~16-17th May 09

Hi all,
Been a while but now my harddrive is working again.
Just to let you know that this trip is now booked and to remind you to have a look and book your accomadation for this weekend,the majority are camping but i know some are looking for suitable b+b`s if you know of any good one`s please post so others can book aswell.
Hope everyone`s well look forward to seeing/diving with you soon.

Meridian Divers Meeting ~ Wednesday 18th March

The next Meridian Divers Meeting will take place at 7.30pm at the Berwick Inn on Wednesday 18th March 2009.

With the Red Sea liveaboard trip starting on 2nd April , this meeting will give anyone a chance with last minute queries to shout out!

Nitrox computer

Has anyone got any experience of different nitrox computers. There are several cheap ones on the market, but what are the good buys?

T R Thompson Anniversary Dive 2009

Sea Zones has been provisionally booked for Sunday 29th March to enable Meridian Divers to pay our respects once more on the anniversary of her sinking. Anyone wishing to dive this day please add a comment ASAP. We need to let Mick know as quickly as possible if we can fill the boat.

1. Ernie
2. Jim
3. Tad
4. Chris P
5. Graham
6.
7.
8.

Ernie

Red Sea Shore Based Week ~ November 2009

Just sounding-out at this stage! Drop me an email if you are interested in a week of boat dives in the Red Sea based at a hotel? Possibly Marsa Alam or Taba but other options possible!

Selsey Lifeboat Station ~ Saturday 25th April

Had to go to Tenerife for a few days last week for bank stuff. I managed to sneak-off for a morning shore dive on the Wednesday. Cuttlefish, octopus, a biiig friendly trumpet fish and lots more.
Great stuff, anyway, it's made me get my diary out to sort out a UK shore dive. Mulberry Divers are doing a marshalled dive re the above, meeting time is 14:30. Anyone care to join me?

1). Simon
2). Chris-P
3).
4).

Meridian Divers Social Evening at Ocean View ~ 18th February

You have got to hand it to Ocean View at Lancing , they have got very comprehensive facilities for divers but arguably their greatest asset is a a warm welcome!

Not only is Ocean View a 5 star PADI IDC Centre but it has :-

* an on site 4 metre deep training pool
* All levels of training from novice to instructor run in spacious classrooms
* On-site servicing by Asset trained technicians including wetsuits and drysuit repairs
* Nitrox and Air to 300Bar
* On site diving and recreation club including fully licensed bar
* Boat charter available
* Access to an inland (all year) open water dive site (Brighton Marina)

I might be wrong (and some one will no doubt correct me if I am) but I don't think that any other dive centre in Sussex (possibly the South East) has all of those facilities and having now personally used of all the facilities it fair to say that they will take some beating!

But as I said above all of those wonderful facilities (the pool is REALLY warm!) are secondary to an unsurpassed friendly and welcoming atmosphere. And, yes the bar prices are very reasonable too! Graeme & business partner Sue made the Meridian Diver contingent very welcome as did the OV members present. A very pleasant evening followed as the exchange of dive stories (and other tall stories) were exchanged and some ideas discussed. In between serving the drinks and welcoming guests Graeme was showing new kit to divers and sorting out some servicing and repair jobs. Well done to our hosts for a jolly good social evening.

A special thanks to from my chum who I took for a try dive in their pool a couple of weeks ago, he was very impressed with the facilities and I think , he may just have been hooked!

Holiday Discounts ~ Cornwall & Corfu

Debbie & Stuart are pleased to be able to offer any member of 'Meridian Divers' a 10% discount on the following:-

Cornwall - holiday cottage in picturesque coastal town of Fowey. Sleeps 4/5. Pets and children welcome. Open all year round. For more information go to www.seashells-fowey.co.uk or telephone 01323 897010 / 07765 903165

Corfu - Greece - Town house in heart of traditional Greek village - known as the 'Balcony of Corfu' due to its panoramic views. Large balcony. Sleeps 4/5. Nearest beach 10 mins drive. For more information go to www.corfuhouse.co.uk or telephone 01323 897010 / 07765 002080

Meridian Divers ~ Social Evening 18th February 2009

Just a reminder that we will be meeting at Ocean View at 7:30 for a social evening on Wednesday 18th February 2009.

Seazones 10th May & 12th July 2009

I have booked Seazones for Sunday 10th May (high tide 12:55) and Sunday 12th July (high tide 15:11). No decision has been made where to go. If you are interested in either of the dates please post a comment and any preference of what to dive.

10th May 2009
1. Ernie
2. Tad
3. Chris-P
4. Therese
5. Simon
6. Tracey
7. Sean
8. Prometheus
Reserve 1.
Reserve 2.

12th July 2009
1. Ernie
2. Tad
3. Chris-P
4. Therese
5. Simon
6. Tracey
7. Sean
8. Prometheus
Reservce 1.
Reserve 2.

Ernie

Take-Up The DIVER Buoyancy Challenge!

Pulled this off DIVERNET for anyone that's interested-sounds like fun!

How good is your underwater buoyancy?

DIVER are looking for Britain's most neutrally buoyant divers, and if you've got what it takes, you could be in line for some tasty prizes and a good day out. You also get to show off your skills in the 6m-deep, 10 x 12m-square tank where underwater sequences for major films. You'll be photographed in there too!

Britain's first DIVER Buoyancy Challenge is organised by Mavericks Diving/Ocean Optics, which is based at the Underwater Studio at Basildon in Essex, and runs diver training and specialist underwater photography and buoyancy clinics there.

The event takes place over the weekend of March 7/8. We expect it to be a lot of fun, but it also has its serious side. The DIVER Buoyancy Challenge experience is free. You will be allocated a time slot, briefed and weight-checked, and then put through an underwater obstacle course of increasing complexity. You may start with a straight midwater stop, fin pivots, hovering and controlled ascents and descents. You will progress to passing through diamonds and tunnels at different levels, perhaps stopping to play underwater 'skittles' or 'darts' before finning through a slalom course, and so on.

It's even possible to generate currents in the tank. The highest-achievers will deserve their accolades. Prizes already confirmed for the highest achievers include a Seaquest Pro QD men's or Pearl women's BC with i3 technology, donated by Mavericks Diving; a Fuji camera and housing from Fuji; an Inon wide-angle lens from Ocean Optics; a day on the Underwater Studio set during a filming project, donated by the studio; a day of personal underwater photography coaching from leading exponent Martin Edge; a place on a Jamie Watts marine biology day; and two Precision Buoyancy Workshop places with Mavericks.

There will be more prizes, too, and the event will provide the basis for a major feature in DIVER later this year, as well as a presentation at the London International Dive Show. We're looking for divers trained by any agency, including commercial, police or military as well as sport divers, and at any level at or above the equivalent of a PADI Open Water/BSAC Ocean Diver. You'll need your own dive-gear.

FIND OUT MORE:-
Join in the fun by calling Steve Warren on 01268 523786, or email mavericks@mavericksdiving.co.uk find out more about Mavericks Diving and Ocean Optics, visit www.mavericksdiving.co.uk and www.oceanoptics.co.uk and for Underwater Studio information go to www.actionunderwaterstudios.com

Shipwrecks and Dive Sites of Sussex and Kent

As discussed at the last meeting a new blog site has been created to act as a resource for everyone that dives of the coast of both Sussex and Kent. The idea of this blog is that clubs, individuals and others that are interested can add to the blog to build a useful site containing info on diveable shipwrecks and divesites in Kent and Sussex

www.divingsussexshipwrecks.blogspot.com

Thank You Sheila!

Now that I and many others have handed over lots of money, I would just like to say a big 'Thank You' to Sheila (and Ernie!) for all their work in organising what I am sure will be a great holiday. I know there's been lots of emails flying about what with the change of airline, dates and accomodation and having to collate lots of information on behalf of us all. I would just like to say how much I appreciate you taking this on board - if it'd been down to me I think I would've lost all my hair by now!

Now all that's left to say is roll on April!!

Meridian Divers Meeting ~ 29th January

A very productive MD meeting took place on Wednesday 28th January , Hon Sec Sheila has produced the notes which will be circulated very soon. In the meantime here is a brief flavour of the outcomes:-

1. A Pre-Red Sea Dive Trip social will be organised to give everyone the chance to mingle with buddies on the trip and to ask any questions! We hope to offer some pool practice for those with new kit or rusty skills! Still some places left in this trip , these are now open to anyone through Tony Backhurst. The last night of this trip will be spent in a hotel (for added pre-deaprture comfort) . No-one has to share a room , unless they want to :-) !

2. A summer dive trip to the Channel Islands will be explored.

3. Ernie will be posting some Seazones availability on the blog.

4. Tad will be confirming the daye for the Soup Dragon Dive.

5. Tracey will be arranging a G0-Cart Racing day at Filching Manor.

6. The next meeting will take the form of a social at Ocean View on 18th February

7. Only one place left on the Swanage Dive Trip. (Plymouth fully booked).

8. Beach BBQs are planned for the following Sundays : 24 May, 26 July, 13 September.

Worthing Wall Drift Dive ~ Sunday 8th February

4 Spaces available on this dive this Sunday (8th Febuary) for a drift dive on the Worthing Wall. Meet 08.15 am at Lady B Marina, Shoreham. Diving with ILESDIVER . Max depth 14M. Suitable for Open Water Divers and upwards, £20 per person.

Call Ocean View to book on to this dive 01903 767224

Dog Racing at Hove Track ~ Saturday 28th March

So here it is , a night out organised by Ocean view at Hove Greyhound racing track, all from Meridian divers are invited to attend on Saturday 28th March.

What you get:-
1. Admission
2. Racecard
3. Basket Meal
4. Two drinks
5. £1 bet on the tote

Any more details can be found at http://www.brightondogs.co.uk/

Cost £12 per person (if you take your own dog and it wins you get a discount!!)

Please call the shop to book and pay for this night out 01903 767224

NAS Intro Course ~ Saturday 28th March

This was put on Ocean views forum by Paul Grinyer who has sorted this one out;

Following the excellent talk give by Tad on the TR Thompson I have been in touch with The NAS to get them to run a course at the club for us. Initially we're proposing to do the Intro Course on the 28th March 2009.

We need a minimum of 10 to run the course and if there are enough people interested then we can run a second course on the Sunday 29th March 2009.

Here are the general details for the course:
An introduction to foreshore and underwater archaeology . This is the entry-level course to the NAS Training Programme and is aimed at introducing nautical archaeology to divers and non-divers, and promoting their interest in the subject. It provides a broad-based view of the subject by covering a wide range of topics.

The objectives of the course are that participants should:
1. Have been introduced to the basic principles and scope of nautical archaeology.

2. Appreciate the importance of our nautical heritage and the need for the recording, protection and preservation of the underwater heritage.

3.Have been given the necessary knowledge to undertake a basic pre-disturbance site survey The emphasis during the practical sessions is on surveying and recording.

In addition, the theory component stresses the need for the conservation and preservation of the underwater cultural heritage. The format involves a one-day course, which is conducted by approved tutors and instructors. Certain parts of the course can be adapted to suit the special requirements of the individual groups taking part.

The minimum diving qualification level for those taking part in the pool exercises is CMAS 1-Star or equivalent, e.g. BSAC Ocean Diver, SAA Open Water Diver, or PADI Open Water. The 'Introductory' course is not examined and participants are provided with a certificate of attendance only.

The course cost will be £60 per person. We need to get an idea of numbers as soon as possible so if you're interested please call Graeme at the shop 01903 767224.

This really should be an excellent and interesting course, particularly to those who are interested in wreck diving and the history of our local wreck sites.

Courses Anyone?

Just to let you know some course dates that Ocean View are running over the coming months that may benefit some of you :-

EFR-1st March (Have you checked when yours runs out?)

PADI Rescue -7/8th March

PADI Specialty Week-End - 14/15th March. This weekend includes DEEP(for holiday?), WRECK and DRYSUIT all taking place at Vobster.

PADI A.O.W. -4/5th April. One of the only centres I know that lets you choose what YOU want to do for example Boat, DPV, Drift, Drysuit (would require a pool orientation) Multi-Level and Computer, Night, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Digital Underwater Photography, Search and Recovery, Fish ID, Wreck.

Give Graeme a call at Ocean View if you would like to book anything on offer here and don`t forget OV club members get a discount on ALL courses as well as free air and half price Nitrox.

Swanage ~ 16/17th May 2009

Hi all,
Just a little poke to all the people that haven't sent me there cheques for £85 for this trip coz we need to book up asap or lose the boat.

PAID :-)
Chris p
Prometheus
Sean
Tracy
Matt
Anna
Jim

Steve l

Trez

Tad

George

thanks to all i have all the cheques will now pay for the boat

Unfortunatley, Gary has had to pull out of this trip due to a surgery so there is 1 space left be quick coz it will go

Diving Masks With Optical Lenses

Trekker has sent in this link for Diving Masks with optical lenses, may be of interest to some! For more information on this local firm "ActiveAqua" based in East Grinstead take a (clear ?) look at their Web Site.

Farne Islands Revisited!

Well it was quite a long time ago that I took this little fella's image , so I thought it was high time that I checked out how the grey seal population of the Farne Islands were getting along. In 2005 the fin nibblers spent their time sneaking-up on us and tasting our fins, this shot, shows one with that "Not me , Mister!" look on its face as he was snapped before making a crafty approach!

So come the merry month of May, Simon & I will be trekking Northwards, close to the old stomping grounds of Geordie-Boy Robbo to see what we can find. The trip has been organised by Sussex Scuba and I think we have snaffled the last two places ....but they might put on extra places if the demand is there! Details on their Web Site.

PADI Clothing ~ New Range

With the abundance of Meridian Divers apparel at our finger tips you will have probably got all the clobber you possibly want ...but if you haven't and you are still looking for more you can see the NEW PADI range HERE.

New Project AWARE ~ PADI Certification Cards

The new PADI 'Project AWARE Certification Cards are now available for 2009 Certifications ~ makes you want to go out and get another certification doesn't it! Hmmm, and our Red Sea Trip is looming up!

Optional Specialties for warm water divers (:-)) :- Wreck, Deep, Night, U/W Nav, Boat, Drift, U/W Naturalist.

Third Party Insurance

To enable us to use the diving pool at Eastbourne Sovereign Centre we will be required to have third party insurance. I have sourced a suitable policy through Dive Master Insurance at a cost of £10.50 per person per year. This policy will cover all third party liability, covering legal awards made for injuring or killing another diver or claims for damage to someone elses possessions (including damage to a swimming pool) for an award of up to 2 million, with unlimited legal defence. This covers you for any diving incident (not just at the pool). If we have more than 10 divers to take up the cover we will be given a 5% discount if the applications are submitted together. Further details can be found on www.dive-master.net/e3.html

If you are interested in taking out this insurance can you please post a comment ASAP.

Ernie

Anyone seen BOB?

A pal of mine sent me THIS LINK thinking I would be interested in meeting BOB, BOB being the "Breathing Observation Bubble" a rather contrived title for a rather odd piece of SCUBA kit. BOB was apparently invented in 1994 but personally I have not yet seen one. I'm not sure if that means I'm lucky or have just missed-out at having a laugh at somebody else's expense or that , just may be they didn't really catch-on as much as their inventor hoped!

Bowled Over in Brighton Marina

Brighton Marina is not everyone's choice of destination for a visit in January , most divers can think of better places ...but it's a lot better when you are not submerged in 5DegC water! So it was with some sensible planning that we decided to meet up for Bowling rather than diving! 20 odd (yes, 'odd' is probably the most apt word) divers took giant strides down the lanes in an epic battle for supremacy!

Probably lucky then that the 'score' was 'One all ' with MD players having the top score in one set and OV having the top score in the second - well that's the way I'm telling the story anyway! The top two individual scorers were MD players with Ernie topping the personal scoring! Well done Ernie!

A good social evening , thanks to Tracey for organising it (and sorry that you & Sean were unable to make it!) . Everyone was very considerate and some even refused to knock down the pins for fear of hurting the poor little fellows! Very thoughtful!

(Above: Difficult to tell if this is a picture of an arm with a green ball at one end and a pink one at the other or if it's champion player Ernie selecting a ball)

(Above: Therese shows Tina the 'One Thumb' technique of holding a ball )

(Above: This masked player realised too late in the evening that he had set the wrong temperature on his washing machine resulting in excessive shrinkage. A problem he has faced before hence the need for a mask).

(Above: Simon wanted evidence that he had stayed on orange juice all night and could still manage a smile whilst acting as family chauffer).

(Above: These two refused to budge from the side of the drug dispenser all night long, not sure what they were popping but at least it kept a smile on their face.)

BDMLR Marine Mammal Medic Course ~ 21st March

We are holding a Marine Mammal Medic Course at Bewl Water Reservoir on Saturday 21st March 2009. Please find attached a Course Information Pack. If you know anyone who might be interested in attending please pass this on to them and tell them they can book on-line at www.bdmlr.org.uk and then click on the training page for more information.

As usual there will be a limited number of refresher places available free of charge on this course for paid up medics to re-learn their skills and meet up with other medics and get more involved. If you would like to take part in this course as a refresher please phone BDMLR head office on 01825-765546 and ask to book on - your subscription to BDMLR must be up-to-date in order to be a "refresher". If you are interested in learning how to teach the practicals or give the lectures please let us know as we are always interested in teaching this to new people and getting more people involved in running these courses both here and elsewhere in the country.

Many Thanks.

Trevor Weeks National Co-ordinator
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Reg Charity 803438
www.bdmlr.org.uk

Next Meridian Divers Meeting ~ Wed 28th January

The next MD meeting will take place at the Berwick Inn, Wednesday 28th January at 7.30pm. January is usually not the most inspiring time of year for UK divers but it'll soon be summer (ha! ha!) and we'd better be ready for it!

Daily Mail 50% Discount on Luxury Caribbean Holidays

Have you seen the special offer in the The Mail on Sunday (11/1/09) 50% off offer?

Holidays are at Sandals or Beaches Resorts in Jamaica, St Lucia, Antigua, Bahamas or Turks & Caicos. Most of the holidays are shown as 7 nights but you can extend to 14 nights. Various dates through out the year. Luxury accommodation, all inclusive, which includes 2 dives per day and all other activities, sailing etc.

All bookings need to be made by 21st January with only a £300.00 deposit per couple.

We have treated ourselves to 2 weeks in Turks & Caicos in November/December. Whoopie ! ! (Ernie's a bit worried as we have a honeymoon suite)

Fill yer boots and empty your wallet HERE!

Wassup Robbo? Diving New South Wales

Our ol'diving chum Robbo has been getting his fins wet in New South Wales, Australia and has sent me a few pictures. It's just so frustrating to think of his warm waters while we freeze our bits off in the UK!

I would dearly love to visit to NSW , oh well one day , still a bit of a dream, I've heard so much about Australia that I'll pay my ten quid and they can call me a Pommy if the want to! Oh, that deals finished now is it?

Still I like Robbo 'cos he's been very free with his compliments about this Blog. It's somehow very touching to know that it's being followed on the other side of the world. Hands Across the Water and all that! I wonder if we have any other Australian readers, who can say? I am sure we will do!

Robbo says "This is yours truly about to take a dip at Tathra Wharf Southern NSW. Take note, I only have the bottom half of my 5mm suit on and a T shirt (I was over dressed for the conditions). The dive progressed well there were numerous reefie fish around and plenty of stevie’s (sting-rays named after that clot Irwin who managed to get killed by one). I was the only pukka diver under the wharf (naughty) but there were plenty of snorkelers around including her indoors keeping a weather eye on me. The exit out of the water was a climb up a ladder on the side of the wharf itself, very exhausting in 30C but worth it. I also dived at Merimbula further down the coast and near the end of the dive had a wicked cramp in my thigh ( horror pictures flew through my head), no probs though, other than the full 5mm suit I was wearing which was a pig to get on and just as hard to get off in the conditions. I think the moral of the stories is I need to get my dive fitness back up to scratch! Great Blog I read it lots!"

Robbo is not (as we remember) not too sentimental , so no offence intended Mr Irwin! I think you may have struck a chord with one or two of us post-Christmas Mr Blobbies regards the fitness Robbo!

Click HERE to take a look , via Google Maps at where Robbo has been taking the plunge! (Photo Credit re Shot No.1 by Frank Holden)

Thanks Tad from Ocean View Dive Club

First of all I'd like to say thank you to Tad on behalf of Ocean View for what was in our opinion was an excellent presentation. Tad was very knowledgeable and openly passionate about this project . The TR Thompson this has clearly grown from a project to a labour of love especially shown in depth of research and also the footage painstakingly edited and also for making the long journey from Chatham, Kent in the current conditions to be with us.

Secondly thanks to all who came it was nice to see a full room on what is a freezing cold evening -3 when I left my house at 18.45!

Judging by the comments and murmerings everyone enjoyed this evening as much as we did and I'm sure we'd all like Tad to return next year to update us on Meridian Divers progress from this year especially about the deterioration of the wreck.

Once again thanks for a great night

Matt

Soup Dragon Dive

Hey all, was just wondering if the 'Soup Dragon Dive' (where I am apparently going to meet some / all of the clangers) is going to take place? One weekend in January was mentioned and soup was apparently on offer!- come on Tad bring on the merryment! When? When? When? Speak up! Hope you have all had a great new year so far xx

Divefest ~ 15-17th May 2009 ~ Cornwall

Found this today and I would have gone but some of us are off to Swanage that weekend.
Look`s good and it`s something new have a look.

http://www.divefest.co.uk/index

Red Sea Trip 2/4/08-9/4/09 - Update

The balance of payment for the Red Sea trip is due by the 4th February 2009. I have sent an email to everyone with details of balance owing. If you do not receive it please let me know.

Rocking & Rolling at West Beach ~ 4th January

Isn't there some expression about 'mad dogs and English men' ? Well Sunday's dive was a mirror image .....loads of dogs and mad English men!! A really good turn-out of surface support meant that the five mad Englishmen who decided to brave the sea did so to the sound of disbelieving cheers and clicking camera lenses. No point getting old if you don't get wise was the motto of some of the support team! Whatever the wimps came up with as their defence it's 'Hat's Off' to the new "Famous Five" who stood bravely looking out to a 5 Degree C low viz dive!

Entry into the sea was all part of an entertaining afternoon, fins, backsides, fins again , gloved hands and backsides rotated in the surf as the cameras rolled - but the last shred of common decency remaining has prevented me using all the shots!


Getting out in the surge for, shall we say chilled dry suit divers, was even more fun than getting in (not!) . So whilst we had five divers there were a few paddlers amongst the support team (who Bless them, also helped a lady diver who was diving with a buddy outside of our organised event). When expedition leader Matt came out he was asked "How was the vis?" With his cold mouth tucked in his hood we think he said "Far Call", probably some sort of technical diving expression. Anyway with divers still struggling with heavy kit the support team did there best by tuckibg into the coffee & choccies (thanks Tracey & Sean).

Congratulations boys on giving it a go on a very gold and grey Newhaven afternoon.

MD Photo Competition 2009

I'd like to be the first to enter a photo for the 2009 competition! This photo shows Newhaven's only marsupial diver , Tad, carrying the Champion Pattendale Terrier 'Poppy' in his pouch . The look of distress on the poor dogs face is almost too much to behold , quick get me the RSPCAs number!

Of course, if you can't win the competition fairly by the rules - change the rules . May be for 2009 we will have two categories. I: Underwater photography II: Anything else (including dogs I guess). 'Ratify' at next MD meeting ! Get posting!

Bowling Night ~ 20th January 2009

Just another reminder regarding this event at Brighton ~ Tracey needs your cash up-front to be able to secure you a place. There is already quite a long list of those attending but some rascals have yet to cough-up! If you turn-up on the night without having pre-booked (and paid!) you will probably not get a game! Fingers out please! (see previous posts for more info).

Happy New Year

Best wishes for a happy New Year to all MDers and their dive buddies. Let's hope that we can make 2009 an active diving year , have fun and support all those who support us and our diving mania!

Its no doubt going to be a tough year with a serious recession on the cards, so let's not forget those who we rely on as they too rely on us as customers. In particular we should not forget the friendship , goodwill and willingness of those who contributed to the socials we have enjoyed , such as the Christmas Party. In particular:-

Graeme at Ocean View
Steve at Channel Divers
Mick at Seazones

Newhaven Shore Dive ~ 4th Jan

THIS DIVE IS GOING AHEAD!!!!!
SEE YOU ALL THERE

This will still be going ahead as long as we don`t get any hurricanes, typhoons or tsunamis in the mean time! Meet at 14.00hrs ready to dive at 14.45hrs , if its blown or latte maybe a mass dive in sheltered waters then off for a beer in the Marina? Only a tenner? It was crystal clear yesterday!

Any way see you guys next year!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!

Green Diver

I met-up with MDer Trekker (aka John) today and he told me of his Christmas present - he's going to spend ten days diving Ningaloo Reef , Western Australia in March next year. That news alone was enough for me to become a Green Diver , green with envy that is! Of course I thought I'd do a quick 'Google' to see what was on offer and the first 'Gallery' I came across was THIS ONE.

Take a look and let me know if I'm still the only Green Diver!

Bowling - Action Needed NOW!!!!

Ok guys. The Bowling is BOOKED!

Tuesday 20th January 2009 at 7.30pm!

Brighton Bowlplex, Brighton Marina

OV have approx 20 bowlers!!! Can we match that???

I now need your money! £14.99 pp - Chris will email all MDers with the payment arrangements / details.

Holiday headwear anyone?

I have been asked if i will be ordering any Scaps this year and the answer is YES.
These have been invaluable to me this year and should be a must in any divers kit for that extra layer without the need for a hood especially abroad or for those follically challenged who get burn`t heads while snorkelling
Please have a look at the link for colours then post what you would like then pay me in cash/cheque for £20 on the bowling night then we`ll order by the end of the month
if you look hard enough on the Scap site you may see a familiar face modelling underwater- no prizes for the right answer!!

http://www.thescap.com/products.html

High Water Slack at Newhaven Arm

Can anyone give me the definitive answer to this please? I have been given many different answers from 1.5hrs -0.5hrs before highwater, and how long is slack before it turns.
Seeing as this is home waters for you guy's, 'll ask here!

[Matt , nothing like a good old thorny question on Boxing Day to revive the ailing grey matter! Slack times are a science of their own! I took a look at the PADI website for the answer, it's crammed full of usefull information dive planning as you would expect (;-)) , so check out THIS!]

Well ? Who Got the Best Diving Present ?

I know some of you will have already unwrapped your prezzies so thought I'd better start this post 'early' , no doubt the 'traditionalists' will be waiting until HM The Queen has done her speech!

Merry Christmas Take 2

Looks like Tracey beat me to it and I would like agree with what Tracey says but also say that yes its been a brilliant year in lots of ways and Like Tracey I havent dived as much as I would have liked mainly due to the weather but those I have done have been exceptional.

The highlights for me were meeting Mr and Mrs Jack and the success with the Adopt a Wreck Award, but added to that the new friends we have made with Divers from Ocean View and RDC.

Hopefully 2009 will see Meridian Divers grow but equally as important that with any growth is we dont forget where we have come from and support others in the same way we have been supported throughout this year.

So I would also like to say a very big thank you to all the people both within MD and everyone else who have made this a very special year for me and I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and I look forward to diving and all the other stuff with you next year I think you are all great people, people which I class as great friends without exception.

I cant wait to film and edit the 2009 round up

Tad

PS

And to the ...bags that nicked my car and kit I hope all your teeth fall out and you choke on your xmas dinner you wont keep me out of the water.

Merry Christmas!!!

I would just like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas & jolly New Year!

I've not done as much diving as I'd have liked this year but one thing I have got this year is lots of new buddies! I would like to thank everyone I've dived with and those who have organised dives, weekends, trips away and socials and to also thank everyone who has attended!!!

Certainly socially it has been a great year and with the bowling already planned for January, 2009 looks set to be the same - let's just hope that we get a bit more diving too!


Merry Christmas!!!!!!

Newhaven Shore Dive ~ Sunday 4th Jan 2009

Matt is planning a shore dive at Newhaven on Sunday 4th January . Harbour Arm (West) , West Beach / Gullies options . Details to follow . Hope the weather will provide some viz and not an grand impression of a Latte Coffee! If interested let Matt know / add a comment!

T R Thompson Presentation ~ Friday 9th Jan 2008

For One Night Only ...

OK, you've read the blog, seen the film and got the T Shirt - but NOW you can have the whole story presented to you by master story teller 'Tad' at Ocean View , 7.30pm , Friday 9th January 2009.

For one night only Tad is making a guest appearance at OV to share his experiences behind the lens, the tales of intrigue and daring, the highs and the lows of adopt a wreck project management. Yep, one night only - any atheists should reconsider their beliefs ! One night only? That must be some sort of Divine intervention?

Swanage Trip ~16-17th May 2009

Hi all,

As the trip is full can I please have full payment £85 (diving only) by the end of January. Dives include Kyarra, Aleolian sky and drifts

http://www.diversdownswanage.co.uk/

Camping Site below :

http://www.woodyhyde.co.uk/prices.html

Divers
1.matt PAID
2.sean
3.anna
4.trez
5. chris-p PAID
6.jimbob
7. steve l
8. tad
9.tracy
10. gary s
11. prometheus
12.george

Plymouth Trip ~ 5th-7th June 2009

The trip is the same one I sorted this year for the absurd deal of £135 for the whole deal with Steve. Details here:-

http://scyllareefdivecharter.co.uk/DIVE-CHARTER-PLYMOUTH-MOUNTBATTEN

This trip is open to all now for the remaining spaces, when trip is full Iwill ask for the full amount of trip £135 per diver (Simon will find out about non divers) :-
1.Matt
2. Sean
3. Tracy
4. Anna
5. Steve
6. George
7. Caroline
8. Tad (to confirm)
9. Trez
10. Simon + Linda
11.
12.

Round up of Meridian Divers and Friends 2008

This is the video and photo round up shown at the christmas dinner. Now I know the music isnt everyones cup of tea, but tough its staying !!

Bowling ~ 20th January 2009

Just a reminder that the next MD event is the bowling evening - 20th January 2009. Really need some more MDs to make up the numbers!!! OV have about 19 so far!!!!!!

It will be held at Brighton Bowlplex, time to be confirmed but looking at around 7.30ish. Food will be buffet and the cost is £14.99 per person. This includes the buffet, shoe hire and 2 games of bowling.

All ages are welcome so bring the kids along (they're probably better than a lot of us!)

We are going to provisionally book this next week but will need to know definate numbers by 4th January 2009.

Christmas Party Comments........

Doh! Done Xmas Party post ... it doesn't look anything like it dis on the screen I was working on ! Never mind you get the idea!!

Top Christmas Dinner Party !

Well, if a round of applause for the staff at the Tudor House Restuarant, Alfriston is any guide I think it's fair to say everyone at the third MD Christmas Dinner had a very enjoyable dinner!

Personally I thought the meal was even better than the dinner we had enjoyed back in July at our Mr Jack Commemorative Dive Dinner.

A clue that the food was exceptionally good was that the MD group are not know for being shy , retiring or quiet ....but yep, it went quiet three times during the evening - just after each course was served!

The 'Diving Dinner' ambience was built by our own videographer and editor , Tad.

Nicki reminded us just how many hours Tad had spent slaving over a hot computer to create a DVD of video and still shots depicting the MD exploits through out the year.

Tad's work was projected on to a screen and the music provided a backdrop to the clatter of cutlery & chinking of glasses!

Linda & Simon get my personal vote of thanks for donating a bottle of Fine Champagne Cognac VSOP to the raffle.

Excellent decision, as was my decision to buy just the right raffle ticket! Cheers!

Still there were plenty of other prizes donated , including places Channel Diver and Sea Zones dive charter boats.

Ocean View Diving donated an Air / Nitrox fill card which will also always be a welcome gift!

They say a picture paints a thousand words - well if that's the case , may be I should let some of the photos speak for themselves .

They do seem to tell a story of people having a great time!

This shot shows Sean discussing 'Bottom Time' with Tracey - Divers eh? Always chatting about some technical matter of another!

And, similarly this shows Matt impressing on other divers the need to keep close to your buddies in poor visibility and in particular to ensure you wear distinctive headgear to aid identification!

Sheila and Ernie were pressed into service as Raffle Organisers. Sheila of course arranged for Ernie to win a major prize just about as fast as she could - well may it was just good luck but Ernie won the "Mr Jack Prize" an electronic photo frame ! Ha ha, all you have got to do now Ernie is take a nice picture or two to put on it!

The Meridian Divers Photo Competition was run and 50 images from the MD blog were projected , votes were taken and the winning photo , by a margin was a photo of "Parsley" the puppy owned by Debbie & Stuart and taken by Tracey! It was a shock result for professional cameraman Steve who had bet a drink from the bar for everyone present if his underwater shots didn't win - nice one Steve - mine's a port & brandy ... large! Tracey went home with more than she bargained for - er, the Photographer of the Year award I mean!

Several other compeitions were decided with Tad being presented with the NAS Adopt -A-Wreck Decanter on behalf of MD for his work on the project AND.... he also won the Meridian Diver of the Year award & trophy for his efforts across the raneg of activities (mind you I think his video work has really been worth a trophy on it's own).

Matt won the MD Pier Diver of the Year accolade , for having dived four different UK piers in the year! I'm sure someone will break that record next year! That's if all the piers don't fall down or burn down!

The Grand Raffle saw many , many winners - far too many to show ALL the photos but not to be left empty handed , Nicki bagged a super MOSCHINO perfum prize.

Santa Claus is usually depicted wearing a red suit so methinks Sheila had that image in her mind when she became cheif raffle caller and prize manager!

Tina's thinking "OK what am I going to do with a free ride on Channel Diver - apart from give it to Matt for his Christmas present"?

Only fair then that Steve , who donated the place on Channel Diver should himself be a winner - looks like one of Sheila's 'secret' prizes - hope you will find in coming in handy Steve!

This shot is of course no reflection of Paul's personal hygiene - it was just a complete coincidence that he should win the pack of assorted smellies! That should make your Christmas more bareable Mandy!

The growing 'Clan Parsons' weren't to be outdone either , I lost count how many prizes they won but I thought I use this photo of Nick with his navigational aid. Knowing how much Nick likes boats this prize will remind him that the left side of the boat with the red light is the PORT side!

Matt puts on a brave face - that lovely Champagne Cognac has already been bagged , it was enough to make him turn to gin!

Poor lad , take care it's mother's ruin you know!









Judging by the smile on Debbie's face she thinks she knows what's inside this long narrow package. Shiela , who is having a laugh at the idea actually does know what's in there - sorry Debbie better luck next time!

Sean had a very clear idea of what prize he wanted - and looking at the smile on his face he must have been promised it.

All told the evening was really fun , the food was super , the staff attentive, the atmosphere lively and most importantly the company excellent. It was also good to see a couple of our dive buddies who coldn't make the whole evening pop-in for a Christmas Drink. Sadly , due to work another couple of MD chums couldn't make it and Matt C , who is only briefly back in the UK from Malta also (sadly) missed a great night out!

Best wishes to all Meridian Divers and their families for a very happy Christmas and New Year. We hope to see you all in the water and at the socials next year - and don't forget the Bowling Challenge fast approaching! It's going to be a challenge to do a better Christmas Dinner next year - but ...we are up for it!

Polo shirts & Fleeces Update

There here.

I will be bringing them to the dinner . Payment required on delivery (£16.00 Polo shirts and £25.00 Fleeces)

Thanks.

Ernie

MD Christmas Dinner at The Tudor House Restaurant

Hi y'all,

We're getting close now ... to the MD Christmas Dinner at the Tudor House Restaurant , High Street , Alfriston , East Sussex on Wednesday 17th December.

For those of you who need a little help in finding it click HERE

For those of you who want some last minute info on the place click HERE

The rendezvous time is 7.30pm for drinks in readiness for 8.00pm at the table!

There is adequate parking in Alfriston but you may have to walk a few hundred metres! Take care if there is rain !

Looking forward to seeing you all there. In addition to the raffle, several MD challenges / competitions will be decided on the night! With awards & trophies to the winners. The raffle has a good selection of prizes including:-

* Air / Nitrox Card from Ocean View Diving
* A Place on a Boat Charter from Sea Zones
* A Place on a Boat Charter from Channel Diver
* The 'Mr Jack' Prize (Donated by Mr Norman Jack)
* Diving Equipment
* A bottle of Brandy
* A bottle of Gin

(Don't forget you can add more to the raffle prizes if you wish! All donations gratefully received)

Polo Shirts and Fleeces

Polo shirts and fleeces should be ready to bring to the dinner on Wednesday.
I have sent an Email to everyone who has ordered one.
It is not too late to order if you wish to be stylish. The cost is £16.00 for the Polo Shirts and £25.00 for the fleeces.
Ernie

Extreme Underwater Ironing

Anyone up for some household chores?
I'm thinking about going.

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

"On the 10th January 2009 the National Diving & Activity Centre and Yorkshire Divers will be hosting a Guinness World Record Extreme Ironing Event. You are invited to take part in this event and raise money For the RNLI; a charity providing 24-hour lifesaving service around the UK and Republic of Ireland.

The sport that is 'extreme ironing' is an outdoor activity that combines the danger and excitement of an 'extreme' sport with the satisfaction of a well pressed shirt. It involves taking an iron and board to remote locations and ironing a few items of laundry. Our Guinness World Record attempt will be for the most number of divers underwater ironing at the same time.

The present record is currently held at 72 by an Australian group - we think that you can do better than that, so here is your opportunity to join in!"

Party on down!

Last night The Holiday Inn in Brighton did not know what had hit them as 30 members of Ocean View descended on them at their Party Night.

Myself, Sean and Trez trekked over to Brighton and met up with everyone in the lounge bar. By time we arrived most had passed out due to the alcohol - well, the prices of them anyway. Matt was revived after having to part with nearly £12 for 2 drinks!

With a little help from the local Off-Licence things soon got going and we all took our seats to be fed and entertained. Divided over 3 tables, it was deemed from the start that our table would be the noisiest and we did not disappoint! Following a meal that was ok, and 2 free bottles of sparkling wine (one courtesy of Holiday Inn, the other thanks to Wendy and her winning the game of heads & tails!!) the music started and we put on our dancing shoes.

All to soon, us oldies found it too much (let's face it - one glass & I'm out of it!) and we had to leave the younger ones (and those who were passed caring!) to it!

Matt is compiling a gallery and I will be taking cash or cheques for those photos that should NEVER be shown!!!!

Thanks Buds!

Just one more image from the South Male Atoll showing my dive buds and, er OK, me! And a chance to thank them for their company and good buddying!



This photo was taken after the House Reef (North) dive and shows L to R : Marlis, André , Guenther, and I. It was taken as we exited by some hapless passer by who was pressed into photograhic service! Yes, I know , don't put your mask on your head! But when you have little hair you have to mask it somehow , boom boom!

Christmas Dinner ~ 17th December

Just to let MDers know, I have now sent the menu choices to the Tudor House Restaurant (there have been no changes notified to me following my 'check' email of 9th November).

I believe that there are one or two people who wish to attend but who haven't yet notified me of their meal choices or paid . If there is someone who has not given me their choices & their cheque they are NOT included on the list sent to the restaurant.

If this applies to you and you do want to attend you should contact me immediately.

Stolen Kit

Late this afternoon My car was stolen from outside my house in Walderslade. Having dropped off my Twins to be filled my Dive Rite wings & 3 sets of scubapro regs, weight belt black Gates dry suit and a box of assorted equipment were still in the boot of my car. The car was stolen within an hour of getting home and still day light the car was stolen by a window being smashed.

If you see any dive kit being advertised or hear of anything being sold on the cheap I would appreciate you letting me know.

Tad

Last Chance to Party!!!!

Ocean View are having the party of the year this Saturday and there are still a few places left.

It would be great if some Meridian Divers could join us at The Holiday Inn, Brighton. Price is £29.95 for 3 course meal & juice fm disco (There's also the entertainment (Trez, Tracey & Anna - need I say more!!!!)

If you want to join us, give Graeme/OV a call on 01903 767224