Oceana, BBQ & Air Show Dive ~ 13th August

L to R: Tad, Ray, Ken, Ernie

Without doubt, for me, this was the best day's diving in the UK this year! Totally brilliant day out! MDers Tad, Ernie, Sheila and I started the day in true Brit Diver style ...with Bacon Butties at the "Early Birds" Cafe in Eastbourne. That set us up for the short drive to Sovereign Harbour to rendezvous with MDiver Simon, and Nicky , Tony, Sara , Ken & Ray and several other divers , oh and of course Channel Diver skipper Steve , his lady wife Caroline and his brother Chris.

It was an overcast and cool start as we motored out of the lock gates heading for the wreck of the Oceana. But the sea was fairlyflat and and a spot of cool weather can be an advantage when wearing a dry suit for periods of time! Steve , as ever expertly shot the wreck and we were soon descending in to what looked like plenty of light and encouraginly good viz!

I dived with Simon and we clocked-up 49 minutes and reached a max depth of 26 metres. Others made an hours dive. We had a long and detailed tour of the wreck finishing at the Bow. There were blennies everywhere and a torch was only needed for looking into recesses. A very enjoyable bimble! On surfacing the weather had changed ...it was sunny with blue skies and lovely white clouds. Quite a beautiful day!

After the dive , some coffee and biscuits we motored across to a point a few hundred metres off the Eastbourne , Wish Tower area. We anchored and the energetic amongst us tried their hand at fishing ... the catch was not great! One Weaver fish and a brace of Mackerel! Luckily we had brought food for the on board BBQ ! Steve acted as Captain & Chef and quickly had us tucking into some lunch on the aft deck.

Following the refreshements it wasn't too long before the Eastbourne Airshow started . A major local event and free! Highlights were the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire , Hurricane, Lancaster) , the Blades acrobatic team, wing walkers, then the hugely powerful F16, followed by the Red Arrows.

Fantastic displays , the boys on board, true to firm seem to favour the fastest & noisiest aircraft , so the F16 was the winner for most!

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight put on quite a show and at one point a Spitfire and F16 flew side-by-side! The old & the new.

"Behind You !"

After the Red Arrows we sped back to Sovereign Harbour to get in the front end of the lock queue!

A truly great day out , and great to be joined by old buds, Ken, Ray & Sara. It was Ken's first dive from a boat with a diver lift! I think we may have spoilt you now Ken , you'll always want one now!

Sussex Coast Diving Incident ~ Saturday 8th August

Details of a tragic incident over the last week-end:-

BBC Souther Counties News

The Argus

Worthing Herald

Channel Isles Diving ~ 31st August to 5th September

Just recieved this from Steve of Channel Diver

Hi All,

Now Only £200pp + Accommodation & travel . Appleton SAA have 4 spaces available on a four day Sark trip on the Channel Islands 31st August - 5th September . Diving will be in the 30-50 metre range, air, nitrox & trimix available Sark Diving Services.

If you are interested please phone for details, call Steve on 07970 674799.

Scallop Wreck Dive ~ Sunday 9th August

Whilst a bunch of rubber clad hooligans were worrying fish on Newhaven's West Beach Harbour Arm, I was skimming across the waves aboard Tunbridge Wells Diver out to a TWSAC favourite the Scallop Wreck. Having caught a very annoying summer cold the day before , I had been dosing myself up with Sudafed , determined not to miss the dive.

Reaching the wreck site kitting up aboard the rib was a relatively painless affair. Jason & I were the third pair in after Rob and Jules had tied-in and sent the shot up.

It seems the Sudafed worked well on one half of my body but not the other as I was having real difficulty with clearing one ear. Jason indicated he was going to continue down whilst I jiggled my jaw, squeezed and blew my nose as I inched my way down the shot. I was on the verge of giving up when my ear cleared and could continue down to the wreck at 36m .The vis was about 3-4m and quite dark although you could just about get away with out using a torch.

The Scallop wreck is covered in life including some very large cod who didn't seem at all bothered by my presence. Large breaks in he hull are very tempting and with a squeeze could be easily entered but I was content to loiter at the entrances. I found a couple of old bottles which were broken so no help there in identifying the name or nationality of this ship.

Time seemed to whiz by and I was already nudging deco and was just in the process of sending up my SMB when I drifted passed the shotline in the increasing current so I chose the easy option and came up the line.

After a nice slow accent I surfaced and was soon back on the RIB waiting for the last 2 divers in the water and then back to shore and a nice cup of tea.

Thanks to Max,Jason,Jamie, Kevin, Jules , Jeff and Rob for a great dive.

Tad

Ps Dont think the cold is going to turn into pig flu oink

Air Show Dive ~ Thursday 13th August

Meridian Divers , Tad, Simon , Ernie & Chris will be joined aboard Steve Johnson's Channel Diver by old dive Buds , Ken , Ray , Debs and Sara. Should be a good get-together and chance to catch-up on local dive news as it's been a little while, girls, since your last Meridain Divers meeting ! Take care though boys, once you've stretched-out on the spacious Channel Diver (with lazy divers lift) you might start becoming too soft ...like the rest of us!

See you all on Thursday!

Newhaven Harbour Arm Dive ~ Done ! 9th August

L-R: Simon , Debbie, Trez, Sean, Caroline, Kev, Max

After some quick planning the Harbour Arm (West) dive took place , it's a fair hike from the car park to the waters edge , which on a warm day with all your gear is perhaps not the best part of this venue! A couple of other divers had started off about ten minutes before us and had entered near the base of the Arm. By the time we arrived there , a fisherman, asked us about Sharm El Shiek. It transpired he was an Egyptian and he thought it was wrong of us to dive when there were fishermen there. I mused on the thought about whether it was right to fish when there were divers there and wondered where divers & fishermane were to make their own 'beach bookings' . But the fisherman had decided to give-up and go , complaining the beach wasn't big enough before any informed discussion could took place. We didn't think it was a good idea telling hiim there was nothing worth catching at that location in any case!

So with the new entente cordial established we got in the water! What seemed like promising viz soon turned-out to be a false hope! The viz was probably no better than a metre! The rocks and underwater sea defences were covered in a light brown silt , I think , worse than I have seen it before. It did look as though the silt was killing-off the marine life.

Simon and I saw five small lobsters in the rocks , a few velvet swimming crabs and some small Bib. It was not the best dive on the Arm I have done, quite disappointing for viz & life. We swam out for 30 minutes reaching a maximum of 10 metres depth before returning for a total dive time of 63 minutes.

I found some fishing lures (sorry Robbo , no ankle weights ...well none that I'm going to admit to) which were trapped on broken line in the rocks. I picked them up and passed them to another fisherman on exiting the water. There see, the nice divers have massively improved your catch for the day!

So then it was the return hike back to the car park before changing and making for the Captains Table for light post-dive refreshment! Richard G was already in there , tucking into a fry-up sandwich after diving in the Brighton Marina, shrewd move Richard, worth refueling before washing all that kit off!

Newhaven Beach Dive ~ Sunday 9th August

Hi all,

Following the MD Meeting on 5th August a suggestion was a Beach Dive ...SOON!

So here is a pretty straigtforward idea , prospective plan:-

Newhaven Harbour (West Arm) / West Beach Dive Sunday 9th August.

Meet at West Arm Car Park at 12.30pm.
Plan to enter at 1.30pm
High Tide at 2.00pm

Weather forecasts are lloking reasonable , NE wind , approx 9mph, cloudy , 19 Deg C Air Temp, lower humidty!

Check Forecasts HERE, and HERE !!

Tide Times can be checked via the LINKS (right hand side panel on screen).

If interested add a comment !

Maritime Heritage Talk 2nd September Venue

The venue for the Maritime Heritage talk on the 2nd is

Chaseley Trust
South Cliff
Eastbourne
BN20 7JH

This can be found at the Beachy Head side of Eastbourne near the big tower block on the Seafront just to the right of Bolsover Road. Just to click on the map for a larger image



View Larger Map

List of those attending : Click Here

Meridian Mutts - Sunday 16th August

Calling all of my canine friends. I am planning another walk on Sunday 16th August. This gives you plenty of time to work on the humans, and if necessary to cancel any prior arrangements.
If you are interested please post a comment and let me know how far you would like to walk and then weather dependent we can choose where to go.
Poppy B
X

Next Meridian Divers Meeting ~ Wednesday 5th August

The next Meridian Divers Meeting will be held at the Berwick Inn, Berwick at 7.30pm on Wednesday 5th August. Agenda's have been sent out. Add a comment if you have not received the email.

Meridian Mutts ~ 2nd August

Meridian Divers swapped sub-aqua for terra firma again today ... I suppose it keeps us a little fitter for the diving when weather, wind & wonga allow! There were some notable Meridian Mutt absences (Tibor & Parsley were nowhere to be seen), but two Poppy's & a Swizzle made the downs hike from Alfriston to Berwick (and back by a different route). Certainly a pleasant Sunday afternoon amble assisted by a refreshment stop at the Cricketers Pub at (old) Bewick.! The temperature was warm, quite windy on the top of the downs but the viz was miles, in fact, right across East Sussex!

Dog Tyred ...you might say!

John Liddiard's T R Thompson Photos

A Meridian Diver on the Wreck of the T R Thompson

Copies of John Liddiard's photos of the wreck of the T R Thompson, taken on the MD & TWBSAC dive of 26th July can now be viewed on John's website : http://www.jlunderwater.co.uk/ .

As a quick link to the T R Thompson photos click www.jlunderwater.co.uk/piclib/goto.htm?pic=09_07_26_2338 , the TRT photos are numbered from 2338 onwards. Definately worth a look as John has put captions to all his photos which really helps identify features. John has an expert knowledge when it comes to identification , in one dive he managed to locate features that have taken us considerable time to find!

John is a professional photographer & journalist , his work is subject to copyright. Meridian Divers are grateful to be given permission to reproduce his work here.

Wreck Dive : The Indiana ~ Saturday 25th July

Well the weather did not look good but that did not stop O.V. going out on the Buccaneer. I was looking forward to diving a wreck in my home town. The Indiana is one mile south of Worthing Pier, a British steamer 2,266tons she had a cargo of oranges and lemons she went down on the 1st of march 1901. She lies in about 10 metres, it has been dispersed but this was a great dive with loads of marine life, vis was about 3-4 metres. Thanks to all for a great dive.

Meridian Mutts

Hello my furry friends, Poppy Benson here. This coming Sunday 2nd August would any of you like to join me, with your human companions, on a nice walk in the countryside. Weather permtting of course. I suggest a walk through Ashdown Forest, including the Pooh sticks bridge. Followed by a cream tea at Duddeswell Tea rooms. This walk is approx 7 miles and when I last did it it took me and my staff just under 3 hours.

If you are interested please post a comment.
Poppy X

P.S. Anyone who hasn't got a dog is still welcome.

T R Thompson Wreck Tour Dive Photos

...........and there's more

Meridian dive team with John Liddiard on My Sharon

Tunbridge Wells Sub Aqua Club

(or is it traffic warden divers ?)


Men at work - do they know what they are doing ?

Tea and conversation (Chris & John)

She always has to get in on the act!

T R Thompson Dive ~ Sunday 26th July

One or two us , I think, doubted we would make this dive! Our recent track record for canned dives due to weather was troubling us all but , shortly after 1.30pm today we set off on MV My Sharon for the wreck of the T R Thompson. It was quite breezy with a lumpy sea as we made our way out of the Ouse and into the English Channel. The forecast was for the wind to drop later in the afternoon.

As it transpired we formed a small flotilla of dive boats , as My Sharon was flanked by two RIBs, one driven by Jamie S from Tunbridge Wells BSAC and the other by Richard H from Newhaven. It's always nice to have the company of other boats when diving eight miles off the coast, especially if you think it's going to be a lively one!

Aboard My Sharon was John Liddiard (of DIVER Magazine fame) along with , Tad, Sheila, Ernie, Simon, Tony, Nicky and me. John had previously tried to dive Thompson with us some years ago but that was canned due to bad weather! This time we had more luck and actually made the dive. John hopes to feature the TRT as a future 'Wreck Tour' in the magazine and we hope our project Blog will be the perfect match for the article in due course.

The Project Blog has already made an impact , with many divers reporting that they had read it and been impressed. We were also delighted to see that divers had been supplied with stickers for their log books that featured drawings of the wreck taken from the Project Blog. It's great to see how others are making use of the research to promote local diving.

By the time we reached the wreck site the wind had dropped a little and the faster RIBs had gone ahead and put a shot line down. So it was kit-up and get in on arrival. The water was pleasantly warm ... well , for the Channel, but the vis was in the order of 3 metres. Simon & I managed a max depth of 32 metres and strung out a total dive time of 40 mins (mind you we did have a leisurely stop!). It was not great for underwater photography but we had a good dive.

By the time we had surfaced the wind had dropped still further making re-entry in to the boat quite straight forward. Tea & biscuits aboard took the salt out of our mouths and the run back to Newhaven seemed faster in less swell.

Captains Table Dive Meeting ~ Saturday 25th July

Last nights meeting , a private function , at the Captains Table in Newhaven was a good opportunity to catch-up with some old faces. In particular John LIDDIARD from DIVER Magazine. The last time we had seen John was a few years ago when he came to Newhaven at the invitation of the TR Thompson Project Team to dive the wreck and write it up as a magazine article "Wreck Tour". That plan had to overcome several obstacles and all had been surmounted (including last minute Nitrox training!) apart from the weather! We hope that today's weather will be far better for the TRT dive aboard MV My Sharon.

The Captains Table now has a small bar, which it seems is almost guaranteed to pull-in divers and dive boat skippers, there were few old Newhaven diving buds there (Rob K aside) but past Meridian Diver Richard H popped-in for a chat and can spread the word of the upcoming Wreck Tour work locally.

Airshow Dive Spaces ~ Thursday 13th August

Spaces are available on Channel Diver for the air show dive which includes a dive on the Oceana and a great view of the Airshow from the deck of Channel Diver on Thursday 13th July .

If you are interested contact Steve Johnson ( Click HERE) and join some of us for a cracking day out WEATHER PERMITTING!!!!!!!!!

TR Thompson "Wreck Tour" Dive ~ Sunday 26th July

For those booked on to the wreck tour dive on Sunday ropes off is 1.30pm at Newhaven we are on My Sharon Hard boat.

It would be good to meet earlier if poss around 11.30 to 12 to discuss a dive plan which if conditions allow enable us to plan what we need to get out of the dive re Photo sketches video and who is doing what. John Liddiard (Diver Magazine) will no doubt have his own plan but anything we can capture on the day will support his wreck tour article and also add to the TRT project.

Will text everyone Saturday evening with confirmation keep your bits crossed

Dont forget if you can make Saturday night 25th 7.30pm TWSAC are organising a get together with John and we have been invited to join them at the Captains table Newhaven with wreck films being shown. Food and drinks are available to purchase from the restuarant

Girls Night In Part II

For once the weather could not affect us girls for our second 'Girls Night In'. Unfortunately, I forgot the camera (I could've made a fortune with some of the potential photos!) so you guys will need to use your imagination!'

We were a select few, but with the wine flowing continuously in Trez's, Debbie's & Linda's glasses, tongues loosened & secrets expelled (really must encourage Linda to drink more often!)

After enjoying Linda's culinary talents together with goodies (especially the cheeses!) brought by others, it was time to get wet & have a splash about in the newly refurbished pool.

It was slightly tamer than the last GNI, though Debbie & Trez did things with big balls that I'd never seen before & was unable to emulate despite numerous attempts!

Debbie provided some 'swimming lessons' while Trez & I were looking forward to getting to know my 12 inch man - unfortunately, he was a big disappointment! After our frolicks in the pool, there was just time for dessert before the boys arrived to pick up Linda & Sheila, & Trez & I made our way soberly (well me at least!) home!

Next time, I'll remember the camera!

Thanks again to Debbie (& Parsley) for her hospitality.

English Heritage Maritime Archaeology Unit Talk ~ 2nd September

I have Booked Alison Hamer from the English Heritage Maritme Archaeology Unit to come and give us a talk on Wednesday 2nd September at a location to be confirmed.

It would be really great if this is well attended as it could open up some interesting opportunties with some of the protected wrecks we have of our coast.

The invitation is extended to any other interested divers who follow the Meridian Divers blog. Please add a comment if you are planning to attend (or send me an email).

Tad

1. Ernie & Sheila
2. Chris P
3. Rich + 1 OV
4. Jaqui OV

5. Dan OV
6. Tad
7. Steve M OV
8. Trez
9. Rachel OV
10. Rother Dive Club (numbers TBC)
11. Jim and EBSAC (numbers TBC)
12. Jamie TWSAC maybe others

13. Sean OV

14 Debbie

15. Caroline OV

16.Gary OV

17.Terry OV

18.Max OV

Sea Zones ~ Revised Times ~ Sunday 12th July

Please note a TIME CHANGE for the Sea Zones dive on Sunday 12th July are as follows:-

Meet Newhaven 12:15
Ropes Off 13:00

Ernie

Back from the Maldives !

Simon and Linda here, back from celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary on Mirihi island in the Maldives.

We had an overnight in Columbo first - reasonably interesting place but there is a massive security presence - you're not allowed to photograph anything - and the big hotels were all bunched together with even more high security, so we didn't wander out into the city, especially as we were told there are no private bars outside of the hotels!

Next day we got our flight to Mirihi island and our room there was stunning. It was incredibly hot the whole time we were there, not very conducive to anything but diving or bathing! We did use the gym one afternoon after we'd dived in the morning, but the skin on Simon's upper arms began to bubble so we stopped immediately and went back for a rest. Oops! Had a fabulous time, although it did take a little while to adjust to doing absolutely nothing (I read 3 books). You could walk round the shoreline of the whole island in 15 minutes.

The dive centre was very slick and professional and was only about 10 paces from our door, so very handy. The boat went out every morning and afternoon so you could just put your name down if you wanted to go. It was all extremely efficient and well run - the whole place is managed by an Austrian and there is a heavy Swiss German influence in the management too, so naturally everything runs very smoothly. Lots of lovely sealife, bigger shoals of fish than I remember in Egypt, although I thought the corals were not as pretty or colourful. Among the things we saw were blue stripe snapper, clearfin turkey fish, forceps fish, fat starfish (!), lovey huge batfish that come very close, peacock grouper, moorish idol, yellow trumpet fish, clown trigger fish, turtles, remora that tried to attach themselves to my wetsuit!, unicorn fish, oriental grunt, Napolean wrasse, etc., etc., .......... you get the picture. Oh, and we had to do mask removal and buddy breathing before they'd take us out. Doh!

Also saw a couple of small sharks but sadly no manta rays (we didn't expect to as it's the wrong season) or whale sharks. We went out on the boat for 2 dives one day and the crew did spot the whale sharks so we stopped and were going to jump in with our snorkels, but they'd moved off. The boat fired up the engines again and began to move away and apparently one of them then went right underneath the boat! Typical. On the last day Simon and I dived the house reef and wreck - at about 25m - on our own, which was a new experience for me (I know, I sound like a complete novice). I was fine with it, although I did get a bit anxious on the way back as to whether we were going to come up in the right place. Should have had more faith in Simon as of course he knew exactly where we were.

All in all, a fantastic anniversary hol.

See you all soon!
Linda and Simon

Seazones ~ Sunday 12th July

We will be diving the T R Thompson from Seazones on Sunday 12th July.
Depth approx 34 mtrs.
Return to harbour approx. 19:30
Wreck and drift £32.00 including scones.

Divers booked:
1. Ernie
2. Tad
3. Chris P.
4. Trez
5 Simon
6. Prometheus
7. Gary
8. Terry

Hope everyone is O.K with these arrangements. If not let me know ASAP.

Ernie

(PS Note Revised Times Posting above).

JimBob Comes to Malta

Ahoy fellow scuba fans. I hope the UK weather continues to please.

Malta has not been the same since Jim left with his haul of fantastic pictures. We did 8 dives in fewer days, hitting all the major spots - Um El Faroud, Cirkewwa, The Blue Hole, HMS Maori. We saw moray eels, grouper, a cowrie (thanks Jim!) a pyrosome, flying gurnards, nudibranchs, and a dentex. And that was just at the restaurant...

The pics and the dives formed the basis for an article in a local newspaper, which I am linking to here.

We have print copies too, and these feature genuine picture credits for a certain "Jim Harvey" (who he?). Basically I think he's a local celebrity...

JimBob's photo album can be viewed HERE! Well worth a click I'd say!

Beach Dive -~ Newhaven Arm 2nd July 2009

I have finally made it back into the water. This evening Ernie & I dived the Arm. Viz was 1-2 metres but it was very silty and there is still a bit of plankton. Plenty to see, crabs, 2 very large lobsters, various fish and gobbies etc., and a very startled large eel. Sea temparature was a very pleasant 16 degrees.

We also met some old friends. Matt W, his brother, Jason and Andy C.

The good news is that a flat path has been created along the wall so the journey to the shoreline is not so arduos. So all of you out there you can't use that as an excuse not to follow my lead and have a very pleasant dive

OK , Something for the Dog Owners !

I thought those of you on Meridian Divers who are also dog owners would like to know a little more about a very special dog that I featured in one of my photos from British Columbia.

A couple of posts before this one are the photos. One of the photos shows an Orca passing a research vessel. The keen eyed amongst you may have spotted a black Labrador dog on the research boat , I think his name is Tucker!

Tucker is not just there for the ride, he's part of the research team and his particular task is to track whales ! Apparently his sensitive nose detects, well, shall we jsut say on this family blog, that which the whales leave behind! Well that's what the skipper of our boat told me and you know what I don't think its a shaggy dog story ! The Orca was spotted whilst we were travelling by boat from Vancouver to Vancouver Island, that trip takes you right along the 'sea border' with the US. The Orca in the picture were actually in US waters and the research boat was from a US university. There is a little more background HERE!

T.R.Thompson Remembered

Its hard to believe that it is nearly a year since we had the wreath laying dive on the T.R.Thompson in the company of crew relatives Norman and Mary Jack, but although a year has nearly past the project has not been forgotten and Norman has been flying the T.R.Thompson flag up north at the TRT birth place Sunderland.

Norman has given talks on the ship and the project and has good connections with the Sunderland Maritime Heritage charity. With this in mind Norman and Mary have had a brass plaque made up commemorating the Thompson's crew and the charity is mounting this on a piece of oak along with a rivet and a piece of the iron ore cargo (recovered during last years wreath laying dive) this plaque will have its home in the charity's HQ in Sunderland and who will also be showing a looped film of the TRT video footage filmed last year. The project has a page on their website dedicated to the TRT , to view the page click HERE

Meridian Divers and I would like to thank Norman and Mary for their continued support of the project.

Marine Life ~ British Columbia

A few photos of marine life taken during my recent visit ~ sadly I didn't get to go diving which was a great shame as the waters were very clear and are renowned for good diving!

White Sided Pacific Dolphin

Orca (Killer Whale) & Research Boat

Humpback Whale Flukes

Humpback Whale

Sea Lions

Jelly Fish

Just a handful from the twelve hundred or so shots! OK , OK , I took the dolphin & jelly fish shots in Vancouver Aquarium but the rest were in the wild!

Next Meridian Divers Meeting ~ Wednesday 1st July

Hi all, the next MD meeting will be held at 7.30pm at the Berwick Inn, Berwick on Wednesday 1st July 2009. Looks like we should be getting some warmer water and imprving viz , so let's get going!

Pool Session - Sovereign Centre, Eastbourne

Meridian divers enjoyed a sucessful pool session at Eastbourne Sovereign Centre. Some skills and DSMB deployment were practiced and some fun just getting wet. Very enjoyable evening and Debbie found a new friend!

Scallop Wreck Dive

This is some of the video footage taken a couple of weeks ago whilst diving as a guest with TWSAC diving the Scallop wreck in 36m about 12 miles south of Newhaven. Although I had taken my camera most of the footage in this clip were taken by Jamie Smith from TWSAC with some bits of mine added in.

T.R.Thompson Wreck Tour Dive Sunday 26th July

Arrangements have now been made for the T.R.T wreck Tour dive with Diver Magazine John Liddiard. The Dive will take place on Sunday 26th July ropes off 1.30 pm. The dive will take place from a local newhaven Hard boat MV MY Sharon skippered by Ray Duff. Cost is TBC. If the hard boat is full there maybe spaces on TWSAC rib.

Tunbridge Wells SAC are also organising a meal drinks and film night at the Captains Table on the Saturday Night (25th July) to coincide with John Liddiards Vist to their Club. Meridian Divers have been invited along with the opportunity to talk about our project and show film footage as well as see the stuff TWSAC have put together. This is open to all and should be a great evening but again need to know numbers asap please. Lets support this guys.

If you would like a space on the dive please add a comment. also add a comment if you would like to attend the Saturday evening event.

Thanks to Jamie Smith and Tunbridge Wells SAC for organising this.

Divers
1.Ernie
2. Chris P
3. Tad
4. John Liddiard
5. Trez
6. Simon
7. Tony
8. Nick

Saturday Meal and Film.

1. Tad
2. Sheila Ernie
3. Chris and Sue

Meridian Divers Diving the Wreck of the SS Pentrych

video highlights from the skive Dive with Ernie on the wreck of the Pentrych on Wednesday.

Skive Dive Society ~ Pentyrch & Pier 24/6/09

Two of our best skivers (Tad & Ernie) took themselves off to Brighton on Wednesday 24/6/09 to dive the Pentyrch and the Pier from Channel Diver. We were very lucky with the forecast not being right and the wind staying to a reasonable level.

Neither of us had dived the Pentyrch before. She is a British Steamer, carrying a cargo of coal and was sunk by UB40 on 18th April 1918. It is approx. 6 miles off Shoreham. The seabed was at 22 metres and in the middle is a very large boiler. The viz was 4-5 metres with a bit of plankton floating around. It is a very easy dive, plenty of nooks and crannies to explore and with the shallow depth plenty of time to do so.

The second dive was Brighton Pier. Another pleasant bimble. The seabed was covered in star fish who do lunch (some even bought their own fork).

All in all a very enjoyable skive.

Ernie

Seazones - Sunday 12th July - 2 spaces

Two spaces have become available on Seazones on Sunday 12th July. £32.00 for two dives + scones.

Already booked are:
1. Ernie
2. Tad
3. Chris P
4. Trez
5. Simon
6. Prometheus
7.
8.

If you would like a space please post a comment asap.

Ernie

Braunton Dive from Wasp on Sunday

Nothing ever seems to go to plan when trying to get out diving. Either the weather goes against you, the boat breaks down, you get a cold or the promised vis doesn't materialise. On this occasion the planned dives on Sunday were canned due to the charter boat being sold and the new owners having a change of mind about continuing with the booked charters. Thanks to the lads from Leybourne for the invite anyway and I am sure we will catch up again sometime soon.

But step in TWSAC and all was not lost for Ernie and myself. After last weeks great dive on the Scallop Wreck we were offered 2 places aboard Wasp one of TWSAC's members Ian's own rib for a trip out to the Braunton. Having checked that our Nitrox mix was suitable (just) for the 36m dive to the wreck it was all systems go.

After a very early drive down Ernie and I kitted up and joined Ian and other club 2 other club members for the trip out to the wreck and soon we were kitted up and Ern and I were first in and headed down to the wreck. The Vis was between 6-8m with plenty of light. Its been a few years since I last dived the Braunton and I had forgotten what a fabulous wreck this is.

A 4.575 ton 380ft British Merchantman, The Braunton lies at a depth of 36mtrs HW. She was sunk by the German submarine UB29 on the 7th April 1916. 10m. The wreck was carrying a cargo of ammunition and evidence of this can be seen littered amongst the wreck in the shape countless shells unfortunately for spidge hunters not the brass but the cast iron variety.

Wreck is full of life and the stern area sits relatively intact and roughly 10m high complete with a net which has been floating wrapped up and vertical for a number of years.

I had taken the decision not to take the camera in but soon regretted this once we had reached the wreck,never mind will have to go back again.

After about 30 mins it was soon time to pop up the blob and start for the surface and back to port .

We had planned for a second dive in the afternoon but there had been a problem with the other boat so this had to be canned but both Ernie and I were more than happy with the mornings adventure.

Thanks to Ian and Jamie from TWSAC for offering the places and the opportunity to dive this weekend at very short notice and prevented me from being a very grumpy moany old Tad.

Tad

Pool Session - Sovereign Centre, Eastbourne

The diving pool at Sovereign Centre , Eastbourne, has been booked for Merdian Divers between 20:00 and 21:00 on Wednesday 24th June.

Meet Car Park 19:45.

If you wish to attend please post a comment ASAP.

Ernie

Scallop Wreck Dive On Saturday 14th June

As a few of you know I have been pulling me hair recently due lack of dive time but on Saturday I was offered the chance to Dive a wreck known as the Scallop wreck but otherwise real name unknown as a guest of Tunbridge Wells BSAC.

With conditions looking near perfect I joined the Tun wells team at Newhaven and set out to the wreck site. with 7 Divers on board the trip out was comfortable and quick on a mirror calm sea ably piloted by boat handling trainees Rob and Jason (friends of old who most of you will know) guided by renowned wreck hound and TWSAC D.O Jamie Smith .

The wreck sits in about 35m of water and is up side down. TWSAC are trying to identify the wreck and with 3 video cameras between us the plan was also to film as much as possible (guess who managed to cock his attempt up).

On site the wreck was soon located and shotted and looking down the line it was going to be a cracker.

With Ian going in first to tie the shot into the wreck Jamie and I kitted up and were soon heading down to the wreck followed soon after by Derek and once Ian had completed his dive he would take over the helm releasing Rob and Jason for their dive.

The "Scallop" wreck sits as said earlier upside down on the seabed with the prop raised up similar to the Clodmoor and talking of props there is also a rather large radial aircraft engine complete with prop, probably WW2, laying on the wreck more than likely placed there by fishing boats after being caught in their nets as the wreck definitely looks more like ww1 vintage it was a pretty impressive site.

With 8-10m vis, no need for torches and full of life the dive was gorgeous and I could have stayed down longer than my time allowed. Jamie manage to find some pottery which when cleaned up may hold a clue to the wrecks true identity.

Rob and Jason later reported to have found an impressive swim through on the wreck which will be on my list if and when I get the chance to Dive her again.

All to soon it was time for a slow ascent to the surface and sunshine.

I did manage about 10mins of film after I realised that I switched the camera off but none of the footage gives the dive or wreck justice so I wont bother editing it but have taken a couple of stills from the footage as seen above to give you an impression of the dive conditions.

A big thank you to Jamie,Derek,Ian, Ruth, Jason and Rob from Tun Wells BSAC for the opportunity to dive with them, I Think I will be definitely be joining them again very shortly to dive one of the many unknown wrecks they have on their GPS.

It was also great to talk to some of my old friends who I bumped into whilst in Newhaven . All in all a pretty good day out.

Tad

T.R.Thompson Wreck Tour Dive with John Liddiard

Arrangements are in the process of being made for a dive with John Liddiard from Diver Magazine to do a wreck tour feature for the mag on the T.R.Thompson.

The dive will happen towards the end of July either in the evening of the 23rd or on the 26th depending on Johns schedule. We have been offered the opportunity to do the dive from the Tunbridge Wells BSAC rib as John is spending some of the time diving on their current projects.

There will be spaces for 4-5 Meridian Divers on the dive but this and definite date, times and cost will be confirmed nearer the time.

Weather and conditions permitting this should be a good one and will add to the T.R.T project.

Tad

English Heritage Maritime Archeology Unit

I am in the process of arranging a visit next Month from Alison Hamer from English Heritage Maritime Archeology Unit. Alison has kindly agreed to come and give a talk on the protected wrecksites off the Sussex Coast and how we can support and be involved in some of the planned project work in the future on these sites. Alison recently featured in Diver Magazine (June issue p 98)

This could be a great opportunity for divers who have an interest in preserving some of our maritime history.

The talk will be open to all interested divers and date and time will be posted here once confirmed.

Tad

Meridian Divers Meeting 3rd June

With the Berwick Arms now under new friendly and very accommodating management it looks like we will be meeting there for the foreseeable future and after introducing ourselves to the new owners last night we soon got the meeting underway with plans being made for the rest of the summer and beyond.

Sheila will be circulating the minutes asap but needless to say the plans are varied and exciting with lots of extra diving opportunities and social stuff on the cards all we need now is some good weather.

As mentioned earlier the new landlords of the Berwick are very accommodating and will lay on a spread if we let them know prior to meetings.

Roll on the summer

Date for your Diaries!

With the sun shining and the evenings getting longer, we thought it was about time we started thinking about . . . . . . . . . . . .Christmas!!! It's time for you all to block out your diaries on Wednesday 16th December 2009 for another awesome Christmas Bash. We are going back to the Berwick as it has changed hands and looking good!

Menu is not yet finalised but I will keep you informed. I will gather definate numbers a bit nearer the time!

Meridian Divers Meeting ~ 7.30pm Wednesday 3rd June

Just a reminder that the next MD meeting will be held at the Berwick Inn , Berwick at 7.30pm on Wednesday 3rd June .

Off a Land Farne Away ~ 23rd & 24th May 2009

After dark dives, abandonned dives, more dark & no viz dives, a chap's mind can wander in search of a little more fun! And where the mind wanders the fins are sure to follow. So it was that Simon & I found ourselves booked upon the Sussex Scuba trip to Farne Islands off the Northumbrian coast , north of Newcastle ( Why , aye mon , we were in the land of the Roaming Robbo's).
To be fair it's a fair old run to Seahouses where we were billeted in the Old School House (recommended by the way!) . Of course, in hindsight, going the length of the land on a Bank Holiday was a bit of a daft idea, it took about 9 hours to get there. But driving back on the Sunday afternoon missed the crowd and took about three hours less!

After the British Diver's traditional prayers over a a full english breakfast we were at the Harbour by 8.30am to board "Glad Tidings VII" , a massive hard boat with substantial diver lift, skippered by Billy Shiel MBE. It was a low tide so a lot gear (there were 22 divers on board!) was lugged down the steep stone steps (luckily the tide was higher in return!) It was the biggest UK dive boat I have been on and so there was space for all ( well, just!). From the Harbour it was a short run to the Farne Islands. The day started sunny and warm with flat seas, but by the surface interval it had become dull and overcast.

Our first dive was on Knivestone, in suitably seal infested water! We cut across the shallow 'gut' of the island/rocks where seals darted about then dropped to deeper water to check-out the wreck of the well-broken Abyssinia. Viz was in the order of 5 to 6 meters , fair for the area, excellent by Sussex standards! The only drawback was it was COLD! At 9 degrees at the surface and 8 degrees at depth, it was only a matter of time before the hands said "Enough!". In our case that was 47 minutes! Subsequent dives were shorter as our resilience to cold water ebbed!

The Second dive was on Blue Cap, sadly no seals seen underwater on this dive , but in the shallows there was plenty of kelp and furher down there were excellent displays of soft corals. being so close to the mainland we were back at Seahouses shortly after 2pm, where a visit to a local hostlery helped pass the time until we found ourselves gathered around a large table for dinner!

Sunday morning was a cracker, the sun was blazing but there was a cool sea breeze. We decided that perhaps the most defining characteristic of the Farnes were the seals , so it was to be a shallow seal dive! So we went back to Knivestone and spent out whole dive no deeper than 5 metres. And , yes, we were buzzed repeatedly by seals, one stopping to fin-nibble! Mind you the critters were so quick they were hard to capture in the camera! I think we also appreciated that extra degree of warmth in the shallows! The sunshine lasted all day making the surface interval much more enjoyable. During the surface interval we cruised by other island looking at the colonies of the many seabirds including cute little Puffins!

For the last dive we visited Crumstone a small out crop of rock . Diving to about 18 metres the visibility was better than the shallows and there was an abundance of soft corals & urchins, though little fish life (save a few reasonable sized wrasse). On this dive we found a group of Dog Whelks each about 130mm long. When the cold got the better of us we ascended and in no time were back at Seahouses loading the car in the sun for the run home.

A good long-distance week-end with all the right things in place, a few degrees more warmth would have made it absolutely perfect. Definately worth a visit.

Meridian Mutts

Update - the next walk is now Saturday 30th May and not Sunday 31st May Original post has been amended.

Horsted Keynes is the chosen walk for this day. Looking forward to seeing my friends again.

Poppy

Fortuna Wreck Dive ~ 10th May 2009

It must have been a better day than it was a dive, 'cos the next morning the feeling of mild sun burn reminded me that a few hours spent at sea on a reasonably sunny day is a good way to catch the rays! I think we all, that is Simon , Tad, Ernie, Trez, Sean & 2x Chris, probably spent slight more time in the sun and slightly less time under water than we predicted and hoped for!

It was a fair enough day for a ride out to the Fortuna aboard SEA ZONES, a light swell and at the start a little overcast. On arrival the fishermen on another boat above the wreck did their best not to look annoyed at all this blasted scuba-divers and even 'stood aside' to let us shot the wreck and get in. It didn't look too encouraging from the surface with plenty of particles in the water and a very short view of the shot line. It was about 30m to the highest parts of the wreck but by about half-way down it was torches on and keep an eye on your buddy!

On reaching the wreck it was pretty damn black, with about a metre's visibility. With some monofilament line lying around the place it had the feel of 'how long will it take to get caught-up' ! But we moved carefully and looked around to check for snagging risks. All the same , it was hardly one of our better dives and Simon and I only managed about 2o minutes before thinking 'that's enough'! One of those dives (for us) in which you think that sending-up the buoy is a highlight! Still on reaching the surface and the day had improved and with Mick's famous buttered scones & tean on the aft-deck beckoning it was only going to get better!

We decided to 'can' the planned second dive in favour of a gentle run back to Newhaven and a visit to the not-so-greasy-spoon that now 'substitutes' for the old and lamented 'Coral Cabin' . What's it coming to ? A distinct lack of damp undersuits and biker leathers in the café these days! I said it was good way to catch the rays , and so it was, as we met-up with old buddy Ray and talked about some of our mutual acquaintances in the weird world of diving!

Meridian Mutts

Hello my people. Would any of my friends canine or human like to accompany me on another walk in the country on Saturday 30th May (weather permitting)

If I can make two suggestions:

Alfriston and Berwick, starting and finishing in Alfriston, distance approx 4 miles and takes about two and a half hours. This can be extended by stopping at the Cricketers Arms en route or the Church of St Michaels and All Angels.

or

Horsted Keynes (Bluebell Railway). 5 miles, approx two and a half hours. Field and woodland track (No Pub, but could bring picnic)

If you are interested in joining me please post a comment with your choice of walk.

Poppy

Swanage Canned !

Just a quick note to say the weekend has now been completely canned due to very high wind`s even though there was a faint chance of getting in tomorrow.
Just like to say thanks to those who booked on and for bearing with the to and fro phone calls over the last couple of days.
As nearly all the boats have been called this weekend were going to Vobster tomorrow for a dip if anyone would like to join us.

Swanage weekend 16-17th May

Hi to all
This is a post for you that are coming to Swanage this weekend and can't make Ocean view wednesday evening for a quick meeting .

Firstly the camping is at Woodhyde campsite , you're allowed onsite after 11am and must leave your pitch by midday Sunday , although if you want to prolong your visit I'm sure they'll be accomodating, as mentioned before to all we've taken 1 electric hookup for charging torches,phones,light`s kettle and most importantly fridge for cold beer,if you want one call and ask (electric not beer)

http://www.woodyhyde.co.uk/ for address and other details of site ie prices.
.
The boat "Smooth hound" http://www.diversdownswanage.co.uk/

The dives, Saturday-08.45am ropes off firstly the Kyarra all info here:-http://www.divesitedirectory.co.uk/dive_site_uk_england_south_coast_wrecks_kyarra.html
second dive 13.00pm a drift dive will call to find out what depth etc (just checked its up to us max depth 24m)

Saturday afternoon/evening : dive the Pier, have a look around, back to tent for a BBQ and a few beers up to you guy's n gal's.

Sundays dives: 09.00am ropes off to dive Aeolian Sky details here http://www.divesitedirectory.co.uk/dive_site_uk_england_south_coast_wrecks_aeolian_skye.html 2nd dive scallop drift/Black Hawk bow.

SS Black Hawk (Bow Section)

After so much High Explosive has been used on this site it is a bit of a scrap heap. Individual features can be identified but there is no overall feeling for the size and shape of the vessel, unlike the stern. One of the features that is in evidence is a boiler that has been shattered open revelling all its innards. There is meant to be an anchor on a length of chain on this site but we have yet to find it. The nice thing about this site is that it is in 18m not 48m. So diving it on a rich Nitrox mix give`s you just about unlimited dive time, which makes a nice contrast to the dive on the stern. (Lifted from BSAC site)

Captain Dangerous Says Hello

Debrief Done! Red Sea Reviewed

The April 2009 Red Sea liveaboard trip was 'debriefed' over (far too large) a selection of savoury & sweet snacks and other refreshments at Arlington Village Hall on Wednesday 6th May. Most of our dive trip group were able to make the debrief and so too did some others , checking -out what they missed!

The group reviewed videos taken by Ernie and edited by Tad , then watched the 'official' trip video produced by Susie (one of our Instructor /Guides on the MV Whirlwind). Terry kindly produced copies of the video for those who wanted their own to take home.

After the videos, still images taken by Sheila , Ernie, Simon, Linda, Terry, Gary and Chris were viewed and copies of each persons 'portfolio' was shared with those wanting copies. Now everyone has literally hundreds and hundreds of shots with which to torment their friends & family!

It was a pleasant evening and good to catch-up with members of the "22 Club" and of course those in the "Sub 22 Club" !!! Fingers crossed for more successful dive holidays & debriefs in the future!

Meridian Mutts

Poppy B would like to thank Poppy M and Sizzle (AKA Twizzle) and my human friends, Chris, Sue, Jim, Tad, Niki, Tracey, Ernie & Sheila for a most exhilarating walk yesterday. Also, thanks to Chris for rescuing me from that angry sheep.

Looking forward to our next walk when I hope that Tibor and others will join us.

Poppy B

Meridian Mutts

Poppy would like to know if you are up for a walk on Bank Holiday Monday. She said she would like to do Firle Beacon, down to Charleston Manor (stopping for tea and cakes) then back to the Ram Inn at Firle. She has a cunning plan so that you do not have to climb to the top of the Beacon.

She said she thought about a starting time of 13:30.

If you do not have a dog Poppy will be your guide for a fee of cocktail sausages or a fine cheddar cheese (not the cheap stuff)

Please post a comment if you are interested and I will ring you to finalise the details.

Sheila

Seazones - 10th May 2009

One space has become available on Seazones on Sunday 10th May 2009.

Please post a comment if you are interested in taking the space.

Ernie