I was late because of getting stuck in Brighton traffic and then Dave and I spent 10 mins trying to fight our way into my drysuit bag.  The darn zip had siezed.

The ride out to the site went smoothly followed by Dave and Jools spending half an hour trying to find the wreck.  err… yes… thats half an hour.  Jools (in his own words) got the hump because they couldn’t find it then we went over a likely looking lump on the depth sounder and he chucked the shotline in.  We went round to check the shot was on the wreck and err…. you guessed it… couldn’t find the wreck.  So Jools’ hump got even bigger! We tried to pull the shotline back up but it was snagged on something so we had to go down to get it back.  And lo and behold it was jammed right in the middle of the wreck.

Loads of life on the wreck, jewel anemonies, soft coral, spider crabs, shrimps (who were hanging out with a conger), a bunch of lobbies, a couple of sole, a few cod and loads of other fish. 

Thanks to Jools for organizing, Dave for driving and my buddies Jools and Rob.

Re garding Dry suits. It may have been the attire of the 50’s and 60’s for Bridges and Hass.

But BSAC member Mr Bond 007. I recall removing a dry suit in the middle of very hot summer to reveal dinner jacket and tie, complete with carnation. Whimp? I should coco. Money Penny’s got your number.

Percy Blakeney

Try Dive….Great Success

Club Dinner….our reporter reports..

Member of the year award…

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Try Dive… Great Success

The try-dive was held at Brighton College pool in Eastern Road on 31st January and thanks to the efforts of all who turned out to help, the evening was a great success. Unfortunately, Splashdown was not represented as it was felt that a younger member profile would serve us best in attracting new blood…hence Richard and Haze were the main ambassadors to project a youthful, thrusting young executive kind of vibe.

The Bali Brasier! 2nd Feb

Splashdown was happy to be at the club dinner in the delightful Bali Brasserie in Brighton. This is a Malaysian restaurant that is consistently good and reasonably priced. It is unusually situated in that the ground floor holds the restaurant and bar and the floors above are flats. It used to be a hotel but the change has done it no harm and is very popular.
The buffet style for the set menu works very well and is continually replenished with fresh quantities of the excellent range of  delicious dishes. For me, I think that it is much nicer than the Elephant Thai that we have used in the past, particularly the fact that you can load up with prawns as much as you like and no one bats an eyelid! This, I think, is the true measure of Michelin Star quality and class.
There was a reasonable choice of puddings but the inclusion of a syrup sponge or a baked jam roll would have been welcome.
Thanks to John Hayes for organising this event.

A New Trophy Cup…

Mark arrived at the Bali Brasserie clutching a bag in which he had secreted a new cup to be presented to the much deserving Alex Tait.  The presentation was made by Mark on behalf of the club in the bar which was a nice surprise for Alex.  As you know, he has performed the task of Secretary and membership secretary since the end of the second world war and has carried out his duties without equal. So, it was about time he received recognition for a job well done. Mark has taken on Alex’s role as well as chairman until a new pretender to the throne is found.

BMYD Book Club…..A new section of the club has been formed…all welcome..

During these winter months when no diving is taking place and time hangs heavy, some of the more sensitive and intellectual members have started up a  book club where swopping tomes and then discussing the fine details and literary merit is done. So far the subjects have rested primarily with adventure and discovery, autobiography and exploration. Next month we are sharing and reviewing a selection of Barbara Cartland, Jackie Collins and Enid Blyton. If you would like to join in please make contact with chief librarian, John Hayes who will stamp your card.

Scratching About For News..

As said above, at this time of year news is thin on the ground. There is therefore enough space for me to give you an update on my Torch. A weekly inspection shows that the battery is still in good order and the bulbs are fine. I lit the garden up the other night the light was blinding. What a purchase that was! I might buy some new fins this year…if this could be as successful as the Torch and not forgetting my underwater camera, I will be out of control with elation!
 

Due to prior engagements with various Presidents and Hollywood actors none of the dive club members and instructors were able to attend the try dive evening though they did have enough time to drop the dive kit off at the pool.  Amazingly the potential training recruits managed to put all the kit together and teach themselves diving.   They also took photos and kindly sent them to us to pop on the website.  See below and happy diving :-)       (scubamoose)

Fancy a club family trip to see the Mary Rose Exhibition in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard? 

Last year marked the 25 anniversary of the raising of the Mary Rose – I’m sure we all remember the amazing scenes all those years ago.  For 15 or more there are group booking discounts to be had.  If there is time there is also the opportunity to visit the HMS Victory and Warrior. 

Options for travel could include train or even push the boat out and hire a bus!  No volunteers to drive the RIB down there are required, thanks….! 

Proposed visit dates. 
Sat 15 Sun 16 March
Fri 21 to Mon 24 Easter bank holiday weekend probably very busy
Sat 05 Sun 06 April
Sat 26 Sun 27 April
These would avoid our pool booking dates and the London dive show, and there are no special events in the Historic Dockyard over these weekends. 

Ticket Standard Group 15+ 
Adult £12 £9 
Child 5-15 £8 £5 Under 5 entry free
OAP £10 £7 
Disabled £8 £5 Carer entry free
Family tickets for 5 available. 
72 hours notice required for group bookings. 

Names and numbers with a preferred date to Mark please. 
07815 060146
Diving@BrightonMarinaDivers.org.uk

John is hiding in his van, and David is hiding behind the camera… previlage of the cameraman.

 If you fancy a go, click on our contact us page and get in touch or send an email to diving@brightonmarinadivers.org.uk.