Club Notes and News 2008
Ocean and Sports diver courses
The new ocean diver course is due to begin on 29 Sept. The first lecture will be in the Approach Tavern at 7:15pm - contact Rob for further details.
The new Sport Diver course will begin on 13 October. The full timetable for both courses will be published soon so please check emails.
Weymouth Trip
Next weekend is the Weymouth trip. Please collect any cylinders and kit you need from the pool after Mondays session. Any questions contact Richard 07813 944330.
Open Meeting
On the 6th of October we're having an open meeting at the Approach after an Octopush session.
Open meetings are a chance for the committee to let you know what's been happening in the club and what our future plans are - as well as for you to let us know how you feel things are going and what you'd like to see the club doing.
We'll finish the pool session at 9.10pm so that we can finish at a decent time, so please do try to attend.
New Committee Members?
The committee has lost a member this year and is looking to fill a post - if anyone would like to get involved somehow please approach a committee member and make yourself known.
New membership fees
The following new membership fees apply with immediate effect. New diver £220 Ocean Diver / diver renewing membership
prior to achieving Ocean Diver qualification £130 Sport Diver £115 Dive Leader / Advanced Diver £90 Open Water Instructor / Advanced
Instructor / First Class Diver £75 PADI Open Water conversion Crossovers
from other PADI levels and from other organisations shall be charged the fee
applicable to the BSAC level they are crossing over into. £130
New Courses Coming Soon
The new Sports Diver course will be starting soon. If you are finishing off your Ocean Diver, please try to get signed off asap. Talk to one of the instructors if you are missing anything. Book your theory exam!
Dive Leader Lectures
These will be taking place at Rob and Rita’s house on Sunday 28th September.
Pool Session
If you need an instructor in the pool this week please make sure that you arrange it with the particular instructor before you turn up!
Octopush
It’s getting close to octopush season again! We have been having these about once a month over the winter period and it has been lots of fun. Watch this space.Weekly News Letter - 10th September 2008
Try Dives and BSAC
National Try Dive Campaign
On Monday 15th September we will run an
evening in line with the BSAC National Try
Dive Campaign. If you want to bring anyone
along please contact Rob ASAP (limited
spaces). If you are willing to assist with
taking in Try Divers or with kit, also
please contact Rob.
All members to remember that priority for
kit on these evenings goes to try divers and
those assisting.
Venues for lectures
We desperately need more venue options for
lectures. They should be near the pool,
preferably no more than 10 minutes away, and
cheap, if not free. If anyone who lives near
or knows the area has any suggestions -
please let an instructor know.
Air Fills
Could we please have a few more volunteers
to help fill cylinders as these are
currently being done by only about 3 people?
Surely more than 3 people in the club own a
car? To save any willing volunteer doing 2
weeks in a row (ie collect and return), if
they don't want to we can organise one to
drop off and one to pick up. Let Rob know if
you are willing. A free air week to those
assisting.
Help required
Don't forget to help carry cylinders and
other kit in and out of the pool. Always
leave changing rooms via the pool and offer
help.
Pool Marshal
Would anyone like to volunteer to assist by
acting as a pool marshal on the odd Monday
night? The role will include air money
collection, booking in and out hired kit,
assisting with kit, etc. It would suit
anyone of Sport Diver level or above, i.e.
someone who doesn't need to be in the pool
itself every week. You'd probably have time
for a swim too. Volunteers please see Rob,
who will draw up a rota
Weekly News Letter - 4th September 2008
New Committee Members?
The committee has lost a member this year and is looking to fill a post - if anyone would like to get involved somehow please approach a committee member and make yourself known.Open Meeting On the 6th of October we're having an open meeting at the Approach after an Octopush session.
Open meetings are a chance for the committee to let you know what's been happening in the club and what our future plans are - as well as for you to let us know how you feel things are going and what you'd like to see the club doing.
We'll finish the pool session at 9.10pm so that we can finish at a decent time, so please do try to attend. Lost and Found Paul seems to have someone else's Body Glove hood either from the Lundy trip or the August Farnes trip. Can anyone with a body glove hood who was on one of those dives please check their hood and call Paul on 0788 161 4373 to arrange to have them returned. Thanks.
Also Paul has a curved 1KG weight from the Farnes in his car. Can the owner please contact Paul.
Lastly if anyone ended up with an extra 2KG uncoated weight from the Farnes Paul would like it back.
Venues for lectures
We desperately need more venue options for lectures. They should be near the pool, preferably no more than 10 minutes away, and cheap, if not free. If anyone who lives near or knows the area has any suggestions - please let an instructor know.
Comedy night! So far a group of 7 HSAC members are getting together for a standup comedy night in Camden on Wednesday the 24th of September. Tickets are only £5 and doors open at 8pm.
Anyone interested in joining us?
Drop Evan an email on evan.king at gmail.com or text on 077 266 28294.
http://www.laughinghorsecomedy.co.uk/comedy/camden.htm
Help required
Don't forget to help carry cylinders and other kit in and out of the pool. Always leave changing rooms via the pool and offer help.
Air Money
Don't forget to have £3 with you to hand over on collecting your cylinder. Makes life much easier for the person collecting money and for the treasurer.
Pool Marshal
Would anyone like to volunteer to assist by acting as a pool marshal on the odd Monday night? Rob is drawing up a Rota so if you can help now and then let him know.
Weekly News Letter - 28th August 2008
Air Money
Please note that from the next pool session air
fills will cost £3. Don't forget to have £3 with you
to hand over on collecting your cylinder. Makes life
much easier for the person collecting money and for
the treasurer.
The £1 increase is actually very reasonable as the
club has been subsidising fills for many years now
and has been making a larger and larger loss. Thanks
for your understanding.
Swanage
Unfortunately, the Swanage dive has to be cancelled
as there is no instructor available to go. As there
were a couple of newly qualified divers wanting the
attend the weekend, an instructor was needed.
Apologies to all those who had shown an interest in
this dive.
Comedy night!
So far a group of 4 HSAC
members are getting together for a stand-up comedy
night in Camden on Wednesday the 24th of September.
Tickets are only £5 and doors open at 8pm.
Anyone interested in joining us?
Drop Evan an email on
evan.king at gmail.com or text on 077 266 28294.
http://www.laughinghorsecomedy.co.uk/comedy/camden.htm
Dover
A fantastic time was had by all. It was wonderfully
sunny and even the vis wasn't too bad. We dived the
Varne which is full of beautiful crockery and came
up with treasures!
Air Fills
Could we please have a few more volunteers to help
fill cylinders as these are currently being done by
only about 3 people? Surely more than 3 people in
the club own a car? To save any willing volunteer
doing 2 weeks in a row (ie collect and return), if
they don't want to we can organise one to drop off
and one to pick up. Let Rob know if you are willing.
A free air week to those assisting.
Help required
Don't forget to help carry cylinders and other kit
in and out of the pool. Always leave changing rooms
via the pool and offer help.
DIVE Fest 2009 -
party on the beach
BSAC are planning dive festival on the 15th to 17th
May 2009 at Pentewan Sands in Cornwall. There will
be a HSAC group attending and we'd like to suggest
that you block the dates out on your diary now. More
details will follow as they are announced. I know I
say this about everything, but this really does
sound great!
http://www.bsac.org/news.201.htm
Pool Marshal
Would anyone like to volunteer to assist by acting
as a pool marshal on the odd Monday night? The role
will include air money collection, booking in and
out hired kit, assisting with kit, etc. It would
suit anyone of Sport Diver level or above, i.e.
someone who doesn't need to be in the pool itself
every week. You'd probably have time for a swim too.
Volunteers please see Rob, who will draw up a rota.
Weekly News Letter - 21th August 2008
Dover dive
This is taking place on 23 August. All divers going
should call Rita on 07932 795041 on Friday, 22
August, between 6 and 7pm to confirm that it is
still going ahead or you may take a trip to Dover
for nothing. The weather is looking good so it's
very likely to be on. It will be an early start so
be prepared and get to bed early!
Bank Holiday
Next Monday is a bank holiday so the club will not
meet or have a pool session.
Nautilus
If anyone can call into Nautilus during any week can
they please let Rob know as kit often needs dropping
off or collecting from service.
Farnes Dive Trip
Once again the club had an amazing trip up to the
Farnes, with plenty of life to see, great weather
and a batch of very friendly seals. Highly
recommended to everyone who can make next years
trip.
Air Fills
Could we please have a few more volunteers to help
fill cylinders as these are currently being done by
only about 3 people? Surely more than 3 people in
the club own a car? To save any willing volunteer
doing 2 weeks in a row (ie collect and return), if
they don't want to we can organise one to drop off
and one to pick up. Let Rob know if you are willing.
A free air week to those assisting.
Help required
Don't forget to help carry cylinders and other kit
in and out of the pool. Always leave changing rooms
via the pool and offer help.
Try Dives and BSAC National Try Dive Campaign
The club is going to run an evening of Try Dives on
Monday 1st September for those people who have
approached us since our last intake. On Monday 15th
September we will also run an evening in line with
the BSAC National Try Dive Campaign. If you want to
bring anyone along please contact Rob ASAP (limited
spaces). If you are willing to assist with taking in
Try Divers or with kit, also please contact Rob.
All members to remember that priority for kit on
these evenings goes to try divers and those
assisting.
DIVE Fest 2009 - party on
the beach
BSAC are planning dive festival on the 15th to 17th
May 2009 at Pentewan Sands in Cornwall. There will
be a HSAC group attending and we'd like to suggest
that you block the dates out on your diary now. More
details will follow as they are announced. I know I
say this about everything, but this really does
sound great!
http://www.bsac.org/news.201.htm
Air Money
Don't forget to have £2 with you to hand over on
collecting your cylinder. Makes life much easier for
the person collecting money and for the treasurer.
Also please note that from September the cost will
rise to £3. This is actually very reasonable as the
club has been subsidising fills for many years now
and has been making a larger and larger loss. Thanks
for your understanding.
Pool Marshal
Would anyone like to volunteer to assist by acting
as a pool marshal on the odd Monday night? The role
will include air money collection, booking in and
out hired kit, assisting with kit, etc. It would
suit anyone of Sport Diver level or above, i.e.
someone who doesn't need to be in the pool itself
every week. You'd probably have time for a swim too.
Volunteers please see Rob, who will draw up a rota.
Weekly News Letter - 7th August 2008
Farnes TripCan everyone who is coming to the Farnes the weekend after next, make sure that Rita has a cheque from you by Monday. Any items of club kit will need to be picked up on Monday, including
cylinders. If anyone does not have 2 cylinders each, please let Brian know by Monday so he can organise hired cylinders. Everyone going should phone him on Wednesday evening to ensure the trip
is on.
Brian's numbers are
020 8809 5720
079 7959 2806
Air Fills
Could we please have a few more volunteers to help fill cylinders as these are currently being done by only about 3 people? Surely more than 3 people in the club own a car? To save any willing volunteer doing 2 weeks in a row (ie collect and return), if they don't want to we can organise one to drop off and one to pick up. Let Rob know if you are willing. A free air week to those assisting.
Ocean Diver catch up lectures
Ocean Diver lecture. The next one is on Monday, 11 August at 7pm. If you need to attend this lecture, please call Rita on 07932 795041 by Saturday to confirm that you will be there. If no calls are received, the lecture will be cancelled and not given again until the next batch of Ocean Diver lectures.
Also, for all Ocean divers and Sport divers requiring instructors on Monday, please call Rita on Saturday to confirm that you will be at the pool on Monday. If no call is received, you may not be able to get in the pool as an instructor might not be available.
IFC pool session
Michele will be running a IFC skills preparation pool session on Monday. Please remember that you need your kit for this one.
Help required
Don't forget to help carry cylinders and other kit in and out of the pool. Always leave changing rooms via the pool and offer help.
Try Dives and BSAC National Try Dive Campaign
The club is going to run an evening of Try Dives on Monday 1st September for those people who have approached us since our last intake. On Monday 15th September we will also run an evening in line with the BSAC National Try Dive Campaign. If you want to bring anyone along please contact Rob ASAP (limited spaces). If you are willing to assist with taking in Try Divers or with kit, also please contact Rob.
All members to remember that priority for kit on these evenings goes to try divers and those assisting.
Venues for lectures
We desperately need more venue options for lectures. They should be near the pool, preferably no more than 10 minutes away, and cheap, if not free. If anyone who lives near or knows the area has any suggestions - please let an instructor know.
Club t-shirts!
Rob is taking last orders for Club "Plan the dive...." / BSAC 0721 teeshirts on Monday night. We already have orders for 24 and will place the final order after the club night on 18th August. For those not familiar with the design Rob will endeavour to remember to "model" his old one on Monday. If anyone else could remember too that would be handy. T-shirts will be £10, cash up front by 18th August please.
We've decided to offer the following choices of colour/style;
Men's/Women's v-neck in colour Anthracite
http://www.our-catalogue.co.uk/pages/catalogue/catalogue_extras.asp?category=T-shirts&subcategory=T-Shirt&productid=5164&productcode=5164&productstate=Ac&brandimage=hanes_classic.gif&c=3576&s=369&sid=615104549
Men's/Women's round-neck normal fit in colour Navy
http://www.our-catalogue.co.uk/pages/catalogue/catalogue_extras.asp?category=T-shirts&subcategory=Standard%20T&productid=61082&productcode=61082&productstate=Ac&brandimage=fotl.gif&c=3576&s=369&sid=615104549
Women's skinny fit in colour Teal
http://www.our-catalogue.co.uk/pages/catalogue/catalogue_extras.asp?category=Womens&subcategory=T-Shirt&productid=BA1001&productcode=BA1001&productstate=Ac&brandimage=bella.gif&c=3576&s=369&sid=615104549
Order now by phoning or emailing Rob, or on Monday at the club. Don't miss out!
DIVE Fest 2009 - party on the beach
BSAC are planning dive festival on the 15th to 17th May 2009 at Pentewan Sands in Cornwall. There will be a HSAC group attending and we'd like to suggest that you block the dates out on your diary now. More details will follow as they are announced. I know I say this about everything, but this really does sound great!
http://www.bsac.org/news.201.htm
Air Money
Don't forget to have £2 with you to hand over on collecting your cylinder. Makes life much easier for the person collecting money and for the treasurer. Also please note that from September the cost will rise to £3. This is actually very reasonable as the club has been subsidising fills for many years now and has been making a larger and larger loss. Thanks for your understanding.
Weekly News Letter - 28th July 2008
Apologies for this weeks news letter
being delayed by the Lundy trip.
Ocean Diver
catch up lectures
All lectures will start at 7pm and will be at a
venue to be announced. These are the only catch up
lectures that will be run. Please try to make these
as it would be a shame not to qualify during the
season. If you have not done so, please confirm with
Rita that you will be attending by calling her on
07932 795041.
28 July - OT5 Going diving
4 August - OT6 What happens if
11 August - OT7 Enjoying your diving
There will be a pool session for Ocean divers this
evening. Again, if you have not done so, please
confirm with Rita that you will be attending by
calling her on 07932 795041.
IFC pool session
Michele will be running a IFC skills preparation
pool session tonight for Richard, Mat, Tom and Evan.
Air Money
Don't forget to have £2 with you to hand over on
collecting your cylinder. Makes life much easier for
the person collecting money and for the treasurer.
Lundy trip
The Lundy trip was a resounding success with three
days of great weather and 6 great dives. After
starting on the first day with a bit of shallow
wreck and drift diving with a fair amount of
current, the last day included frolicking with seals
(woo-hoo!) and a deeper visit to the Robert, which
sank in 1975 and is now the only intact wreck off
the island.
A big thanks to everyone who made this trip
possible, starting with Anne for planning it
initially, Rita for taking over the role of
Expeditions Manager, Mat and Tom for managing the
logistics of the trip and everyone on the trip who
pitched in and helped out wherever they could.
Apologies if anyone has been forgotten, there are so
many of you to thank!
Weekly News Letter - 18th July 2008
Ocean Diver catch up
lectures
All lectures will start at 7pm and will be at a
venue to be announced. These are the only catch up
lectures that will be run. Please try to make these
as it would be a shame not to qualify during the
season. Please confirm with Rita by the preceding
Saturday that you will be attending by calling her
on 07932 795041.
21 July - OT4 Planning to go diving
28 July - OT5 Going diving
4 August - OT6 What happens if
11 August - OT7 Enjoying your diving
Ocean diver training this weekend
Good luck - we all look forward to hearing how well
did.
Lundy Dive Trip
There is still one space available on the trip. If
you'd like to join us - please act fast and email
Matt Humphrey on
mathumphrey2002 @ yahoo.co.uk. The dive is open to sports divers and
above, equipment and transport can be sorted so
don't be shy. Also would everyone going on this trip
next weekend please email Matt with details of their
travel arrangements. In particular he needs to
co-ordinate who has any spare space in their car and
also anyone who needs a lift.
Please make sure that any kit you need for the trip
is collected after Monday's pool session.
If you're not excited about this trip yet - check
out the link that Michelle brought to our attention
:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7508216.stm.
Lastly -
anyone who has not
completed the appropriate Assistant Dive Manager and
Dive Manager skills sessions could pick a day to do
it during the weekend - please contact Michelle on
michele @ stokes.net . An opportunity not to be
missed.
HSAC tee-shirts
Rob will be collecting orders for a new batch of
club tee-shirts on Monday. They will be of the same
design as previous club tees, namely the "Plan the
dive......" logo. If anyone already has one of these
tee-shirts could they please wear them on Monday so
new members can see the design?
Cost will be about £10 (to be confirmed) and Rob
will want payment up front before he places the
final order in a couple of weeks.
Pool Sessions
Instructors give up their time to teach in the pool.
Lately, we've had trainees not turning up, which
means that the instructors have just wasted their
time getting to the pool. From now on, we need
trainees to call Rita 07932 795041 by Saturday
confirming that they will be in the pool the
following Monday. If they don't, there is no
guarantee that an instructor will be arranged for
them. Additionally, all instructors who can attend a
pool session should call Rita by Saturday as well.
Used dive kit for sale
Rob has a collection of spare kit which is available
on a first-come-bearing cash-first-served basis.
Phone or email him to reserve anything or to try out
regs, etc. 079 3266 3737 - ramsrob @ live.co.uk .
List of kit viewable here :
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pDk7hF7Uwz8eztChFZJi2VA&hl=en_GB
Kit
Can everyone ensure they put away the kit they use.
BCDs and weights/weightbelts go in the metal box,
masks and snorkels on the shelf in the cylinder
cupboard and regs hung up on the hooks in the
cylinder cupboard. Regs should have dust caps blown
dry and refitted (ask your instructor if you don't
know how).
Also check your contents gauge before dismantling
your kit. Cylinders with less than 50 bar in should
be placed by the exit door. Those with more should
be placed in the cylinder store. If in doubt ask
your instructor or kit officer.
We could also do with more volunteers with cars to
take cylinders for filing. Don't forget you get a
free air fill if you assist.
Air Money
Don't forget to have £2 with you to hand over on
collecting your cylinder. Makes life much easier for
the person collecting money and for the treasurer.
Weekly News Letter - 11th July 2008
Ocean Diver StudentsAll Ocean divers going on training at the weekend of 19/20 July should ensure that they have all the equipment they need for the weekend. This is their responsibility. Rob will be on hand to advise with the kit. They should also be aware of hire charges for the equipment borrowed from the club.
Diver Leaders
There will be a day of "Dive leader" lectures on September 28th. If you have not already done so please make yourself known to Richard who is helping Rita to organise this.
Dive training 16 July - Stoney CoveMicky G has kindly offered to take Evan up to Stoney on the 16th so that he can complete his sports training in time for Lundy. If anyone needs training and can take the day off, email Evan on evan.king @ gmail.com (remove the spaces around the @ before emailing).
Kit
Can everyone ensure they put away the kit they use IN THE RIGHT PLACE.
BCDs and weights/weightbelts go in the metal box, masks and snorkels on the shelf in the cylinder cupboard and regs hung up on the hooks in the cylindercupboard. Regs should have dust caps blown dry and refitted (ask your instructor if you don't know how, but you should certainly have been shown by now). Rob and Brian had to pick up and put away almost 10 items of discarded kit last week. These could have been lost or damaged.
Also check your contents gauge before dismantling your kit. Cylinders with less than 50 bar in should be placed by the exit door. Those with more should be placed in the cylinder store. If in doubt ask your instructor or kit officer.
We could also do with more volunteers with cars to take cylinders for filing. Don't forget you get a free air fill if you assist, so everybody wins :-)
Air Money
Don't forget to have £2 with you to hand over on collecting your cylinder. Makes life much easier for the person collecting money and for the treasurer.
Lovebox Victoria Park
A few HSAC members are going to the lovebox festival in victoria park. It does clash with training days but anyone who is able and willing to attend email evan.king @ gmail.com (remove the spaces around the @ before emailing).
Weekly News Letter - 3rd July 2008
Ocean Diver Students
Rita will be taking the last of the Ocean Diver lectures on Monday. The lecture will be OT 7 - Enjoying Your Diving. Please be at 18 Victoria Park Sq. by 7:15pm. A pool session follows as usual.
Diver Leaders
There will be a day of "Dive leader" lectures on September 28th. If you have not already done so please make yourself known to Richard who is helping Rita to organise this.
Open Water Training
There are two open water training days at Gildenburgh on the 19th/20th July. If you have not already done so can all Ocean Divers who can make these dates please contact Rita to book a place.
All trainees should consider borrowing any items they lack. The cylinder, regulators and BCD can be borrowed from the club but you will also need weights, protective clothing (semi-dry suit, hood, gloves, boots etc) and adjustable heel/strap fins (not full foot fins as you are used to in the pool). Rob has mentioned that he has 2-3 pairs of strap fins and I have a spare weight belt. This will be much cheaper than hiring the equipment on the day.
Please read the Welcome pack from the website to see what is required and expected on an open water training day. The pack can be accessed here http://www.hackneydiving.org/misc/Hackney%20BSAC%20-%20Welcome%20Pack.pdf
Glastenbury
A great time was had by all at the HSAC Glastenbury party. Rain didn’t stop play JWeekly News Letter - 27nd June 2008
Ocean Divers
The lecture OT5 – Going Diving will be at 18 Victoria Park Square at 7:15pm. Paul McBride will be taking the lecture.
There will be a pool session afterwards so please be on time.
Dover Dive
The Dover dive is this weekend, so if you are borrowing club cylinders please make sure that you collect them at the end of the evening.
Committee Changes
Sadly Ann has gone and gotten herself a job in Scotland and doesn’t seem to want to come to London every Monday! This means that we are looking for a new expeditions officer. If you think you would be able to help out here then please let one of the committee members know. The job entails keeping a log of those booked onto trips and arranging new trips. You will get lots of help and advice with this and it would be a great way to get to know the different dive sites available to you in the UK.
Also Will is snowed under at work and with his new baby taking up much of his time he has decided to stand down from the committee for the coming year. If anyone feels they would like to take on the role of training officer please let the committee know. It would be a good job for someone with good organisational skills, as it mainly entails making sure that we have an appropriate training schedule and venue to conduct the lectures. You do not have to be an instructor as you will have the expertise of the 12 or so club instructors at your disposal. Again there is lots of help and advice on hand.
Currently if you wish to book onto trips please contact Rita.
Congratulations
Congrats to Amanda for passing her open water instructor exams and becoming a fully fledged Open Water Instructor.
Weekly News Letter - 22nd June 2008
Web Site and Mailing Lists
As you are all probably aware the web site and mailing list has not been working for the last week! I have managed to et the web site up and running again and I have reconstructed the mailing list. However, I may have missed some people off the mailing list so if you know anyone who didn’t receive this email (please ask your fellow divers tomorrow) then let me know and I can re-add them to the list.
Ocean Divers
There is no lecture tomorrow.
We will be in the pool for training as normal. I will be taking Rita’s group and Michele will be taking Iain’s group.
Don’t forget your £2 for your cylinder!
Open Water Training
I will be will be taking the training in Stoney Cove on Tuesday. Currently I have Arthur and Tom on my list of students. If you think you are on the list then you will need to contact me immediately to discuss.
Please make sure that you have all your kit for Stoney as you will not be able to hire kit there.
BBQ
Sadly the weather was not very nice on Saturday for the BBQ but in the end it didn’t rain and we had a good time at Evan and Alex’s place. Many thanks to Evan and Alex for doing all the organizing – well done.
Weekly News Letter - 25th May 2008
***********************No Club Meeting**********************
There will be no Club meeting or pool session on Monday 26th May due to the Bank Holiday. Normal service resumes next week.
New Members
It was great to see the pool so busy again last week. Any potential new members who still have not joined should bring their cheque books to the next session and see Richard.
Spare kit
Please continue to bring any spare kit to the pool with you for the next couple of weeks until we get Club kit back from service and assess if we need to buy more. Rob will be poolside to help with handing out of kit. Can anyone assist please? If so please email or phone him.
Gildenburgh
Don’t forget to make sure you have all your kit if you are going to Gildenburgh for Open Water training on 30th May or 1st June.
Opportunity for Potential Instructors
Michele is offering two sessions of pool instruction, dates to be advised, to those wishing to fine-tune their skills with a view to attending the Instructor Foundation Course in the near future. There will be a review week a few weeks later once you’ve had a chance to practice. The initial group will be limited to 3 or 4, and you will be expected to supply all your own kit so as to not deplete resources (Rob may be able to assist with this). Contact Will ASAP if you are interested.
Picnic
Evan has circulated suggested dates for a picnic and music festival in July. Should be great fun and a chance to bring families and friends along. Please let him know if you can attend and your preferred dates.
Underwater Camera
In the course of buying kit for the club Rob has been offered the following (sellers wording, not his);
“ Sea & Sea MMII-EX with YS60TTL strobe £250
· Also includes a Macro lens for close up shots
· Hand carrying case also included.
Worth £700 plus – Fantastic offer! ”
If anyone is interested the seller seems genuine, and postage costs would only be about £10 (to be confirmed), but obviously it is at buyer’s risk.
Congratulations
Well done to Paul McBride, who passed his Practical Instructor Exam and is now a fully-fledged instructor. If you wish to follow in his footsteps speak to any of the current Instructor group for advice.
Weekly News Letter - 16th May 2008
New Members
It was great to see the pool so busy last week, including about 10-12 potential new members. Richard will be signing people up on Monday. Many thanks to those who assisted in instruction, assembling kit, lending kit and sacrificing their own diving so new joiners could get in.
Ocean Diver Course
You should all have received emails from Will Norman with a lecture schedule for OT1-OT6. A date for OT7 will follow. Lecture OT2 will take place at Will’s office at 18 Victoria Park Square, E2, on Monday 19th May, 7.15pm prompt. There will also be a pool session to follow. Don’t forget your £2 air money, to be handed over as you collect your cylinder. Please let Will know if you will be attending as kit and instructors are in high demand at the moment and he needs to plan the session.
Spare kit
Please continue to bring any spare kit to the pool with you for the next couple of weeks until we get Club kit back from service and assess if we need to buy more. Rob will be poolside to help with handing out of kit. Can anyone assist please? If so please email or phone him.
Picnic
Evan has circulated suggested dates for a picnic and music festival in July. Should be great fun and a chance to bring families and friends along. Please let him know if you can attend and your preferred dates.
Donation
Marie-Laure has generously donated a set of regs to the Club. Many thanks.
Advertising
Paul Ring (aka Moxy) has made an original suggestion in kindly offering to donate advertising space on the side of his van to the Club! The Committee are looking into the costs involved. Marie-Laure would welcome other ideas to promote the club.
Instructor Exam
Good Luck to Paul McBride in his (hopefully) final instructor exam at the weekend.
Weekly News Letter - 11th May 2008
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HSAC AGM This was well attended and we now have a full committee. The minutes for the meeting are attached. Ocean Diver Course This is beginning on Monday, 12 May. The first lecture will be in The Approach with Rob Wilkins at 7.15pm. This will be followed by a pool session at York Hall immediately afterwards at around 8.15pm. Can all students ensure that they wait outside York Hall before their pool session to help with carrying kit in. Sport Diver Lecture Julie is giving this lecture at 18 Victoria Park Square tomorrow. Try Dives We have one try diver tomorrow. Training Weekend 3/4 May Could all of you who borrowed club kit please ensure that it is all returned tomorrow evening before the pool session as it will be needed for the new ocean diver course. All cylinders should be full. |
Weekly News Letter - 30th April 2008
Club Secretary
We have had an offer from Caron Smith to be the Club Secretary. If there are no dissenters or other offers I will confirm her position tomorrow.
No Pool – Bank Holiday
We do not have pool sessions on Bank Holidays so there will be no meeting next week. The next session will be on the 12th, which will also be the first lecture and pool session for the new ocean diver trainees.
Open Water Training
There are two days of open water training this weekend at Gildenburgh. If you do not have all your kit:
Regs
BC
Cylinder
Wetsuit/semidry/dry suit
Boots
hood
gloves
mask
outdoor fins - strap heels not pool fins
weight belt with sufficient weights (8-12kg)
or have not arranged your travel and accommodation (if you are staying up there) ,then you need to contact Rob or Wil asap!
Other than that I know you will have a fun weekend and safe diving!
Weekly News Letter - 24th April 2008
Just a reminder that the AGM will be at 18 Victoria Park Sq (Wil’s office) at 7:30pm on Monday 28th April 2008. Here is a map just incase you do not know where to go:
The arrow should point to the right spot! The office is half way down the street on the left. If you get lost just give me a call on 0788 161 4373.
Finally, if anyone wishes to take on a committee role then please put yourself forward at the AGM. The more you get involved you get, the more you get out of it (honest!).
And if that isn’t enough to get you to turn up, then just to let you know that Rob will be supplying wine and there should also be some beer and nibbles!
Could you reply to this email to let me know if you can’t make it.
Thanks
Paul
Weekly News Letter - 13th April 2008
Just a reminder that there are no lectures tomorrow, so get yourselves down to the pool for some octopush and get fit!
If you want to SCUBA in the deep end and you are qualified or if you can find an instructor who isn’t playing octopush then you are welcome to do so.
Weekly News Letter - 6th April 2008
Ocean Divers
Julie should be liaising with you to finish off any lectures you may have missed. Once these have been done we can arrange for you to take the theory test.
Sports Divers
The last lecture has been re-scheduled to the 12th May.
*IMPORTANT* AGM Date Change
As mentioned in my earlier email, we have had to move the AGM to the 28th April (due to Rob’s illness and various other absentees). The AGM will be held at 18 Victoria Park Sq and starting around 7:45pm. Remember is you wish to stand for any of the committee positions you just need to be nominated and seconded on the night (and win any vote of course).
All help is appreciated and we’d love to see more of you getting involved in running the club. Remember it is *your* club!
Try Dives
Stuart will be coming along to do a try dive this week so please welcome him to the club.Weekly News Letter - 30th March 2008
First of all some apologies for the training disruption we have seen over the last month or so. I am sure you all understand why Rob and Rita and I have not been down to the pool for the last 6 weeks. In our absence Julie has taken up the job of teaching the lectures (many thanks) and Brian is of course still at the poolside to organise and hand out kit.
Sports and Ocean Divers. We have slightly lost track of what lectures you have left to do, so if you could let us know at the pool, contact Julie or email instructors @ hackneydiving.org to let us know what you are missing, we can schedule your missing lectures.
Ocean Divers
As most of you have at least one lecture to catch up on, there will be no theory paper tomorrow night. If you were really geared up to do the test then please call Paul on 0788 161 4373 and I will arrange for the papers to be available.
If you have pool session to finish off please come to the pool.
Sports Divers
Julie will be doing the lecture ST5 - Breathing Gas Planning and Systems (not ST6 as advertised on the web site). Please meet at 18 Victoria Pk Sq at 8:15pm.
AGM
Don't forget that the AGM will be held in two weeks. It is really important that you all attend so that you can find out what has been going on and what we are planning for the next year. You can give your input and even stand for one of the committee positions.
As you know there are quite a few committee members who will not be standing for re-election so your help is vital to ensure that the club continues to grow.
As promised here is a quick description of each committee post:
The Chair
The Chairperson is the Chief Executive Officer of the Club. S/he chairs all meetings of the Club and of the Committee at which s/he is present. S/he oversees the “land” based activities of the club. Her/his decision on matters of procedure is final.
The Diving Officer
The Diving Officer has responsibility for the training and diving activities of the Club and for the safe conduct of all divers in the club. S/he ensures that all activities are carried on in accordance with BSAC practices and procedures. The Diving Officer can delegate training duties to a Training Officer, who is then responsible to her/him for the performance of these duties. The Diving Officer's decision in respect of her/his responsibilities are final in the club.
The Secretary
The Secretary maintains the Club records and takes minutes at the meetings of the Committee, General Meetings of the Club, and any other Club meetings. S/he is primarily responsible for the Club's communications with third parties, and keeps the Officers, the Committee and/or the Club, as may be appropriate, informed of matters coming to his attention which relate to Club activities.
The Treasurer
The Treasurer is responsible for dealing with all monies received or paid on behalf of the Club. S/he makes any investment of Club funds approved by the Committee, keeps records and proper books of account of all financial transactions conducted in the Club's name and prepares a statement of income and expenditure and a balance sheet to the last day of each year for submission to the Annual General Meeting.
S/he arranges for all Club funds and securities to be kept on deposit with a bank or banks approved by the Committee and maintains a current account or accounts on which any two Officers may sign cheques or other orders.
The Expeditions Officer
The Expeditions Officer is responsible for booking the years diving schedule. This is usually done late in the previous year and should be ratified and finalised by the committee early the following year. S/he is also responsible for taking a lead in selling the Club trips to members. This may involve asking others to help in this duty.
The Training Officer
The Training Officer is responsible for arranging and implementing all aspects of the Clubs training activities. This is usually done in conjunction with the Diving Officer. It includes arranging lectures, pool sessions and open water sessions and arranging for sufficient instructors to assist in all these sessions/lectures. Additionally, the Training Officer ensures that members have training notes or assists them in getting these.
The Membership Officer
The Membership Officer is responsible for all aspects of administering Club membership. This is usually done in conjunction with the Treasurer. This includes chasing members up when their membership needs renewing, dealing with BSAC to ensure individuals membership there is dealt with and collecting the Club subscriptions.
The Equipment Officer
The Equipment Officer is responsible for administering all aspects of Club diving kit. This includes keeping a record of all items of equipment and ensuring all equipment is kept in serviceable order. This includes taking cylinders to be filled, getting Club equipment serviced, keeping good records of who has been lent what kit for open water dives, collecting fees for Club kit hire, etc. The Equipment Officer can delegate these duties to any other member of the Club
Voting members
These members will be responsible for miscellaneous duties such as the recruitment of new members, organising social events for club members, etc.
We also plan on introducing two more roles:
Marketing Officer
Responsible for raising the profile of the club and generating strategies for gaining new members.
Social Secretary
Who will be responsible for arranging extra-diving activities, such as nights out, parties and generally building a club centric social life.
Weekly News Letter - 23rd March 2008
Just to remind everyone that we do not meet on bank holidays. There are no pool sessions or lectures tomorrow (unless Julie has arranged lectures with you directly).
I will correct the training schedule on the web site to reflect this when I get a chance.
The next session will be on the 31st. See you all then.
Have a good Easter!
Weekly News Letter - 16th March 2008
Ocean Divers
The Nitrox workshop is this week. Julie will be taking the workshop which will be at 18 Victoria Park Sq as usual.
News from the Ward
Rob will be having a valve replacement operation. This was to take place on Tuesday but has been put back. I will let you know when the new date is.
Try Divers
We have 3 try divers this week, I am sure you will all make them feel welcome. If one of you Sports divers feel like taking a try diver in then please turn up and liaise with Brian. Your help would be much appreciated and it is a very interesting experience.
Weekly News Letter - 9th March 2008
Octopush
It’s octopush week again, so bring your snorkel, mask and fins and lets have some fun!
Training
There is no training this week due to the octopus session.
Rob, Michele and Paul
The invalid trio are all doing well!
Rob is being let out of hospital for a few hours a day, 3 days a week and is feeling much better on his antibiotics.
Michele will be back at work next week.
Paul has had his knee operation and is currently recuperating at home with his feet up (quite literally).
Try Divers and Cylinder Fills
We have 3 try divers for the 17th March but most of the cylinders need filling. If any of you who are coming to the octopus session can take some cylinders to be filled it would be much appreciated.
Please liaise with Brian or Rachid.
AGM
Don’t forget that the AGM is being held on the 14th April. Some of the committee members do not intend to stand for re-election, so if you feel you can help the club by joining the committee, you can put your name forward at the AGM.
The current positions are:
Chair(person)
Diving Officer
Treasurer
Secretary
Training Officer
Membership Sec.
Equipment Officer
Expeditions Officer
And 3 voting members
Of these the Treasurer, Secretary, Training and Membership officers do not intend to stand for re-election.
In addition there is an intention to add two extra places to the committee (which will be voted on at the AGM):
- Events Officer who will be organising lots of non-diving things for us to do as a club.
- Marketing Officer who will be responsible for raising the profile of the club and attracting new members.
We will give more details about all these positions in future news letters.
Weekly News Letter - 2nd March 2008
Sunday 2nd March 2008
Ocean Students
There should be a pool session this week. I will not be around but Mic Gee and Brian should be on hand.
Sports Students
Julie has kindly offered to give the lecture this week. Can you please meet at 18 Victoria Park Square at 8pm. This is earlier than usual as the lecture can go on for over an hour.
Rob and Michele
Michele is out of hospital after her PFO operation and is currently recuperating at home. Rob is feeling well after a week’s antibiotics but will be in hospital for a few weeks yet.
We wish them both a rapid recovery.Weekly News Letter - 24th February 2008
Ocean Diver Students
Julie will be taking this week’s lecture OT7 – Enjoying Your Diving. Please be at 18 Victoria Park Square by 8:15pm.
Sports Diver Students
Unfortunately, I have the flu and will not be able to give the lecture this week. I will try to re-arrange it for next week but will contact you to confirm.
Illness
As you already know Rob has not been down the pool for a while now as he has been ill. Last Tuesday Rob’s doctor sent him to hospital and he has since been diagnosed with Endocarditis, which is an infection of the heart. He is currently on antibiotics and is expected to be in hospital for another 6 to 8 weeks.
I am sure you all join with me in wishing him the best possible recovery.
Illness 2
Not quite an illness but I just wanted to wish Michele good luck with her PFO operation this week (and it’s about time!). Michele will be in the Brompton on Wednesday and should be in for two days or so.
Weekly News Letter - 17th February 2008
Ocean Diver Students
Ocean Divers are in the pool this week. Please remember to bring your books for signing after the session.
Sports Diver Students
The lecture this week is cancelled as Wil is ill and as he is both a student on the course and needs to be ther for us to have to lecture room, I am moving the lecture to next week. We will probably need to have the lecture in the pub but I will confirm that next week.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Hope you get over your flu soon Wil.
Octopush
Octopush was great fun last week and despite my best attempts at cheating the black team still won (apparently). I think we are going to have to tie Matt’s legs together next time.
Weekly News Letter - 10th February 2008
Octopush
It’ that time again! Octopush this week - bring fins, mask and gloves!
And no cheating this time Brian!
Training
There is no training this week as we are playing Octopush!
It would be nice to see you all for the Octopush session.
Weekly News Letter - 3rd February 2008
Ocean Diver Students
There is a lecture this week: Lecture OT6 - What Happens If….?
Please meet at 18 Victoria Park Sq. at 8:15pm. Julie will be taking the lecture. Don’t forget your books for signing.
Sports Diver Students
Those that started their rescue skills two weeks ago will be completing the lesson this week. If you did not attend two weeks ago then please call Rob Wilkins to see if there is an instructor free to start the lesson this week.
Open Water Training Trips
Rob will be at the Club on Monday 4th and will be chasing deposits for Open Water training trips. Please bring your money and book on. First come first served.
Trips
The Diving season is getting closer so if you have not booked on any trips then now is the time to do so. Please see Ann in the pub after the pool session or call Ann to book on.
Octopush
Don’t forget that next week’s pool session is for octopush. Everyone seemed to enjoy last month’s octopush and there were no reports of injuries!
Committee Meeting
There is a committee meeting on Wednesday evening. If you have any issues you wish raised then please bring then to the attention of one of the committee members tomorrow evening.
Weekly News Letter - 27th January 2008
Sports Diver Students
There is a lecture this week:
Lecture ST3 - Equipment and Techniques
Please meet at 18 Victoria Park Sq at 8:15pm and please bring your books to sign.
Ocean Diver Students
Pool session this week. Please arrive on time and bring your books to sign.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Matt who passed his Sports diver theory last week and is now a qualified Sports diver.
Committee Meeting
The next committee meeting is on 6th Feb. at 7:30pm in the Shakespeare's Head in Holborn. If you are not on the committee but would like to come along and observe then you are very welcome.
Weekly News Letter - 19th January 2008
Sports Diver Students
Pool session on Monday where we are doing SS1 Rescue Skills.
Ocean Diver Students
There is a lecture at 18 Victoria Park Sq., 8:15pm: OT5 – Going Diving. Please make sure you are on time as it is difficult to get into the building if you are late.
Rita will be taking the lecture.
** All Students **
Please bring your qualification cards along to all lectures and pool sessions and make sure you get them signed off when each skill is completed successfully. If they do not get signed off at the time it can be difficult to track back to confirm that you have indeed passed that particular skill.
The best place to do this is directly after a lecture or, if you have had a pool session, then in the pub afterwards.
Can all instructors make sure they leave enough time to sign student books at the end of a lecture instead of leaving it till the next week.
Open Water Training Days
As mentioned last week, we have set the following open water training dates so far:
3rd/4th May (Sat/Sun)
31st May/1st June (Sat/Sun)
24th June (Tue)
It is important that you clear these dates in your diary to ensure that you can get your 5 or so open water dives done (you will need at least 2 days to do this). Please book with Rob ASAP to ensure we know how many instructors are required and to save you a place.
Octopush
We had 11 turn up for octopush and everyone had a great time! Not knowing the rules didn’t seem to dent anyone’s enthusiasm any!
I have (hopefully) posted some pics to the website for your amusement!
Photos Photos Photos Photos Photos Photos Photos Photos Photos Photos Photos Photos
I am looking forward to trying it myself next month now that I am over my cold.
Weekly News Letter - 13th January 2008
O2 Course
Congratulations to all those who attended the O2 course. All attendees passed!!
Open Water Dates
Can all students please put these dates into your diaries and book on these days with Rob Wilkins:
3/4th May with Rob and Rita
31st May/1st June with Michele
24th June with Rob
Octopush
Bring your snorkel, mask and fins for Octopush fun tomorrow. I would suggest bringing some thick gloves too as some people don’t always hit the squid when they aim for it!
Weekly News Letter - 6th January 2008
Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all have a good break over the festive period and are eager to get back to diving – I know I’m looking forward to all the things we have planned this year!
Sports Divers
Rob W is teaching lecture SD2 on Monday 7th at 8.15pm. As well as the Sport Diver trainees anyone who holds a Ocean Diver+ qualification and who wants to catch up on a bit of basic First Aid or Resus Annie training can attend if they give Rob a quick call first.
Ocean Divers
A quiet week back for you as there is no formal pool session scheduled but please come along to practice your skills and finish off any items that may be outstanding from your training.
New Officers
Rob W is seeking to finally hand over the role of club Training Officer from April onwards. If anyone would be interested please speak to him ASAP.
It is a predominantly organisational role and the Club is currently well-blessed with a helpful bunch of instructors. Rob will provide as much help as the new incumbent requires.
Oxygen Administration Course
The
Oxygen Administration Course will run next Sunday. We have 7
participants so far but can accommodate more.
The
course stands alone as a BSAC skill development course but also
covers the first half of the theory course for
Dive
Leader. This may be your only chance to cover this area in the
foreseeable future.
Please
contact Rob W. ASAP if you wish to participate - cost about £25
including a fantastic lunch. Course materials
will
need to be ordered on Tuesday.
The current list of participants are:
Tom
Konrad
Alex
Evan
Julie
Hamish
Richard
If we have missed you off the list, please accept our apologies and call Rob as soon as possible to let us know you are coming.
Octopush
Don’t forget that next week is Octopush week. I am sure you are all looking forward to it, I know I am. Just snorkels, mask and fins required (plus swimming costume of course!).