The attendance was quite good with some new members attending in addition to the regulars. This attendance is appreciated.

 

 

Main points reviewed were :

 

 

Current club status

 

We briefly reviewed our current activities and discussed what members want from the club. We have now clarified the membership and it appears we have over 350 registered members. Approx 30 are attending meetings and providing the core of the club's activities. Was highlighted that the club will remain a non-fee paying organisation which means that for practical and legal purposes, we are effectively a group of individuals with a shared interest. Enthusiastic input from the core membership is very useful and provides solid optimism for the future. Developments include :

 

Terry Farrow and Margaret Courteney have both kindly offered their organisational skills for future planning and organisation. Thanks to them both.

 

The entire membership will continue to receive club e-mails and electronic newsletters etc.

 

 

 

Club meeting venue & time

 

Maximum seating in Aquaventurers shop classroom would appear to be about 20. This was felt to be satisfactory.

 

 

Facilities at meeting (tea/coffee etc)

 

Tea, coffee and Jammy Dodgers will henceforth be available on club nights!

 

 

Scubatext information service

 

This has become a key communication tool in our activities and is ideal for communicating real-time information e.g. informing cancelled or re-located dives at short notice. We currently have thirty five members registered. If you wish to go on the text service, send your mobile number to me on 07515 058919 or e-mail it to me on bxtaylor2@hotmail.com Numbers are retained confidentially and not shared. If you wish a message distributed to all users - let me know on Bxtaylor2@hotmail.com

 

 

Club dive calendar

 

A dive calendar for 2010 is now getting well populated. Look out for forthcoming trips to Trefor Pier and Treardur Bay. Keep an eye open for the regular trips to Sharm el Sheik, booked through Rob.

 

 

Club Facebook page & Aquaventurers website

 

The Facebook page is fully operational; with photos posted from various trips. The Wall is also being used to post messages. The page is free access but if you like, sign up. It’s free!

 

 

The Aquaventurers website is currently under review by myself and Gerri Tomlinson. This will take some time to renovate and may involve removal and upgrade of the existing club forum facility. Will keep you informed.

 

 

Club notice board

 

Now fully operational and displaying a host of information in the Aquaventurers shop. Take time to check it out!

 

 

Quarterly Club Newsletter

 

Issued this week, initially as one page. This should grow as I receive submissions! The newsletter will hopefully provide entertainment, member’s tall tales(!), submitted photos and classifieds for second-hand dive kit etc. Send your photos/stories/ideas for submission to Bxtaylor2@hotmail.com

 

 

Club membership forms given to training and visiting divers. This has now started and we look forward to seeing lots of new members. Instructors will also pass on forms to newly-qualified OW divers.

 

 

Club links with PADI continuation training/speciality courses.

 

The Club is keen to encourage members to continuously develop their diving skills. Over next few weeks, Rob will shortly be sending out e-mails to members, inviting them to participate in Advanced OW, Drysuit and Nitrox speciality courses. Once there are sufficient numbers, a course will be scheduled so register your interest with Rob.

 

 

Guest speakers at meetings

 

Members responded well to this suggestion. Examples include SeaSearch, Marine Conservation, RNLI, Merseyside Police Divers, Fire Service River Rescue and Hyperbaric Unit etc.

 

 

Farne Island diving weekend April 10/11

 

Briefing was held for all booked members who attended and a pack issued. Should be an excellent dive weekend as the weather forecast is good! Look out for the report and photos in our club Facebook and Newsletter!

 

 

Club Social

 

Our social outing on Saturday 3rd April went very well with some making it well into the wee small hours! Well done to all who attended and did the distance!

 

 

Thanks to all who attended and keenly participated tonight. Few good ideas were forwarded and we look forward to the club developing into an active and self-sustaining organisation. To achieve this we need regular member input. New suggestions included

 

Look at planning a long-weekend trip to Malta in winter 2010. John Taylor & Terry Farrow will look into this and make a proposal.

 

North Wales trips? – Paula Bunner is looking at some dates for 2010.

 

Consider policy for joining members under sixteen years of age.

 

 

Next club meeting was scheduled for 12th May. I’m in New Zealand then so I’m looking for a member to kindly host the meeting for me. Please let me know.

 

 

 

 

Safe diving!

 

John Taylor