April 2010 Newsletter

I begin what is likely to be my penultimate newsletter (see below) with a few words about Rosie.

Rosie joined IPSAC in 1996 and was certainly one of the more colourful (in many ways) characters in the club. I know, having spoken to many club members, that just about everyone has memories of her. Whether it was one of their early dives, seeing her enthusiasm for marine life, having a laugh with her over a glass of Pimms, or simply her most unforgettable method of getting back on the boat, everyone has a story to tell about her.

She was diagnosed with mesothelioma in April 08, a few months after enjoying a trip to Sharm with the club, and from then on, packed as much as she possibly could into her last 2 years, travelling as much as she was able, going to music concerts galore to see her niece perform, helping to raise awareness of the disease with tv appearances and seeing as much as she could of family and friends. She passed away on 14 March, peacefully at home with her family at hand.

Her family are planning, at Rosies request, a gathering to celebrate her life at Holton Lee in June, further details will be sent out to everyone nearer the time as I am sure many members would like to come along.

Jayne

Update ... what has happened in the club since the last newsletter

January Monthly Meal

Our first get together of the New Year was at the Duke of Wellington in Wareham for Januarys monthly meal; judging by the amount of food consumed, I would have to hazard a guess that the new years diets hadn't quite started ...

Star Gazing

We had another star gazing evening at Durlston in February. It was a beautifully clear night which unfortunately meant it was particularly freezing, but the few brave souls that dared to wrap up warm were rewarded with a stunning view of the night sky through the telescope in the observatory, guided by Alan Jeffries from the Wessex Astronomical Society, who also gave a talk on the stars. Thanks to Robin for once more organising the use of Durlston for this event.

March Monthly Meal

Yet again we just about filled the function room at the Cock & Bottle in Morden; it was great to catch up with everyone at the end of what feels like a long, cold, grey winter. Thanks to everyone that came along and helped make a lively evening.

IPSAC-Wear!

If you didnt place an order, Im afraid you will have to wait until next time... this years order of IPSAC Wear has been received and delivered so keep an eye out for those fashion conscious members who will no doubt be sporting the latest designs through the coming season ;-) Of particular note may be this years new deep raspberry colour. Many thanks to those who placed an order; its all extra funds for the club.

Up and Coming ... details of forthcoming events

Diving 2010

Those of you simply gagging to get in the water have already spotted that Chris has been busy through the winter, adding this years dive plan to the web site. So its time to move from the pool & get wet in the real stuff; pool sessions end on 24th April, and the first sea dive, the traditional under the pier kick-off, is planned for Wed 5th May. Please go ahead and start booking on dives if you wish; remember that anyone who is a Dive Coordinator can schedule a dive, so if your favourite site isn't listed, go ahead and add it yourself. And don't forget to keep checking the plan for updates; weekday dives in the summer are likely to be added in due course.

Start of Season Meal

Has this come around very quickly somehow ?? Yes, its already time for the traditional start of season meal at the Gurkha, Sandford, where we can feast all night on the oriental buffet. Date is Thursday 29th April; drop me an email to book your place.

Promoting IPSAC

As we all know, in the last few years we have struggled to recruit new members, despite sometimes having reasonable turn outs at Try Dives. So its been decided to invest some club funds in highlighting IPSACs profile. As the boat sits in Swanage Bay throughout the dive season, what better place to advertise our club ?! So there are plans to buy a banner which will hang from the boat, displaying the club logo and web site. We are also looking into some signage on the pier, particularly close to the display fed by the underwater camera we installed. If anyone has any other ideas about how we could promote IPSAC, let us know.

Try Dives in the Sea

The next pool try dive will be sometime during October, but this year there are plans for us to offer try dives in the sea throughout the summer. These will take place on Monday evenings at Kimmeridge; we usually have quite a few members there, either diving or BBQing or both, so it seems the perfect opportunity to offer this. Need I say it will all be weather dependent ?! All that will be asked of the try dive-ee is that they supply their own wetsuit; the club will supply all the other kit, for a charge of £15. In addition to this, anyone who would like to find out more either about the try dive or IPSAC generally, will be welcomed to join us on a Monday evening. Full details will be published on the club web site shortly, so please direct anyone you know who may be interested to there.

Hydrophone Talk

Many IPSAC members have helped with the Hydrophone Project in some way over the years, so all are invited to a talk by Ed Harland, the brains behind the the project, on Tuesday 4th May at 7.30pm at the Visitor Centre, Durlston.

And Finally...

I am rapidly approaching the end of my fourth year as Social Secretary, and have decided that its now time to step aside and hand the job over to someone else with some fresh ideas ! Its been a very enjoyable experience; accepting the task as a fresh faced trainee diver, new to the club, was certainly an excellent way of getting to know everyone. I would be fibbing to say its not been without its frustrations, but that goes with the role; always difficult to please everyone all of the time, and certainly a challenge to keep coming up with new ideas to get everyone on board. So, if you think that you are ready for that challenge, now is the time !!! Feel free to email me or have a chat if you'd like to know more.

Dates for Your Diary ... a summary of what is planned

29th April - Start of Season Meal, Gurkha
4th May - Hydrophone Talk, Visitor Centre, Durlston
5th May - First Dive of Season

Pool Sessions

Only a couple more weeks at the pool at the Purbeck Sports Centre; our last Saturday session being the 24th April.