Scuba diving News across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Middlesex and the Chilterns

Covering Basingstoke, Guildford , Windsor and High Wycombe

Ending 2nd September

Congratulations to Joyce, Nick, Sarah, Kerry and Jon for passing their PADI Advanced Open Water Scuba Course in Portland. They were joined for the weekend by Terry, Simon, Alison and Steve for our Portland Experience weekend. As you can see fun was had by all.

Meanwhile not to be left out 10 happy divers made the trip to Lulworth cove - Thanks to Mia and Marnie for the day trip and also trying out Mia's new camera

Rowland and Nina put 5 divers through their paces at Horsea. Congratulations to Charlie, Sam, Brian, Graeme and David for all becoming PADI Open Water Scuba divers

Collin celebrated another milestone this week - not only is he now 40 but he has been diving for 10 years - he reached this land mark on the 30th August - Congratulations from all at Divecrew

Terry working hard to ensure that our PADI Open water Scuba  weekend on the 18th and 19th August went well - they all passed - see the positive words on our testimonial page 

Ending 19th August

The trip to El Gouna returned late last week and we have been waiting for the photo's to start coming in. Here are a selection.

With more if you click the link 

Ending 13th August

Another really busy weekend at Divecrew.

Tuesday - saw the Social - a little quieter than normally due to the 18 people in the Red Sea. But this did not stop those who attended from putting the world to right and planning their trips for later this year and next. We look forward to hearing the stories from the Red Sea trip next week along with all the pictures and gossip.

Tuesday also say Georgina Ashley, April Stacey, Anna Liniewicz and Steve Hurst sign up for their open water courses. Good luck to all.

Wednesday saw a real achievement for Jo Skerry, she came to us having had a real hard time in the water, and felt she would not achieve anything and went away having completed all 5 modules and now able to finish her course in Thailand. Well Done Jo.

Thursday 9th saw Collin reach the milestone of the ripe old age of 40. Penny kindly arranged a Cake which Collin decided was all his. Champagne flowed throughout the Day - Thanks to all those who popped in and who wished me a Great day.

 Bracknell played host to 3 Try Dives, a tune up and Phil and Nicki Croxford stage one of their dry suit course.

And so to the weekend - We took Portland by storm this weekend, with our Advanced Course being lead by Jason and Ashley, a Wreck Speciality lead by Ian and a Pleasure day trip to Chesil beach lead by Andy R.

Well done to Liz Jones, Ashley Heeks, Alida O'Shaughnessy, Emma and Mike Vernon for all passing with flying colours. The weather was great and the Saturday evening BBQ was a huge success.

Meanwhile the Countess was playing her part in the Wreck Speciality - Ian Johstone, Chris Smith and Andre Ayack now know ever inch of the wreck and how more importantly to penetrate a wreck safely and correctly - No mean feat - well done to all.

Simon, Adam and Steve experienced Chesil for the first time - welcome to the world of UK beach diving at it's best/worse depending on your point of view - glad to hear all had a great time.

To Follow

Meanwhile down in Vobster Divecrew were busy with Rowland running a Dry Suit Course - Congratulations to Michelle Holmes, Caz Buckley, Nicki and Phil Croxford. Welcome to the delights of UK diving - we look forward to seeing them on our UK day trips. Meanwhile Mike Gale took up the challenge of some UK diving .

Divecrew is pleased to announce 4 new AI's. Marnie Starr, Lisa Miles, Mia Steward and Duncan Leese please take your places at the AI table - a great job . I particularly liked, however I did notice, and the value to us is, and we can know as divers.... will always hold a special place in their hearts. All good practise for the IE in due course.

Then some fun was had by all with the Scooters and Twin sets.

Well done also to Jason Dixon for passing his DSAT Tec Deep course a few weeks ago out in the Red Sea. One of this dives was carried out with out a Mask on - ouch!!!!

The next Slough course started this weekend - 10 excited new Student divers took to the water in style. Stuart took up the baton of teaching after completing his IE a few weeks ago. Andy R, ably helped by James and Richard put two qualified divers through their paces to ensure they were refreshed for their forth coming holidays - and then moved on to show 6 complete beginners the delights of trying Scuba for the first time.

Ending 7th August

The dive centre has been really busy over the last two weeks hence the delay in updating the news section - this does mean that we have lots to report this week.

So the weekend of 28th and 29th July - was the first of the big summer weekends. Congratulations to Adam Reid, Denis Rolph, Collete Sayer, Ian Baker, Alan Hoare.... on completing their Open Water course. Adam and Collette are straight off to the Red Sea on Friday with Penny - enjoy the warm waters.

The Slough course kicked off with 9 new Student divers taking to the water to be put through their paces by Jason and Nina (first time out for Nina after her success at the IE - Good luck) Not to miss out on the fun - Christian House, Craig Caesar, Pete Sanderson started the pool part of their Dry Suit Speciality course. They are all down to complete on the weekend of the 18/19th in Horsea.

Monday 30th - saw us descend on Amersham in a big way with the Pool totally maxed out with Tune Ups - Well done to all concerned for being PADI safe divers and getting refreshed before their holidays. Hope you all enjoy your various trips and do let us have some photo's for future news updates

The Dive centre was bursting at the seams Monday 30th - as we enrolled 12 new Student divers - welcome to the Dive Crew and I hope you all have a great time over the coming weeks.

The Sparks Family keep both Penny and I busy with their one on one courses during the week - all three passed with flying colours and I am sure will have a great time in Turkey next month.

Wednesday 1st - Saw another great session at Farnborough - with some dedicated help from our Instructors to allow a great Trainee Dive Master session - with Swims, Kit Exchange, Floats and other elements all completed. Mark Leach assisted by Steve took 3 newbie's through their paces on our Try Dive Programme and Georgina had such a great time she has signed up immediately for the course starting in Bracknell on the 15th - well done to her for taking the plunge (no pun intended). Caz Buckley and Michelle Holmes set about the first stage of their Dry Course - look out for the photos after Sunday's adventure to Vobster.

Thursday saw the Rescue course start - Terry took Sue and Mark through their paces, the course saw it's completion on Saturday and Sunday in Horsea - fun was had by all as can been seen by the pictures. A huge thanks go to Rob and Kelly for being fantastic dead bodies etc. Kelly (aka Ned)  had a near scare - one minute she was safely in a fireman lift and the next her head was rapidly approaching the concrete - the others rushed to her aid and avoid some real life rescue.

Mean while Andrew Rampton was putting 6 Open Water divers through their paces - these included Chris Belton, Martin Bradshaw, Neil Saunders, Peter Gildings, Stacey Lapworth, Paul Rignall. Congratulations to all who passed.

They too had a lot of fun and to ensure that they all had the best fining technique Andrew had them practising on the side to perfect the technique.

Meanwhile down in Lulworth Cove - Ian and Sam where leading 6 of our Club divers on a day trip. This was also Sam's 100th dive and in the normal tradition - she went in with the smallest amount of clothing possible. No mean feat in UK waters - admittedly the water was 19 degrees but in a Bikini only - Well done

 Thanks to Steve Tilbury for making such a great Banner - look out for this on the next day trip to Lulworth in September - which by the way we still have places left. Steve also made us a Banner for our trips to Vobster Quay - so look out for it this weekend in Vobster. Again we still have some spaces available for this trip on Sunday - call in today and sign up.

Not wanting to be left out on the fun - Jason and Nina put 9 confined students through their paces in Slough - well done to all concerned.

The AI course continues to remain on track with some really great presentation by the Four candidates both in the Pool and in the Classroom - well done to Mia and Lisa for some dramatic improvements. Near perfect scores this week. Only the Open Water to complete in Vobster on Sunday and we will have four new AI - watch out for their head shot movement on the about us Page.

Other things that happened during the week - saw the launch of the August 08 trip to Dahab [more]. 08 holidays are starting to sell well - with some 16 people now signed up for El Gouna in June, 7 for the live aboard launched last week and 14 for the Seychelles.

Ending 27th July

Far to much fun being had during this weeks EFR course.

Ian Hallam celebrated his 41st birthday and his Hundred dive.               Penny and Adrian enjoying Stoney

Alan, Penny, Adrian, Andy, Caz, Alan, Sam and Ian on the Deep course in Stoney

Ending 25th July

Congratulations to Nina, Tim and Stuart for reaching the heights of PADI OWSI instructors. The rain of last week and the floods did not put off the intrepid three from completing their IE in Stoney last week. Stuart even managed a perfect 5 on Buddy breathing - which is no mean feat. All three are lined up to put their skills into practise already. Photo's to follow....

The second phrase of the AI course also when well in both the first round of Classroom presentations and Pool work. With all Four candidates scoring in the early 90% range for their Skill Circuit - well done to Mia, Marnie, Lisa and Duncan.

The Rain continues to dominate the topic of conversations - so just to remind you all - we are open and happy to help you keep diving be it in the UK through our trips or why not join us on a Holiday to the Red Sea in October and escape this awful weather.

Tonight sees the first UK club trip to Wraysbury - have fun all those going.

Last night saw the Dive Centre buzzing with students - 6 completing the Nitrox course and 4 rolling around with part one of the EFR course. More fun to be had tomorrow for the EFR students. Check out the fact we are now planning to run the EFR on a Sunday as a day course.

Penny braved the weather in Stoney on Saturday to run another successful Deep Course - 5 more students able to dive to the heady depths of 40metres and in the UK too. Saturday also saw a great mile stone for Ian Hallam - not only was it his birthday (21 again) but he completed his 100th dive and also started his Deep course. Congratulations to Ian, Alan, Caz, Alan and Adrian on passing this challenging course. Photo's to follow

No to be out done Terry lead one of the UK Pleasure trips to Stoney - with Yev, Vivien, Richard, Phil and Nick all experiencing Stoney for the first time. Three dives followed despite the best efforts of the Rain.

Started the great job of deciding where we will be going on holiday next year. Have just announced the 7th March 2008 trip. A live aboard to Safaga using MY Superior out of Hurghada. A great trip aimed at all levels - you only need be an Open water diver with 15 logged dives - so a great first live aboard trip [more]

Ending 18th July

Divecrew Divers take over the world!......

Congratulations to Coral Cassidy-Hall for becoming a PADI Open Water diver at 12pm on the 8th July in Grand Cayman. Divecrew Students do get about Hey!

7 new UK divers also achieved the heady heights of PADI Open Water - well done to Elizabeth Jones, Phil and Bryanna Whitaker, Gillian Hughes, Dan Higgins, Alida O'Shaughnessy and Tony Boulter. We look forward to seeing them in the Dive Centre over the coming weeks to be able to congratulate them in person. Elizabeth and Alida have already taken the next step and will be sampling the delights of Portland in a few weeks time on their Advance Course.

Sunday saw Terry putting 10 new confined Divers through their paces. Meanwhile Andy R was putting Christian House through his paces in preparation for his Dry Suit Speciality next week. UK diving here we come.

The Dive Centre was buzzing at the weekend with the OWSI course coming to an end - good luck to Nina, Tim and Stuart who will be trying out the fun of the IE at Stoney on Thursday and Friday this week - knock'um dead. Mean while Mia, Marnie, Lisa and Duncan started their Assistant Instructor course.

Tuesday night was a late one for the 5 new Trainee Dive Masters who attended their starter lecture. Divecrew is pleased to welcome , Caz, Richard, Steve, James, Kelly to the role of TDM - this is a great course and thoroughly rewarding.

Ending 12th July

Terry, Nigel, Terry, Graeme, John, Simon, Nick, Chris, Graham, Paul, Gary and Martin

Divecrew is taking part in a Beach Clean Up activity - in aid of International Clean Up weekend. We are planning to hit Chesil Beach on the weekend of the 15th/16th September. Hope to see as many of you there as possible      [more]

The OWSI course got off to a flying start with Tim, Nina and Stuart all passing the first weekend with flying colours, scoring an average of 4.5 in their confined presentations - those perfect 5's are fast approaching.

The Social went well - doesn't time fly it only seems like last week we had the last Social - lots of chatter from the 18 getting ready to jet of to El Gouna with Penny.

The Bracknell course came to a successful end and most are now signed up for their open water - please call if you have not yet signed up as we are now booking September weekends.

Saturday saw Marnie join the ranks of the Saturday team - great to have some new faces - we look forward to seeing more AI and Instructors trying out their hand in the shop. It is a lot of fun!

Sunday saw Penny, Mark and three PPB speciality divers spend the day exploring Vobster - well done to Emma, Mike and Nick. The report back was that the Viz was nearly 6 metres plus - awesome - but the main news must be the new Burger Van or should we say Haute Cuisine Van - with offerings of Roast Pork and Apple Sauce as well as jacket potatoes and three very willing ladies serving. This is a welcome improvement.

Meanwhile Mark Lovelock and Jon Martin had some fun in Vobster and I thought this was a great fun photo. Who says you can not keep warm at depth in Vobster.

For the very latest in Fashion - these are a must have for any female diver

The white lines have returned but the new gravel is giving us some challenges - we are think of creative ways to overcome.

Ending 2nd July

The O'Three Boys in one of the few dry days at Horsea - don't they think they look good - only trying to out do the Ever Dry boys at Vobster - who says Divers don't care about what they look like!! Some hard work was also done with a Rescue course being completed by Caz Buckley, Adie Stokes and Kelly Barratt - well done. Here's to seeing them on the next DM course. 4 Open water divers also set about making their mark and duly completed. Well done to The Couzens family and Sam Lloyd.

Congratulation to Amanda, Andrew, Neil, Richard and James for completing 40 metre dives in Stoney at the weekend and reaching the status of Deep Spec Divers. The delight was not tempered by the awful weather.

Gosh that was a lot of gravel to move - Doesn't the dive centre look great with its new car park covering - the lines will return next week

The activities during the week continued to keep the Dive Centre buzzing - with an EFR course on Monday and Tuesday, as well as a Nitrox lecture on Tuesday. This was then followed on Wednesday by Open water academics and on Thursday the centre was alive with camera flashes as the Photography course got underway. Thanks to all the instructors and support team for their efforts again this week.

To finish the week - we ran an Emergency First Aid instructor course - 4 grown adults set about rolling around on the floor and ensuring the AED was fully charged !

Ending 25th June

 Congratulations to Liz Orford, Lauren Evans and Anthony Mills for completing their Advanced Course in Vobster this weekend. The Viz is starting to improve at last and even the rain could not contain Liz's delight at passing. Well Done.

During the week saw a DSMB Course run in Farnborough, Bracknell Open water course started. Whilst 5 divers brushed up on their skills in the pool. Sunday saw the completion of the current Slough course as well as 11 people trying out Scuba for the first time - 5 enjoyed so much they have signed up immediately - thanks to the support from Nina and her team.

The NDC trip last weekend was a great success. Andy, Alan, Danielle, James and Mike having some fun in the great Viz of NDC

Ending 19th June

Shock news - Penny barred from diving by TDM -

                                             Like every head line there is always more to the story.

Rob Walsh was running his Dive Master Conducted programme exercise on Sunday whilst in Vobster. One of his role playing student was Penny a commercial only diver with no proof of diving. So in a polite but totally correct manner - Rob took Penny to one side and informed her that he was not able to conduct her Discover Local diving due to the fact she could not prove her diving ability. The look of astonishment on Penny face was a picture. Well done to Rob for following all of PADI standards. They are there to protect all concerned.

All events over the weekend were a success - so congratulations to all the newly qualified Open Water divers:- Ionel, Andy, Jan, Nick, Emma, Mike, Nick, Nigel and the speciality divers:- Norman, Richard, Maureen,

We tried out the DPV's in Vobster and they are a total blast - Penny and I did not want to get out we were having so much fun - particularly when we buzzed the Technical Twin set people - sorry!

Congratulations to Martin Weddell on completing his Dive Master Course. Well Done from all at Divecrew.

Ending 13th June

Things are starting to hot up at the Divecrew! - 6 events planned for this weekend, including Open Water, Confined Pool work course starting, Pleasure trips to Vobster and National Dive Centre, as well as Dry Suit and Peak Performance Buoyancy courses running. A huge thanks to all those who are helping this weekend. 12 Instructors, 2 DM's, 9 TDM's. With out you this weekend would not be possible. Good luck to all concerned.

Last weekend say the return of 17 happy people from Dahab. We look forward to seeing some of the photo's in the Photo Gallery in due course.

Congratulations to James Doel and Philippa Horler for completing their Rescue course at the weekend - not an easy course but very rewarding.

First news on two holidays for 2008 where announced during the week - El Gouna June 2008 from £660 and Seychelles for 10 nights in November 2008 from £1600 (TBC) - have a look on the travel page for more details or call Collin to reserve a place. Both have started to sell well with over 50% sold on both trips already!!!!

 On Thursday - Harman's water was invaded by the DPV's - gosh they are fun - they pull you around for over an hour at a steady 2mph - look out for the review next week as we are taking them to Vobster this weekend.

Sunday saw the completion of the current Slough course - well done to all concerned and the centre is ready for the next course in Slough to start this Sunday. Good luck to the new students

Who say's figures are not your friends - well Tuesday night we say NDL's, Pressures, Lift Bags calculations and more - as the quarterly Physics and RDP lecture took place !!!

Ending 3rd June

 The weekend of the 2nd and 3rd - saw a busy weekend in Horsea - with 6 new open water divers being put their paces by Chris and Andy.

Whilst on Sunday it was back to Vobster again for some fun day trips and a Dry Suit Specialty - the weather was kinder to us with temps in the 20's some major improvement from the 10 degrees we got last weekend.

A fairly quiet week in the centre - but the main focus was on the holiday trip leaving for Dahab on Saturday. 15 excited people looking forward to the warm temps of the Red Sea. Staying at the Hilton and diving with Sinai Divers - we have 2 more trips going out in June - we have 2 places left on our August trip - and places are starting to sell for the Sept trip to Marsa Alam.

Ending 30th May

The Charity event planned for May 2008 - took another step forward with the Boat being booked and confirmed - we hope as many people will get involved in raising funds for Teenage Cancer Trust by either joining in the Scapa Flow Expedition or by helping to raise funds over the coming year.                                                                                                            more info                      

Jon, Sarah, Kerry, Simon, Bob and Kevin enjoying Lulworth Cove

The first south coast day trip of 2007 went off with a bang - with some great weather and diving had. 2 dives of nearly 1 hour was enjoyed by all. Thanks to Ian, Sam and Andy for leading a great day trip. Look out for more trips on our UK Pleasure page.

                                                                                                                                                                                                  more info

Vobster Quay in the rain - enjoyable!!!!

18 of us descended on Vobster for the Bank Holiday Sunday - wet is the word that sums up the weekend. 3 new PPB  Spec divers and 5 new dry suit divers join the PADI Rank - congratulations to them all.

Mark Leach enjoying his birthday- Congrats from all at Divecrew - not bad for an old man!!!!

Congratulations to Tony Bolter on completing his one day course on the 23rd May - good luck for the open water dives in July.

Tuesday and Thursday saw grown people rolling around on the floor in the classroom - gaining a great understanding of CPR and the ABCD's - in other words completing the EFR course.

Pools these week included Farnborough and Bracknell - thanks the teams for the usual support.

Saturday - 26th - Saw Lee and Emma complete their one day course with Pete - all went well and they are off to the warm waters to complete their dives.

Ending 23rd May

 Check out the pictures from the Grand Cayman Holiday, plus do pop in and see the two tank DVD, sharks, turtles and more....

                              String Ray city Dive                         Fun on the boat                             Enjoying the delights of Cayman hospitality

Stuart sampling the best cocktails on the island                           Ginny and Graham toughing it out in the ran 

Marnie and Mia practising AI role model safety stops

A great time was had by all during the recent trip to Grand Cayman. As with all holidays there are always key moments that should remain on holiday but are much better shared back with the rest of the club.

Stuart Castle Mason experienced some great Nitrogen Narcosis at 34 metres and felt 6,000 metres was a real possibility!!. Collin decided that he would take feeding the fish to new heights, whilst Mia and Marnie win the award for best 'loving the camera' nudging Stuart in to runner up.

Most have expressed an interest in coming to the Seychelles in 2008 - so watch this space for more details.

Back in the Centre things went well - with 5 new Open water divers passing with flying colours - even with the challenge of the weather on Sunday - don't you just love the UK rain. Congratulations to David, Sarah, Sean, Jane and Joe.

Meanwhile - Terry Sands helped complete the next 6 students via Slough , plus Tim and Stuart put 5 Try Divers through their paces. Not to be left out Lauren and Wayne Evans successfully joined the ranks of the Dry Suit Speciality divers.

The Amersham course came to a successfully conclusion during the week - with all now booked onto their weekends - well done to all.

Some news from the red sea - Richard Sloper (Divecrew TDM) and his wife is out here diving with us at the moment, he had to rescue a diver with a blown O-ring. New name ... Super Dick! Speak soon, Mandy

On a personal note - congratulations to Rob  and Joanna on having a beautiful baby girl - called Catlin

Ending 10th May

 Holidays are starting to hot up, with 15 very excited people are getting ready for the trip to Grand Cayman. Saturday at 5pm we will sipping cocktails by the Ocean. The August 3rd trip to El Gouna has only 2 places left and we have started to fill up the September 13th trip to Marsa Alam.

A busy weekend for the dive centre approaches - Open Water, Dry Suit Speciality, Club day out, and new Open water course starting in Slough. Good luck to all concerned.

Paul Barrow is completing his private referral today - so good luck to Paul - he hopes to complete his dives in Grand Cayman at the beginning of June - so we will warn the fish to watch out.

The Bracknell course that started last week - is going well - all Five students passed their exams last night - so well done. Keep up the good work tonight in the pool.

The Ever dry 4 Dry Suit continues to impress - with three more divers sampling the delights and enjoying. The launch promotion only runs to the end of the month - so don't miss out on a fantastic deal.

Two successful road shows have taken place at Honda and Panasonic - thanks to Chris Jones (Panasonic) and Richard Sloper (Lease plan) for the introductions. We are always looking for new companies to visit - so please let me know if this is something you can help with

Penny and I were invited to an after dinner speech by Marc Woods - Paralympics Gold Medallist - it was highly motivation and inspiring - the reason for the invite was to allow us to discuss the launch of an idea that Richard Cullen has proposed. namely that of diving Scapa Flow in June 2008 - and linking this expedition to dive 15 World War 2 wrecks in 1 week to a charity event.  If you want to help us with this exciting event then please let Collin know - we are also going to arrange other events including a Beach Clean up to start the ball rolling

more info

Ending 2nd May

  It was good to see everyone at the Social last night - don't forget we meet on the first Tuesday of each month at the Royal Berks Esporta Club. Congratulations to 8 newly qualified Open Water Divers......

  Chris, Sarah, James, Ram, Jessica, Andy, Mark, David, all passed their Open Water course in Horsea on the weekend of the 28th and 29th April with flying colours. Viz was awful at only 1 metre so they have all achieved GOD like status in the world of diving - you should all be very proud - well done.

Mean while in Vobster Sarah, Kerry, Jon and Kevin having completed their Open water 2 weeks previously- went on to really cement their diving skills by completing the Peak Performance Buoyancy course. All had a great day out and felt that they were now ready to take on the world. Lulworth on the 26th here they all come.

Ending 25th April

 Congratulations to Marnie Starr on achieving a double rating - not only did she achieve the Black Belt status of Master Scuba Diver but she has also completed her Divemaster course - WELL DONE. Not to be out done by our Students, Collin has just achieved his Master Instructor rating.

Ending 15th April

  Congratulations to Jon Martin, Kevin Matthews, Kerry Bassett, Sarah Bassett, Simon Del-Nevo, Bob Nicklin, Chris North for passing their Open water Course in Horsea.

Kevin, Jennie, Jon, Mark, Jason, Martin, Kerry and Sarah enjoying the sun in Horsea after completing their Open Water - well done

The weekend of the 14th and 15th April - really start the Season for Divecrew with 6 activities going on. Open Water in Horsea, Digital Photography course and Advanced Course in Vobster supported by a Club day. Whilst 10 new students started their Open water course in Slough along with several Discover Scuba's

                                  Richard, Penny, Ian, Rob, Yev, Mark, James, Craig  and Collin

Guess who brought new dry suits? With the Launch by Scubapro of the Ever dry 4 - Collin, Craig and James put the suits through their paces - 8 degree water for 60mins - no problems - the overall view was that it felt like you were diving in a wetsuit for the flexibility, with all the warmth of a duvet - currently Berkshire Dive Centre are offering these with a £50.00 discount.

All too much for someone!

5th April saw the launch of the first Divecrew DUP course, with some great results coming through after the pool session and then the open water visit to Vobster. The course was enjoyed by all and all concerned really felt they learnt a lot not just about taking photos but also on how to improve the percentages.

10th April - 20 Instructors and AI descended on the Dive Centre for the annual PADI forum - good to get together to hear all the latest news from PADI. This is the third time Divecrew have arranged a unique Forum here at the centre - one of the advantages of being a large centre. A really benefit to our instructors.

3rd April - the Social was well attended with some 50 divers meeting in the Royal Berks Racquet club - hope to see more next month on the 1st May.

The weekend of 31st March, saw 2 more keen UK divers complete their Rescue course - congratulations to Neil Cole and Martin Bell - both are considering doing their DM course over the summer. Dave Ruddle and Mark Holderness took up the challenge of a Open Water course with Terry Sands and passed the pool stage with flying colours - they are off to do the Open Water sessions on the 28th and 29th April- again with Terry - suckers for punishment!!.

Ending 25th March

  Congratulations to Andy Hankins, Andy Collins and Ashley Mitchell who all pasted their IE on the weekend of the 17th and 18th  March - three new proud Instructors join the ranks of the 25 retained Divecrew Instructors.....

The two holidays that went to the Red Sea came back - having all had a great time. Hope to see them all that the Social to hear the stories - there are always stories.

Courses are starting to hot up a bit with Slough and now Amersham up and running for late March and April.

Since I last wrote, we have 5 new EFR students, 3 new Advanced Divers, 1 New Dry Suit Speciality Diver and 10 new Open Water Divers - congratulations to all concerned.

The shop has seen some great new products arrive with the launch of the Vyper 2 and Cobra 2 from Suunto and also a Fab new Travel wing from Great Outdoors - first stocks have sold out and more are on order - only weights 2 kg and is so comfortable. Aqualung have also launched their new Bag range - with the Hard case version being the best value. Call in to see all the latest gear in store.

Ending 7th March

 The Sun has started to shine and people are looking to the Dive Show and some great bargains - well as you can see from the above link - we are also gearing up to the show with some great offers...  

The Social was held yesterday- nice to see everybody - quieter than normal but we do have 22 people in the Red Sea.

17 Scouts took the pool in Amersham on Monday and the leader held some underwater award ceremonies.

The AA welcomed Divecrew in the pouring rain and allowed us to run a road show - quite a lot of interest for UK diving - so we hope to welcome UK diving to some new converts.

The OWSI section of the IDC also kicked off this week, with Andrew Hankins, Andrew Collins and Ashley Mitchell taking their AI qualifications straight on to the next stage.

The weekend brought with it rain and wind - but this did not put off 5 new open water divers from completing their course - Liz Orford, Claire Wilson, Gareth Tutton, Daniel Kitchen and Julia Horsman - congratulations to them all.

Not to be left out from the fun at the weekend - we started an open water course in Slough, ran a road show in John Nike and also ran a dry suit specialty in Horsea - so all in all a busy weekend in the dive centre.

Ending 25th Feb

Congratulations to Mark Leach,  Andy Collins,  Andy Hankins,  Ashley Mitchell,  Stuart Barrett,  Nina Codling,  Tim Flockhart and Malcolm Carter all who successfully completed their AI course at the weekend. After some two hours in the water and some serious skill issues from the rogue students they achieved some great scores. I would also like to Thank Penny for all her help over the last few weeks

The Teams after each dive - 7 degrees and 4 metres viz added to the challenge of the day -

Neil and Jannie Collier undertook there private Referral course on Saturday 24th with Vicki - all had a great time and now they are off to the Maldives to complete their course. 

3 more people signed up for our Maldives trip at Xmas - so 9 of us are going to enjoy the delights of Kuredu. We also starting selling places on our October trip to Sharm - people really want to look forward to some sun at this time of the year.

The Dive Centre was also busy getting ready for the Dive Show coming up - we have gone into a serious sale in order to persuade divers to support their local dive centre - see the separate page.

We also helped Alison Bland, Simon Nattrass and Trevor Smart master the use of a DSMB in our evening workshop - well done to all for deploying whilst hovering a 3metres of water.

The Road show band wagon rolled on with a trip to Dell in Bracknell - thanks to Andy Wyles for the introduction - again good to met more divers - Penny and I are very jealous, they have a Starbucks in the building - heaven!!

To round off the week we also ran our third day trip of the year - this time to Stoney - ably let by Ian Dennis - Yev and Chris and Stefan made up the numbers.

Ending 15th Feb

The AI course is now in full swing with the first practical sessions going well. The big news this week is the actual use of EFR skills by two people on our latest EFR course. One student actually saved a friends life why EMS where on route, whilst Rowland O'Connor had to administer some serious blood flow control before rushing Lisa off to hospital for a serious operation on her index finger.

 Another 4 new Open Water divers join the ranks of Divecrew students - congratulations to them all - no mean feat in the UK in February.

Two new TDM's joined the Divecrew programme and went straight into action on Sunday in Slough - welcome to Sam and Ian. The June holiday to Dahab sold out during the week and we moved onto selling the July trip to Sharm - so far 9 people are signed up.

We ran a successful road show at John Crane in slough on Thursday 15th - Thanks to John Morton for the introduction - if you know of a corporate office that would be willing to host a Divecrew Road show please let me know.             

Hope you enjoyed the pictures of Mister Snowman learning to snorkel .

Let it Snow - Let it Snow Thursday 8th February 2007

Even Mister Snow Man wants to learn to Scuba with Divecrew

Ending Saturday 4th Feb

Another hectic weekend in the dive centre saw 8 AI candidates start their course and the first of the open water weekends go off to a rather cold start - but we are pleased to announce 5 new Open Water Divers.............. So well done to Nick Brookes, Steve Murphy, Andrew Phillips, Paul Thompson and Peter Staples. We also run the first Dry Suit Speciality course of the year and here too success was achieved by James Doel and Yev Snytserev. No mean feat when the water was a hot - 5 degrees.

During the week we had the pleasure of taking part in the Sygntena Section Fair, meeting some 30 people interested in Scuba diving - we hope to see most of them in the centre over the coming weeks.

The pools continued to bustle - with sessions on Sunday in Slough - Monday in Amersham, Private course on Tuesday, Pack session in Farnborough, with Try dives, tune ups and Open water and not to be left out - Bracknell on Thursday with 20 plus divers ruining through their paces.

Bringing up the dry courses was our first Nitrox course of the year - 4 new converts went through their tables and come out truly understanding the benefits of NITROX                                                                                                                                                      

The party on the 25th January - was a huge success. We over 50 people attending. Drink flowed and we were able to show case some great new products from Suunto, Waterproof, Scubapro. Many being shipped in especially for the evening........

 To really get in the swing of things - Penny baked a celebration cake - delicious it was too. A huge Thanks to Penny for all her efforts on the evening.

This week we saw Peter Staples being put through his paces in our express referral in readiness for next weekend and the open water - Good luck to Peter - we are sure he is ready.

The private courses went really well and since I last wrote, we have also helped Caroline Herd complete the referral part of the PADI Open water course - well done to all concerned.

On Tuesday the 9th, we had our first Social club meeting of 2007, and around 40 people showed up to see in the New Year - nice to relax and have a drink with so many club members. Lots of interest in the Holidays for 2007 - as people start to think of warmer times to come. We have confirmed trips in March, June, August, November and now Xmas - we are jetting off to Kuredu to celebrate Xmas and New Year - prices from £1595 for 10 days - great way to miss all the issues surrounding Xmas.

On Wednesday- I had the pleasure of meeting over 30 people at Sun Systems in Farnborough - all stopped by at the Road Show we ran at their offices - thanks for the support and we look forward to helping them all with their diving needs

Thursday saw 18 instructors descend on the Dive Centre all keen to hear the new ideas for 2007 - and looking forward to teaching again this year - due to the great start we have made this year - with over 30 people signed up for courses - we were able to give all of them some work - then it was off to the Pub to again see in the New Year.

Saturday was really buzzing, with people signing up for our IDC course in March, Advanced in March and open water in Bracknell. The shop was also busy with people starting to get ready for their spring trips.

During the week we have been talking to various suppliers to get some information and samples for the party we are holding next week to celebrate our 1st Year in charge. Do drop in for a drink if you are passing - starts at 4pm and finishes around 10pm

We are back and ready to go - here at the Dive Centre we are looking forward to 2007, with courses starting in Bracknell, Farnborough, Slough and Amersham during January.

Do pop in and say Hi

The Club is hold it's first annual Jan sale with BCD's from only £50.00 and Reg sets from £60.00 - come in and grab a bargain. The club is also selling wetsuits, fins, Dry Suits and various other goodies.

John and Nick Beverley embark on their private one day referral on Friday - and this is closely followed by Norman Freeman and Richard Wilde on Saturday - all four have signed up to complete their course in Sunny Portsmouth on the 10th and 11th February.

We have just taken delivery of some new Divecrew branded items, including Slates and Mask straps - call in today. We have just launched a competition to win a Smart Com computer worth £515.00....

We are ready for the Party - with all elements coming together for the big event including props and decorations

Melanie Glover, had a successful day completing her private PADI Referral programme - Well Done

Aqualung invited us to see all the latest scuba products for 2007 - some great new BCD's and wetsuits from one of the leading brands - pop in to the Dive Centre in Jan to find out more or look in our new on-line shop

No pool sessions this week - but things are starting to fall into place for Jan 2007 - so we will be getting wet again very soon.

Marc Johnson embarks on his Private PADI scuba referral course on Friday with Penny - good luck to him

 We have been getting ready for the Christmas Party - with the food and huge amount of drink almost set.

We have been busy in the pool again this week, with Frank and Cheryl Harris completing the Private one day PADI referral. Congratulations to them both.

The rep from Tusa visited and showed us some of the new products for 2007 - some great new lines from Outdoors, Tusa and Waterproof    

Second of the Divecrew Road shows took place in NTL - Thanks to Vicki Tombs for the introduction

Bracknell pool  was busy this week, with our Delayed SMB course, Skill circuits for TDM's and also Try dives all taking place on Thursday - thanks to the Team for their efforts as always

To close the week, Melanie Glover will complete her one day private PADI referral course with Elliot.                          

Blazing Saddles

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