Found 16 results matching search criteria from 217 reports.

Treasure Quest

A chilly Sunday in February 2010 and listeners to Three Counties "Treasure Quest" were greeted by a challenge. "Catch a bus with Chris and Brooke, down to the depths for your next Clue" Eventually, after a number of false starts, Jenny and the Radio Car were guided to the Blue Lagoon. To their relief, the next clue was not actually IN the water (which had ice on it...). After chatting to a few of the divers live on air and finding a little about MKSAC and the Lagoon, the Radio Car drove off in the direction of Bow Brickhill in pursuit of the next clue.

National Geographic Society

An evening of free lectures at the Royal Geographic Society in London, organised by The London Dive Chamber. Trever Norton spoke of marine biology in Southern Ireland, Monty Halls on his recent TV Series in the Shetlands and Danny Crates on diving with only one arm (and, as an aside, collecting a gold medal at the Bejing Olympics). The speakers were introduced by Dr Jules Eden.

2010 AGM

Last Sunday in January and, as is traditional, the MKSAC AGM. The usual admin was followed by presentations for various diving grades, an award to Chris for her long service on the Committee and, the highlight of the day, the Wally Award.

The prestigious award was claimed by Mike for not only wearing his computer UNDER his drysuit sleeve but accusing everyone on the boat of hiding it!

Underwater Photography

Mid January 2010 and the return of Peter Tatton at the Invitation of New City Photographic Society. Peter promised all new material since his last visit in 2007 and, sure enough, his photographs covered the Red Sea to Norway and fifty metre rebreather dives to sharks in wading depth. The quality of Peters photographs also showed why his work was used from postage stamps to magazine covers.

Photo Competition

In 2009, MKSAC introduced a Photo Competition to encourage members to dive and take photographs. Four catagories were open, `Wreck`, `Scenic`, `Wildlife` and `Topside` with a further award for best overall photograph. Judging was by an independent photographer from the New City Photographic Society. Congratulations to Mike (twice), Paul and Sonia for winning the individual catagories and to Sonia for taking away the overall winner.

Ice Dive

Early January 2010 and, for the first time in twelve years the Blue Lagoon freezes over. A hardy group explored under the ice.

Note - suitable techniques and equipment for diving with no clear surface were employed - don't try this at home!

Blue Lagoon Winter BBQ

Late December 2009 and a festive dive and barbecue in the snow. Quick dip in the lake followed by burgers, sausages, Christmas Cake and Allies famous mulled Wine. The morning finished with a raffle.

A Stoney Christmas

Late December 2009 and a trip up the A5 to Stoney Cove for a dive and Christmas Dinner. The Cove was pleasantly quiet, visibility was good and the water warmer than the air (it's slightly disconcerting to get hold ofthe handrail and have your glove freeze to it).

After the diving, retire to the restaurant to warm up.

Tree Trimming

Following a successful river clearance earlier in the year, the local Council asked if we could have a go at trimming some of the trees back so their branches did not collect rubbish. A swift evaluation was done and it was decided that this was an excellent opportunity to make use of the Club’s smaller craft, "Spare RIB".

And so, on a chilly Saturday morning in December 2009, seven members first inflated Spare RIB and then loaded an array of saw’s, trimmers and pruners (the irony of loading so many sharp objects into an inflatable boat was not lost on the onlookers). Three short hours later a large pile of logs and branches on the bank paid testimony to the work done and the river looked much brighter.

Christmas Dinner Dance

December 2009 and a new venue; the Swan Revived in Newport Pagnell. 54 Members and guests sat down to a fine three course meal, then the diving stories continued into the wee small hours...

Chepstow

Early November 2009 and once again we seem to have upset the Weather Gods. Our planned RIB trip (and Night Dive) to Littlehampton was abandoned in the face of Force 9 Southerlies and our attention turned once again to Chepstow.

The weather in the car park was not much better than that promised for the coast but the visibility (and water temperature) were better than expected. Plus, of course, the bonus of a canvas shelter as we consumed hot food and drinks between dives.

River Rinse

Mid October 2009 and once again a trek (in drysuits) along our local river to collect rubbish and litter. The first item we found was black, circular and twelve inches across. Could this be a record?

Also recovered were numerous bottles, cans and crisp packets along with the obligatory road cones, car tyres and the odd tree stump.

Stoney Cove

Early October 2009 and a quick trip up the A5 to Stoney Cove to view their latest wreck; the "Defiant". Viz was almost universally awful; the exception (for some reason) being around Defiant.

Blue Lagoon BBQ 2009

The last Wednesday in September 2009 and, as is traditional, a night dive and barbecue. A quick bubble (where the Perch and Crayfish were more playful than ever) was followed by burgers, sausages, steak and beer as divers chatted about diving and generally put the world to rights.

Swanage

Late September 2009 and (possibly) the last sea dive of the year, a weekend in Swanage. Wrecks included the Kyarra (along with 12 other dive boats...) and the Betsy Anna while Sunday was nicley rounded off by a scenic dive on Peveril Ledges. Sea Life included Crabs, Lobster, Nudibranch, lots of Tom Pot Blennies and a few Shrimp.

Dragon Boat Cover 2009

Mid September 2009 and the Club were asked to provide safety boat cover for the local Secklow Hundred Club as they hosted a national league Dragon Boat Competition. 36 races occurred without incident (apart from rescuing a Golden Retriever determined to "retrieve" the finish marker...)

After the Dragon Boats were clear of the water, "Redbreast" took the opportunity to conduct a time trial completing the 500m course in just under 33 seconds....