A Busy Weekend of Training

It was a really busy weekend. Unfortunately the weather meant that it was one of those rare occasions when we could not get the boat out in Portland. So instead we went to Vobster which was not too bad. Still a bit chilly at around 6 - 7 degrees but the viz was really good and everyone had a great time. Many congratulations to all the students who completed courses with us this weekend and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

As well as that we want to say well done to the elusive Owen Flowers who recently passed his DM course. It is a course that takes effort and determination so very well done. Owen celebrated in the usual style which included a couple of beers in the local - and as the image shows, the careful application of dive stamps? I have no idea before you ask.

Happy Birthday Rick

Just wanted to say, very happy birthday to Rick Astley, also known as Ian Brown, last week. We somehow forgot to publish a blog, but that might have had something to do with the fact that the celebrations on the day were held in Portland. Last night we held a surprise party for him in Sopranos (recommend it if you have never been) and thanks to everyone who came along to help him get over the shock of being 40. To find out more about how Ian has coped at this time of midlife crisis, why not join the facebook group, "How to help Ian Brown come to terms with turning 40". Any comments you wish to add feel free. Never gonna give you up, never gonna say good bye ......

Spinnaker Tower Function a Soaring Success

Excuse the random use of "height" metaphors, but it really was something quite special. The maximum number that the tower could accommodate was 120 and that is how many enjoyed a great evening of entertainment in this iconic venue. It started with champange in the reception area where a slide show of some of the funniest and most memorable moments over the past 12 months or more was projected on to the wall. Up the lift to the view decks there was a bar, canapes and a casino which went on through the evening. As the guests were treated to a clear evening and lovely sunset, the cameras were out in force. Sue had a lesson in gambling off the croupier - after placing equal bets on both red and black on the roulette table. And as the lights came on the view got even better. Downstairs in the cafe bar, there was plenty of food and the disco went on until 1.00 in the morning. Quite a few good photos from the event, including some "before and after" shots of Ian! Click here to go to the gallery.

Gazza Gets Cow and Lamby Gets Wet

DM and June IDC Candidate Gary has been on an interesting diet recently. He is getting himself fit and ready for instructor training and we support him completely. However last night at Ian's little BBQ he allowed himself a special treat with a HUGE T-bone steak. Oh and a couple of cans of diet Grolsch. We didn't know that you could buy that - reckon the brewers could be on to a winner!

The other special events of the evening were some hearty congratulations to Lamby and Megan on qualifying as Divemasters. Lamby was very excited by the whole thing and could hardly contain himself - as the photograph clearly shows. mmm nice! But he does get quite emotional. Remember when he fainted after a nasty paper cut on his finger.

Easter gets underway

Plenty of you are obviously planning on going diving over the Easter break as the dive centre was "chokka". We have just about got through the backlog of servicing we had so are back up to a 5 day turn around now for regulator and BCD servicing if you want to bring it in. Well done to all the students who completed courses with us at the weekend (picture shows the Drysuit Course)