News
BSAC’s National Diving Officer welcomes her new team on board
BSAC’s new National Diving Officer Sophie Heptonstall has announced the team that will help her drive forward BSAC’s diver training over the next three years.
The National Diving Committee (NDC) is made up of highly experienced volunteers from within BSAC, bringing specialist knowledge and expertise to support the National Diving Officer in their responsibilities for all diving and training within BSAC.
Their collective remit covers the complete range of BSAC activity, from snorkel, diver and instructor training through to support for branches, centres and coaching.
Sophie took over the NDO role at the BSAC AGM back in May. Alongside Sophie, the National Diving Committee Steering Group will now comprise of Sarah Jepson (Diving Activities group lead), David Wakelam (Instructor Training group lead), Mike Rowley (Technical Group lead), Janos Suto (Council Advisor) and Mary Tetley (HQ Advisor).
Each group leader has welcomed its new 2015 team. Full details on the new BSAC National Diving Committee 2015 and their roles can be found here.
Speaking of her new team, Sophie said she was delighted to be able to retain many of the previous NDC members as well as bring in some new faces into the fold.
“My thanks go out to former members of NDC for their significant contribution, on which we will continue to build and grow. These are exciting times for BSAC’s strategic development and I am confident that the National Diving Committee will be able to rise to the opportunities – and challenges ahead.”
Can you help?
As well as the newly appointed National Diving Committee members, BSAC is also looking for volunteers with specific skills and work experience to assist on NDC projects. In particular, NDC are currently looking for someone with archaeological experience to get involved with BSAC’s Underwater Heritage group.
For more information – on the Underwater Heritage Group or other ways to get involved – email natdo@bsac.com.
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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