News
Duttons Divers expands
Duttons Divers have some exciting news to share! If their new Scuba Escape venture was not enough, they have also just announced their expansion into another dive centre!
In addition to Vivian Quarry, Duttons will now also be operating from Hafan Marina in Pwllheli. The expansion further down the North Wales coast will allow them to offer more guided shore and boat dives, at different locations, as well as enhance their facilities. Their dive boat ‘Little Viv’ will be based on the marina, making it even easier for divers to park right next to the boat …now with their own car park. Once the boat comes back to shore, divers have a short walk to the dive centre for showers, refreshments and any air fills that you may want.
Not only will the centre improve their shore and boat dive capability, but also training too. The centre offers a large classroom area, perfect for all levels of training, and where the Instructor Development Courses will now take place. The back area is fitted with a 21ft freestanding heated pool for training too!
To further enhance the centre, a dive shop will be located on the first floor, offering a range of equipment, specialising in the Apeks and Aqualung range.
We spoke with PADI Course Director Clare, who says: “It seems like a lot has happened since I decided to start freelancing from the back of a trailer at the age of 18! Never did I imagine that the business would grow to this extent, first with Vivian and a dive boat, now to another huge dive centre with even more exciting new prospects.
“We have worked hard to make sure that Duttons Divers as a centre can offer everything… and I believe that the new Hafan Marina centre is a great addition to the quarry. It now means that we have access to our own classroom, shop, pool, quarry, boat and shore dive vehicles for your dives… which is pretty cool!”
The dive centre is set to open mid-April; keep an eye on their social media channels for regular updates and visit their website at www.duttonsdivers.com.
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
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.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
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.
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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