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Tributes paid to former BSAC Chairman and pioneering diving author, Kendall McDonald

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BSAC

Former BSAC Chairman and journalist Kendall McDonald has sadly passed away aged 87 following a long illness.

Kendall 3Kendall, a prolific and renowned author who penned several key diving and wreck books as well as writing for BSAC’s magazines, including Neptune and Diver, where he worked as their Wreck Consultant. It was thought that he was the famous Beachcomber in Diver Magazine but never proved.

A founding member of Bromley SAC, Kendall learnt to dive in the early 1950s and served as BSAC Chairman between 1975 and 1977 before being awarded honorary life vice presidency. He also played a key role in organising the second World Congress of Underwater Activities in London in 1963.

A former managing editor of the London Evening News, Kendall was a passionate exponent of branch promotion, working as BSAC’s Press Officer and encouraging BSAC clubs in their own promotion of UK diving. He regularly promoted diving in the national Press, writing and presenting Britain’s first TV series about diving and was one of the first journalists to dive on the wreck of the Mary Rose in Hampshire’s Solent.

Kendall McDonaldKendall also edited the first BSAC book – The Underwater Book – featuring BSAC divers’ stories, including accounts from Alexander McKee and his successful search for the Mary Rose and Derek Cockbill on the salvaging of the Maine.

In 2009 Kendall was awarded BSAC’s Colin McLeod Award for his significant contribution to diving publications. In the same year he was elected into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame.

Over the years Kendall amassed a significant collection of diving books and publications, many of them now rare items. In 2013 he donated his collection to the British Sub-Aqua Club, where they have pride of place in BSAC HQ in the Kendall McDonald Library.

BSAC’s Chief Executive, Mary Tetley, paid tribute to the former BSAC Chairman.

“I worked with Kendall when we were on Diver Magazine together. He was an amazing storyteller and an awesome larger than life character and I would listen to him for hours. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to his family – Kendall was one of our pioneering divers and wreck authors and he will be sorely missed.”

Kendall McDonald’s funeral will be held at All Saints Church, Thurlestone on Friday 24 January at 3pm. Instead of flowers there will be a collection on behalf of Cancer Research, Devon Air Ambulance and the MS Society.

For more details please email maryt@bsac.com.

Marine Life & Conservation

Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction

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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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Gear News

Introducing the RS Series Drysuit from DYNAMICNORD

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drysuit

Cozy and warm in cold water.

It’s drysuit season all year round. With the new RS series premium drysuits from DYNAMICNORD, divers are perfectly equipped for all cold waters.

The sophisticated cut of the RS drysuits allows complete freedom of movement, providing maximum comfort. The high-quality 350 g/m² ripstop material with double ripstop zones on the elbows, knees, and crotch protect ensures extreme robustness as well as long life.

drysuit drysuit

The suit’s features leave nothing to be desired: A high-quality TiZip zipper, easily adjustable inlet and outlet valves, upgradeable with electrically heated underwear, HP bottleneck cuffs made of high-strength latex on the wrists, a 3mm neoprene neck cuff for maximum comfort, a 7mm hood with air outlet and 3mm boots made of double-sided, cross-layered neoprene with ankle straps and fin strap stoppers and a protective but very flexible sole.

drysuit

Noteworthy is the Molle fastening system, which can be used in a variable and compatible manner. This way, the two detachable leg pockets can be attached easily, safely and comfortably.

Alterations of boots to a different shoe size or adjustments to neck or wrist cuffs are done free of charge at the own DYNAMICNORD service centre in Germany in only a couple of days.

The matching Dynaskins made with high-quality Polartec® technology are available in various designs. As an undersuit under the drysuit, as a single suit in warm waters or as a two-piece suit. Polartec® technology’s main features are neutral buoyancy, breathablilty and quick-drying.

drysuit

Dynaskins are made largely from recycled plastic bottles.

The drysuit RS-351 for men and RS-352 for women are now available at your DYNAMICNORD dealer and in the online store.

Colors men and women: Black-Blue and Black-Burgundy

Sizes men: XS-4XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, MLS, MLT, LS, LT, XLS, XLT, 2XLS, 3XLS, 4XLS

Sizes Women: XS-XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, LS, XLS

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

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