News
UK based Trust and Dive School reveal 2014 Georgia Williams Diving Scholar
The 2014 Georgia Williams Diving Scholar has been revealed by The Georgia Williams Trust and Immerse School of Diving.
The scholar was named at a presentation evening hosted at the Telford Whitehouse Hotel last week after a campaign to find a very special young person from the Telford, Shropshire area in the UK.
Lois Adams, aged 15 and from the Abraham Darby School, was awarded the 2014 Georgia Williams Diving Scholarship after a gruelling application process that demonstrated her genuine enthusiasm for learning to dive and to discover more about the underwater World.
Lois shone through her well written and thoughtful application; her responses during lightning round interviews with Richard Langton of the Trust, Georgia’s Dad Steve Williams, and Jo Flack from Immerse School of Diving; and her enthusiasm during a PADI Discover Scuba Diving try dive with Peter Vickers of Immerse School of Diving where along with the other shortlisted applicants she tried scuba diving for the very first time.
As the 2014 Georgia Williams Diving Scholar, Lois will have the chance to pursue an interest in the underwater World, and in turn to enable other young people to have access to scuba diving activities. Lois will learn to become a fully qualified scuba diver and will train to attain PADI Master Scuba Diver rating – the highest non-professional scuba diving qualification with the World’s most recognised diving agency, with Immerse School of Diving in Telford. In addition, Lois will experience a range of scuba diving experiences tailored to her keen interest in biology, and will have a chance to meet some of the leading names within the scuba diving industry. Lois will also fulfil an advocacy role for the Trust, and will be responsible for raising awareness of the work of the Trust and its aims amongst young people in the Borough.
“I feel extremely privileged to have become The Georgia Williams Immerse Diving Scholar for 2014, especially since the other candidates were so inspirational. It has also been an honour to have met members of Immerse School of Diving, The Georgia Williams Trust and especially Steve and Lynette Williams, who are giving young people an opportunity to follow their dreams. I realise that this next year is going to be extremely hard work, but I am ready for the challenge!” says Lois Adams.
But in a surprise moment, Richard Langton of the Trust also announced that the two runners-up in this year’s Scholarship selection would also follow their dreams, and would also become PADI scuba divers with Immerse School of Diving.
Through the application process Chloe Forrester, 15 of Wrockwardine Wood School, demonstrated a keen interest in learning to scuba dive for the spirit of adventure which is encompassed in the hobby, but also to pursue a love of history by visiting underwater heritage. George Ellison, 11, of Thomas Telford School wowed the judging panel with maturity beyond his years, his love of the water and his interest in pursuing a career as a marine biologist.
Both runners up will undertake their PADI Open Water course alongside the Scholar with Immerse School of Diving, and funded by the Trust. Upon completion, both Chloe and George will be able to continue to scuba dive, just as they’d hoped when applying for the Scholarship.
George Ellison said “Firstly, I would like to congratulate Lois. But I don’t feel that I have lost out and am very excited to be undertaking the PADI open water course. This course will set me well on the road to pursuing my interest in marine biology. I am pleased that I will be taking part in this alongside Chloe and Lois and together we are able to raise awareness and funds for The Georgia Williams Trust”.
The annual Scholarship is jointly funded by The Georgia Williams Trust and Immerse School of Diving. The Georgia Williams Diving Scholarship is also supported by well-known BBC television presenter Monty Halls.
Tony Flack, Owner and Instructor, Immerse School of Diving, said: “We set a very high bar for the Scholarship with the aim of finding one truly exceptional young person who would live up to the visions and values of the Georgia Williams Trust. To say we were blown away by the standard of applications received is an understatement. To find not one but three amazing and passionate young people, who will all now have a chance to become scuba divers, was more than anyone involved in the Scholarship had ever hoped. It stands as testament to the young people we have in Telford & Wrekin. And especially for the selected Scholar, Lois Adams, this represents a life changing opportunity and the start of a wonderful lifelong underwater adventure”.
Source: www.shropshirelive.com
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Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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