Club eNewsletter
No 1 March 2009
Dear Club Member
The Hyperbaric Times
Those of you who have been a club member for quite a few years will remember back to the days of the paper copy of the Hyperbaric Times which came out monthly and kept members informed of what was happening in the club. Then as more people had email the HT was sent out electronically to members, before eventually falling by the wayside as the club website and sporadic emails took over.
However, perhaps it is now time to have a more structured and regular correspondence with club member to notify them of things that are happening and to remind them to look on the website for more info.
So with this in mind welcome to issue 1 of the new eNewsletter. It is my aim to get one out by the weekend following each club night to summerise what you may have missed if you couldn’t make it on the night. A second, briefer, copy will then be sent out 2 weeks later, then it will be the one after the club night etc etc. Hopefully this will cut down the number of emails you receive from the committee promoting dives, social events and club nights.
I am sure that the format and content will evolve as I get feedback from you all so please do feed back any suggestions you may have for future issues.
Peter
Club Night March – The Thatchers Tavern
A record number of members new and old gathered at the latest of our trial venues, the Thatchers Tavern in Woodley for the Club's regular monthly Club Night. The Thatchers' function room provided the ideal location in light of the number of members present and the rather raucous competition between teams for the Quiz organized by Kevin and Lesley. Who did a fantastic job both in compiling the quiz, and in hosting the evening.
Teams of five (though some people obviously couldn't count as six participants were observed in some teams) competed in the Quiz which consisted of sections on Music, Films and geography amongst others.
Three teams won prizes of a bottle of wine, the winning team being 'Maltese Cross'.
The quiz was very well received and Kevin and Lesley have announced they are happy to organise similar events on a bi-monthly basis. In addition to the quiz, members enjoyed the opportunity to mix and to talk to the three Dive organizers to book forthcoming dives which are in the main well-subscribed.
Your beloved Club Treasurer (Me) formally announced the winners of the Photo Competition held last month at the Swan in Arborfield and awarded the winners' trophies.
Tim
New Club Venue
We are still taking votes on the website on where to relocate the club to as the Black Boy will no longer give us exclusive use of the room. Have you used you vote yet? Once you have voted it will reveal the results of votes cast so far. Give it a go.
Peter
Club Social - Jongleurs Saturday 14th March
Have you bought your ticket yet? They are still a few available to purchase on the club website under the members tab and in the section called "store" Just £12 for a great evening out.
Upcoming Dive Spaces
OW dives up to 31 May as follows:
25/26 April - Poole - 4 spaces Sat, 5 Spaces Sun
23/24 May - Portsmouth - 9 Spaces Sat, 10 Spaces Sun
More details on these, and all dives, can be found on the new look calendar on the club website
Bev
Upcoming Dive Spaces
AOW/AOW+ dives up to 31 May as follows:
2/4 May - Plymouth - 6 Spaces
Bryan
Discussion Forum
Despite there being over 130 club members very few regularly post messages on the club forum. This is a great place to ask questions, find diving buddies, share cars when driving to dive sites, ask for help, tease other members, post their indiscresions, find out about non-club dives and holidays post your favourite joke or generally have a say.
So if you have never posted on the forum go to:
http://www.thedivingclub.co.uk/Members/DiscussionForum.aspx
There you will see a section half way down called “The Club” and in it a section called “Club: General”
In there you will find a thread called “just saying hello for the first time”
Try posting a reply, don’t worry if you get it wrong because you can edit it using the edit button!
Give it a go, you'll grow to love it!
Peter
Well that's about it for the moment.
I'll update to you again in 2 weeks time.
Peter Wright
Chairman