Archive News first sent - Wednesday 5th February 2003

Hi everybody,
Great night last Friday at our annual Launch Party which went on till early into Saturday as well! The turn out at the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club was very good with lots of new faces mixing with the established enthusiasts. We had a look back over 2002 with the aid of a very high-tech and colourful presentation by Willie. Wonderful video excerpts from foreign holidays courtesy of John McCabe, certainly whets your appetite for tropical shark filled waters. (Thanks John)

Our Programme for 2003 got a good airing and glad to say that there is a very encouraging level of interest in the "Great Maldivian Escape" planned for November this year. The Oceandivers Association official Launch also happened with the first 28 members signing up on the night. If you didn't join there is an application form with the benefits listed attached as a word document. Complete this and return to register as a member. The Association will be driven by the recently appointed "Crew", Kathy Brickell, Mary Daly, Brendan Divine and John McCabe. You can look foreword to lots of fun and social events with your Association Buddies.

OVERSEAS NEWS
We regularly get emails from Gerry and Etienne, who's faces appeared
in full Technicolor on the 8ft. screen last Saturday night!

Here is a the latest from Gerry.

CAYMAN DIARY - Chapter 1
"The first thing that you notice is the chickens, they're everywhere.Chickens, everywhere. A good scattering of cocks also. All about the island they roam or perhaps peck their way. Nobody owns them they just peck and declare false dawns all day. In cafes downtown they gather in large extended family groups and lay siege to your lunch, such things don't happen on main thoroughfares at home.The second thing to sink in is island time, there is just no rush, none. Things move very slowly, people get the most out of everything. Try getting your drivers licence transferred to a Camanian one and meet island time head on, it will happen but you won't get your shopping done! A week or two into the island and you get into it, your limbs loosen, your speech slows, you lose peripheral vision and find the ability to take to your tasks slowly and deliberately. Before you know it your on island time. They should bottle it and export it, the white house should be sent the first batch!
gerrymc go n-eiri leat.

"DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
Club night: Wed 12th Feb. Bowling and Beers at Stillorgan Bowel Meet 9pm.
EFR Crossover: Sat 15th Feb Instructors and Divemasters

Holiday Interest: Sardinia and Maldives.
We are starting a savings scheme for both these trips. If you would
like to get started now, send us your details today.

Look forward to seeing you all soon
Brian Murphy 087 2378471 Willie Siddall 087 6885466