BSAC Clubs in Cornwall

[Anthony Vose]

I have recently moved to Cornwall with my finacee. We are both divers, myself - PADI Rescue Diver (wanting to transfer to BSAC) and Catherine - PADI Advanced OW and BSAC (part way through Diver Leader qualification). We are both keen on diving in the South West and taking our diving onto hopefully become instructors.

Since moving to Cornwall, we have tried contacting a few clubs in our area - St. Austell/Truro. Our biggest shock has been that St. Austell - Mid Cornwall Divers, shut there doors to new members 6 years since - as they didnt want new members to spoil there diving!!! I have also found out that they have got equipment funded by the Sports Council and it is still in as good a state now, as it was when they bought it - how many times has it been used??

Anyway, we are looking to join a club - does anyone know of anywhere in this part of the country that would be willing to let 2 divers join??

If that is a big NO - how do we go about setting up our own club??

Thanks

Anthony

[Helen Butcher]

I moved to Cornwall 8 months ago, but had completely the opposite experience - i'm really sorry you've had a hard time finding a club.
I have just completed my ocean diver course(today) with Peninsula sub aqua club(BSAC), who have bent over backwards to make me feel welcome and fit in training sessions around my ridiculous work rota (i am a vet and am on duty 1 in 2 weekdays and 1 in 2 weekends). They are extremely friendly and have welcomed more than one PADI conversion since i joined the club. They have a strong training ethic, which was something i struggled to find in quite a few clubs locally as a lot of them are unwilling to take on complete novices, although most of them would have been happy to take me on if i had had any kit or training.
I'm not sure if you want to travel as far as us, but you would be very welcome. The club is based in Redruth, with regular friday night pool sessions at Redruth school, and diving on a Sunday, usually from our club RIB "Wild Thing". I would have to warn you we are all slightly mad, but if you can put up with a work hard play hard philosophy, you'd enjoy it. Email me if you fancy coming down for club night to meet a few people either at the pool or in the pub afterwards (we have both a healthy diving life and social life!).
You can find the Club website via BSAC, and contact details, but I can put you in contact with a committee member if you like.