Dave expressed some concern at what seems to be the increasing incidence of people not being fully committed but still putting their names on trip lists only to pull out either when deposits are asked for, or at the last minute. He stressed that organisers put a lot of effort into getting trips together, hard boats usually have to commit a substantial deposit, and that it's the trip organiser's own cash that is at risk. Pulling out means either they lose money or it gets more expensive for everyone else.

He also noted that some trips seem to be getting more difficult to fill, or at least are not filling as quickly as a few years ago. There are probably various reasons for this, including having so many other things to do, and that diving seems to be attracting more and more of those who prefer to dive mainly on holiday, only wanting nice, clear, warm waters.

Dave felt we should always remember how important safety is, and we should resist the temptation to brush problems aside with comments like 'it's not a problem' and 'don't worry'. Yes, Confidence building is part of the training, but that confidence mustn't be misplaced. He said that, while believing everyone should have the chance to dive, he did not feel that diving is for all. Underwater is not our natural environment.

He pointed out that the Club has spent over £1,800 on training materials and pool and open-water equipment in the year (plus a further £300 in September/October), proving we are taking diver training seriously. He stressed however that we are a diving club, not, and he hoped never will be, purely a diver training club.

After noting that the Club continues to be on a firm financial footing, Dave commented that some members have expressed concern that the Treasurer and he tend to first look at the financial implications of anything that is proposed. He made no apologies for this and pointed out that all the Committee have an obligation to run the Club's financial affairs in a sound and prudent manner. It's not the only thing we need to consider, but it is a very important one. He wanted to make everything as cheap as possible, but the days of easy to come by grants have gone. You can't spend the money if you haven't got it!

Dave was disappointed that the numbers for the annual dinner were slightly down again and that in 1998 we had less than one-third of the membership attending.. He felt that we were fast reaching the stage where we seriously need to ask whether the dinner is really worth the effort, and urged members to support the 1999 event.

He had a feeling that the Club should be doing more on the social side, and asked members if they wanted more events - and if so, are they willing to organise, or at least help organise, them?

Dave proposed establishing a Finance Sub-committee, to completely review the financing of the Club, looking at all income and expenditure and recommending how the Club's activities should be financed, whether we should ring fence certain items, what level of fees should be set etc. Linked in with this is BS-AC's membership review and how we take on board (or pass on) the various changes and increases. He did announce however that fees for new members and the Club Diver course would be reduced with immediate effect.

Looking ahead he noted that BS-AC are reviewing the Dive Leader and Advanced Diver grades, plus the training and instructor courses, all of which will involve us in more change.

The proposals for this are now out. See your January Diver or a Committee member for details.

Dave announce that he had registered for the Reader Focus Meetings, to be held in advance of the launch. He also said that if enough members are interested in continuing to get Diver, we'll look at bulk buying at a discount through the Club.

Dave said that we need to continue to keep a close eye on this, and look at how Stoney's new access arrangements affect us.

He next announced that he wanted to take another look at how best to manage the maintenance of the RIB, and to review the RIB equipment. Finally on the equipment front, following our many purchases this year, we need to look at what pool and open water kit we might want to dispose of.

Dave concluded by saying he would like members to stop knocking PADI at every opportunity, something he had recently heard of some members doing publicly. He had also heard of people having a go at BS-AC. Whilst we know they are not perfect, he said that constant carping won't help. He noted that we've all sat around in the past and moaned that they don't compete with PADI and other training organisations, but when they do we all moan at them for trying to change.

This doesn't mean we can't all have a laugh. See 'fizz, fizz, crack', and you'll see what I mean!

As usual, Dave was followed by John Cooper's final report as DO.

As usual, John briefly ran through the year's diving and training activity, reporting another successful year with no incidents. It was also nice to note that a number of new trip organisers are starting to come forward.

On the training front it had been a year of change, with Club Diver arriving, and the subsequent changes to Sports Diver. This has put quite a load on John Fletcher as Training Officer and all the instructors. The fact that we have done more than simply cope, says a great deal about the Club and its members.

John is standing down after his second spell, and several years in the post. I'm sure we would all like to thank him for all his work, although, as Dave said, maybe he can now organise, and go on, some trips!!

Matt, also giving his last report before standing down, looked back on another successful year. The surplus for the year was lower than in the previous couple of years, due almost entirely to the equipment and materials expenditure for Club Diver.

Many branches have struggled to cope with the expenditure needed to make Club Diver work. Thanks to the excellent financial management of our branch, we have not had to worry.

Copies of the 1997-98 accounts are available from new Treasurer, Andy Bullard, on request.

All posts on the new Committee were elected unopposed. A list of the new Committee members is on page 1.

This constitutional change, proposed by the Committee, was passed. It has the effect of creating a 'social and swimming membership', allowing former diving members who no longer wish to dive, or who wish to take a break from diving, to remain associated with the Club.

Associate members may not take part in diving activities and may or may not hold the appropriate BS-AC membership.

A FEW FIGURES FROM THE 1998 INCIDENT REPORT

(All figures cover the 12 months October 1997 to September 1998)

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