John Heatly reports on some of the misdeeds of 2004

In the end 11 of us made the trip to Westbay near Lyme Regis for a weekend’s diving in June organised by Dave in inimitable style. The group included Paul and Lydia who weren’t diving but came along for the Craic.

We were blessed with some superb weather, the kind that actually makes UK diving a pleasure – and Westbay is a picture-perfect fishing village of a base from which to dive. There is actually some excellent eating in the village as well as the 1001 chippies (the signature of British seaside towns) but unfortunately they are so popular you have to book well in advance; a note for next time.

Huntress11, our dive boat is one of the best on the coast; comfortable, lots of room to kit up, a flying bridge on which to sunbathe and that marvellous hoist that saved our twin-tank posers Simon and Nick from aggravating their hernias. Ian, the skipper, is friendly and knowledgeable – and the teas and coffees kept on coming.

The first dive was on a fairly shallow wreck, the Bay Gitano in around 22 metres. Shallow to allow the “lots of new kit” and “first UK dive of the season” merchants to acclimatise. Very broken but a surprisingly good dive with an enormous amount of life – shoals of pollack and bib, several wrasses and a few lobsters. The second dive was a standard UK second dive – a shallow “drift” over what were billed as “canyons” and probably were to a smurf. But Steve, of course, pronounced it “excellent, much better than the first dive.” A minority vote.

The Pomeranian early on day 2, a good, big wreck in good visibility. Some of the biggest Congers most people had ever seen together with large lobsters and some mean looking Crabs. A proper wreck with some proper life. And then the Bay Gitano which was judged as good as before. And time for some serious sunbathing on the way back before embarking on the trip home in good time.

Altogether a lovely weekend, well supported by Club members and thoroughly enjoyed by all. The accommodation was an interesting lottery with Martin and Jane swanking it up in a proper hotel, Dave (of course), Steve, Paul and Nick in the best B&B the town had to offer (lovely showers I was told gleefully), Malcolm and Simon in another good B&B but Carol and Lydia having to share a bed in the grottiest B&B this side of Blackpool (who said sexism was dead? But then they are Pink Ladies.)

And guess where the Chairman was put…. And Steve and Paul originally being booked to share the double bed is a story for another day…..

A good time had by all. Good diving, good Craic, sunshine and good company – and no helicopters. Now for the next one.