Latest Meeting Minutes – 17/02/2009
Posted by Doug_Young on March 1st, 2009
GLUG Post Try-Dive Meeting – Tuesday 17th February, 2009 at Retro
Minutes:
Present (in alphabetical order):
Brian (Vice Chair); Caroline (Publicity); Corinne (UK Dive Co-ordinator); Doug (Chair); Francis (Try Dive Helper); Ian C (Treasurer); Ian F (Training Co-ordinator); Mark (Webmaster); Martin S (Try Dive Helper); Sylvie (Member)
Apologies:
Martin J (Member); Ross (Try Dive Helper)
1. Try Dive Report/Suggestions
Everyone who attended had a great time – both the Try Divers and the Organisers/Helpers.
Caroline and Doug reported that there were two main problems on the day:
Firstly, with everyone arriving at once – and earlier than anticipated – the task of signing in/checking forms was, to say the least, a nightmare. Some of the Try Divers had partially completed forms whilst some had none at all. It was decided that for future evens such as this there would be no forms sent to participants in advance – each person would be asked to fill in one of the green PADI Student Folders on arrival – that way it would be much easier to check that everything had been filled in and correctly signed. The only additional form that would need to be filled in would be the GLUG Membership form. Again – if this was given out with the PADI folders we could easily check that everyone had filled one in. It was further decided that, due to the nature of the PADI Medical Questionnaire, a copy, together with its accompanying back up would be posted on the website so that potential Try Divers would be able to bring up any concerns that they may have when booking.
Corinne said that she felt that the pool was too crowded – a sentiment shared by others from the day. There is the possibility of using a private pool in Streatham in the future, which is being looked into.
Considering the low level of initial booking – the final number of Try Divers (as well as those people who were unable to book due to the restriction of numbers), made this a very successful event!
As a follow-up to the Try Dive, Ian F will be running a PADI Open Water Course – Theory and Pool Sessions – over the weekend of 18-19 April, with the possibility of the Open Water section of the course being carried out in Tenerife the following (long) weekend. He will liaise with Martin J (not present at the meeting) regarding the referral course with Tenerife Dive. This would be an ideal opportunity for new GLUG Members to train together, and also benefit from the warmer climate of the Canaries. We would also hope that at least two GLUG Committee Members, or Try Dive Helpers would be able to attend this trip, to keep the GLUG presence at the forefront.
Further Try Dive dates were discussed, with the first being shared with Ian F’s OWD Course on Sat 18 April – once again followed by a social event at the Kasbar in Clapham. It is also planned to source a pool in the Brighton area to be used as a Try Dive venue following “Brighton Pride” – Brian will look into this.
Caroline has e-mailed all the Try-Divers thanking them for their support and letting them know that we will be following up the Try Dive with courses.
2. Facebook
Caroline reported that not too many GLUGgers had joined the Faceook page – she will “invite” as many members as she can to do so.
3. LIDS / Group Discounts / Membership Cards
The number of members wanting tickets for LIDS has grown to nearly 20 – Doug will liaise with Ian C as to whether GLUG or Doug will purchase the tickets, and how to get the money back from those who have ordered tickets. There have been a couple of suggestions as to the venue for the post LIDS meal – hopefully there will be a few more which can then be put to a vote.
Caroline will e-mail as many LIDS exhibitors as possible asking whether they would be prepared to offer a discount if kit bought by a GLUG member. We already get 10% from one or two exhibitors – a list will be made available.
If we are able to get discounts, it was suggested that we once again introduce “GLUG Membership Cards”. With this in mind, it was further suggested that we create some sort of “Welcome Pack” that can be sent to new members.
4. Meeting Venue
Due to the problems we had at the last meeting at Halfway II Heaven, it was agreed that we would openly ask Retro if they would be prepared to allow us to take over a portion of their upstairs bar for our monthly meetings. Doug spoke to Leslie (Manager) who would be happy for us to do so. We decided that due to the fact that publicity has gone out stating that we meet at HIIH, we would hold the March 3rd meeting as usual and re-assess the situation.
5. Social Events
It was suggested that GLUG be more “Social” in the coming months, with ideas of a Comedy Club visit, ten-pin bowling, etc. These will be looked into. Whilst not strictly diving (in its “wet” sense), a repeat of a Dry Dive was suggested at the London Diving Chamber – Doug will look into this. Francis brought up the fact that the International Choral Event will take place on the South Bank during the first weekend of May – it would be nice for a few of us to go along.
Date Of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 3rd March at Halfway II Heaven at 7.30 (Committee Meeting will start at 7.00 – all welcome to attend).
The theme (!) for the next meeting will be “PINK” – come on – you must have something pink you could wear!
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