On the 29 November 2003, 4 members of our branch travelled to Dive Officers Conference at London to receive the Heinke Trophy.  It was an amazing day, George Brookes the senior adjudicator of the award talked at length about the quality of the branch submission and why it was a clear winner (see below).  In the 50th year of the BSAC, George was pleased to note the founding principle of the club were still relevant and strong today.

• Well-applied consultation with members by a comprehensive questionnaire

• Several members contributed to entry. Pen pictures of branch committee

• Commendable low £50 subscription, free use of branch equipment

• Good arrangements for cross-over courses and many other courses

• Notable achievement of First Class Diver qualification

• Sound safety choice of 2 engines on the RIBs

• Accounts of over 1200 dives: inland, sea, and varied expeditions abroad

• Extensive social and publicity events.

(Left to right) George Brookes presenting the award to Mark Knox and Mark Blewitt

Members with the award (Left to right) Roxanne Jackson, Mark Blewitt, Mark Knox and Anne Dixon.