December the 7th 2002 was a day I was extremely looking forward to.  It was the day of my very first Bishop Auckland Sub Aqua Club Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony, held every December, for members of the club and their partners.  It is a chance for people to get dressed up in dinner suits and party dresses and basically push the boat out, so to speak.  So, being my first one and not wanting to disappoint, I was determined to look my best and make it special (as if a girl needs an excuse to pamper herself and dress up!), so I started my day with a trip to the local gym and sauna.  This was closely followed by a trip to the hairdressers and then the beauty salon to get my nails done.  I had already picked out my dress (after much trying on of outfits, which seemed to last the whole fortnight beforehand!) so at about 6.45pm, after a hot bubble bath, application of make-up, finishing touches to my freshly cut hair and on with the dress, I was ready to go. 

People started to arrive at our club house at about 7pm and took their places at the tables by 7.30pm. Dinner was served at approximately 8.00pm and consisted of a starter, a main course of turkey and stuffing, omelettes for any vegetarians, followed by Christmas pudding and finished with a coffee and the obligatory after dinner mint! 

After everyone had finished their meals, it was time for the awards ceremony to begin. Andy Anderson, our chairman first introduced one of our members Dr.Foulds who made a very moving speech about what Bishop Auckland Sub Aqua Club means to him, which set the mood for the evening rather nicely.  Ken Simpson, our Training Officer, then took to the floor to present the awards.  

The first award of the evening was awarded to the Student of the Year. This award is presented every year to the trainee who has ‘achieved a high level of practical and academic success while receiving their training’.  As can be imagined, I was extremely surprised and delighted when I heard my name called out and I was then presented with the trophy!  This came as a total surprise, which made my night extra special and one that I will never forget.  Many thanks must go to Peter Elliot, Ken Simpson, Mark Blewitt and company for their constant support, intelligence, guidance and above all patience.  Their tireless commitment, passion and enthusiasm has made diving one of the great loves of my life and it will be a privilege, if one day, I can do the same for the club and our next generation of trainees.  The next award was presented to the Diver of the Year, it is awarded for ‘demonstrating high ability and skills to plan and perform dives of different types over the year’ and this honour went to Neil Taylor who had achieved the qualification of First Class Diver.  The final award was the Norman Wright Trophy, it is presented to the ‘member who has demonstrated and achieved sustained success and has contributed to the welfare of the club’ this year Dave Metcalf was the recipient.

After the award ceremony came to a close, the disco started and we all danced the night away until about 12.00am, when people started to leave for home.  The funds raised were £204 which have been invested wisely in the club and have gone to the fund for the new boat house.  It was a wonderful evening, enjoyed by all which truly put into perspective what the club does and how much hard work goes into making Bishop Auckland Sub Aqua Club the club as successful as it is today.  It also showed that people’s efforts and enthusiasm do not go unrecognised; I am extremely honoured to be part of Bishop Auckland Sub Aqua Club and hope to be for many more years to come.