CPA - Changes to Monday Club and Pool Night

CPA is moving to Monday evenings from January.

Following a recent expolrations with other dive clubs in the local area, the committee proposed that the club should move its normal club nights from Tuesday evenings to Monday evenings from January 2010.

This is part of a larger restructuring within the local diving community that will bring members of CPA closer to other active diving groups.

Association with Thames Valley Sub Aqua Club and Henley Sub Aqua Club

The following proposals were passed unanimously by the club at our recent AGM:

CPA will join Henley Sub Aqua Club on their fortnightly-extended pool session on Monday evenings

CPA will hold lecture sessions at Thames Valley Sub Aqua Club’s premises at Palmer Park

CPA club night will be Mondays from January 2010

Why has this been proposed?
The main driver is reduced cost; the other key benefit is increased diving opportunities for our members.

Why Monday?
This is when Henley Sub Aqua Club have their pool nights – alternate Mondays through the year. After some discussion it was thought best to have the lecture sessions and club night on the same day of the week, on the Mondays in-between the pool nights

What is the benefit/impact to pool training?
The number of pool sessions will be reduced by half. However the Henley Sub Aqua Club pool sessions are longer (8.15 – 10pm) which means there will be more time to carry out equipment checks and training time won’t be quite so impacted by kitting-up time.

How will lecture training work?
Lecture training will take place on alternate Mondays at Palmer Park, which has very good training facilities. We have the opportunity to develop the training programme and deliver two or three lectures in one evening – all in a purpose built environment. It also has a bar.

How will I know where to go each Monday?
This will be publicised by email and/or on the website at: http://www.cpanet.co.uk/dive-calendar.html.

Will this give us any additional diving opportunities?

Yes, probably. There are two such opportunities:

Henley SAC don’t own any ribs, but they do run many hard-boat weekends. They are keen to share places with CPA.

Thames Valley SAC own two ribs, both kept in Reading. They are an active club, and again are keen to share places.

In addition to us sharing these opportunities, the proposal will also allow members of other clubs to dive with us.

What about the boats – are we keeping both?
Yes. By significantly reducing our expenditure on pool and hall facilities, we do not have to consider selling either boat for cost reasons.

Are there any other benefits/opportunities?
Joint socials with other clubs; Air filling (Palmer Park has compressor facilities); Lower bar prices. There are bound to be others...

Will we still use the Black Boy Pub?
Probably not. It might be that those that utilise the pool nights fancy a pint afterwards, but the 10pm finish may make this unlikely.

Summary
In summary, we have the opportunity to develop our training, increase our diving opportunities, make savings, and build relationships with like-minded individuals.

Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the committee.