Interested to know what we've been up to since Vobster Quay first opened its gates back in 2003? Below you'll find links to all the major events and changes that have taken place at Vobster Quay over the last few years. From DPV racing to charity fund raising events, 'celebrity' visits to the placement of new dive attractions, we've seen it all - and it's all here for your perusal...

PLEASE NOTE - For more information on any of the news items listed below, contact the website administrator.

2008 News Items...

		Pipe Down! 12th June 2008

Always on the look out for new and unusual dive attractions, we're pleased to announce the placement of three massive concrete pipes in the lake near the Crushing Works. Donated by our friends at CPM Group Ltd, the pipes now form a fun swim thru that all divers can enjoy!

Big enough for two divers to swim thru side by side, each pipe is 2.5m long and has a diameter of 2m across. Weighing in at almost 8-tonnes a peice, the task of placing these hefty items into the lake was taken up by the Royal Engineers of 33 Regiment based at Wimbish in Essex. Using sophisticated surface-supply standard diving equipment and some very large lifting bags, the Royal Engineer divers expertly manouvered the pipes into their final resting place at a depth of 12m - no mean feat, for sure!

We'd like to extend special thanks to our friends at CPM Group Ltd and The Royal Engineers 33 Regiment - thanks guys!

Click here for more information on these and other dive attractions on offer at Vobster Quay...

		Radio Vobster goes live 23rd May 2008

Over 18,000 listeners across Bath and the North East Somerset area got to hear all about the fun to be had at Vobster Quay in not one, but two exclusive radio slots broadcast on popular local radio station, Bath FM. Broadcast on Bath FM's breakfast show, the slots attracted much interest.

Ian 'Knocka' Dore and sidekick Laura from Bath FM turned up at Vobster for sample the diving for themselves. Under the watchful eye of site manager Tim 'Smashie' Clements and PADI instructor John 'Nicie' Merriman, the pair took to the waters for their first ever taste of UK freshwater diving. Already an experienced diver, Ian completed a PADI drysuit specialty whilst Laura enjoyed a scuba refresher course through our PADI dive school.

Thanks to our friends at Bath FM, you can listen to the first of the two broadcasts by clicking on the 'Play' button below...

Slot #1: Introduction to Vobster

To find out more about Ian and Laura's exciting day at Vobster Quay, click here to visit the Bath FM website...

		Viz à vie! 17th May 2008

It takes a lot to wow us but even we've been totally blown away by just how good the mid-week viz has been in the lake of late! With the water temperature going up and the weather improving, the lake waters have become very clear with viz easily exceeding 10m+ in places!

Mid-week - particularly Thursdays - has always been the best time to visit Vobster Quay but with the recent spell of excellent visibility, there's never been a better time to book yourself off work for a well-earned day of mid-week diving. Not only will you get to enjoy improved visibility but you'll also appreciate the more sedate pace and chilled-out atmosphere. Why not give us a try? We're open on a Monday, Thursday and Friday for mid-week diving.

Fancy a spot of mid-week diving? Click here for a detailed list of our opening hours...

		Charity dives raises £4000 28th April 2008

Divers from across the country turned up on the 19th April to do their bit to raise money for the Marine Conservation Society. After 24 hours of continuous diving, participants managed to raise an impressive total of £4000 for this very worthy cause!

Organised by our friends at The DiveZone in Melksham, the event proved to be a roaring success with over 50 divers taking to the waters during the 24 hour dive. Despite the bad weather, participants took it in turns to dive for upto an hour at a time throughout the day and into the small-hours of Sunday morning until the target of 24 hours continuous diving was achieved. One hardy diver even managed a total of 25 dives in 24 hours!

Why not visit the Marine Conservation Society website for more information on the good work they do!

		See Vobster from Space! 19th April 2008

Here at Vobster Quay, we love the internet. Whether we're ordering new beaks for the ducks or researching marine-grade sky hooks for the open air changing area, the internet is a big 'know it all' girlie swot that always has the right answers (mostly).

Of course the internet isn't just full of sky hooks and porn - there's some genuinely useful stuff on there too! Whilst playing with GoogleMaps, we went looking for ourselves and found a very, very cool satellite photo (click to view) of the lake taken from the edge of space. Thanks to a recent update, the image now shows Vobster Quay as it is today complete with dive attraction marker buoys, the free diving platform and even visitor's vehicles parked up in the bottom car park - we think it's kinda' groovy!

Of course GoogleMaps isn't just a fun way of spying on your neighbours - it's a useful navigation tool too. If you're visiting Vobster Quay for the first time, you can view a detailed map (click to view) showing the exact location of Vobster online. You can zoom in and out of the map, making the process of planning your trip easier, faster and a lot more fun! If all this technology doesn't work, don't forget we also have two maps that you can download and print off for reference - one regional map and one local map.

Click here to view and explore the original satellite image on Google Maps for yourself...

		MCS Coastal Challenge 5th April 2008

We all like to do our bit for the environment - especially when it involves some great diving! With the Marine Conservation Society, Vobster Quay and DiveZone are hosting a special 24hr Coastal Challenge event on the 19th April 2008 to raise awareness and money for this worthy cause.

Over the space of 24 hours, participants will take it in turns to dive for upto an hour at a time. Ensuring that there are always at least four divers in the water at all times, the diving fun will continue throughout the day and into the small-hours of Sunday morning until the target of 24 hours of continuous diving is achieved.

Last year Vobster Quay and DiveZone raised over £3000 for this worthy cause - naturally we're aiming to smash that this year! To top up money raised by the participants, Vobster Quay has pledged to donate a portion of all participants' entrance fees to the MCS and will also offer FREE ENTRY to any participant with over £100 in sponsorship pledges. Representatives from the MCS will also be on hand to discuss its many activities with visitors.

		SubXeros in stock! 20th March 2008

Vobster Quay has become one of the first retailers in the UK to take delivery of the exciting new Fourth Element SubXero undersuit. Specifically designed for use under a trilaminate drysuit, the SubXero will keep you warm and toasty long after other divers start to shiver...

The 2-peice suit consists of a jacket and seperate salopette that gives maximum protection to the body core. Using a combination of high-tech materials and manufacturing processes, the nett result is an undersuit that far outperforms traditional undersuits. Even in the event of a total suit failure, you'll stay toasty warm. Best of all, it's stylish too so you won't look like you're wearing a BabyGro next time you wander into a Supermarket for post dive munchies!

Normal retail price for the 2-peice SubXero is £220 but Vobster Quay members can get this amazing suit for just £198 - that's a saving of £22! Buy yours now before they all sell out...

		New Compressor - Faster Fills! 17th March 2008

Long waiting times for air fills will be a thing with the arrival of our swish new, high-capacity air compressor - a CompAir H5417. Offering an almost 40% increase in output capacity, our new compressor will ensure that you're never left waiting unneccessarily for a cylinder fill.

The new compressor delivers a raft of benefits that visiting divers will appreciate. In addition to the increased capacity and reduced waiting times for fills, the location of the new compressor has resulted in a dramatic decrease in the amount of noise in the main car park. Even with the compressor running at full pelt, most people will be hard pushed to notice that it's running at all! And of course faster fills also means more opportunities to dive - why not enjoy a third or even fourth dive during your visit?

Commenting on the new compressor, site manager Tim Clements added "Our new CompAir compressor delivers a very welcome shot in the arm to our already rapid cylinder filling service. We've been genuinely shocked by just how fast this thing can fill our air storage banks - you've got to see it to believe it!"

		Trimix is back! 17th March 2008

To celebrate the start of the new dive season next weekend, technical divers will be narced with joy to know that Vobster Quay has restarted its trimix cylinder filling service. Whatever your trimix needs, our skilled blending technicans will be happy to blend the gas you need.

We're also still one of the cheapest suppliers of helium in the South West. Other suppliers typically charge £0.02 per litre, but we're happy to offer helium at an unbelievable price of just £0.016 per litre - that's a 20% saving that you don't need a clear head to appreciate! In real terms, that translates to less than £40 for a fill of 21/35 trimix in a set of twin 12s. Not bad, eh!

Baffled by trimix? Don't forget that we offer a full range of technical training courses with some of the best instructors in the business. From Advanced Nitrox to full-blown CCR trimix, we're sure to have a course to suit you. Why not give us a bell?

Click HERE for more information on the air, nitrox and trimix cylinder filling service we offer.

		Site closed - Thur 20th March 10th March 2008

If you're planning a trip to Vobster Quay later this month then make a note that the site will not be open to the public on Thursday 20th March. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause our visitors.

		Visit the Lurve Shack! 17th February 2008

We've put some fairly whacky stuff in the lake over the years but this latest arrival takes some beating! Lying in 25m of water, Pete's Lurve Shack is a fully-equipped luxury caravan with full cooking facilities, sumptious sleeping space for two and - of course - ensuite loo and shower!

Donated by an ex-Vobster Quay staff member, Pete's Lurve Shack can be found on the far bank opposite the Jacquin II boat wreck and the Wheelhouse. Whilst only those with overhead environment training should enter this new attraction, we've increased the height of the main window for easy penetration - something that we suspect this caravan is no stranger to. The management would like to make it clear that if you see it rockin', don't come knockin'...

Regular visitors to Vobster Quay may also have noticed that we've moved one of our existing dive attractions too. The centre section of the aircraft (buoy #11) that used to sit next to the pump works has now moved onto the 20m plateau next to the 20m training platform, making it far more accessible to a wider range of diver levels.

Click here for more information on the dive attractions at Vobster Quay. Click here for an updated map...

		Mid-Week Site Closures... 21st January 2008

Planning a mid-week visit to Vobster Quay over the next few weeks? If so then we recommend that you make a note in your diary that the site will be closed to the public for a number of days over the coming weeks...

Despite these changes to our normal opening hours, we are pleased to confirm that weekend opening hours remain unaffected. Vobster Quay members wishing to book reserved parking prior to their visit will still be able to do so and our staff will still be on hand to answer your phone calls and emails during the affected period. The dates affected by these temporary changes are as follows...

Date	Opening Hours
Monday 28th - 30th January	- CLOSED -
Thursday 31st - Sunday 3rd February	OPEN AS USUAL
Tuesday 5th - Friday 8th	- CLOSED -
Saturday 9th - Sunday 10th	OPEN AS USUAL
Monday 11th - Friday 15th	- CLOSED -
Saturday 16th - Sunday 17th	OPEN AS USUAL
Monday 18th	- CLOSED -

We would like to apologise for any inconvenience that these temporary changes in our opening hours may cause. Rest assured that normal service will resume after the 20th February...

STOP PRESS! - We regret to announce that the night dive evening scheduled for the 7th February has been cancelled. Our next night dive evening will now be on the 6th March.

		Phil Short - Cave Talk 18th January 2007

Ever wondered what it takes to mount an expedition to dive an unexplored cave system in an uncharted region of the world where the nearest town is literally days away across some of the roughest and most inhospitible terrain you could ever encounter? Here's your chance to find out.

On the 2nd February, visitors to Vobster Quay will hear first hand what its like from world-renowned cave explorer, Phil Short - a man who has quite literally been there and done that. From the wilds of northern Russia to the wonders of Wookey, Phil is one of the world's most acclaimed cave divers.

Phil will be presenting a fascinating talk on his expeditions to dive an unexplored cave system in a remote area of Siberia in Northern Russia. With real 'boys own' grit and determination, Phil and his team explored a cave system that had until then remained a mystery. For anyone interested in cave diving and cutting edge exploration, this talk is not to be missed!

Interested in cave diving or technical diving in general? Why not take an IANTD course with Phil Short at Vobster?

		New Safety Boat arrives... 17th January 2008

Vobster Quay is pleased to unveil it's latest improvement in diver safety - a 16ft Humber inflatable safety boat. Taking over the safety duties from our older - and smaller - inflatable, the new boat will allow safety staff to respond to incidents faster and more efficiently than ever before!

The new safety boat provides a far more stable platform to recover an unconscious diver onto a spacious wooden deck. Powered by a powerful 40hp Mariner outboard, getting around the lake in double quick time shouldn't be a problem for this zippy little number. For immediate treatment of dive-related injuries, the boat is equipped with a two-way radio system and an oxygen therapy kit that's ready to go at a moment's notice.

Commenting on the new safety boat, site manager Tim Clements added "We're constantly looking at new ways to improve the site and safety is our top priority. When seconds count, our new rescue boat will allow us to respond faster than ever before."

		FREE Vobster Membership! 10th January 2008

We know what you're thinking - have we all gone barking mad?! Not at all... to start 2008 off with a bang, we're giving away an annual membership to Vobster Quay worth £30 to anyone and everyone who signs up for a diver training course though us over the next few months...

Normally costing £30 a year, Vobster Quay membership offers a raft of fantastic benefits that are not to be missed. As well as discounted entry - save £5 every time you visit - membership also entitles you to 10% discount on all retail purchases and equipment servicing. Best of all, members visiting site at weekends can even prebook parking spaces in the bottom car park!

All you have to do to get your hands on a FREE membership is to book yourself onto one of our many scuba training courses. With a full range of courses from PADI, BSAC and IANTD on offer, we're sure we've got a course to suit you... and now - with membership to Vobster Quay thrown in for FREE - there's never been a better time to get trained! What you waiting for? Book now!

PLEASE NOTE - This offer does not apply to BFA Freediving courses at the present time. We do hope to extend the offer to include these courses very soon so watch this space!

Click here for more information on the full range of training opportunities available at Vobster Quay...

		IANTD Training with Phil Short 1st January 2008

Bought a twinset but don't know where to start? We're offering you the opportunity to not only get to grips with your twinset but to learn from one of the UK's foremost technical instructors. IANTD Instructor Phil Short will be running an IANTD Advanced Recreational Trimix course at Vobster Quay in February 2008.

Starting on the 2nd February, the course runs for four days. On this information-packed training course, you'll learn core skills including the safe and effective use of twinsets with central isolation manifolds and decompression skills and procedures using a choice of two helium-based recreational trimix bottom mixes and decompression mixes upto 100% oxygen to a maximum depth of 48m. The course costs only £275.00 + your cylinder gas fills.

STOP PRESS! - Sign up for a diver training course through us during 2008 and you'll now receive a FREE annual membership to Vobster Quay worth £30! Discover the benefits of being a member today...

Interested? Be quick as spaces are very limited! Call Tim Clements on 01373 814666 to book yourself on now...