It is with a sense of immense pride and gratitude, mixed with a tinge of sadness that we announce the end of an era. After almost 20 years as a steady hand at the helm, Vobster Quay site manager and car park stalwart Tim Clements is moving on to challenges anew. Tim will be embarking on a number of exciting and impactful diving projects and we hope you’ll join us in wishing him every success in his future endeavours.

Reflecting on his many years with us, Vobster Quay has welcomed many visitors who’ve experienced his distinctive ‘firm yet friendly’ management style, quick wit and quirky off-the-wall humour. Joining us in 2006 after a stint working on marine aquariums in Scotland, Tim has become the backbone of everything we do. His contribution to Vobster Quay is immeasurable. The Vobster Quay we have today is all thanks to Tim - absent his guiding hand, boundless enthusiasm, endless ideas and cutting sense of humour, Vobster Quay would be a very different place.

Tim has been the driving force behind many of our significant milestones. Amongst his many achievements, he spearheaded the introduction of open water swimming here at Vobster Quay, represented us within the diving industry and played a pivotal role in IANTD UK, TEKCamp and VMS Rebreathers.

Perhaps most significantly, Tim shaped the very culture of Vobster Quay, ensuring it has always been a safe, inclusive and fun place for visitors and staff alike. For all he's done and so much more, we are truly grateful. One thing is for sure - his successor sure has big shoes to fill.

We asked Tim to sum up his time at Vobster Quay. “It's been an awesome and varied 19 years at Vobster - truly great to be part of so many diving lives every weekend along with the IANTD, TEKCamp and RedBare students. Also amazing to see the joy and enthusiasm that all our open water swimmers have bought to Vobster. I feel very lucky to have been part of such a unique time and worked in so many mighty teams of dedicated Vobster staff. Thanks to Amy, Martin, the staff, divers and swimmers for such special memories.”

Moving forward into the future, we’re thrilled to introduce Tim’s very worthy successor. Taking on the mantle from January 2026, the manager’s rigger boots will be filled by our very own Pete Shaw who himself is something of a Vobster veteran. Pete has been a vital member of the Vobster team for well over 11 years, having joined us after a long and varied career including the Royal Navy and senior management roles within technology, defence and security sectors.

An experienced diving instructor with many teaching accolades under his weight belt, Pete brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that we're confident will propel Vobster Quay forward into an exciting new chapter. We’re thrilled to see the direction that Pete takes Vobster as he builds upon the legacy that Tim leaves in place.

Vobster owner Amy Stanton paid a glowing tribute to Tim's many achievements. "Tim has been part of the Vobster family for over 19 incredible years and it has been a pleasure and a privilege to share that journey with him. He has brought a wealth of knowledge and skills to the job which has seen the business transform from a small diving centre open five days-a-week, to the amazing seven days-a-week multi-sport venue we know and love today. We all wish him great success as he leaves us for projects anew, still in the diving world but no longer just in Somerset. So long and thanks for all the fish."