From the President It’s hard to believe another year has ended. The year 2005 was another great year for our club and the sport of diving in our area. We started the year off with some positive goals to accomplish. As we approach another new year, it is a good time to reflect on what we’ve been able to do over the past year and what we’re looking forward to in the near future. One of the things I wanted to see happen with the club this year was an increase in participation at club events and also to get new people and new divers involved in the club. To accomplish this, efforts were made to resurrect the phone list in order to contact members who don’t have access to e-mail. We also started making greater efforts to advertise club events through local media such as radio, newspaper, etc.. We also produced a pamphlet about the club that includes a membership form to distribute to new and seasoned divers alike. Our Web Master Wayne Sarty has made some updates and changes to our club web site, and club member Harold McLeod agreed to head up a mentoring program to help new divers get into the water. The club held some big events this year. In May, Dave McPherson organized a NAUI conference that saw participation from divers around the Atlantic provinces. Shelley Porter and other members of the Nervous Wrecks were instrumental in accomplishing the New Campbelton artificial reef project, organized by ACAP Cape Breton. And ever eager, Ken Jardine, was behind the sinking of the replica Stanley Cup, which generated media attention for the club. Three of our regular annual events met with success again this year, the Friendship Dive and Pumpkin Dive, which were held at Grand Narrows, and our Go For Gold event this year was one of the best ever. The Wrecks also got involved in some serious issues this year that affect the dive community. The first was the issue of recreational scallop fishing and our rights in this regard, and the other was promoting and protecting the Grand Narrows area, as a valuable ecosystem and dive site. As the new year starts, we have to realize that all of these projects, initiatives and efforts are ongoing. Although many great ideas were started in 2005, there is lots of room for these ideas to expand and grow, all to the benefit of the sport we love, scuba diving. I’ve always believed that, because of our geographic location, the sport of scuba diving offers so many benefits to our communities: health-wise, safety-wise, and economically, to name a few. So get involved, volunteer to help out with some of these club efforts. You are benefiting not only yourself and your dive buddy, but the community in general. Coming Up December 24, 2005 12:30 X-Mas Eve Dive on the Reefballs January 1, 2006 13:00 Annual Polar Bear Swim Rollie’s Wharf January 11, 2006 19:00 Nervous Wrecks AGM, Scuba Tech March 2006 Bahamas Trip For up to date schedule info: phone: 902 562 6061 or check our dive schedule at: http://www.courseworld.com/links/sched.html Report on 2005 Go For Gold July 24, 2005 was a beautiful sunny day on Groves Pt. Beach for our annual fund raiser in support of the Children’s Wish Foundation. There were seventy-one registered participants this year, who raised a total of $4,604.40 for this worthy cause. The event was MC’d this year by Ken 'Lungs' Jardine. After a briefing by Dive Master, Wayne Sarty, the participants, including snorklers and scuba divers, entered the balmy waters to collect their scallop shells under the watchful eyes of the safety team. As participants exited the water and registered for prizes, they were entertained watching the Snorkler’s Relay Race and the Tank Toss competitions. One hundred eighteen prizes were distributed, with an estimated total value of $5000.00. The prize for top fund raiser went to Dean Barron, who raised $1,033.60. Everyone enjoyed the pleasant weather and hot dogs and pop provided by the Children’s Wish Foundation. The kids were treated to balloon animals by Klutzy the Klown. There was also the presentation of several awards to club members. Event Coordinator, Dave MacPherson, would like to send a special thanks out to all those Nervous Wrecks members, who supported the event from near and far, those who helped solicit prizes, and all those who helped on the day in the Safety Team, during registration and prize distribution, and in setting up in the morning and cleaning up afterwards. In Memory of All of us were saddened earlier this year at the loss of our friend and long time club member Richard Rahey. Dr. Rollie Lewis remembers Richie: I remember Richard Rahey as 'a character'. Richard always appeared to me as someone mysterious. Perhaps it was his very 'laid back' manner, as if he were studying the person or situation that presented to him. Never in a hurry, but always willing to help. I found he maintained a positive outlook, and you could count on his humour. Of course, his hospitality is legendary. He is missed. Kudos Several members of the club received special recognition in the form of awards this year. Ken Jardine NSUC Roger Agget Award Dave MacPherson Terry Rose Memorial Award NAUI Outstanding Service Award Ken Martell Terry Rose Memorial Award Lawrence Clarke/Cape Breton Diver CCTA Galaxi Awards Lifestyle/Entertainment - Silver Information - Silver Contacting/Joining the Nervous Wrecks: Membership in the Nervous Wrecks is $5.00 annually, due in January. Membership forms are available from: Scuba Tech, 1 Douglas St.,Sydney 902 562 6061 or online at our officialwebsite: Nervous Wrecks Dive Club The Nervous Wrecks hold meetings on the second Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm. The meetings are open to the public and all are welcome to attend. Membership benefits include savings on air fills and dive charters. See you underwater! Submitted by: Ron Newcombe Club President
