News
Crowdfunding appeal launched for essential Swanage Pier repairs (watch video)
A Crowdfunding initiative has been launched for UK divers’ favourite Swanage Pier in a bid to raise enough money to complete essential repair work.
Built in 1895, the iconic pier is one of just 14 remaining timber piers in the UK but parts of its frame are in a ‘critical condition’ and need urgent repairs and conservation work.
In 2013 part of the pier was closed for many months following a storm. On 11th March strong winds and rough seas damaged the mid-section of Swanage Pier so badly (pictured right) it was near to collapse. Although initial repairs were undertaken, major conservation work now needs to take place to ensure the pier remains safe and accessible.
The Swanage Pier Trust has now launched its ‘Save Swanage Pier’ project. The project has provisional support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, but the Swanage Pier Trust needs to raise a total of £900,000 in match funding before November 2016.
The Pier is currently visited by over 125,000 people each year and is an important attraction at the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast. It supports a range of leisure activities, including sailing, diving, fishing and strolling. A number of businesses are based on the Pier, including England’s oldest Dive School ‘Diver’s Down’.
How to donate
There are a range of pledges available, starting from £10. With a pledge of £250, donors will also get a plaque on the pier.
For more information and to donate click here.
Source: www.bsac.com
Photo: www.virtual-swanage.co.uk
Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.
An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.
The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.
Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya
Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.
DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort
Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details
For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087
Over the next 12 months, specialist scuba holiday company Dive Worldwide will be supporting Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation with donations collected from client bookings to any one of its stunning dive destinations around the world. The independently-owned operator expects to raise £3000 for the UK charity.
Manager at Dive Worldwide, Phil North, said: “We’re especially excited to work with Bite-Back and support its intelligent, creative and results-driven campaigns to end the UK trade in shark products and prompt a change in attitudes to the ocean’s most maligned inhabitant.”
Bite-Back is running campaigns to hold the media to account on the way it reports shark news along with a brand new nationwide education programme. Last year the charity was credited for spearheading a UK ban on the import and export of shark fins.
Campaign director at Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Dive Worldwide for choosing to support Bite-Back. The company’s commitment to conservation helps set it apart from other tour operators and we’re certain its clients admire and respect that policy. For us, the affiliation is huge and helps us look to the future with confidence we can deliver against key conservation programmes.”
To launch the fundraising initiative, Phil North presented Graham Buckingham with a cheque for £1,000.
Visit Dive Worldwide to discover its diverse range of international scuba adventures and visit Bite-Back to learn more about the charity’s campaigns.
MORE INFORMATION
Call Graham Buckingham on 07810 454 266 or email graham@bite-back.com
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