BSAC’s premier award, the Heinke Trophy, has been awarded to Bradford SAC for 2014.

Bradford has become the 52nd branch to receive the prestigious award, annually presented to the club judged to have done the most to further the interests of its members and of BSAC.

London No.1 branch was also singled out for a special commendation.

Bradford SAC stood out amongst other applicants for its members’ work to maintain and develop their club house, their membership recruitment activities and their community work, as well as the club’s success in a range of BSAC initiatives, including Volunteer of the Year. All of this was achieved while delivering on their commitment to facilitate a wide range of diving and training for all members throughout the year.

Bradford’s Heinke success comes after the club also won the BSAC Branch Diamond Event competition – designed to celebrate BSAC’s 60th anniversary – earlier this year.

Phil Harrison, Heinke Adjudicator, congratulated Bradford on their achievement.

“As winners of the 2014 trophy, Bradford SAC are fantastic example of members working together to create a thriving club within their community, supporting and working with others whilst still maintaining their ethos of an active and social diving club. Bradford should be proud of their achievements which I hope will encourage other clubs follow. I would like to encourage all branches to consider entering for 2015 Heinke Award.”

Bradford SAC’s Chairman Mick Barraclough said the club was delighted by the news.

“This has to be the finest day in the 58 year history of Bradford Sub Aqua Club and is the icing on the cake for what has been an exceptional year for the club.

Winning the Heinke trophy is a fantastic achievement and would not have been possible without a lot of help from a great group of people all pulling together. On behalf of the Bradford Branch I am just so thrilled that all the efforts have been acknowledged by this, the most prestigious of awards and as Chairman, I am so proud to be associated with such a fine group of members.”

The achievements of London No.1 branch were also acknowledged by the Heinke Trophy 2014 panel for their significant contribution to BSAC’s 60th anniversary celebrations, including their innovative Dive N60 expedition, which the judges highlighted for its ‘scientific aspect and ongoing dialogue with overseas contacts’. The club was also praised for its engagement of past and present members through two key events – an anniversary dinner and a historic dive event staged at Swanage Pier.

London No. 1 will now receive a Certificate of Commendation.

The Heinke Trophy 2014 will be formally presented to Bradford SAC at the BSAC Diving Conference, to be held at NEC Birmingham on Saturday, 25 October at DIVE 2014.

Could you be our Heinke winner for 2015?

Have you been inspired by Bradford SAC’s success and think you club has what it takes to be our next Heinke Trophy winner? Then let BSAC know.

You can register your BSAC club’s intention to apply for the 2015 award now here – deadline to register is 30 November.

Final applications to be submitted by 31st March 2015.