Stoney Cove 15th Sept 2006

[Fiona]

I'd like to organise a weekend at Stoney now that the water temperature will have risen to acceptable levels. Was thinking of the weekend of 15th-17th September. I have only ever been there for training (4degC in Feb last year).

Stoney Cove in Leicestershire is a flooded freshwater quarry with cut out platforms at various levels (7m/22m/30+) so it is suitable for all. Maximum depth available is about 36metres and this is only in a small section. When you arrive you are provided with a map of the site showing all the points of interest. These include the largest inland wreck in the UK, the Stanegarth (sunk deliberately), the remains of a helicopter and lots more. Entry fee per day was £12 when I was there. I will update this when I know current rates. There is a dive shop providing air/nitrox fills, a burger/coffee kiosk, toilet facilities (with warm hand driers) and a pub.

Accommodation is available in nearby Stoney Stanton for around £20 pppn. There are 2 pubs in walking distance and i was lucky enough to arrive on a curry night last time. If I get some level of interest I will pursue the B&B costs further.

[divingdrunk]

I might be avalible that weekend!! so count me in!!!

[MoshDiver]

;D me 2 also!

[Fiona]

So far signed up for this trip:

1. Fiona McTaggart
2. Mark Livingstone
3. Martin Gower

If there are any other takers can they please add their names to the list fairly soon. That's not to say we can't sort something out for you at the last minute but I'm looking at B&Bs/Hotels at the moment so best to know sooner for numbers.

For those already on board, let me know your preferences about accomodation ie cost limitations/proximity to drinking establishments/type of room etc. Currently thinking about the 15th and 16th September overnighters with Sat/Sun diving but able to accomodate one night and one days diving if that's what you want. Let me know and I will try to tailor it to suit.

[thomasduff]

So far signed up for this trip:

1. Fiona McTaggart
2. Mark Livingstone
3. Martin Gower
4. Thomas Duff

If there are any other takers can they please add their names to the list fairly soon. That's not to say we can't sort something out for you at the last minute but I'm looking at B&Bs/Hotels at the moment so best to know sooner for numbers.

For those already on board, let me know your preferences about accomodation ie cost limitations/proximity to drinking establishments/type of room etc. Currently thinking about the 15th and 16th September overnighters with Sat/Sun diving but able to accomodate one night and one days diving if that's what you want. Let me know and I will try to tailor it to suit.

[Fiona]

I can get a couple of twin rooms at the Comfort Inn in Earl Shilton for £48 per room per night. www.activereservations.com/hotel/en/hotels-in-earlshilton/ah-222721.html

Let me know if this looks okay and I can book it or feel free to look for other stuff. It is about 4miles from Stoney Cove in the middle of the village and has a bar and restaurant. Breakfast is an extra £7.00 but you can get hot rolls at the dive site.

Entry to Stoney Cove is £15 per day but discounts are available if you sign up to their Diverlog programme. Have a look at the site for more info. Opening times at weekends are 0700hrs-1500hrs. www.stoneycove.com

[divingdrunk]

i`m happy with these dig`s...just give me a shout when you need the deposit.

[Fiona]

I have booked the 4 of us into the Comfort Inn at Earl of Shilton for the 15th and 16th September. No deposits required as payment is taken on checkout. Be warned however that if you drop out and I have to cancel rooms, there may still be a charge.

Also this trip is still open to takers. £24 pppn for digs and £15 a day for diving.

[MoshDiver]

I've just called up for some forms on the Diverlog programme- asked for 4 (I can probably copy if there's more required) ... actually works out cheaper if we do 2 days and get the 6 months one.

[Fiona]

Thanks Martin. I knew about the Diverlog program but hadn't looked to see if it was worth our while or not. I will be quite happy for a return trip within the year anyway. I've been and I like it. Just want to relax and enjoy this time instead of all the intensive training. I might be traumatised by the Stanegarth cause I had to swim the length of it out of air with no mask!

[Fiona]

Mark and I were thinking of leaving about 10ish on Friday morning. Do you guys want to meet up somewhere en route? If you're at all unsure about directions, log on to www.theaa.com and use their route planner. Put Earl Shilton as the destination as that's where we're staying. It'll take about 5 hours (driving fast with no stops). Stoney Cove is 3.5 miles from the hotel on Saturday morning.

Any last minute takers would still be welcome to join us too!

[MoshDiver]

Cheers Fiona,

Probably best to meet you there... Thomas & I are both working on the Friday morning. I think Thomas plans to pick me up as soon as he can - somewhere between 1-2pm.

So meet you at the bar! Don't get too much of a head start!!! ;D ;D

[Fiona]

Hey I'm off a nightshift finishing at six on Friday morning. I'll have a couple of pints and be in bed by the time you guys get there and Mark will just be talking his usual P*** and his T shirt will have been thrown at some unsuspecting local girl.