Thank you for seeking out our website.
I would like to take you on a brief journey back in time, the birth of the idea, it's evolvement, it's present position and the Aims and Goals to take us into the 21st Century.

The idea started in 1972 with Johno Johnson and myself, as young clearance divers working with handicapped kids during the "Navy Days", we saw in those kids the "Bottle" - Tenacity and Potential - and how diving could help these kids physically, mentally and at the same time they could have fun. The idea died when Johno passed away in 1974 whilst we were diving buddies attached to the Royal Naval Psychological Laboratories.

Unfortunately while Johno was involved in a 210m (700ft) saturation dive his blood tests confirmed Leukaemia. The team were decompressed using a Borman 1164 pp02 curve. Johno after extensive tests R.N.H Hasler, it was confirmed Johno had terminal leukaemia and was given the option to stay and try experimental treatments, or leave the service. Johno joined Comex diving Ltd and worked as a saturation oil construction diver until his death. I left the "Mob" myself shortly after and joined the same outfit.
The idea remained dormant until 1993. An old school pal of mine (who incidentally left school with me, went to the States, worked very hard and now owns his own construction company) came over to visit. Bob had recently qualified as a Padi diver.
The idea resurrected when we started on a quest for a site. After 5 months intensive searching, we learned of "Armstrong Quarry".
The rest - as they say, is history.

This site is ideal for all types of watersports e.g. Sailing, Canoeing, Diving & Navigation. The centre will also provide Bar & Restaurant, Accommodation, Lecture rooms, Gymnasium, Sauna, Medical facilities, Workshop, Diveshop, Cafe, Hyperbaric oxygen chamber, Research & Development. Most of these facilities will be available to the public. We plan to attract the sporting community with a football/rugby/cricket pitch and mini golf course etc. - the centre will also provide it's own diesel electric power for economy and safety.

The leisure centre will provide much needed jobs in an already depreciated community, while the diving centre will provide training to professional and N.V.Q. standards.

There will be nothing else like it
anywhere in the region!

All this will provide funding for the most important part of our project which is ensuring deprived children not only learn something of value but have a fun time too. Anywhere that people gather and meet gives a sense of community that we want our special kids to feel a part of without feeling like charity cases.

But children YOUNG AND OLD will be able to take advantage of the facilities - ALL ARE WELCOME - no-one is excluded.

.. Paul Heald
Chief Diver and Trustee to the Foundation