Go on... take the plunge

IN at the deep end . . . submerged club member Steve Green

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Sub Aqua Club challenges locals to test the water

Windswept moors and picturesque villages may be the first things that spring to mind for Saddleworth . . . scuba diving, on the other hand, may not.

But the Sub Aqua Club, which has been introducing locals to the joys of life underwater for the past 30 years, is keen to shout from the rooftops the thrill of the dive.

The club is now calling for more locals to dip a toe in the water.

Club chairman Dave Menzies (60) used to be terrified of water, until the thought of his wife leaving him home alone to go and explore the deep sea spurred him into overcoming his fear.

He said: “All the things you are scared of melt away — you can’t see, yes you can — you can’t breathe, yes you can. It’s fabulous, there’s nothing else like it.

“When you’re diving you are weightless and chilled and nobody can get you.

“Being somewhere alien, where you are not supposed to be, there is definitely a buzz from that — it transports you to another world.”

The varied group take members aged 15 to 67, beginners to advanced, on trips around the country to experience different dive sites. A particular favourite is Capernwray, in Carnforth, an old water-filled quarry that boasts a recently-sunk aircraft as well as boat wrecks and a group of giant gnomes lurking in a secret location.

The non-profit organisation, which is affiliated with the British Sub Aqua Club, is now urging newcomers with a sense of adventure to take the plunge in a try-dive. They meet at Breeze Hill pool, every Wednesday at 8pm. Call 01457-870 775 or visit saddleworth-subaqua.co.uk