Simon is a relatively new member of the club (he joined with his wife Rosie in February 2024), and is also new to diving. This is the main reason that he wanted to be on the committee. Simon believes that the committee should be made up of experienced divers and club members, but also some club members who are new to diving. While not relevant to many decisions made by the committee, he believes that the needs and concerns of those new to diving, including newly-qualified ocean-divers, should be taken into account where possible, particularly if the club wishes to attract, and then retain new members.
In the past, Simon’s outdoor interests have included mountaineering and cycling. He still does quite a lot of cycling; mainly off-road mountain biking, and some hill-walking, including an annual trip to the Scottish Highlands. He has always had a love for, and interest in non-human beings, and currently does voluntary work for Wild Banbury, the national Curlew Recovery Project, and on various nature reserves owned or managed by Banbury Ornithological Society. He has had three working-cocker companions over the last twenty years; Molly (2003-2017), Barney (2008-2020), and Podge, a retired working-dog (2020-2023). This interest in the non-human is his main reason for getting into diving – to see, and learn more about, live beneath the waves.
Most memorable dive moment: qualifying as an Ocean Diver at Stoney Cove on 30 June 2024, thanks to the wonderful training provided by Simon Watkins, and Chris and Sophie Hastie.
Most embarrassing dive moment: putting on a drysuit back-to-front the first time he tried getting into one.
Favourite diving breakfast: a big bowl of porridge and a nice mug of tea.
After a dive: a nice mug of tea with diving buddies.
When not diving: spending time with Rosie, or watching the hedgehogs and birds in the garden whilst enjoying a nice mug of tea.
You may not know: Simon once spent two weeks camping in a two-man tent (sharing with a 6-foot 7-inch Polish chap who had a philosophical objection to the use of soap or shampoo when washing) in the middle of a rain forest in Southern India, to observe King Cobras in the wild, and assist in rescuing them from human habitations.