Farnes expedition 2024 By Mike Beharrell, photographs courtesy of Alan McElroy

Nine intrepid members of Newbury Scuba Diving Club braved the horrors of the M1 heading North to sample the underwater delights of Northumberland’s Farne Islands in September. 

The divers, with varying levels of experience ranging from Sports Diver to Advanced Diver, were hoping to see prolific underwater life including fish, seals and perhaps even dolphins (more on that later). 

Courtesy of Sovereign Divers and stalwart Skipper Ron, all hopes were realised, with many encounters with inquisitive young pup seals. Praise must go to Ron’s hot chocolate, coffee and strong tea as well as Phil’s jelly babies, and a plentiful supply of inappropriate biscuits. 

The clear waters – visibility of around 10 metres – and moderate depths – no more than 20 metres – meant all were able to enjoy six great dives spread over the three days. 

Even though the water was cold by the club’s normal Dorset standards – 12 instead of 16 degrees – those in wetsuits, or alleged semi-dry suits, were able to have up to 50 minutes underwater. And the diver lift at the back of the boat proved a real boon to those using twinsets or those with age-related knee and hip ailments or the just plain lazy. 

And the weather – bright  sunshine, light winds and late summer warmth made for pleasant journeys to and from the scenic Farnes. However, the light reflecting off the ruffled waters lead to some divers (ok one) spotting what was said to be a pod of dolphins racing back towards the club’s home base for the week at Seahouses. Much manly joshing followed and  continued for some days, even coming up at the group’s final night celebration at a fine Italian restaurant – not serving dolphin.