Scuba Magazine Article (May 2024)

By Training Officer Maria Steer

Full Article can be read here

50 Years BSAC Membership

Thurrock Aqualung Club (TAC) has now been affiliated with the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) for 50 years and to celebrate this mile stone in the clubs history (TAC) we will be holding an Anniversary Celebration At Top Meadow Golf Club

 

Thurrock Aqualung Club History Events

Dolphins came to play in Grays back in 1975!

I have often been told by Thurrock people that dolphins once swam in the pool and sealions were seen performing. But when it comes down to when this happened, nobody is quite sure. I have been given several dates to research, but come up with nothing.

Last week, while diving once more into the huge collection of bound copies of the Gazette that we preserve at the museum, up popped the story in December 1975 (you can add this to your local quiz questions now!).

A special Christmas show for all the family was presented by Thurrock Borough Council at the swimming pool featuring a pair of “Live Florida Dolphins called Flipper and Bambam” supported by Anna and Marcus, a pair of sealions (as seen on TV’s Opportunity Knocks with Hughie Green).

The show was put on each day from December 11 to 30, except Christmas Day. Tickets cost adults 30p and children and OAPs 20p.

A ban by the education chief for Thurrock on schoolchildren seeing the show during school hours did not dampen the enthusiasm.

The dolphins and sealions came from Margate with their trainer John Kershaw. Special conditions were created in the pool with the addition of 42 tons of salt, to give the dolphins buoyancy and stop their skins going soft. Members of Thurrock sub-aqua club helped to spread the salt out over the bottom of the pool.

It was hoped audiences of up to 700 would attend the daily shows.

I’m sure this story will have jogged many people’s memories, so remember the next time you recall the event, it was in 1975!