Snorkel club waves goodbye after 40 years

Batley Snorkelling Club, which has been based at Batley Sports and Tennis Centre (BSTC) for most of its existence, has ceased operating due to a number of factors.

Instructor DarrenSefton, of Howden Clough, said: “It’s a combination of issues. Part of it is that numbers have dropped to the point where we cannot push up the fees enough to cover the costs that we are getting from Kirklees Active Leisure. It’s incredibly sad, I’ve been doing it for close on 10 years.”

Since being founded in the mid-70s, British Sub-Aqua Club-trained instructors have taught local children and adults alike to snorkel safely.

As well as pool-based training, the club held outdoor snorkel dives in locations around the north of England – the final one being in the River Wharfe at Burnsall on July 18, when members had a barbecue. Remaining funds of more than £300 have been donated to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Instructors thanked all current and past members, BSTC staff and supporters for their involvement. over the years.