After advertising the first Scapa Flow History Week in early 2009 I received a request for an evening presentation from the Chester Sub Aqua Club, this was similar to what I'd done in the past onboard the boats in Scapa but would obviously require some visual aids.

Late that August saw me heading up the M5 from Plymouth to Chester to give a presentation to 45 members of Chester and other local clubs. Content wise we looked at the build up to WW1, the role of the Navy in WW1 [including the Battle of Jutland], the significance and role of Scapa Flow as well as the ceasefire, scuttling and salvage. This took about an hour an half with a break in the middle, we then delved into what to look out for on your visit to Scapa, making use of Rod MacDonalds great pictures some video of the wrecks.

Many people, myself included find that they get far more out of a dive if they know the story behind it. With the wrecks and Scapa Flow in general holding such an important place in history, having the basics behind the wreck your jumping in on can only add add to the experience.

The format seemed to work and whilst it is a bit of whistle stop tour through the history it was well received.

If you a local club or group, I'm happy to come and do something similar for you; and if you are a bit further afield, well drop me a line and we'll see if we can make a plan.

The next talk is taking place at Bude Sub Aqua Club on Wednesday 4th May.