The End of an Era - Runnymede Dive Shop Ceases Trading
Please find a letter I address to all members...
It is with great regret that I have to announce that 'Runnymede Dive' Shop has ceased trading.
The announcement was made by the owners Bob Harris and Steve Panrucker, who have fallen foul of a recent down turn in shop sales. The reasons for closure are many and varied, and I will not burden you with these now.
I have held off the announcement with the hope that a rescue package for the company, which has supported us as a club for 25 years with discounted equipment, freebies and jobs for our more senior snorkellers, could be formulated. This sadly has not come to fruition.
The closure has effected everyone who dives in the area, as the shop was not only THE best of its kind in the UK, pioneering many trends and covering a diverse diving community, but it was a social meeting place where divers could meet and make friends.
I am greatly saddened due to the effect that it has had on Steve and Bob who I count as close friends. They are obviously devastated as they have not only lost their jobs, but a way of life. They were always more interested in getting you what you needed than just selling you out. It has also effected our Instructor Alexa as she has also lost her Saturday job as a result too. Their level of service will not be found anywhere else.
I still remember the first time I ever went into the shop to purchase my first set of equipment 20 years ago, some of which I still own and you and I dive with today!
As you can imagine this will effect the club, as at this time I am unable to recommend an alternative place to go for new kit, spares and repairs. I have never needed to trust anyone else, and the shops I am aware of, I would not recommend to anyone.
Until such a time as I can locate a suitable replacement please bare with me. New members without kit can continue to use the club kit without any problems.
I have already passed on my thanks to Bob and Steve from us as a club when I popped in to see how they were doing last week. It was an emotional time.
I wish both Bob and Steve the best of luck in the future. We will miss them all...
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Junior Snorkelling Club
