In 1966, long before all of today’s members were even born, a small group of divers in Kingston and Elmbridge decided to give their children the chance to explore the underwater world. That simple idea became the Kingston & Elmbridge Junior Snorkellers Club. Sixty years later, we are proud to say that we are still here, still teaching, still laughing, still learning and still welcoming new generations into the water.

Back in 2024, we shared the story of how we uncovered our true founding date after decades of believing we were younger than we really were. That discovery reconnected us with our roots and reminded us just how rare and special our club is. You can read that moment of realisation in History in the Making.

Now, in 2026, we officially celebrate our Diamond Anniversary.

A Legacy That Lives in People

It is impossible to know exactly how many young snorkellers have passed through our doors since 1966, but it must be thousands. Every one of them has taken something with them: confidence, friendships, stories, skills and memories that last a lifetime.

For me personally, having joined in 1987 and taken on the running of the club in 1991 (serving continuously as Dive Officer ever since), I have seen entire generations grow up. I have watched nervous beginners become confident snorkellers, and confident snorkellers become instructors. I have seen parents bring their children, and now those children are bringing theirs. That is the heart of our club. It is a family legacy as much as a sporting one.

Marking the Moment: A New Look for a New Chapter

To honour our Diamond Anniversary, we have refreshed our club logo for the year. It keeps the spirit of the original design but adds a touch of celebration, marking this milestone with pride.

Alongside the new logo, we will soon be releasing limited edition club clothing featuring the anniversary branding. These items will only be available this year and are a way for members, families and alumni to carry a piece of our history with them.

Strengthening the Club for the Future

Over the past year, thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of our members, families and supporters, we have raised nearly thirty thousand pounds for the club. This remarkable achievement has allowed us to improve our equipment, expand our capabilities and strengthen the club for the years ahead.

It is a powerful reminder that our community does not just celebrate the club’s history. It actively invests in its future.

What Sixty Years Means for Our Community

Sixty years means countless pool sessions, Dorset trips, winter socials, summer celebrations and more laughter than any logbook could ever record. It means friendships formed in the cold waters of Swanage or Wraysbury, shared discoveries in the rock pools of Kimmeridge, and the quiet pride of watching a young snorkeller achieve something they never thought they could.

It means being part of something that has shaped the local community for decades, even if most people never realised just how long we have been here.

Looking Ahead: A Year of Celebration

To mark our Diamond Anniversary, we have several plans in motion:

• The KEJSC Diamond Anniversary Gala
  A special evening to celebrate our young snorkellers, our volunteers, our families and the legacy we all share. A chance to dress up, come together and honour sixty years of memories. Tickets and details will be released soon…
• Our Annual Trip to Dorset
  Swanage, Kimmeridge and the surrounding coastline remain a highlight of our year. This tradition has shaped generations of snorkellers and continues to be one of the most loved parts of our calendar.
• New Adventures on the Horizon
  We are exploring ideas for additional trips and experiences, including visits to aquariums and other marine themed activities. These are still in the early stages, but our aim is simple: to give our young snorkellers even more opportunities to learn, explore and be inspired. Watch this space!

Sixty Years Behind Us. Many More Ahead.

Reaching sixty years is not just a milestone. It is a reminder of what can happen when a community commits to something meaningful and keeps it alive across generations. We are proud of our past, excited for our future and grateful to every member, parent, volunteer and supporter who has helped shape the club into what it is today.

Here is to the next chapter. And here is to the next wave of young snorkellers who will carry our story forward.