Hi Lloyd,
if you are at Northants as your profile says there is a very good BSAC club just down the road from you at Milton Keynes. I think there is also a club at Stowe that might be nearer, but I belong to MKSAC and so am biased
The MK club has something most clubs do not, which is access to its own quarry lake that it dives every weekend, and Wednesday evenings in the summer. The lake is about 19.5 metres deep at the moment (it depends on rainfall) and is good for training, shakedown dives and improving skills and practise.
Access to the quarry is free with club membership, which is around £10 a month, air fills for club members are subsidised to I think £1 a tank (but don't quote me on that, I fill my own). You would have to be a BSAC member as well which is an annual fee, but it is not much, and does bring lots of benefits such as third party insurance, a magazine, and access to lots of other stuff.
Have a look at their website - I'm on their committee and we welcome divers from all agencies, you do not have to crossover to dive with us, but if you want to we recognise your PADI qualification and would let you enter the BSAC system to train for the next level.
Milton Keynes Sub-Aqua Club
The club has its own compressor for air fills, our own RHIB, and some equipment, tanks etc. that club members can borrow.
We organise coastal dive trips, weekends and longer trips abroad. If you are just starting out it is a good way to get buddies, build your experience and find a good group of friends to dive with.
If you haven't tried UK club diving why not give it a try, or have a look at the BSAC website and see if there is a club nearer to you. MK is probably about 15 miles or so from Northampton I think?
All the best and hope to see you at the club - Phil
