The Dive Centre Team

New Horizons Snorkel and Dive Centre prides itself on its highly professional, motivated and above all friendly full-time and part-time members of staff.

With many years of diving experience in numerous destinations around the world you will find our knowledge and advice are second to none. This, combined with a relaxed style of teaching, a wide collection of salty sea tales and a few jokes thrown in, ensures your course is as informative, beneficial and enjoyable as possible.

Dave Perry (General Manager and PADI Instructor)

Diving since 1972 and a PADI Instructor since 1997, I am a very experienced dive industry professional who has spent the last 10 years operating and managing increasingly large and successful dive centres in places as diverse as the Caribbean, Fiji and India. Currently a PADI Master Instructor, I am looking to complete my PADI TecRec Instructor qualifications and also have an eye on becoming a PADI Course Director in the future. My early diving years were in the UK and wreck diving remains my true passion. I joined New Horizons in April 2010.

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Kathryn Oldham (Training Manager and PADI Instructor)

I learned to dive in 1998 with New Horizons and have been with them ever since. It is with New Horizons that I progressed through the ranks and achieved instructor status in 2008. In January 2009 I was fortunate enough to be employed by New Horizons as a full time instructor. Diving has allowed me to see the underwater world, both in the UK and abroad. My degree in Marine Biology has given my diving experiences an additional understanding and enjoyment.   

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Charles Mortimer (Dive Centre Assistant/ Divemaster Candidate)

Since travelling Africa for six months in 2008 I found myself completely out of money when I arrived in Mozambique, I managed to get a job selling whale shark and scuba diving adventures for commission in Tofo, unfortunately never diving myself. Since arriving back in the UK I booked my open water with New Horizons and very fortunately was offered a job with them, I can’t wait to be an instructor and see the world underwater.

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Roger Gillatt (PADI Instructor)

I learnt to dive with New Horizons in 1994. I then started working here in 97 and completed my instructor course in 98. Over the years I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to dive in a wide range of places both around the UK and abroad, but there are still many places that I long to visit. I feel lucky that my job is now to help introduce people to the world of diving that has given me so much enjoyment over the years and help them to achieve their dreams.

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Janine Gartshore (PADI Instructor)

I completed my first course with New Horizons in 2003 and haven't stopped since. I've dived all round the UK and been lucky enough to have dived in the Galapagos Islands, Japan, Caribbean and Maldives. I also spent 4 months working on a conservation project in Tobago, which was a fantastic experience.

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Julie Morrissey (PADI Instructor & IANTD Advanced Nitrox Instructor)

Queen of all things technical... my main diving interest is nautical archaeology.  I also teach windsurfing, kayaking, power boating, dinghy sailing and mountain walking. In my spare time I am an air traffic controller.

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Pete Surridge (PADI Instructor)

I started Diving with New Horizons back in 2001 when I wanted to try "something different". I am now an Instructor with a mission to help other people get into the water so they can have the same opportunities to explore the amazing underwater worlds both in the UK and abroad that I have had!

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Rachel Higgins (PADI Instructor)

My passion for all things aquatic began with my first Mask & Snorkel (the one with the ping-pong ball) back in the early 90's. A 30 min dive to 9m on the Great Barrier Reef in 1995 and I was a scuba addict. Suddenly the underwater world had become 3D and I couldn't get enough. Have been lucky enough to dive in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Red Sea, the Mediteranean & of course, the UK and when I'm not diving am always planning my next trip, much to the dismay of my boss!

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Andy Frith (PADI Instructor)

I started diving in 2004, I completed my Open Water in Jamaica. Since that first course i was hooked and qualified as an instructor with New Horizons Dive Centre in 2007. I have dived all over the UK, Europe, Red Sea and the Caribbean. When not getting wet i am involved in training the Emergency First Response and Care for children courses.

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Becci Morris (PADI Instructor)

I started diving with New Horizons in 1995 when I was 12 and enjoyed it so much I haven’t stopped since. I really enjoy taking photos of all the wrecks and life we get to see. I’ve dived in many places but there’s always something special about diving around the UK.

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Kate Bywater (PADI Instructor)

After discovering diving with New Horizons in 2005 I've been diving with them ever since (well, with occasional breaks to go to work in the week obviously). Very proud to be part of the New Horizons Team, I enjoy diving in the UK and abroad, and when not in the water am usually found wandering in the hills (I teach expedition skills too, it's not just a random occurrence!)

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Phil Wood (PADI Instructor)

I started diving in 2001 and did a lot of my training with New Horizons and have been instructing with them since 2004. I've dived in the UK, Turkey, Malta, Tunisia, Mexico, New Zealand and Egypt. I would love to dive in the Maldives at some point in the future. Best dive - whenever I see something new for the first time.

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Jason Pepper (PADI Instructor)

I started diving in 1998 and have become more and more interested with anything to do with diving as the years have rolled by... I have an extensive collection of poor jokes which are rolled out on a regular basis... I like wreck, cave and drift diving the most, but frankly any diving is better than working!

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Tony Strugnell (PADI Instructor)

I enjoy the freedom of being able to challenge myself and then pass on the experience to others, so they may also find the thrills and challenges that are out there! Diving and flying are my passions and I am fortunate enough to be able to do both.

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Jan Devereux (PADI Instructor)

Diving was one of those experiences I'd had on my list of "things to try before I die" for many years before I finally took the plunge. Along with the other half of what is now commonly know as "Team Devereux", we bumped into Roger at the "Travel Show, Birmingham 2004" and the rest is history!!!

Since learning to dive, it's been my drug of choice and my diving passion has taken me all around the world... French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, the Red Sea, Indonesia, Spain, the Galapagos Islands, Iceland (pic above!), Mexico, Palau, Yap, Chuuk, Komodo, Bali, and of course, all around the UK from the Orkneys to the Scillys. Whether the water is 2 degrees or 32 degrees, you'll find me in it!!! And with so many more places still to discover... I don't think this addiction is likely to wear off!!!

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Pippa Ridgway (PADI Instructor)

I started my diving life with New Horizons in 2005 and found my passion. Along the way I have completed many courses with New Horizons and have enjoyed all of them. Along the way I have met and made great friends. I qualified as an instructor in 2008 and can't wait to help as many people as I can to enjoy the underwater world. Some people have a swear box at work, I have a diving box and everytime I mention the word diving or talk about diving I donate to the collection - very soon I will be able to afford a trip round the world!

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Brian Fairbrother (PADI Instuctor)

I have been associated with New Horizons since March 2000. After originally signing up for a Dry suit course I continued with my education with New Horizons and became an Instructor in December 2004. The best thing I like is to see the faces of students as they progress through courses and the delight when they complete a course. I like all types of diving but my favourite has to be the vibrant reefs of the Red Sea and Caribbean.

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Andy Domville (PADI Instructor)

I have been diving for about 8 years now, and usually find something different on every dive. You feel privileged to be 'trespassing' in another world. Whether it be the green cooler waters of the UK or the warmer Blue waters of the tropics and Red Sea the exhilaration is always the same.
Surly beats being battered on a rugby field !

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