Bob Halstead

Bob Halstead (born 24 October 1944) has made significant contributions to the sport of scuba diving in a multitude of capacities: photographer, author of eight diving books, early innovator in the development of dive tourism, pioneer in the dive liveaboard industry, diving instructor and educator, marine-life explorer and influential diving industry commentator. An ardent diver since 1968, Halstead has over 10,000 logged dives.

Background

Halstead was born and raised in London, England. As a young boy he grew to love water sports, especially swimming and canoeing. By chance his chosen career in science and teaching placed him where that passion for water sports could fully blossom into a lifetime pursuit. By getting a post teaching in the Bahamas, Halstead was introduced to scuba diving. Progressing through a range of certifications with NAUI, he became a diving instructor there. Fortune again led him to a job in what is acknowledged as one of the greatest dive locations in the world - Papua New Guinea (PNG). There he continued his diving avocation as a diving instructor. He met his future wife Dinah (also a teacher), as his student on a diving course he was teaching. They were married in 1976. Dinah went on to become the first New Guinean to become a full dive instructor and a noted underwater photographer in her own right. The couple left the teaching profession together to make a full-time career in scuba diving.

Halstead

Coordinates: 51°56′42″N 0°38′28″E / 51.9451°N 0.6411°E / 51.9451; 0.6411

Halstead is a town and civil parish located in Braintree District of Essex in England. It has a population of 11,906.

The town is near Colchester and Sudbury, in the Colne Valley. The town originally developed on the hill to the north of the river. The name Halstead is said to have derived from the Old English hald (refuge, shelter, healthy) and stede (site, place or farm), meaning 'healthy farm' 'safe place' or 'place of refuge'.

Area

The wide High Street is dominated by the 14th-century church of St Andrew, which was extensively renovated during the Victorian period but retains much earlier decoration including tomb monuments dating from the 14th century and earlier.

The historic core of Halstead can be observed on a walk up the market hill. A river walk runs through the town from east to west, and just outside the town is Broaks Wood, a popular area for walking owned by the Forestry Commission. Halstead Public Gardens were established in 1900 and is noted for its floral displays. The Townsford Mill that spans the river at the bottom of the town houses the Antiques Centre, with thousands of interesting pieces ranging from clothing to household items. Halstead has a library situated in a large open-plan building that was built as the Corn Exchange (1864-1866) but has also housed a technical school.

Halstead (disambiguation)

Halstead may refer to:

Places

People

List of minor planets: 15001–16000