This week brought a lot of new insights into the JoshingTalk Submersible project, however I wanted to tell you about one in particular that fascinated me and really bit the bullet when it comes to the theory of networking and coincidence.

Last week I was invited to do a talk for the Chiddingfold Society. A group situated no more than 5 minutes down the road from where I live. It was great fun! I talked about my projects, my journey and my ambitions and was treated to nibbles and a glass of wine afterwards. Brilliant- yet another group of people who were fascinated by my passion and had had an enjoyable evening. Job done.
Or so I thought.

It just so turned out that, in the front row of the audience, a gentleman named Sir Anthony Laughton sat listening intrigued by what I had to say about the JoshingTalk Submersible project. Sir Anthony had in fact developed pretty much the first ever deep-sea camera back in the 1950’s and consequently became the director of the Institute of Oceanographic Sciences, one of the key players in global oceanography. He dedicated his career to this industry and is heroic to say the least in his scientific discoveries.

Wow. Here I am trying to be one of the first guys ever to get footage of the deepest Atlantic ocean trench with an amateur submersible and talking to me was one of the first guys ever to get footage of the sea floor. Anywhere. In the world.

Needless to say, I was stunned and nearly choked on my wild salmon canape as I digested what I had just heard. What’s more, I was invited over to Sir Anthony’s house where I had one of the most interesting and captivating science lessons in my life.
Looking through archives of Sir Anthony’s pictures and reports has given me the inspiration boost to keep plugging away at this project.
You may have seen the new JoshingTalk Submersible progress bar on the right….yep, so close yet so far.

We are but a matter of 5% away from launch. It’s within touching distance! Something I’m sure Sir Anthony can relate to on many occasions.