Hi Ben - just a short message from sunny Madeira!! Can't believe your photos. It looks absolutely terrifying!! Chris thinks they're really fake!! and really the ones you put in the paddling pool!! So glad you're having the time of your life!

WOW! So glad you had such a good time Ben. What fantastic photos.

Hello everyone back from Adelaide and playing with sharks!
Just had the most amazing time of my life i don't think that i will ever be able to match it let alone beat it, It was just fantastic. We were very lucky with the amount of sharks that we saw and at times non stop action, with 1-4 sharks around us at certain times. The camera was going like crazy and i managed to get the shot of the trip and now have a blown up signed copy! I have put the photos on so have a look i will sort out some more soon but the will blow you away!

Really pleased to hear you today and delighted that your trip has exceeded your expectations. Your pictures are wonderful -I am so glad it was not me in the cage. All the best in Bamaga -keep away from the long drop!!
Lovexxxx

Hi Ben, I hope you have had a good time with the sharks? I have been thinking about you a lot and can't quite work out when you return to Sydney. The bank holiday has passed so it is nearly time to go back to School. I saw a little bit of the wedding on Saturday-the sun was shining and it all looked very nice. We go up to Manchester on Friday for Anna's wedding on Saturday and then we intend to drop in and see Liz on the way back on Sunday. Your Dad has still got problems with his foot so walking is quite difficul, hence we have had a quiet bank holiday. Jen came home on Saturday and went back on Monday afternoon, she is in her last week, which will be quite stressful for he. She and Jo popped in to see Nick amd Nick they say the house is lovely and coming along really well. I am going into school today and then going to 'catch up' with Barb tomorrow if we can, it is also the twins birthday so I will pop and see them sometime. Gramp has just popped in with some plums-he is very fit. I saw Mary Saunders on the common at the weekend she says that Anna and Jeremy are both in Australia. Anna lives in Manley and both she and her husband belong to a dive club- it wold be strange if you bumped into her. Anyway i shall get on with the ironing now. Please let us know when you are back. Hope all is well-lots of love MumXXXX

Hello everone how are you all? Off to Adelaide today to diving with the great whites so am very excited. Will let you all know how it goes as long as i don't get eaten! Ben

Hi Ben, We had a good time in France and the flights were great. weather was varied but we did get some hot days and it sounds better than in England. Swam in Karin's pool most days even in the rain and I've been perfecting my bombing. Ian looks really tired I think he's been working a lot and there was a certain amount of celebrating to be done with his friends when the results came out. Leaving Ian with a free house on the day the A Level results come out.....how daft is that? Can't even say that the house is still in one piece as there's a great big hole in the spare room wall where Mark is knocking through for the extension! Hope he manages to get the roof done before we get all the bad weather that's forecast!
Have put the first load of washing on, off to sort the next now. Great to hear about all your diving but it is a bit scary! Take care!! Enjoy your crocodile odyssey!! Lots of love. xxxxx

Hi Ben, Well done with all your diving, it looks fantastic (if you like fish!) Loads of people asking me about you at the smiths party but dont worry your not missing much here. I have a new job at Stroud College and the house is slowly coming together but we have no kitchen but at least I can still get away with eating at scarhill everyday for the next few months!! Take care and have a boost for me xx

Hello Ben this is Gramp, We have just had supper and we have been for a walk with Jack. It has been quite a nice day today with no rain. I am off to Bristol airport tomorrow to pick up Barb and co from France-looking forward to hearing about their holiday. I think the shooting season will soon be starting and I shall miss you going by. Pleased you arre having a good time. Love Gramp

Hi Ben - caught up with your Mum & Dad on Friday and heard all about your adventures, it was good to see them and hear all of your news. You sound very busy with the diving - congratulations on the advanced. Hope you can get some work involving the diving - it would be a real bonus to get paid for doing something you love so much! Went to the Smiths Summer Party on Saturday - was chatting with Jason and James about you. Been invited to Matt and Fiona's evening wedding party but Chris has tickets for Frocester beer festival - will let you know if we hear any gossip!! Party was good, I expect you can imagine some of the scenes - free bar and too much Black Rat!! Had Sunday lunch at Steve and Emma's yesterday with Gramp and Aunty Mary as they hadn't seen the new house. Lovely lunch and enjoyed playing with Matthew. Be in touch again soon, Take care XX

Hi Ben, we have just finished our sunday lunch, we missed our wine waiter. It very quiet without you. Jack has just distroyed his new toy (last just under 24 hours!). Good to hear you briefly on the phone earlier, sounds like you are very busy with diving, congratulations on getting your advanced. I am off to Jersey on the 9th Sept for a short holiday. Lots of Love Nan xxxx

P.S Good luck with your advanced