Newsletter 121 Autumn 2008 03

Tully Lake Campground in Royalston, MA. June, 2007.

Photo Nancy Hill

I almost missed this shot, as I had left my camera in my car, a 10-minute walk from my campsite. I awoke and saw the beautiful mist on the lake and shortly after that the canoe came around the corner. I ran as fast as I could to get my camera from the car and hoped the canoe would be there when I returned. I wish I knew who that was in the canoe so I could send him the picture. Nancy Hill

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

COVER

Autumn 2008/01

IN THIS ISSUE

EDITORS PIECE

PAGE NO.

I look around a few paddling related sites on the web from time to time and one that has caught my eye is Ladies Representative 3 PADDLENEWS. This online publication Why don't you give covers all aspects of paddling and is 4 MARATHON a try mainly centred on its home market of North America, but not exclusively so. It New 2 Star (Improver 1) 5 always features a couple of photos from readers around the world and I Mel's big summer social 6 particularly liked the one used on this Lock Improvements 7 month's cover. That's how I came to learn a little about Nancy Hill who's into We tried to tell you 7 QAJAKS in a big way. What are they find out further inside. Pictures aside, Jurassic Coast paddling 8 I'd recommend PADDLENEWS, it's free to subscribers - every Wednesday - and QAJAQ'S 13 includes a no. of items from diet to technique; equipment reviews; canoes Volunteer needed 14 and kayaks of almost every kind (there's A nice photo 14 not much on the racing scene). It's worth a try - http://www.paddling.net/ What's on, when & 15 Andy Cook, who completed the DW where earlier in the year has written a piece to The Committee & other entice the wannabe marathon paddler. 16 I've tried this in the past, even done a useful numbers couple of races - it's worth a try. Our first 2* course was delivered by coaches old and new. I sat at the back for this one and assisted with the assessment. James Bell took the assessment and kindly tells us what he thought. Mel finally got her barbeque sorted and managed to choose one of this summers sunny days! There are a no. of lock improvements going on over the Winter and Andy Maxted has detailed those that might affect our regular paddling. Inspired by my Jurassic Coast paddling trips there's a piece on CAKE. A volunteer is required to take over the 1* bookings and enquiries, as I have decided to wind down my commitment to the club. Please give this serious thought. Perhaps one of the newer members might take this on. Give me a call if at all interested.

Editors Piece

2

It's the Autumn issue and what better way to finish than with a picture from lensman James Farquharson. Cliveden reach, just beginning to turn, and yet another chance to see this spectacle fast beckons. Will it happen for me this year - I'll let you know if it does!

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NEW LADIES REP. We have a new Ladies rep. Tor Edwards has stepped up to the plate and assumed responsibility for all those niggling little things you other ladies might not want to mention directly to us blokes - whatever the reason. Tor first came down to the club a couple of years ago, courtesy of Andy Young, a junior member of some time back. I seem to recall that in that first year she was up for almost anything and went on a no. of tours with the then fledgling WW section. You'll recognise Tor on the water in her bright yellow spud - a boat loved by all those that paddle them. Outside of kayaking Tor enjoys a bit of walking, formula 1, Bollywood and Spanish films, and is also known to do a bit of belly dancing (that's good for the trunk rotation). Currently working as an advisor for the Government Connexions service, Tor LIKES to help people. She also likes to clean - obsessively so. Perhaps we ought to ask her to be in charge of the annual clean-up day. I tried to get a mug shot, but Tor likes her boat so much she said it's her and the boat or nothing.

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WHY DON'T YOU GIVE MARATHON A TRY The reason I ask the question is that I have just done Oxford Falcon race, really enjoyed it and saw hundreds of others enjoying themselves too. My paddling history means that I am most motivated for this part of the sport, but I am sure that some club members could try it, find it suits them and get the same out of it as the people that were there today. My time away from competition means I entered the lowest division, 9. There were 31 starters in div 9 K1. The number is an indication of how popular the sport is at this level, there was as large variety of people, paddles and boats. 4 miles is really too short for me but I managed to stick with the pace wash hanging as a front 3 and then 2 and using the washes of K2s. About ½ a mile from the end I finally dropped off the wash and came second. I got promoted to div.8. Just as Marathon Racing is not quite correct for a race of only 3 miles, the term Flat Water Racing is usually incorrect. Today the river was fast flowing and there were narrow and shallow bits, the hundreds of kayaks going both ways made waves from all directions. Racing used to mean being able to sit a tippy boat, it still does if you want to be in the higher divisions, but there are now a whole array of boats being made, so paddlers can choose the tippiness that suits them. Racing is physically challenging, you have to keep going for about 40 mins. nonstop, but it is better for you than running, safer than cycling and loads more interesting than the gym. When you finish you are tired but fulfilled, or if you win elated. There is a certain level of skill required controlling a boat, wash hanging effectively and being in the most efficient place during the race that is all part of the challenge and soon learnt. There is also great friendship and camaraderie among competitors. Why not try the Henley or Longridge races, Sept. 14 and 21 respectively. The BCU web site explains about entering, it is not difficult. This will give you time to get used to the club racing type boats and get some proficiency in them. If you think it might be for you but are nervous about entering the unknown I don’t mind you contacting me for help and advice. From memory the club racing type boats in order of tippiness are: 3 single light blue and white boats that are very stable and good for the first few races. A new white double that I think is probably very stable. One or 2 mirage 3 K2s, one is green. A red and white makker K2 and 3 blue X Lancers, these are tippy, but it is the summer and you could master them by September. I know some of the boats need attention, but if people want to use them maybe they could be fixed. If you do try the tippier boats bear this in mind: On a busy day from the club to Bisham church is one of the choppiest parts of the river. Don’t just sit in the boat by the club and say it is too wobbly, use your support stroke skills and take it for a decent paddle, get to where the river is more settled. You will probably swim, but get back in and keep going. After a couple of trips and some swims you will begin to master it. Andy Cook (01494816402) Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

[email protected] -4-

June 2008 Autumn 2008/01

BCU 2 STAR (IMPROVER 1) COURSE (14th-15th and 21st-22nd June 2008) “H2O: two parts Heart and one part Obsession” ~ author unknown Over two full and busy weekends at MCC a small group of five mixed-age and previous experience 2 Star aspirants (Alison, Annette, Dan, Ed and myself) underwent the BCU 2008 revised canoe and kayak syllabus. While of course written for all those who might be interested, this article is specifically intended to offer some real encouragement to any existing 1 Star paddlers, or those returning to the sport who may have thought about, or be considering, embarking upon this award course themselves. The clear message from our group would be: stop thinking about it, get practising and give it a go! Whereas the current 2 Star syllabus may to the uninitiated appear daunting, with good and supportive coaching, followed by a well explained assessment (provided respectively by Tim, Rob and JP); the whole course actually unfolded to become an enjoyable, satisfying and rewarding experience. However, the desired end was not achieved without a fair amount of work and effort by those involved, both on and off the water. Through some quite marked changes in the weather and variable river conditions, the five of us were guided through and taught the required range of core skills in closed and open boats; with the latter being found to be surprisingly enjoyable, except perhaps in very high winds. To allow for adequate time and instruction in the two different types of boat, the group was, for certain periods of time, split up. As well as the formal BCU required syllabus, we were given an introduction - in between support strokes, turns, portage, group capsizing and rescue procedures to other river pursuits and pastimes such as: tea and buns at Temple Lock; hand fishing for golf balls; and fishing itself, with JP catching a large pike using a recovered line and hook left trailing behind his boat. If interested, you can ask him for details of its size, which already varies with each time of telling. We were also afforded the opportunity, under supervision, to 'shoot the weirs' at Temple and Marlow, which those who did it found an exhilarating, and in my case an occasionally totally wet, experience. The written theory test took some research on the Internet and in the BCU handbook in order to unearth certain of the more obscure answers to the questions posed. There was also ample opportunity to put aspects of the coursework into practice while planning and undertaking river trips, with each of us taking it in turn to lead the group. The benefit of having such a small group came in the form of 1:2 or 1:3 ratios of coach to students, often interspersed with periods of 1:1 instruction as and when necessary. With the all the candidates having successfully completed the course, MCC now finds itself with five new 2 Star paddlers amongst its numbers. It is hoped that others reading this piece will want to enquire about the course for themselves. Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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Meanwhile, on behalf of our group, "thank you" to all at MCC who assisted, particularly Tim, Rob and JP. See you on the water James Bell

26th June 2008

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MEL'S BIG SUMMER SOCIAL It came and it went (several times), summer that is, before Mel finally set a date for the barbeque. Hurley Island in a variety of boats to make use of the permanent barbeque facility built there. Being first there we naturally hogged everything much to the disappointment of another party, but being generally friendly sorts we gave up a bay for the other party's use. The barbeque starts with a competition - which disposable Barbie is best. We had an Asda special, DC had obviously been to Sainsbury's the day before whilst JP has a little no. from Focus. Paul Griffin, whom we met on the island, had a Waitrose offering. Lighters at the ready and the Asda was away, a decent flame lasted about 40 secs. then the whole lot died. Meanwhile the others slowly began to burn. A healthy dollop of fire lighter gel and the Asda was bringing up the rear, then appeared to die again - but Mel, who knows a thing or two about these advised that it would light and burn well given time. More in hope than in anticipation I threw a packet of burgers on and got out the Coleman. A handy alternative to a trangia as you can run these on unleaded petrol. A while later all the barbies were doing there stuff though DC's was struggling a little to produce a couple of burger bacon mushroom cheese melts in toasted baps with a side order of corn on the cob. But it looked good. Meanwhile the Coleman seemed to be out cooking everything else. A look around showed that some people had put a bit of thought into this and my 3 varieties of gloop in a roll were looking a bit put out. Not that it bothered me as there is a nice new tea shop on Hurley lock, so me and Mrs. Ed went for a cuppa and a slab of cake (they serve cake here by the slab, either home made or a local amateur baker I'd say). It's a little pricier, but hey! "I'm worth it". A gentle paddle back to the club concluded the day, which fortunately turned out to be one of this summer's better offerings. But what of the competition. It's my view that the disposable barbeques were pretty much alike. That said the Asda one seemed to be burning longer than everything else, though it took longer to get going and didn't look like it was as hot. Top tip buy the cheapest and if they're on offer buy a couple - we might well repeat this sometime. John Norris

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

July 2008

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LOCK IMPROVEMENTS The Environment Agency spent £6.5m on various improvements to the Thames last winter which included a new canoe portage at Sonning Lock. This winter sees an equally extensive programme with 17 locks between Grafton (near Oxford) and Sunbury due for upgrades and repairs.

Local locks due for work over winter 2008/09 are: Hurley

10/11/2008 – 12/12/2008.

New out of hours public power.

Temple

05/01/2009 – 06/02/2009.

New out of hours public power.

Marlow

03/11/2008 – 16/01/2009.

Cut bank protection and lock gate resheeting.

Cookham

10/11/2008 – 27/03/2009.

Head lock cut bank protection and new out of hours public power.

Each of the above locks are planned to be closed on these dates, although canoe portage is usually still possible during these types of works. The programme is subject to change and the most up to date version can be found at www.visitthames.co.uk/winterworks. Andy Maxted

August 2008

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WE TRIED TO TELL YOU 'Qu'ils mangent de la brioche' (let them eat cake) said Marie Antoinette when told there was no bread for the populace to eat. History is written by the victors and today we tend to think upon this as a 'them and us' reference. There is evidence to suggest that this is not so, and that the comment was made to support the populace during a flour shortage. MA may not even have been the author of the quote, but then, that's history for you. I mention this because during one of my sea trips with BADCC my sandwiches, carefully prepared that morning, were looking rather sorry when the time came to consume them. During a rather hot morning the spread on the sandwiches had……..well you know what happens to spread when left out of the fridge. But I was hungry so I ate them and thought about a way around this for the next weekend's trip. Many a year ago, when I used to cycle a lot more than I do now the old boys in the club I rode with always made sure we stopped (sometimes several times) for tea and Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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CAKES. Despite my advantage of youth over many of the riders I was never able to shake off the 'oldies'. They tried to explain, but I wasn't having any of it - not until youth began to wane. About that time a lot of research on the effects of foods was being undertaken and the results made available via advertisements for new 'energy bars' etc. Then it all clicked. There are a lot of calories in CAKE, and every one of them taste's nice. Quick fix calories and slow burn calories, thousands of them and all yummy. So for the next trip, I just packed a Waitrose GENOA slab (£1.09) and a flask of coffee (I still took my preferred SIS bars in case of a real emergency) and ate half of that for lunch, washed down with some coffee. At times it was a slog back but I never tired and felt like I could have driven home without the need for a food stop. I'll be doing this in future, possibly even on cooler days as well. It's relatively cheap, this sort of cake is available in all main supermarkets, it can take a lot of abuse during packing and is good for days after should you not eat it all. Just remember though, it needs to be a 'heavy' cake such as GENOA. You're missing the point if you take a sponge or similar and you're missing it entirely if you take a 'calorie reduced' version of anything. If you are paddling with a group check the ingredients before you remove / dispose of the wrapper for nuts etc. It's always possible that someone might need some of your cake more than you do. I expect the old boys are up there now - maybe having a chuckle. 'We tried to tell you' they might be saying. John Norris

August 2008

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JURASSIC COAST PADDLING A shortish story in two parts featuring, in no particular order, Peter Mansell (L3 sea coach); Janella Mansell (TL3 sea coach); Hilary Booth; Karen Gully (L3 coach); Wendy Stopford; Dave Gully and Terry Farrell, all of BADCC and me, an outsider looking in from Marlow Canoe Club. In my attempt to re-establish sea kayaking as an addition to the club's current offerings, I turned to other clubs with successful sea sections to further my experience. One such club was BADCC (Basingstoke & Deane) whose L3 sea coach was organising some club events for the forthcoming season. An exchange of emails established my suitability and I was in. I can't remember why but the first trip was cancelled so by the time the second came around I was more eager than ready. This trip was to be a paddle along part of the Jurassic coast (recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site) from Bowleaze Cove, just to the east of Weymouth, to Lulworth Cove.

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In its entirety, the Jurassic Coast is the coastline from Exmouth, Devon to Swanage, Dorset and then a little further north to 'Old Harry Rocks'. Its importance to the geological types is immeasurable: hence it's status, revealing rocks and rock formations from the Mesozoic era (Triassic; Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods) documenting 180 million years of geological history. And a kayak provides one of the cheapest, easiest (when conditions are suitable) and least intrusive ways to view it.

The coach had worked overtime on this, even dialling in one of the year's hottest days thus far. The journey down was reasonably quick and after shuttles etc. we were ready to go around 11:15. As we had met at Hilary's house before departure introductions were minimal and after a short, but important, safety chat we headed east. High pressure and minimal wind led to flattish conditions, but not mill pond like as seen in many arctic photos. The tide should have been working for us but it didn't feel like it. I later learned that the water always flows west here. West when the tide's going out and west when it's coming in. The theory behind this is that Portland Isle effectively causes a large eddy for some distance along the coast. I can't vouch for the authenticity of this, but I know my boat and I know when I'm paddling with or against the flow. I'm prepared to believe there's an element of truth in there. Leaving the beach at Bowleaze you can often see a number of large merchant ships in the bay. As you paddle around the bay these ships never seem to get any further away and a look at the map shows you are paddling an arc around the ships and not putting any meaningful distance between you and them. I thought that we might escape the sound of the infernal combustion engine as we headed east, but Weymouth Whitewater would have none of it, treating me to the sound of a poorly tuned V8 attached to large RIB. I suppose it gave a thrill to those that like their excitement 'engineered'. For the first part of the trip, I was finding my way - settling in with a new bunch of paddling buddies. I was never 'alone' for very long as someone would paddle alongside and introduce themselves followed by a short chat. A very amiable approach (admittedly easier to do with just the one new face) and one that we might make more effort to adopt ourselves, particularly if we wish to retain a higher percentage of new members. Fortunately this part of the coast was one of the less dramatic, though we paddled past a number of important features without realising their importance. We stopped for lunch on a reasonably well populated beach just

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past Ringsted, having missed a coast made up of a 'complex sequence of rocks, jumbled up by geological folds and faults formed from Upper Jurassic clays, limestones and sandstones'. I must have blinked. After lunch we moved on toward Lulworth, and the coast became more interesting with many opportunities to see various strata in the predominately limestone cliffs interspersed with what might have been fine layers of Jurassic clays. There's many a small beach on this section, often with people who have got to them via small inflatable's or sots. Google satellite shows an odd shaped piece of cliff sticking out into the sea, maybe a slightly harder limestone than its surrounds, but underneath is a small passage offering some cooling relief from the heat and sun. Bit like a junior Durdle Door, it frames the real thing some 1300m distant. The area around the Door is somewhat more commercialised than I remember and a paddle through the door has to be taken cautiously as there are a number of swimmers and airbeds around. Duly completed, it was on to 'Stair Hole'. Stair Hole might well be the 'new' Lulworth Cove. Collapsing caves and arches have allowed the sea to get behind the protective limestone and in millennia to come will work on the softer clays to form a new bay. In all likelihood the new bay will join with the existing and probably leave a stack similar to 'Old Harry'. A paddle into Stair Hole and you'll likely see some kids tombstoning and others rock scrambling. The main feature though is the Lulworth Crumple, a complex fold formed by major earth movements that occurred around the same time the Alps were forming. The Lulworth Estate has provided a viewing platform, but take it from me; the best view is from a seat that floats. The trip finishes with our arrival at the Cove but the day is far from over. Some coaching has been requested and several methods at self rescue were demonstrated in the clear warm water. Following many attempts Karen succeeded in a re-entry and roll while others were equally successful in getting back into their boats. For my part I admired the lean and turn demonstrated by the coach and tried improving this technique for myself. It's coming on, slowly, but I need to combine lean, trunk rotation, and a better bow rudder for it to become truly effective. It's busy at the Cove and it takes an hour to get the boats up the road and loaded onto the cars. The BADCC members are off for a meal to which I'm invited. Sadly, I have to turn it down as I've an early start the next day and an hour's further driving than they. Unfortunately, the fan belt went on the way home and me and the car had Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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to be rescued. Still it saved me £15.00 in fuel, and was the only blot on a very enjoyable trip. Here's to new friends. A week has passed and I'm back at Hilary's loading up the car for PART 2. The forecast was for doable water that might verge on the slightly more technical later on in the day. On arrival, it seemed the forecast was a little overdone as the rain stopped, the wind dropped and all looked a little easier than first thought. The coach rightly advised that the group should stay closer together as the conditions were somewhat more difficult than those enjoyed the previous weekend. Leaving the bay was not that difficult and the breaker crashing to the east side of the Cove subsided to a general swell of probably no more than a couple of feet, with occasional waves half that again - sometimes made a little worse when the bounce back from the cliff face met with the incoming water. We moved a little further out to minimise the effect and the swell settled a little as conditions improved with blue sky approaching from the west and the possibility of an appearance by the currant bun. A reasonable pace was easily achieved and we soon reached Worbarrow Bay, a large bay with several subsidiary bays contained within. The more adventurous took a line close to the cliffs through Mupe rocks, others stayed clear and I went somewhere down the middle. At the other side of the bay we took the opportunity to take a 'floating' rest break. There are a few rocks on the end of an outcrop here and the incoming tide hit them impressively. It soon became apparent that the waves came in a sequence and I looked for one of the larger ones. I waited for 'my' wave and broke through in one of those boat half out of the water styles. I hadn't felt this good in a boat since Paul Hazelhurst sent me over Marlow weir just 1 second after giving me a few seconds to make up my mind. Heading east again we paddled a little way out from Gad Cliff, an impressive feature where the strata have broken from below leaving extensive overhangs above. Gad Cliff continues into Tyneham Cap and below here the shelving into Kimmeridge Bay starts. A large surf could be seen from some way off so we moved out to sea to go around this and then entered Kimmeridge Bay direct. I went in first, accompanied by Dave and Terry with orders to look for a good landing spot. I picked up a couple of waves and surfed some of the way in hitting almost 10mph on the GPS. Skirting around the edge of the bay I settled for a slipway that looked like it had an ice cream shop, but this turned out to be a small marine centre. Lunch was taken under a blue sky and a quick visit to the marine centre proved worthwhile. Heading back we set off out to the open sea to avoid the surf on the ledges, which seemed to have diminished a little with the slight rise in the tide. I have many faults but perhaps the worst is forgetting good coaching practise when not actually coaching. Settling into my usual rhythm I steadily pulled away from the group such that the coach felt it necessary to call me back with a whistle. A wise call, because if anything had happened to me it would have been a good few

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minutes before any assistance arrived. A gentle breeze had been building since we left our lunch stop and this enhanced the swell which had become more 'playful' by the time we reached Worbarrow Bay. Some went around the headland and rested whilst Peter, Karen, Hilary and I played in the small bay adjacent, in particular the small cave to the side. Helmets were necessary as the rise and fall of the water was such that it was all too easy to acquire a bump on the noggin. The cave also served as a place to practise extricating stricken paddlers and a waist belt towline did the job well. After we had enjoyed a short break we set off on the final leg home. By now the sky was hazy, the air warm, and the gentle breeze had maybe increased a little. The plan was to skirt around the edge of the bay, but the stacks at the far end seemed to take forever and a day to get to. A lone rock surrounded by a pounding surf offered an exercise in turning, the idea being to keep as close to the rock as possible. I followed the coach round keeping track on the first turn but losing it thereafter. A second attempt was much improved using the peak of a wave to turn the boat sharply. On the way across it was obvious the conditions were intensifying, but not worryingly so, however conditions became more acute as we left the bay and a few of us played around Mupe rocks. The swell came in at a slight angle and in no particular sequence, at least as far as I could see. Several times I came close to losing a few lbs. quite quickly. Leaving the rocks behind us we made slow progress toward the cove along the foot of Bindon Hill. The swell had increased dramatically now, and there was little chance to admire the scenery as safe progress required much concentration. The coach asked Karen and me to back mark whilst he offered assistance to a tiring paddler by way of a tow. We were in for a bumpy ride as the swell continued increasing as we closed in on the Cove. What landmarks we could see took forever to reach and pass, possibly because we were making more distance vertically than horizontally. 1m swell had long given way to 1.5m swell and this in turn to almost a 2m swell. Sitting at the back we kopped an almighty wave and judging that we were still going down for some time after we lost sight of the coach and his tow I'm thinking 2.5m would not be too great an exaggeration. It proved to be a unique wave, a one off, as we never saw its like again. To avoid the breaking surf on the east end of the Cove we paddled some way past the mouth before turning in and landing safely on the beach. Not one swimmer, which surprised me - but pleased me. Journey's end.

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Boats loaded and persons changed we headed into Lulworth for a bite to eat and a drink or two, finally departing a little after nine. When I made my initial request to BADCC it was to gain experience. I may try for a star award or even a coach, but I'm thinking it'll be more for my personal benefit though I'd be happy to pass on the skills I acquire on the river or possibly a relatively calm sea (F2 or F3). And I still intend to push for sea paddling to be an alternative for members. I've really enjoyed my time with the BADCC boys and girls and hope to continue to forge links with them. A great bunch of people! John Norris Marlow canoe Club.

P.S. What's wrong with licking plates? ________________________________________________________________________

QAJAQS As I said in the 'Editors Piece', Nancy Hill (who kindly provided our cover picture this issue) is into qajaq's. As we have members who seem to like 'original' boats (I'm thinking the Chairman's coracle here) and others with a historic interest in the sport I thought I'd include a few links with reference to these particular boats. QAJAQS are traditional skin on wood frame boats as used by the Inuit, particularly those from the west coast of Greenland. Think Kevlar, 1/2 the weight and knock of a few lb's for good measure, that's how light these things can be! Today's 'modern' GF Greenland style canoes can trace their pedigree back to these designs developed over many centuries by the Inuit. They also use a paddle that looks more like a canoe pole than our conventional blades but having tried one out I can confirm they work and work pretty well. To use a qajaq properly, one needs to wear a tuilik. A tuilik is best looked upon as a spraydeck and anorak all in one and I'm led to believe the Inuit might have been sewn into their boats so rolling was essential and in lot's of ways. I've looked through these sites and found much of interest. Why not have a look for yourself. I think it unlikely we'll see these on the Thames any time soon, but then I didn't think we'd see the Chairman in a coracle either. http://www.qajaqusa.org/ http://www.bughead.net/ http://www.capefalconkayak.com/

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VOLUNTEER NEEDED After completion of this year's courses I'm intending to step down from coordinating the new starter enquiries and 1* course organisation. I'm hoping this will leave me more free to take up sea paddling opportunities as when they occur, having missed out on such a chance during one of our earlier courses. It's pretty much free to do what you want with but I think I've got a reasonably easy to use set up organised and I'll explain it to whosoever takes over. Most new enquiries to the club come via. the website. Dave Goddard has it set so that enquiries come to me but it's just a formality to change the receiving address. On receipt of an expression of interest just reply e-mail with a list of attachments. Should the enquiree follow this up he / she will return the application form with a cheque. You add their name to a course register and leave the cheque at the clubhouse (in the little blue tin) and the treasurer will collect it when next at the club. Liase with Tim Twitchen if the no's on a course exceed 8 and that's pretty much it. Before the course commences, provide Tim with a register / details and after completion e-mail the membership secretary with the new member details. If at all interested, please give me a call and I'll be pleased to show you how everything goes together, but like I said, there's no reason why you can't do it your way. ________________________________________________________________________

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WHAT'S ON, WHEN AND WHERE The complete and authoritive guide to all that the club hopes to do in the forthcoming months. Please note that at the time of going to press dates cannot be guaranteed and that the programme can be subject to changes. ALL CLUB SESSIONS; ON THE WATER FOR 10:00am. SEE D.O. SUNDAYS FOR FINISH. CHECK NOTICEBOARDS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS ALL CLUB SESSIONS; ON THE WATER FOR 7:00pm. SEE D.O. FOR TUESDAYS FINISH. CHECK NOTICEBOARDS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS

D.O D.O

09/10 AUG. 16/17 AUG. 23/24 AUG 30/31 AUG. 01 SEPT 06/07 SEPT

IMPROVER COURSE 1 - 2* AWARD PART 1 (+TUESDAY 12th) IMPROVER COURSE 1 - 2* AWARD PART 2 SYMONDS YAT - RIVER WYE SURF TRIP COMMITTEE MEETING @ MARLOW DONKEY (DATE T.B.C.) NOVICE COURSE 5 - VOLUNTEERS PLEASE

TT TT CP CP AM TT

20/21 SEPT 05 OCT. 06 OCTt

GET INTO WHITEWATER - RIVER DEE COACHING UPDATE FORUM - LONGRIDGE COMMITTEE MEETING @ MARLOW DONKEY (DATE T.B.C)

CP BCU AM

18/19 OCT 03 NOV 01 DEC

RIVERS WYE & USK COMMITTEE MEETING @ MARLOW DONKEY (DATE T.B.C) COMMITTEE MEETING @ MARLOW DONKEY (DATE T.B.C)

CP AM AM

KEEP A LOOKOUT ON NOTICEBOARDS AND THE YAHOO GROUP SOME TRIPS JUST SUDDENLY 'APPEAR' IF CONDITIONS ARE RIGHT.

EVERY THURSDAY EVENING 9.00 - 10.30

SWIMMING POOL SESSIONS AT GURNELL POOL, WEST LONDON GET TUITION IN ROLLING, PRACTISE 3* SKILLS OR ANYTHING YOU'VE GOT A BIT RUSTY ON. SEE WEBSITE FOR MAP AND DETAILS ORGANISER / MCC CONTACT FOR ABOVE EVENTS

AC

ADRIAN COOPER

01844 344580

[email protected]

AM

ANDY MAXTED

07730 852760

[email protected]

DL

DAVID LYDIATT

01753 887773

[email protected]

JN

JOHN NORRIS

01494 483833

[email protected]

JP

JOHN PARKIN

07973 820515

[email protected]

MP

MARTIN PLAIN

01628 483252

[email protected]

TB

TERRY BELCHER

01628 851001

[email protected]

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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Autumn 2008/01

THE COMMITTEE & OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS A list of those members who serve on the club's committee, their role, a contact no. and an e-mail address should you need to get in touch. POSITION

NAME

TELEPHONE

E-MAIL (all hyperlinked)

PRESIDENT

TIM WARD

01494 482959

[email protected]

CHAIRMAN

ADRIAN COOPER

01844 344580

[email protected]

SECRETARY

ANDY MAXTED

07730 852760

[email protected]

TREASURER

PAUL CRICHTON

08708 806962

[email protected]

MEMBERSHIP

ROD EDMONDS

01753 671389

[email protected]

COACHING

TIM TWITCHEN

07833 995289

[email protected]

EQUIPMENT

CHRIS PORTEOUS

01628 485049

[email protected]

NEWSLETTER

JOHN NORRIS

01494 483833

[email protected]

WOMENS REP.

TOR EDWARDS

01494

[email protected]

YOUTH REP.

ALEX SHEILL

[email protected]

SOCIAL SEC

MELINDA LIVETT

[email protected]

MARATHON

THIS EVENT WILL IN FUTURE BE HOSTED BY LONGRIDGE C.C.

WHITEWATER

CHRIS PORTEOUS

TOURING

VACANT

SEA

JOHN NORRIS

01628 485049

[email protected]

01494 483833

[email protected]

OUR NEAREST RETAILERS / SUPPLIERS RIVERSIDE

OXFORD

01865 248673

http://www.riversideoxford.co.uk

MARSPORT

READING

01189 665912

http://www.marsport.co.uk

BERKSHIRE CANOES

READING

01189 425640

http://www.berkshire-canoes.co.uk

WWC

SHEPPERTON

01932 247978

http://www.whitewaterthecanoecentre.co.uk

PADDLESPORT

COMPTON VERNEY

01926 640573

http://www.paddlesport.co.uk

Please advise the editor if any contact details are incorrect or if you wish to add an alternative no. / e-mail address to the list.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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Autumn 2008/01