Newsletter
Frome Canoe Club
Volume 38 Issue 7: July 2014
Young Volunteer of the Year in recognition of the outstanding contribution George makes on a weekly basis throughout the year. Fun and games on the R Avon trip! P10 for report
Frome Canoe Club is affiliated to the British Canoe Union and is a Registered Charity (Number 1104728) 1
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THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Graham Warnecke Vice Presidents Richard and Jane Arney Jim and Catharine Croft Chairman Alun Jones Vice Chairman Gareth McGiveron Treasurer John Kent Secretary Pam Dixon 16 Blagdon Walk, Frome, BA11 2YH Committee Members Arthur Belbin Rich Carter Richard Heal Jonathan Howell Tracey Lemon Stuart Miles Kit Officers Tim and Sally Smiles
In this issue CALENDAR: details
3 4 4 4 4 20
Calendar in brief Open Boat Day Biblins Remaining courses River Avon trip Summer BBQ
SLALOM
5 6 8 9
Market Yard Slalom Langham Farm slalom - report Llandysul slalom - report Ogmore slalom - report
OTHER REPORTS
10 14
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River Avon trip Platinum Ladies Club
SPECIALS
14 19 20
Bits and Pieces Passport Passes! Tuesday’s Canoe Polo
Send articles for the next issue to pam@dixon.org.uk by 27th July 2
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Calendar 2014 Date
Event
Standard
Contact
5/6
Biblins
All
Pam D
9
Passport course (2) starts
Participants
Pam D
12
One Star course
Participants
Pam D
13
Open Boat skills day
Participants
Stuart M
20
Market Yard slalom Div 4/O
All
John K
27
Go Canoeing Day for general public Help needed
29
Tuesday Polo Game
Volunteers
Jack S
3
River Avon Fun Trip
All
Rich C
9
Aquatic First Aid
All
Pam D
10
Summer BBQ
All
Pam D
16
Llandysul Div 3/4
All
John K
16/17
Harefield Div 3/4
All
July
Pam D
August
September 7
Surf trip (surf dependent!)
Adults
Rich C
17
LAST WEDNESDAY SESSION
All
Pam D
21
Wye Rapids or local trip
Passport/One Star
Moving water weekend
Passport/One Star Pam D
River Barle
Passport/One Star Pam D
October 5/6 19
(+ 10 years or over)
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Calendar in detail BIBLINS
OPEN BOAT SKILLS DAY 13th July 9.30am at the Market Yard Cost £10
5/6th July Meet Market Yard : 8.30am £36
A day to polish your Open Boat skills. (Note the slightly later start than originally published.)
A camping and canoeing weekend for youth members. You need to bring a tent, sleeping bag, overnight things, change of clothes and wellie boots. We pick up the paddling gear on the morning. Cost includes, travel, food and campsite fees. You need to check we have spaces left now!
Stuart will be coaching and will be able to assess whereabouts you are with canoeing in order to help you progress.
!
REMAINING COURSES
RIVER AVON FUN TRIP
Passport £35
3rd August Meet 9am at Market Yard Cost £3
An introductory 7 week course for the under 14s. Wednesdays 7-8pm. Start date: 9th July
Today we will be having fun as we paddle a nice easy section of the River Avon. You will need a packed lunch, change of clothes for paddling and you can borrow club kit on the morning. This one is good for youth members.
One Star £40 An introductory course for over 14s Saturday 12th July
Aquatic First Aid £30 An 8 hour course: Saturday 9th August
Strict adherence to the Club’s code of conduct is expected at all times on club events . 4
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We need help to run this event: 20thJuly
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Langham Farm Slalom - 7/8th June A resounding success! Wall to wall sunshine, (after the rain stopped on Saturday!), smiles all round and loads of help: what more could we want? If you have any suggestions of
how we could improve it next year, please do let us know! One suggestion is to move Control away from the toilets. Good point, Alex! 6
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Langham Farm Slalom continued Ben supports Theo in his run down the course
In Control!
Alex in the pool. Promotion to Div 3 won’t come till his next slalom
Let’s see a bit of effort please! 7
Our team, over the two days comprised: Girls: Aimee Collins, Chloe Collins, Summer Vowell Boys: Alex Hulin, Alfie Lee, Dylan Bell, Keiran Clark, Kieran Fewell, Matthew Legg, Theo Middleton, Tierney O’Neill, Women: Kath Norton Men: Andrew Lyall, Andy Bell, Andy Vowell, Chris Bartlett, Dav Lee, John Kent, Jack Overhill, Mark Hemmens and Terry O’Neill,
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Llandysul slalom, 24th May - Andrew’s report My observations of the day: John and I were going paddle a C2 and this was our first C2 race of 2014. Despite minimal winter C2 practice we were looking forward to it. As there had been lots of rain on Thursday water levels were good, much better than last year with all the main rocks covered. There were 19 gates with some tricky ones to deal with at the end of the course when you were tired due to a large set of rapids. The winning time for Division 2 men of approximately 110 seconds was much longer than the 95 second finishing time of a lot of recent slaloms which meant the course was much longer. There were 75 competitors so the race was quite relaxed with plenty of time for practise and no need to wait on the start line for your go, which is very useful when paddling a C2, which is not very comfortable.
Despite trying harder on our second run we could not improve our time coming fourth out of six overall. We had paddled well and had only missed third by one second. Our best race time last year had been 180 seconds. Prize giving was at 3.30pm which meant we could go to the Half Moon pub to warm up. The food is excellent and made a change from the Porth Hotel which is much busier. John stayed for Sunday’s race to meet up with other members of the club who couldn't race on Saturday. If you are in Division 3 or 4 and fancy having a go at this slalom the next one at Llandysul is on 16 August 2014. Andrew Lyall Ed: Thank you for this report. Below is a picture of John and Andrew in the C2, racing at a different slalom. (Langham Farm)
The weather was cooler, 12oC with rain from 1pm but we were happy with the flow of water which continued to make the slalom quite challenging. We were third on our first run with a time of 166 including 6 penalty points. 8
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Ogmore slalom, 15th June - Kath’s report Lorraine. Lorraine is able to hold her breath for miles! Andy gives it his best shot but his desire to keep talking usually wins the day...
Rich gave me some good advice before Ogmore Slalom. He said “When it’s all going wrong don’t give up”.
Fortunately Andy and John won their C2 event in the slalom so that will probably help Andy get over his disappointment at being beaten by his better half (in a much more physically demanding competition obviously).
I had been feeling a bit disheartened after the Langham Farm slalom, so a bit of a push was probably just what I needed.
Kath
Well, what can I say? There was very stiff competition in the ladies Div 4 C1 category. Really? OK, no one else turned up but I still had to get from one end of the course to the other without swimming. We all know how difficult that can be don’t we? So there I was, thinking what a good strategy - just enter a category where there is no competition and guarantee a win - simple!
Ed: Yes, some very good advice from Rich! Hard to follow perhaps, but still good! Some stunning results today see p15. There is a new Div 3/4 at Harefield on 16/17th August. Is anyone interested in going to that one? It clashes with Llandysul, but as Andrew points out, it is a lot closer!
No, not simple, because I ended up getting promoted which means I am now in Div 3 and that means I now have to work hard to get better, so I don’t look like a complete numpty against the better paddlers! I don’t want to brag, but I also came second in the 'who can hold their breath longest going through the tunnel on the motorway' event - for the uninitiated this is a game devised by team Lyall and is usually won by 9
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River Avon Trip, 22nd June - Jane’s report ‘Write a report after the trip’ they always say. (By “they” I largely mean Pam of course), and I never do because to be honest my powers of concentration and observation skills are rather limited.
water I am either bimbling along communing with nature, making “to do” lists for the week ahead in my head and maybe chatting to my nearest paddling companion or, on moving water, too busy concentrating on staying upright to notice much about what anyone else is doing. So yesterday I did try a bit harder.
On most trips I put on my kit, carry my boat, go where I’m told, wait for the shuttle (unless I’m driving, in which case I drive where I’m told), sit in sun (yesterday) or try to keep warm (other days), go the next place I’m told, and get on water when I am told. As you can see I am very obedient (no sniggering at the back please), it’s just that I don’t always take a lot of notice of what else is going on around me. Even on the
Firstly I took some photos as requested by Pam all of which can be seen on the FCC Facebook page. Secondly I tried to notice enough going on around me to write this report. In summary the day was led with great efficiency, authority and good humour (they paid me to write that) by Stu and Mark and involved: flat water and two weirs (more on these later), glorious sunshine and blue sky, a good mix of 10
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River Avon continued open boats and kayaks, paddlers ranging in age from Dylan (2 and three quarters) to, well, quite a bit older, and
ing. We don’t THINK they were there because Pam had told them who was leading the trip, but I can’t be sure! Leaving “civilisation” behind we saw several handsome herons (or was it just the same one several times Mark?), remarkably tolerant of our presence and happy to sit and let us admire them as we passed quite close by, plus swans/cygnets, geese/ goslings, ducks/ducklings, and people swimming which must be a testament to the health of the river water. We did engage in a bit of competitive “clearest river I have paddled on” discussion - and OK Rich, you win, we can’t beat your 3 metre deep crystal clear Scottish pool experience.
paddling experience ranging from years to mere weeks. Given the weather we were all kitted out in light paddling gear which made the long stretches of flat water paddling less arduous (ie sweaty). The only exception to the light paddling gear rule was Mark in full cag - we never did quite work out which weather forecast he had looked at before the trip or what conditions he was expecting. Did I mention he was leading the trip? The day being absolutely glorious, the river at Bradford -on-Avon was busy with anglers, rowers, anglers, more anglers, and the Wiltshire Search and Rescue Team carrying out some train-
Reaching Avoncliff Weir George was deputised to assess the best line for those going over and provide a gentle launch for everyone including our 11
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River Avon continued
newest kayakers Karen, Mike, Finley and Craig who all stayed admirably upright.
compliment a middle aged woman can be paid!
Then came Julia, with George putting rather more enthusiasm into sending HIS OWN MOTHER over the edge, followed by me launched with double enthusiasm by George and Rich together. Which might lead you to question why I went back up for a second go – and why I was at all surprised to find myself going down the weir backwards. I have been trying to work out the “respect your elders” vs “glad they think I’m not a fuddy duddy” equation and have come definitively to the conclusion that being considered by teenaged boys a suitable candidate for backwards over a weir, is the best
Another flat paddle via a lunch break to Limpley Stoke Mill where the only points of the day were acquired. Mark rolled (or so I’m told, didn’t actually see it myself, see top of this piece) and Julia becoming rather too attached to her spray deck, and requiring assistance in her evacuation. Several of the ‘boys’ took the opportunity to go down the weir a few times, which involved conspicuous paddle throwing, I presume to demonstrate a lack of support strokes. Frankly one or two of the participants were old enough to know better – and in Mike’s case rather impressively enthusiastic 12
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River Avon continued Paddlers and Points
given this is his first season paddling. Watch out future river leaders, the man knows no fear!
Girls:
Bee T, Chloe Mc, Hannah B, Isi M Boys: Ben N, Finley T, George Mc, Rich N (1), Women: Jane T, Julia Mc (3), Karen R, Kath N, Sam N, Men: Chris R, Gareth, Mark B (1), Mike H and Stu M. Joining us at the beginning and paddling part of the way: Andy, Dylan and Lou.
Final stretch of paddling to Limpley Stoke, carrying boats up to the aqueduct and into the murky waters of the canal for the final hundred yard paddle to the get out. Or the 400 yard paddle if your leaders take you the wrong way. Which of course would never happen. All in all, a happy day’s paddle in glorious sunshine. As I flicked through my photos, which are mainly just un-posed snapshots, I couldn’t help noticing the number of smiles on people’s faces. And that, to me, is what it’s all about.
Last words from Stu about Rich Norman’s point “He may have had a little assistance from a third party in his capsize”. Ed: Lovely article Jane. Thank you! Lots more photos on fb. And yes loads of smiles!
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PLC - Platinum Ladies Club Frome Canoe Club - PLC (Platinum Ladies Club) OR River Avon Trip - 22nd June By Kath Norton Sam, Karen and Kath) put their exceptional minds to solving this problem. And solve it we did! We have formed the Platinum Ladies Club. This is both an inclusive and exclusive tier of Frome Canoe Club. Inclusive because we want it to be accessible to all so there is no charge for this premium level of membership. Exclusive, because we have to have standards so not just anyone can join.
Have you ever wondered how much better river trips would be if the female intellect was applied to the Get On and the Get Off? Well wonder no more! Let’s face it, whoever runs the trip, the get on and get off just don’t work do they? There’s all that driving backwards and forwards (and that’s just to park the car) and then there’s the lifting of boats, the carrying of boats and whatever else goes on. Be honest now how many nails have you broken in the process?
You are probably wondering what this has to do with logistical improvements (or you are bored and have skipped to the next article) but be patient, I can assure you it will become clear shortly. So back to exclusivity – we have devised eligibility criteria – basically you have to meet the following: Be female (sorry Stu, being a big
girls blouse doesn’t count – really, no exceptions!) That’s basically it for the criteria. Once a member of the PLC you will
be fast tracked on all river trips so, You will not have to get up at silly
Well, you will be pleased to know that on the Avon trip, five, fearless, solution focussed, females (Julia, Jane,
o’clock to get to the club house to do that boat loading thing. 14
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PLC continued boat receives a full valet service.
You will not have to drive, or be
transported in mini buses and such like, because a chauffeur driven limo will pick you up at a REASONABLE time and take you to the get on, arriving JUST BEFORE you actually need to get on.
You will have a nice relaxing jour-
ney home - to your door - no stopping off at the club house to do more of that lifting and carrying stuff. As we are very exclusive in the PLC, our motto is in Latin. We are very clever you know! OK, we have Google translate. And of course our motto is “non erigamus digitus” – or for those people who don’t have Google translate to hand, ‘we don’t lift a finger’ . . . BECAUSE WE WILL BREAK OUR NAILS,
At the get on, your boat and kit
will already be there for you (no lifting and carrying for you, ladies!). You will be assisted into your boat
and lowered gently into the water (none of this sending people down weirs backwards – Rich and George and Ben or whoever did that nasty thing to Jane).
OBVIOUSLY, KEEP UP PLEASE!
But don’t worry guys you will always be more to us than lifters and carriers of boats – we will let you provide safety cover as well because you are quite good at that! (well, maybe not anymore after this article…..)
The get off will be exactly what it
says on the tin – the ‘get off’. Not the ‘get off and break a nail lifting and carrying your boat’ (or even worse other people’s!) You will get off, leave your boat
Ogmore 15th June
etc for someone else to worry about and step into your winnebego for a nice hot shower and glass of champagne.
Says John on facebook after the event “What a haul at Ogmore today” Div 3 K1M Kieran 1st Div 3 K1W Chloe 1st Div 3 C2 Kent / Lyall 1st Div 4 K1M Alex 3rd and Promoted Div 4 C1W Kath 1st and Promoted
A massage and pamper session
will be immediately available (David Beckham has already expressed an interest in this new career opportunity) whilst your 15
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Bits and pieces
HELP NEEDED 27th July is our next starter session day for members of the public to have a go canoeing. We are joining up with the Activity Day organised in Frome, so there will be lots going on during the day, and hopefully we will get lots of interest!
We need coaches and volunteers to help us from 10am till 4pm.
Megan has counted the vouchers! We have a grand total of 3783. THANK YOU EVERYONE! If anyone has any more vouchers lurking at home, we are still happy to receive them!
Get all your canoeing things from the Family Adventure Store at Hilperton. BA14 7PJ
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Bits and Pieces
A week or so ago graffiti was sprayed onto the clubhouse wall and the containers to the side. The containers can just be painted over, but the paint on the brickwork is taking some time to remove. Thank you to everyone for your kind offers of help and especially to Bex for posting some industrial strength stuff to us. It is a slow process but it is working. The upstairs room in the clubhouse is progressing well and at the last committee meeting we agreed a vote of thanks needed to go to Mark Baines for spending so many Wednesday evenings over the winter working on the lighting system. Everything works! Thank you Mark! THANK YOU ANDY - for sorting out the puncture on the large trailer, in time for Biblins. One question - did you do the nuts up good and tight? The journey of 2009 still remains a nightmare in some of our heads. You see that was the year when the wheel fell off en route to Biblins. It was Tim who came to the rescue with nuts from his trailer at home, so we could continue with the journey.
When we look back on the weekend the most important thing to say is . ..
We counted at least 35 members who helped. John, the organiser, said he had never known a slalom so well supported and with so much help, especially from young people. The exact profit made from the food tent is not confirmed yet, but it will be in excess of £550 (an increase on last year!) Thank you everyone who helped out over the weekend for us, in whatever role. 18
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Bits and Pieces Who’s been swimming?
From Neil about ‘Hypothermia - A Speciality’, the archive CST article I was on that course you quoted in last month’s newsletter titled ‘Hypothermia A Speciality’. My log book says it was on 9th and 10th April 1994! My notes read “Snow on the banks. The hypothermia role plays were for real and no-one wanted to get out of the survival bags.” Of course, group shelters had not been invented back then! Neil.
to our recent Passport Passes Hebe Foulsham Alfie Lee Daniel Brake Jacob Lines
Niamh O’Driscoll Bosco Foulsham Cormac O’Driscoll Theo Middleton
And a big thank you to Jonathan and Gine for leading them though the course.
THANK YOU to Andrew Lyall. He has sold one of our unused old slalom boats at Shepperton slalom. So win, win , win - we get £20 and we get some space and Sharks CC get to use a slalom boat! Couldn't be better really! 19
3 points for a swim, 2 for a technical rescue (ie someone helped you) and 1 for a roll. Zoe Boyle Ian Jones Bex Tanti Bill Fryer Rich Norman Rich Carter Rich Heal Gareth McGiveron Carl Gilder Alun Jones Kath Norton Su Fewell Jack Smiles Stuart Miles Arthur Belbin Summer Vowell Jane Thomas Jack Kimber Ben Trippick Jonathan Howell Pam Dixon Bob Barr Kien Christmas Julia McGiveron Ben Nicol Andy Vowell Mark Baines
20 19 15 12 11 10 9 9 9 9 6 5 5 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1
CONTACTS
TUESDAY POLO and OUR SUMMER BBQ
Chairman Alun Jones 01373 823513 Vice Chair: Gareth McGiveron Treasurer: John Kent 01225 765168 jfkent@blueyonder.co.uk Secretary: Pam Dixon 07740 472982 pam@dixon.org.uk Head Coach: Rich Carter 01373 864623 Youth Reps: Tracey Lemon and Stuart Miles
‘Typical FCC polo game on June 24th - lots of shoving, pushing and being upside down - but very entertaining to watch nonetheless!’ said Megan. Next game is 29th July.
Volunteer Rep: Jonathan Howell Kit: Sally and Tim Smiles, assisted by Tracey Lemon
www.frome-canoeclub.org.uk
Follow us on facebook Check out the photos of club events on the website. And refer to the calendar for all the club activities.
This is one of our annual fun events We plan to have games or races in the morning. While these are happening, the chicken pieces will be cooking beautifully and the salads will be dressing nicely. Then we can relax and eat at about 1.30pm! At Langham Farm from 11am Cost £5 adults, £4 young people.
Canoeing and kayaking are “Assumed risk” – “Water contact sports” that may carry attendant risks. Participants should be aware of and accept these risks, and be responsible for their own action and involvement. 20