The Canoe-Camper Summer 2016
issue no 306
KIDS DRAWING COMPETITION
WINNER! - Alyssia
Thomas Davis
Bethan Davis
T H E C A N O E C A M P I N G CLU B PRESIDENT: Jo Ledger
VICE PRESIDENTS: Dek Davie, Fred Hutt
SECTION COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL COUNCIL ADVISORY OFFICER Dave Henderson, Clover Cottage, Sheldon, Bakewell, DE45 1QS Email: Chairman@canoecampingclub.co.uk VICE CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE Tim Wheeler, 3 Birch Close, Sprotborough, Doncaster, DN5 7RE Tel:01302 645427 Tel: 01246 827202 Email: vice@canoecampingclub.co.uk GENERAL SECRETARY/MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY (SITES OFFICER/WEBMASTER)/CHERTSEY CANOE SHEDS Fran Faulkner, 23 Somerville Road, Eton, Windsor, SL4 6PB Tel: 01753 850122 Email: Secretary@canoecampingclub.co.uk HONORARY TREASURER Brian Hamer, 16 Teal Avenue, Poynton, Stockport, Cheshire,SK12 1JT Tel: 01625 879504 Email: Treasurer@canoecampingclub.co.uk 5TH EXEC MEMBER & ACCESS OFFICER / REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SPORT & RECREATION ALLIANCE Kevin East, 7 Silesian Gardens, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8SG Tel: 01932 562111 Email: exec@canoecampingclub.co.uk/Access@canoecampingclub.co.uk MAGAZINE EDITOR Josie Faulkner, Flat J Venita Manor, 317 Leigham Court Road, SW16 2RX Tel: 07939244318 Email: magazine@canoecampingclub.co.uk
COMMITTEE MEMBERS DEE & NORTH WEST COORDINATOR Brian Hamer, 16 Teal Avenue, Poynton, Stockport, Cheshire,SK12 1JT Tel: 01625 879504 Email: DeeNW@canoecampingclub.co.uk HERTS & EAST ANGLIA COORDINATOR Pete Bradshaw, 53 Hillingdon Avenue, Sevenoaks, TN13 3RB Email: HertsEA@canoecampingclub.co.uk MIDLANDS COORDINATOR Simon Beeston 11 Elston Hall Lane, Bushbury, Wolverhampton, WV10 9HE Tel: 01902 653430 Email: Midlands@canoecampingclub.co.uk THAMES & SOUTH EAST COORDINATOR Robin Hickman, 32 Shepherds Way, Roffey, Horsham, W Sussex, RH12 4LS Tel: 01403 267244 Email: Thames@canoecampingclub.co.uk WEST COUNTRY COORDINATOR Paul Whitehead 17 Whitley Crescent, Bicester, OX26 4XR Tel: 07739 840828 Email: Westcountry@canoecampingclub.co.uk CAMPING & CARAVANNING CLUB NATIONAL ADVISER Phil Henson ARCHIVIST Janet Hales, 9 Strode Street, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9PT Tel: 01784 432 517 CANOE-CAMPING CLUB LIBRARY CURRENTLY WITH THAMES & SOUTH EAST
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ummer is in full flight and I do hope you all are enjoying the sun wherever you are.
I have just returned from a three-week road trip covering Spain and France. If you ever get the chance, it is a must do trip. Spain’s Picos da Europa and the accompanying rivers and canyons make for a stunning and breathtaking experience. In France the Gorges du Tarn was fantastic and we ran the river twice just to make sure we were not dreaming the first time. There are so many rivers to explore on the continent that you could spend weeks just paddling.
As the preparations for the next year’s programme are underway we welcome any input in the form of ideas and offers of help to run events. Without the support of the members the Club cannot continue to offer the programme of events currently available. Whatever you can offer goes a long way to make the club work. I hope whatever you are doing that you have a great Summer and look forward to seeing you soon. Until then, keep safe and have fun!
Dave Henderson Chairman 3
THWART
Let’s not forget however, the vast number of great rivers and waterways we have in our back yard – we are truly fortunate to have such a diverse range of waterways in the UK.
C H A I R M A N ‘ S
W
e are well and truly in the midst of the summer, and I hope you all managed to get out on the water during the short heat wave we had last month. In this issue, you’ll find out some of the things we got up to at National Families Meet in Hereford, reports on Wild Water Racing and tribute to Nick Hodson — who spent a lot of time with the club and without him, I probably would never have got my eight year old self into a kayak! I’m sure many of you have fond memories of him, including how he used to get kids practicing their paddle strokes sat in a kayak on top of a camping table, his now infamous drawing competition which we still run at Hereford, and many more tales from meets at places like Lechlade and Chertsey. As always, keep the tales, pictures, advice columns and articles coming in. We can’t run a newsletter without your contributions! Happy paddling, and enjoy the warm weather while it lasts.
R E T T E L
SPRING 2016
S ‘ R O T I D E
Josie Faulkner Editor 4
IN THIS ISSUE... 1. KIDS DRAWING COMPETITION 2. CONTACTS 3. CHAIRMAN’S THWART DAVE HENDERSON 4. EDITOR’S LETTER JOSIE FAULKNER
13. OBITUARY - NICK HODSON 15. RUNS LIST 2016 17. HEREFORD 2016 IN PICTURES BOB FAULKNER & JOSIE FAULKNER
6. ACCESS NOTES KEVIN EAST
24. CLASSIFIEDS
8.WILD WATER RACING SUSAN TEMPLETON
26. HOLDING PADDLE WINNER
11. SARA’S HEREFORD DIARY SARA DAVIES
Please send all contributions for the Autumn 2016 issue no. 307 to the editor by 25th September. Email or hard copy acceptable. Please do not edit or convert photos other than by cropping and keep them separate from the text. Front Cover - Arriving at Hereford 2016 by Josie Faulkner Visit the Canoe Camping Club Website at : www.canoecampingclub.co.uk The Canoe Camping Club is a section of the Camping and Caravanning Club (company limited by guarantee) Greenfields House, Westwood Way, Coventry, CV4 8JH T: 0845 130 7631 or 024 7647 5448 *** Printed by: The Printhouse, Hove, BN3 2FB
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ACCESS NOTES
BY KEVIN EAST ACCESS OFFICER
RIVER CONDITIONS INFORMATION, TRANSFER OF ENVIRONMENT AGENCY NAVIGATIONS TO THE CANAL & RIVER TRUST (CRT), ABBEY RIVER, CHERTSEY AND CHERTSEY CAMPSITE RIVER CONDITIONS INFORMATION At one time high river flows tended to be the exception outside of the summer months, but increasingly the weather pattern now sees high levels of rainfall at any time of the year. The need for information is becoming a more frequent requirement for making decisions if river conditions are suitable for being on the water. Combined with any local knowledge to help make a decision some navigation authorities provide river level information and advice for navigation on their web sites such as the Environment Agency and National Trust in England. For other navigations and rivers elsewhere that are not maintained navigations i.e. without a navigation authority, water level information from monitoring stations is available on the web sites of government agencies. A one stop shop for this information is the Shoothill Gauge Map (http://www.gaugemap. co.uk/). This has a compilation of all the
monitoring stations in the British Isles listing information from government agencies: England - Environment Agency, Scotland – Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Wales – Natural Resources Wales, Northern Ireland - Department for Infrastructure and Republic of Ireland - Office of Public Works. Monitoring stations graphs can show the level above the mean norm or simply the current level and can require conditions to be interpreted. Rainchasers is another web site that has some levels information for paddlers. Storm conditions over the winter and spring has also brought problems with numerous fallen trees partially and fully blocking water courses. Combined with high flows these can present serious hazards or “strainers” in canoe speak. Navigation authorities report blockages to users and clear channels. Clearance is costly to the authorities and on other waterways blockages can be unreported and left untouched as it is the responsibility of riparian owners. If the situation is perceived to present a flood risk to 6
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ACCESS NOTES CONTINUED
impact on public safety or structural damage to infrastructure the authorities can undertake works. In any event it always helps to report hazards such as tree blockages to British Canoeing to advise other paddlers by emailing – access@britishcanoeing.org.uk TRANSFER OF ENVIRONMENT AGENCY NAVIGATIONS TO THE CANAL & RIVER TRUST (CRT) CRT has been visiting EA navigations to determine the navigation and non-navigation assets in the event of a transfer. There has also been mention of a partial transfer or even CRT taking on a management contract for the EA. The Inland Waterways Association and many boaters would welcome a complete transfer to CRT in seeing this providing a more secure future funding when the EA navigations have suffered cuts. For 2016/17 the EA sought £6m from DEFRA and were allocated £3m. Of that £1.8m is said to be allocated to repair one lock on the Medway raising concerns for the overall upkeep of EA navigations. ABBEY RIVER, CHERTSEY A previous Canoe Camper provided an account of the Environment Agency installing gravel riffles and lowering the crest of a weir on this 7
side stream of the River Thames that has a public right of navigation. The works were undertaken to create fish spawning gavels, and clear vegetation to improve habitats by increasing the flow, but an outcome was to reduce a 3ft depth of water to 4-6ins. Local paddlers and Thames & SE Group who use the river have informed the EA that works, but for the riffles helped navigation. Representation to the EA has seen the riffles raked and narrow channels formed across each bed of gravels. These quickly refilled and the Agency has undertaken to make a more substantial effort to create channels 6ft wide and 1ft deep when the river is at a normal summer level in the coming weeks. CHERTSEY CAMPSITE Canoe and boat access to and from the river up to the campsite landing stage had become more of a problem after the serious River Thames floods in 2014 that caused a heavy deposit of silt in the creek. The situation was raised with the Sites Department and dredging was included in the planned winter works at the site earlier this year. This has brought a welcome improvement and thanks go to the parent club for undertaking this work that benefits all who boat to and from the site
SPRING 2016
WILD WATER RACING A report from the River Hamble, Manor Farm Wild Water Canoe Sprint and Winchester. WORDS BY SUSAN TEMPLETON
“HUBBLE BUBBLE TOIL AND TROUBLE” HAMBLE RIVER RAID WITCHES CAULDRON The Hamble River Raid started out as a rowing event for the local clubs in 2005 and over the years has grown into a substantial event attracting rowers and latterly paddlers from the South, South West and South East in particular. The aim is to raise funds for local charities and in particular the Hamble Sea Scouts. Avid WWR race followers will know the Hamble Sea Scouts have been keen participants in the Southern series of WWR races this season, many of them doing the River Raid either rowing or in K1’s. This year’s race was on the 21 May 2016, usually in the lovely May sun, but as the morning wore on the dark clouds gathered, the wind freshened from a breeze to a high wind and the rain began. By race start the River Hamble looked ominous. However, surprisingly the upstream leg of 2.5 miles was not too bad, the wind hidden behind rowers and paddlers backs pushing them on. This deceptive start belied the force of the wind as after the turn at the Jolly Sailor Public House and in particular the last 1.5 miles to the finish, nearer the river mouth, was very challenging with a strong head wind and “witches cauldron” waves choppy enough to make 100% concentration needed. The worst part was the cross to the finish putting your canoe/kayak sideways onto to the fast ebb tide, wind and waves from the weather and boat traffic. The fact there were 10 safety boats on the course was comforting. However, despite the conditions all rowers and paddlers completed the race without mishap, although how the Stand-up paddle boarders and the marathon racing Canadian single, the latter paddled by Chris Blacker, stayed upright was a mystery to even seasoned paddlers. The race attracted all sorts of rowing boats from classics to racing sculls and the same was true in the paddling classes, Stand up paddle boards, 6, 2 and one person Outrigger
canoes, marathon racing Canadian canoe, Surf skis. K1’s, K2’s, K4, WWR and Wavehoppers. Of particular note was the 1960’s (peace man!) double wooden Moonraker canoe owned by Stephen Best, who had been a canoeist in the past but had gone to the dark side (rowing). Stephen was tempted by the event to return to the force (paddling) with his nine year old Daughter Eleanor. Eleanor Best had only ever been on canals before so the mass of open choppy water took her by surprise, but she finished the race like a bag of excited jumping beans and to Dads’ delight (I jest) has already booked him to race again next year. Whilst the results were worked out the healthy participants all availed themselves of the hog roast and a beer or two or three or four or!!!!!! The event gave the opportunity for a ranking WWR race to be extracted from the results with Dr Selwyn Richards continuing his Southern England run of success, followed by Richard Davis in second and Selwyn’s son Tom Richards in third. New paddlers to the event were very complimentary and many eyed enviously the array of lovely annual trophies for the varying classes. Very well done to Andy Cunningham and the Hamble River Raid Committee and all their supporters leading up to the day and on the day. http://www.hambleriverraid.com/ 8
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MAD DOGS AND CANOEI STS GO OUT IN THE MIDDAY SUN!!! Manor Farm Wild Water sprint canoe race was held on the certainly the hottest day of 2016 so far. Through the lovely woods of Manor Farm (home of the War Time Farm seen on TV), to the River Hamble upstream of the M27 Motorway Bridge, by courtesy of the Manor Farm Park Managers, a gruelling 8 to 11 minute sprint was raced twice by paddlers aged from 13 to 77. The main obstacles were the pleasure boaters, fun paddlers, shallows covered by the spring tide and the crabbing lines off the jetty. The race seemed to be appreciated by the large group of onlookers probably thinking why on earth are they expending so much effort on such a hot day!!! The Hamble Sea scouts yet again showed their mettle by paddling to the start from their base, over 1.5 miles downstream, with a practice rescue on route, the hapless scout who fell in shall remain nameless, “don’t panic Mr Wilkins!!!” They then entertained the rest of the paddlers and the non-paying public with rolling, swimming and generally having a good time whilst those with less energy sat back in the faint hope they would tire themselves out for the race to give us a fighting chance!!! After the race they paddled back off into the distance hopefully to be seen again some time. In the Wild Water class Dr Selwyn Richards yet again beat off his rival Richard Davis, with Selwyn’s son 15 year old Tom coming in a creditable third. The Hamble Sea Scouts made a clean sweep of the Open class
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with 17 year old Conor Buckman taking the honours, Special mention should go to Hamble Sea Scout Michael Preston who despite being quite new to the formula one racing K1 he was paddling put in two times within a second of each other. Susan Templeton the organiser said “I was so impressed yet again everyone rallied round to make the race a success by helping with timings, getting paddlers in and out of the water and encouraging each other. All ages respectful and supportive of each other.” Everyone said they had, had a great time on a lovely day. There are a number of WWR and open races as part of a series taking place in the South with the next one the Hamble River Raid http://www.hambleriverraid.com/ (including a ranking WWR race) on 21 May 2016, see http://www.wildwater.org.uk . For details of visiting the lovely Manor Farm and Wartime Farm as seen on TV go to http://www3.hants. gov.uk/manorfarm
SPRING 2016
KNIGHT PADDLERS CONVERGE IN WINCHESTER TO DO BATTLE In the historic city of Winchester home of King Arthurs round table a Wild Water Race (WWR) tournament was held on 15 May 2016. Lord Ian Law of Winchester and District Canoe Club and owner of the land for the day kindly allowed the WWR Knights to run their tournament during the lunch break of his canoe slalom tournament. The Knight paddlers had to duck under bridges and trees then joust their way through the slalom poles near the finish with some trying to miss the poles and others pushing them out the way. Some Squires did try to get time off their overall time for clear runs but the evil Baroness organiser from The Sharks Canoe Club refused to entertain such impudence!!! Most of the paddlers in the WWR also participated in the slalom tournament making it a fulfilling and energetic day, fuelled by the feast cooked on the open fire (BBQ) by the tournament chefs for noble folk and peasants alike. Sir Dr Selwyn Richards continued his blistering form of late taking the champions crown for the Knights WWR class closely followed by 13 year old Squire Rory Anderson, both using the fastest steeds (Composite WWR’s). Whilst 10 year old Squire Jacob Law, with a more sedate steed (slalom boat), put in a creditable performance. Milady Susan Templeton took the Ladies event with Lady in Waiting 12 year old Rachel Jones pushing herself hard to come in second. In the Single bladed Canadian classes 12 year old Squire Philip Smith won the singles And the Ancient Knight David Mackay and Mature Lady Sue Bell took the doubles in their Indian canoe. The Knights, Ladies, Squires and Ladies in Waiting then all gathered around the table to receive their silver chalices, to toast their success in, before dispersing to all corners of the realm. There are a number of WWR and open races as part of a series taking place in the South with the next one Fairthorne Manor Botley on 17 July 2016 see http://www. wildwater.org.uk . For paddling in Winchester see www.winchestercanoeclub.org.uk and for all aspects of canoe competition see The Sharks Canoe Club http://www.thesharks.org.uk/
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Canoe-Camping CLub Youth
SARA’S HEREFORD DIARY 2016 WORDS BY SARA DAVIES PHOTO’S BY HELEN DAVIES, BOB FAULKNER & JOSIE FAULKNER
�aturday 2�th �ay
We left home this morning at 8.45am and stopped for a cooked breakfast near Carmarthen. Then we drove to the canoe shop in Bridgend where Thomas bought a new kayak. After nearly 7 hours we arrived in Hereford. There were lots of people there already. We set up our tents, one for Mum & Dad, one for Tom and me, one for Paul & Kate and then went shopping and to the chippy for dinner. Later we joined everyone around the campfire - there were lots of people we knew from other camps so it was great to say hello again. �unday 2�th �ay We had another cooked breakfast this morning but cooked on our campfire this time. At this morning’s meeting I was awarded “The Holding Paddle” for the best article of the year last year in The Canoe-Camper magazine. During the morning Tom and I did the basic safety course, first in the marquee talking about clothing and equipment, then outside on the grass practising with throw ropes and finally throwing ropes to real people floating down the river. After lunch we joined the mass paddle from Bridge Sollers back to the campsite, about 9 miles. When we arrived back at camp Paul, Kate, Bethany and Ben had arrived. They have never camped before so they are joining us for a couple of days to try it out. After dinner today we had birthday cake for Mum’s birthday, then we sat around the campfire until bedtime. �onday ��th �ay I love sleeping in a tent: I sleep really well! This morning we took Paul and Bethany for a short trip in the canoes. Tom paddled alongside in his kayak. Bethany loved her first ever boat trip. After lunch we went shopping and then we just played on the campsite; there are lots of children and a couple of dogs to play with this year. 11
Tuesday �1st �ay This morning, after breakfast, Dad and I joined a paddle on the River Lugg. It was exciting because there were lots of overhanging trees that we had to go under. It was a lovely sunny day so I didn’t mind when I had to jump in (to knee deep water) and save one of our group (who had got their kayak stuck under a tree). Sounds a lot more dramatic than it really was!! We stopped in a pretty field full of buttercups for our lunch. Tom stayed on site today and
SPRING 2016
worked with Fran towards his Paddlepower Passport award. Tonight was Quiz Night in the marquee. It’s always really loud, fun and exciting and this year our team (The Yoof!) won. Wednesday 1st June Today after breakfast Tom and I took our kayaks down to the river and joined the group practising and learning. Tom capsized his kayak (towards his award) and we both tried rescues. After lunch I had a go at stand-up paddleboarding. It was really weird at first because it felt like I was going to fall off, and that was when I was only kneeling. I finally got to my feet and did a few circles in front of the Rowing Club. It got a bit easier and I didn’t even fall in. In the afternoon we decided to enter the Challenge Cup Race. It’s a race in open canoes from the bridge to the Rowing Club, but there aren’t many rules. We wanted to enter our wooden canoe because it is quite fast. Tom was sitting on the front as our mascot and with all 4 of us in the canoe it was quite unsteady. The challenge this year was
that we had to tow another boat so we towed a canoe shaped keyring - nobody said what size the boat had to be.... WE WON! We won a cupful of sweets and we ate lots of them during the evening. We had also entered the Raft Race; we had to make small rafts - mine was made out of Coke bottles and held together with tape, Thomas made one from pieces of wood held together with string. Unfortunately my raft came last this year, I’ll have to think of a better design for next year. This afternoon there were visitors with us from C&CC HQ and they put on a lovely BBQ for us. Thursday 2nd June Today was our last day. We didn’t do any canoeing today, we started tidying some of our kit away and then went for a walk into Hereford. We went to the pub for lunch and we bought some food for the BBQ this evening. This evening was our last group BBQ and we finished off with a campfire so we could toast marshmallows and make s’mores. We’ve had a lovely week and I’m already looking forward to next year. 12
NICK HODSON 1935 - 2016
We are sorry to record the death of Nick Hodson at the age of 81. Nick will be very well remembered by all active paddlers in the Canoe-Camping Club in the 1980s and 1990s as he was one of the hardest working officers/organisers in the Club that I can remember. By the time he joined the Committee in 1989 he had already established a very popular Mayday holiday weekend on the Upper Thames, camping at Lechlade, which was particularly designed to encourage families and provide children with training in their first paddling efforts. Nick was a Senior BCU Instructor and recruited others to help with instruction. He was also an active member of the Club’s Sea Group. He was also deeply involved in the successful THS holidays based at Mordiford on the River Wye where there was even more scope for family activities of all sorts, and plenty of time on the water for training, games, and trips: an event which continues to this day (now based at Hereford). Nick ran drawing and painting competition for the kids, and many of the results appeared in “The Canboe-Camper” of which he was Editor from 1994 to 2005 – 49 issues. Nor did he just edit the magazine – he also organised the printing (for some years printing, assembling, stapling and trimming it at home) and circulation, which meant labeling the envelopes, and stuffing and posting them all. During his Editorship he had also been Membership Secretary, Webmaster for the Club’s website, and produced the annual Club Runs List. He reckoned it took about 100 hours work to produce each magazine. Since 1986 Nick had also been running an annual fortnight on the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides - not a Club event but his own personal “holiday” which he actually spent introducing the local youngsters to kayaking, training them up and of course exploring the incomparable scenery and island coastline when weather permitted. Nick was also a very 13
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experienced sailor - he sailed regularly between the South coast and a family home in Guernsey in his tiny (13 ft) sailing cruiser Minique, in which he made a number of voyages to circumnavigate Great Britain. He was also a dedicated member and officer of Tower Hamlets Canoe Club, based at Shadwell Basin in London Dockland, putting just as much time and energy into this as into all the other organisations with which he was involved having “vowed to serve kayaking as long as he was able”, as he said. Above all, he wanted to get children involved, and there must be a huge number of people out there for whom Nick opened up the world and its challenges, by introducing them, at a young age, to canoeing, sailing, camping and the outdoor life, and the responsibilities and opportunities which all those activities bring. Nick set an example that few could match. Sometimes he could not understand why other people could not find enough hours in the day to do even a fraction of the tasks he set himself. Maybe he never slept! And he always found time to paddle – on one occasion, when he was exhorting Club members to send in their annual mileages for the Club to compete for the Touring Trophy (the Strand award), he admitted that he had managed only 477 miles, as he had been looking after his aged mother that year. He was very good company and a great raconteur – having done so much during his life he had a fund of stories to tell – and also extremely generous. Nick believed in tithing (giving away a tenth of one’s money) – and amongst many other charitable activities, often supported youngsters who were trying to get established in competitive paddling. Nick was a truly unique person. We will never see his like again, and we will miss him. WORDS BY JANET HALES
SPRING 2016
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RU N S LI ST 2 016 UPDATED RUNS TILL THE END OF THE YEAR 8 - 10 Jul RIVER NENE Midlands ULLSWATER Dee & NW 9 - 10 Jul 10 Jul THAMES TIDEWAY Thames & SE 16 - 17 Jul CANCELLED KENNET & AVON CANAL West Country 24 Jul ST PATRICK’S STREAM Thames & SE THAMES Thames & SE 14 Aug 20 - 21 Aug RIVER WYE West Country 27 - 30 Aug DEVON COAST West Country SOUTH WALES Midlands 27 - 30 Aug 28 Aug RIVER WEY Thames & SE 4 Sep THAMES Thames & SE 10 - 11 Sep RIVER AVON West Country 11 Sep RIVER DEE Dee & NW 17 - 18 Sep CHICHESTER HARBOUR Thames & SE 17 - 18 Sep RIVER SEVERN Midlands 24 - 25 Sep POOLE HARBOUR/JURASSIC COAST West Country THAMES Thames & SE 2 Oct 8 - 9 Oct NORFOLK BROADS Herts & EA JUBILEE RIVER Thames & SE 6 Nov 12 Nov RIVER IVEL Herts & EA 13 Nov RIVER DOUGLAS Dee & NW 27 Nov BASINGSTOKE CANAL Thames & SE RIVER WEY Thames & SE 11 Dec 11 Dec RIVER CHERWELL West Country 11 Dec BRIDGWATER CANAL Dee & NW 26 Dec RIVER DERWENT – Matlock Raft Race Midlands
THE CANOE-CAMPING CLUB - The club for canoeists who camp and campers who canoe We are an active Section of The Camping and Caravanning Club, Greenfields House, Westwood Way, Coventry, CV4 8JH FOR MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT THE SECRETARY Fran Faulkner secretary@canoecampingclub.co.uk The Canoe-Camping Club organises local day trips and weekend meets throughout the year, as well as longer holiday meets. You’ll find outline details of the events for the year here. Some events such as the Easter Meet and the annual Families’ Holiday Meet are attended by members from all over the country. Members are welcomed on all meets. (Some of the more advanced trips may be restricted to experienced paddlers). This programme is an outline of proposed events for the calendar year 2016. Further details will be made available when events have been finalised in the quarterly magazine, the Canoe-Camper, distributed to members, via the website www. canoecampingclub.co.uk and via the ‘Pitch and Paddle’ Facebook group. Camping and Caravanning Club membership cards must be shown at all meets. Canoe-camping Club members should keep the Secretary informed whether they are current members of British Canoeing, Canoe Wales, The Scottish Canoe Association or the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland. For information please contact: Dee & North West Brian Hamer, 7 Glastonbury Drive, Poynton, Stockport SK12 1EN DeeNW@canoecampingclub.co.uk Herts & East Anglia Pete Bradshaw, 4 Thirlmere Court, Felixstowe, IP11 9SN Herstea@canoecampingclub.co.uk Midlands Simon Beeston, 11 Elston Hall Lane, Wolverhampton, WV10 9HE Midlands@canoecampingclub.co.uk Thames & South East Robin Hickman, 32 Shepherds Way, Roffey, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 4LS Thames@canoecampingclub.co.uk West Country Paul Whitehead, 17 Whitley Crescent, Bicester, OX26 4XR Westcountry@canoecampingclub.co.uk Canoe-camping Club Youth Josie Faulkner, Flat J, Venita Manor, 317 Leigham Court Road, London, SW16 2RX Tommy Faulkner, 23 Somerville Rd, Eton, Windsor, SL4 6PB Youth@canoecampingclub.co.uk The Canoe-Camping Club is a national club for touring canoeists (and kayakers) and for those who like to combine canoeing/kayaking and camping. The Club caters for everyone, with a variety of meets round the country. Some are ideal for beginners whilst others challenge the more experienced paddler. Members are always glad to offer help and friendly advice to newcomers. All ages are welcome, and in particular the Club likes to encourage families Unless otherwise stated, inland trips are planned on relatively easy water. Conditions on coastal trips are less predictable. Distances depend on conditions and participants: organisers will advise, and also reserve the right to decide whether individuals may participate. It is often possible to organise shorter and easier trips for the less experienced.
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HEREFORD 2016 IN PICTURES PHOTO’S BY BOB FAULKNER & JOSIE FAULKNER
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IF YOU ARE PADDLING WITH THE YOUTH, YOU WILL GET WET.
SPRING 2016
AT 80, NOTHING STOPPED GORDON ELLIS FROM PITCHING IN, ON AND OFF THE WATER. HE HAD NEVER BEEN IN A CANOE BEFORE HEREFORD, AND REFUSED TO LET PADDLE-BOARDING GET IN THE WAY!
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GORDON ELLIS PROVIDED A KITE MAKING WORKSHOP ON HIS ONLY REST DAY FROM THE WATER
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NAPPING AT HAY-ON-WYE ON THE TRIP FROM GLASBURY TO TOLL BRIDGE
SPRING 2016
IF YOU CAMP WITH US...YOU SHALL BBQ!
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IT WOULDN’T BE HEREFORD WITHOUT A CAMPFIRE OR TWO... 23
SPRING 2016
Interested in the history of your craft?
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is the quarterly journal of the
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You can now follow us on twitter to keep up to date with all things Canoe Camping Club! Just type in @canoecampermag and click follow! 24
THE CANOE CAMPER #305
I am writing with regards to my late grandfather Percy Blandford. He wrote his Autobiography when he was 95 but never got around to publishing it as, in his own words “Who would want to read it”.! I promised I would get his life story published and I’m excited to say that his memoirs A Life Full of Hobbies is now available. Only 500 copies have been printed and I have sold many worldwide. The book can be purchased directly from me via my email address, The book is £12.95 + First class uk P&P £4.95. If you would like any more information please don’t hesitate to contact me at diane.naested@gmail.com
Seen a thing? Been on a trip? Have you got any access information, safety tips, extra runs, something for sale, information about the club, photographs, or even any tidbits? Send them to magazine@canoecampingclub.co.uk by 25th September. We can’t have a newsletter without your contributions! Did you know that Canoe-Camper is now online? The magazine is exclusively on issuu.com and is downloadable on android and apple products. Join us now on Facebook for an exclusive digital colour copy.
www.facebook.com/groups/162317170629300/ 25
SPRING 2016
HOLDING PADDLE WINNER 2015 - SARA DAVIES EACH YEAR THE HOLDING PADDLE IS AWARDED TO THE BEST ARTICLE SUBMITTED TO THE CANOE-CAMPER. IN 2015, THE WINNER WAS SARA DAVIES FOR HER DIARY OF THE EASTER MEET. UNFORTUNATELY THE PADDLE WAS MISPLACED, BUT AWARDED TO HER AT THE NATIONAL FAMILIES MEET IN HEREFORD. BY DEFAULT, SHE WILL KEEP THE PADDLE AND THE TITLE UNTIL NEXT YEAR. WELL DONE!
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TRUST US TO
KEEP YOU AFLOAT
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Club Care Insurance Services is a trading name licensed to Vantage Insurance Services Limited (“VISL”) by The Camping and Caravanning Club. VISL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No 311541).