Spring is just around the corner – in fact what with all this global

warning it might well have been and gone by the time you read this. It’s
as good a time as any to think open boats and maybe using them for
what they were made for. A trip or a tour. Lee Niven has put a piece
together to introduce you to the joys of open boat tripping and to
answer any concerns the inexperienced may have. This month’s cover
shot is of Lee, Jack and Storm (photo taken by Suzie) as they paddled
LOCH NESS, Easter 2009, in their Venture RANGER.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter COVER Spring 2010/01

 CONTENTS EDITORS PIECE
BROOKBANK (LONDON) 3 EDITORS PIECE
Those of you who attended the AGM will
SO WHAT DOES THE D.O. DO? 4 have heard that I have decided to call my
time as an active committee member and as
TOP TIP 5
newsletter editor. Just 4 more issues for me
GORDON BROWN DVD 6 and I‟d like to use that time to achieve a
seamless transfer to a new editor. There‟s a
FANCY A TOURER? 7 little more inside telling those who are
interested what‟s required.
WATERPROOF CAMERA’S 7 I‟m not getting any younger (this is not why
I‟m calling it a day) and when I look around
CHRISTMAS ON THE CEIRW 8 the club there is a growing contingent of
likeable people who are going to be the
NEWSLETTER EDITOR 9
nucleus of the club in the years to come. It‟s
TOURING TRIPS 11 they who will decide what will become of
MCC and where it will go. I know where I
AGM REPORT 14 want to go and it‟s to the sea. To that end I
have joined another canoe club (Portsmouth
WHAT’S ON, WHEN & WHERE 15 and District CC) specifically to improve my
sea skills / confidence. I hope to assist with
CLUB CONTACTS 16 the coaching this year but I think it‟s time to
put me first. MCC is likely to always be my
no. 1 club – it is they who coaxed me (along with an unwitting sprog) back on the water
following an earlier foray on the Wye which at the time was quite unnerving and
unnecessary ad I bothered wit a little training first.
But back to this issue – First up is a little report on the new Brookbank shop that Rob and I
visited just before Christmas. It‟s worth a visit, but don‟t forget our local shops either. It‟s
about this time of year, with a new season coming, that filling all the D.O. slots becomes a
bind. There are a lot more people in the club able to fulfil this roll than the no. that
currently do – and they may not be aware of this. Andy Maxted‟s item explains all –
volunteers please step forward. There is a TOP TIP, a short DVD review and a boat for
sale. With the increase in popularity of waterproof camera‟s I‟ve asked the owners of 3
popular models to comment on them, and provided a link to a comparative test written by
people who know what they are talking about. Most years, just after Christmas Rod and
other go for a little WW. Here‟s a little account of running the unpronounceable. Lee
Niven has done a bit for the club and has produced a piece to allay any fears you might
have about touring from boats. It‟s worth digesting – A single or multi day trip or tour
opens up so much more of the waterways to you. Pay particular attention to the calendar
of up and coming events and speak to Lee or any of the more experienced members if
you‟ve any concerns.
Then there is the AGM. A new format this year and a new contributor to the newsletter.
Jennifer Burns has put together a few lines explaining all that went on during this
prestigious event.
Finally there is the club calendar and contacts pages to finish.

THE EDITOR FEB 2010

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -2- Spring 2010/01

BROOKBANK LONDON

Rob wanted a new buoyancy aid for Christmas so it seemed an opportune moment to visit
the new BROOKBANK store near to the proposed Olympic canoeing course. Not much of
this could be seen from the road except for the posters telling you how good it‟s all going
to be.

We went on possibly the coldest Saturday of 2009. It‟s about 50 miles from Handy Cross
and mostly on motorway or dual carriageway. The final 2 or 3 miles look like they could be
a problem if you went in the working hours but we were there within the hour. For us, at
Stokenchurch, we are bang on halfway between this and the new Warwick outlet.
The store was barely a week old but the ancient space heaters had chosen this week to
break down. Tea / coffee / mince pies etc. kept the spirits high but failed to fight the cold.
Temporary heaters were giving it all they had but this building is cavernous. A high
vaulted ceiling was a magnet to every watt the heaters produced.

BROOKBANK, as well as being a paddlesport retailer also dabble in sailing. This rather
large outlet provides ample room for both lines to be stocked and displayed. There‟s many
a boat on show and all are accessible without having to worry about treading on the
adjacent display. There is a good range of craft from many disciplines though out and out
racers were a bit sparse. A mezzanine floor to the rear is well stocked with clothing and
essentials. There are some comfy sofa‟s here allowing you to view various kayaking
video‟s should you feel all wore out after some extensive retail therapy. Being a large
store gave ample room for stock and on all the lines I looked at there seemed to be a full
sizing range. Rob was able to try on many BA‟s before confirming his original choice of a
PALM EXTREM EV.

But perhaps the best reason to visit this store is to visit the sailing section. There is a lot of
equipment that could be considered „crossover‟, particularly for the early days paddler.
Some of the clothing seemed to be quite suitable for paddling and being designed for a
watery sport will probably do better than high street offerings. A good selection of junior
sizes was available too. To date, I‟ve lost 3 watches in the river, cheap Casio‟s that break
across the pin fitting, and I‟ve been looking for a replacement. Suunto do something that‟s
as bulky as the wad of spondoolies required to purchase it, but here in the sailing section I
found the OPTIMUM TIME range. It may just be the answer to my quest. If you go here
I‟d certainly allow some time to have a good look around the sailing section and see what‟s
available – some of it might surprise you.

To sum up, this was easily the biggest and best stocked BROOKBANK that I have been
too, and the service from the staff was beyond reproach.

TOP TIP – If you go in the warmer weather why not look up the LEA VALLEY PARK
website. There‟s wildlife a plenty to see on the quieter sections of the river but on the
section opposite BROOKBANK it‟s more industrial. I seem to recall Griff found a few
things of interest along this stretch. Don‟t forget to mention the club; it‟s good for a 10%
discount.

FINALLY – I have no problem writing a report about a large retailer, you can be sure I will
write what I found, good or bad. But as always I ask you to remember our local retailers,

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -3- Spring 2010/01

all listed on the back on of the newsletter. Subject to room this stores details will be
posted there too.

From the manager - Thanks John and appreciate the opportunity to read this - I will pass
on your comments to the staff and as always there will be a brew ready for anyone from
Marlow!! Good news also is that we have taken receipt of one new gas heaters to replace
the broken ones - the other is expected next week so it should be nice and cosy for your
next visit!!

TO VISIT THE WEBSITE CLICK ON THE LOGO BELOW.

John Norris DEC 2009

SO JUST WHAT DOES THE D.O. DO?

Marlow Canoe Club, just like most other clubs, relies on a small army of willing volunteers
who try to ensure that the club house, equipment and coaches are just where they‟re
needed for club sessions.

Central to any Tuesday evening or Sunday morning session is the Duty Officer, or DO for
short, but just what does the DO do? It‟s a question sometimes asked by new members
but perhaps not a role understood by many established ones. So here‟s a quick guide…

Perhaps the first thing to bear in mind is that the D.O. is not necessarily a coach. While
many of those who volunteer to do D.O. may be coaches, you don‟t have to be a coach to
be DO. So when you come to a club session please don‟t expect the DO to take you on
the water!

The DO is essentially a safety officer. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the club
house is open at the beginning of a session, that club equipment is serviceable, that those
wanting (or needing) instruction are allocated to a suitable instructor and that all are off the
water and the club house is secured at the end of a session. Not much to it really!

Being a DO is quite straightforward for most summer sessions. Tricky moments do

however come after heavy rain when the river is high (generally whenever the „traffic lights‟
at the rowing club opposite are on Amber or Red). In these circumstances the D.O.‟s
responsibility is to advise members that they shouldn‟t go on the water unless
accompanied by a minimum Level 3 Coach or above. Of course, it is then up to members
to heed that advice, or not! This is not usually a problem for adult members, but juniors
cannot by law be expected to make a judgement as to whether conditions are suitable for
them. In these circumstances the DO has no choice other than to stipulate that juniors go
afloat only with a parent or guardian or a Level 3 or higher coach.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -4- Spring 2010/01

Most of our summer water sessions are run by Level 2 and Level 1 coaches – and all
junior members not being looked after by their parent or guardian should be under the
supervision of a coach. The club‟s coaches will provide leadership and instruction to any
members seeking this, but good practice says they should only be looking after a
manageable group of perhaps six or eight paddlers. Level 1 coaches are generally
qualified to work between Higginson Park and the head of the lock (while keeping well
away from the weir) while Level 2s are qualified to lead short journeys, typically from the
club house up to Temple Lock or down via the lock cut to Longridge. The club‟s operating
procedures specify that a Level 3 (or higher) must be present when shooting or playing on
the Thames weirs.

What about the DO? Well if they are qualified as a coach they can look after a group on
the water within their coaching remit. If not they can paddle as a responsible adult, either
with a coach, or with other responsible adult members.

The club is always looking for more DOs. As you can see, you don‟t need to be a coach –
indeed you don‟t even need to go on the water – but if you are a responsible adult and
prepared to help out on a couple of sessions a year do let a member of the committee
now. You‟ll be given a safety briefing and a club house key and know you‟ll be doing your
bit to keep the club running smoothly.

Andy Maxted JAN 2010

TOP TIP (ANOTHER IN AN OCCASIONAL SERIES)

Here‟s an oft repeated scenario. You‟ve just finished a trip and you are getting changed,
maybe a car park, or a field perhaps from where the shuttle has been arranged. Could be
a bit muddy, might be a bit stony. Now‟s the time you wish you bought (or not forgotten)
your NOOKIE changing mat.

How those cold feet look admiringly at their brethren whose owners have treated them to
one of these. But help is at hand. All you need to do is whip out the foot mat from your
car. Once changed, return to the car and place something under the mat to protect the

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -5- Spring 2010/01

carpet or turn upside down. Hose down when you get home. Me, I just try hard not to
forget the mat, a rinse in the washing machine (check drum for nicks) and it‟s all ready for
next week. Click on the pic for link to NOOKIE or purchase from a local dealer. Also good
for standing on the cold changing room floor which won‟t be warming up much before May
at best.

John Norris JAN 2010

GORDON BROWN DVD

Gordon Brown is a top coach. He is a L5 sea and inland

coach and also an Advanced Open Water Coach in the
American ACA system. Like all the L5‟s I‟ve ever met he
knows what he‟s talking about. In 2008 I got his book for
Christmas. It‟s not a bad read – detailed and informative,
but books can‟t illustrate like a DVD can. Last year I got
his DVD, which is the book on the telly. I like this, I like it
a lot. If I wasn‟t such a wimp I‟d be trying some of this out
now instead of waiting for the warmer weather. Put
simply Gordon takes a group on a multi day trip along
some of the impressive Skye coastline and along the way
takes time to demonstrate a variety of strokes from those
that we think we all know to those that we wish we knew.
Strongly recommended for all those that would like to go
to the sea. Pleasant viewing for those with no particular
marine desire. Before watching, pour a nice TALISKER
to get that SKYE feeling and dream of Summer.

Gordon (& Morag) Brown run SKYAK ADVENTURES. Click for link. If you catch the
weather SKYE is one of the world‟s most picturesque locations and probably more so from
a kayak (unless you are a serious scrambler / climber).

Hi John

Thanks for the opportunity to read and comment on your review of the DVD. It was a load
of fun to make but very frustrating at the same time. It is also quite ironic that as soon as
something hits the streets it is well out of date. I have fairly different ideas now from when I
wrote the book and again when filming for the DVD. I always welcome comment (negative
as well as positive) and encourage everyone to experiment with everything and not take
anyone's word that things are really as they are. The best way for our sport to move
forward is for every club member to try something new.
Your club looks great with loads of different activity going on and something for everyone,
keep up the good work.

Best wishes

Gordon

John Norris JAN 2010

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -6- Spring 2010/01

WANT A TOURER / RACER?

ZEPHYR SINGLE KAYAK FINISHED IN BLUE & WHITE - £200.00 o.n.o.

Large cockpit and under stern rudder, the ZEPHYR is an ideal kayak for Thames touring.
Reasonably stable and fast, the ZEPHYR held the record for crossing the English Channel
in the late 70‟s.

The epoxy Kevlar EAGLE FLIGHT (behind the ZEPHYR in the picture) is also for sale.

For further details of either boat or to make an offer please contact ANDY COOK;

TEL. 01494 816402 or E-MAIL andy.cook246@btinternet.com

WATERPROOF CAMERA’S

Digital photography has made picture taking more easily affordable for everyone. A small
digital camera that, performance wise, knocks spot‟s of me mum‟s old KODAK Brownie
can be had for a comparative pittance and no development costs post picture reduce the
outlay further. A small chip to replace „bulky‟ film rolls and mind boggling miniaturised
electronics have led to a number of interesting developments.
From the paddling point of view perhaps the most useful of these is the waterproof
camera. These camera‟s (not to be confused with diving models) are usually rated to a
standard giving them underwater usage to a depth of 4m or more. Within the club we
have owners of possibly the 3 most popular of this genre and I‟ve asked what made this
the camera for them. It might help you should you wish to purchase one of these for
yourself. It is not a full blown photographic test but I have included a link for those that
want to know more.

OLYMPUS TOUGH 8000 – Dave Goddard

The first thing that strikes you about this camera is its wieght, its
heavy compared to others of a similar size. It feels tough like a
block of stainless steel with a steel shutter. This gives you
confidence in the claimed 2m shock proofing and the 10m depth
rating quoted by the supplier. The 12mp picture quality is clear
although ive seen better video. I have used this in the surf on

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -7- Spring 2010/01

holiday with the kids and had some great action video and bright pictures with waves
breaking over my head. This is a great camera that you can abuse in the outdoors and
forget about in your bouyancy aid. If you want to win compitions with your compesition you
may do better else where.

CANON D10 – Rob Norris

A strange looking beast this one not having a flat surface on it

anywhere. But it feels as tough as it looks. Comes with a
removable azure cover but other colours are available (at extra
cost) for the vain. It‟s easy to hold because it‟s bulkier than the
other two but it will still fit in a BA pocket – just not as small a one
as the others. With 10m depth rating you‟ll need an aqualung
before the camera leaks. Big controls are easy to handle and the menu is reasonably
intuitive. This is the most expensive camera of the 3, currently available for around
£210.00 from the UK Camera store where Rob got his. The service was second to none!

PENTAX W60 – John Norris

It‟s slim, light and the lowest spec. of all – and the cheapest.
I got it for £152.00 and there is a refund from PENTAX off
this as well, or at least there was when I got it. It‟s the only
one of the 3 to do HDTV (not full) but only at 15 frames per
second so that sort of makes the HDTV pointless, but it
doesn‟t look TOO bad. Fits in a BA pocket very easily and at
10mp resolution it‟s not too low, but you‟ll never match the
quality of a larger sensor. Good for 4m depth it‟ll do most
things you want it to. Biggest disadvantage – more menu‟s than a Michelin Guide. It can
even tell if your dog is smiling – but by the time you‟ve found the right option the dog‟s long
gone. Stick it on auto and practise.
Please note this camera has now been superseded by the W80. If you are interested in
one of these read the comparative test link at the end of the feature.

For a recent comparative test on waterproof cameras click on the link below. These
3 are tested by some photo enthusiasts along with a few others. If you want a
waterproof camera, you’d do well to read this first. I’d also recommend looking at
the manufacturers blurb as well. These camera’s do not all use the same testing
datum so don’t come back to me if your camera leaks a little short of the depth you
thought it was good for. Caveat emptor.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q209waterproofgroup/

JOHN NORRIS FEB 2010

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -8- Spring 2010/01

CHRISTMAS ON THE CEIRW

Two days after Christmas saw me heading along the snowy road to Wales. Would the A5
be blocked by drifts? Would the Dee at JJs be a slender trickle between icicles? As it
turned out, Wales had seen a thaw – only a slight one, but those hills hold a lot of snow
and the Dee was off the gauge. Viewing the scene over a cup of coffee, Tim, Mark and I
declined the opportunity to join a group of playboaters on this icy water and headed
towards Bala and the Ceidiog.

Not heard of it? That‟s because it almost never has water. It‟s not a hard river but, like
many of these small streams, there are rather too many trees. It leads into the Dee below
Bala, so the second half of the trip provides contrast by way of smooth, fast flowing water
to the takeout at Cynwyd. After a mud-splattering experience recovering Tim‟s car from the
put in, we headed to Bala Backpackers‟ Hostel.

We had been advised to “beware of the mad woman who runs it”. It appeared at first that
she had locked us out, but Mark discovered the door simply needed a hefty push, and the
proprietress turned out to be fairly amicable. I can recommend the bunkhouse but not the
breakfast – just go and get your own in town.

The following day we headed to the Ceirw, a Grade 2-3 river running parallel to the A5
near the Goat Inn. There are two sections with a portage (or Grade 6) in between, and the
river steadily grew bigger, better and less congested by trees as we went down. Below the
Goat Inn, it flows into the Alwen which provided a super run down to the A5 Bridge a little
below Pen y Bont weir.

This weir looks tempting and innocuous from above. That‟s because the lower section is
invisible. I‟m very glad we read the guidebook and portaged. You can forget all the rest of
this article but remember – if you can‟t see to the bottom or the guidebook says “inspect”,
then do it.

We had intended to paddle on the third day but we had to leave Wales early before further
snow blocked us in. I hope you can join us next year. It‟s sure to be warmer.

ROD EDMONDS FEB 2010

NEWSLETTER EDITOR

I‟ve given notice that it‟s my intention to stand down from my role as newsletter editor and
subsequently from the committee, though I‟ll remain (if requested) as a contact for sea
kayaking. It seems I‟ve been doing some sort of volunteering for more years than I care to
put a figure on what with Cub‟s & Scouts / Cycling proficiency / and latterly MCC. I want a
change.

I‟d like to think that I‟ve moved the newsletter forward a little, no easy task for someone
who does not speak PC, but I think I‟ve got it to a format that is easy to manage for a new
editor. Naturally, a new editor may have their own idea‟s and would be welcome to
develop them but it‟s my intention to have 4 blank seasonal copies all laid out ready to go

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -9- Spring 2010/01

for the new editor. I‟ll hopefully get around to setting the spacing for text around pictures
etc. and will have clear and concise instructions for inserting hyperlinks etc. for those not
on WORD2007 or later.

What will the new editor need? A PC for starters and a broadband link. And some
enthusiasm! You‟ll need this to harass the membership for copy (there are a lot of
members out there who can do good items – but don‟t necessarily volunteer them). Other
than that, very little except time to put it all together. Perhaps the most onerous part of it
all is dealing with the postal copies and printing a few extra‟s of for those who call in at the
club throughout the summer.

What do I put in the newsletter? I look for a good picture and short description for the
cover. I hope to get this from the membership but if not I‟ll use something from another
club or off the web, but I always get permission first. Most people are very happy to
donate a picture for no more than a credit and a blog link if they have one. Then I move
on to the editor‟s piece which is usually little more than a preamble for the features to
come. I have used this in the past to make a more political point if I have felt the need to
do so, my own views, not the committees‟.

The following items and pictures are generally those that I get from the membership.
Sometimes trips or holidays or maybe a different take on things. Alex & Will Kragg offered
me a piece last year and eventually we got an „interview‟. Not what I expected at all but a
very refreshing change and a pleasant read. I do occasionally look on other club sites for
material but have yet to use anything from them though offers have been made. Finally
you‟ll need to keep the back pages up to date – the contacts might change but once a year
so no problem with that but the what‟s on, when and where page needs updating each
issue from information collated by the club secretary.

Distribution. Most copies are now going out by e-mail but I‟m working around to sending
a link to the SCRIBD page rather than a full newsletter so this will not eat into your
„allowance‟ if you are on a low usage limit. Postal copies need to printed and folded,
enveloped and addressed (labels are currently sent by the membership secretary) and
stamped.

What next? I‟d like to hear from anyone who is interested in taking on the role and am
prepared to work with them throughout this coming year to achieve a seamless
changeover. Then I‟m putting my feet up for a bit!

John Norris FEB 2010

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 10 - Spring 2010/01

TOURING TRIPS – AN INTRODUCTION

„Touring, not for me........well to kick off you need a beard don‟t you? And a daft hat, ooh
and they don‟t even sleep in tents! I know, I heard one of them actually hangs upside
down from a tree and then encases
himself in his gore-tex wings‟
OK so its maybe not quite that bad
but I have certainly heard people
unsure about coming on trips,
worried about boats, having or not
having the right kit and the
distances that we might cover, so I
thought I would try to lay some of
those worries to rest!

BOAT?

Really anything will do. In terms of

covering distance a longer boat is
a better boat. Of course you need
to be able to pick it up so size and
weight need to be balanced.
At the club there are many options; the open canoes, the easkys (touring kayaks with
hatches for storing stuff) or a longer general purpose kayak, or a multipurpose boat.
Doubles? - 2 people in an open boat makes a lot of sense – you need almost ½ the effort,
and you have a person to share kit
like cooker and pans.

KIT?

Again – you don‟t need much – if we

are camping then you will need a
sleeping bag and a camping mat.
What no tent? I hear you say – well
yes, but you can always share if you
haven‟t got your own, if you really get
into it you may want to get much
more of your own gear but you don‟t
have too especially at the outset!

IT’S TOO FAR!

Trips will be organised to suit all paddlers – some of our club trips have been 10 miles in a
day, some up to 16miles in a day. As with most outdoor activities we travel at the speed of
the slowest member, touring allows people to share boats and move gear around to keep
our group speed similar.
As always just speak up, suggest the mileage you think appropriate, or ask the organiser
for advice.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 11 - Spring 2010/01

BUT I HATE CAMPING?

No worries, trips are often planned to stop over at pubs or near a town or village – stay in
the pub or a B&B.

WHY BOTHER?

Personally I love touring – or more

accurately Tripping – the simple act
of getting somewhere – of achieving
something even if it‟s just getting
from the start to the end of a journey.
For me one of the best bits is the little
bit of adventure that comes from not
knowing exactly what‟s round the
next corner, finding a hidden gem, a
great lunch spot or in summer a quiet
place for an impromptu swim. In
winter the challenge may be more
physical – wind, rain, tide may be
against you but it‟s a journey and the
fun is in the doing – on a recent trip
this winter 4 set out and about ½ way
we split into 2 groups of 2. One group
pushed on to the end suffering the weather and cold. The other group navigated cross
country to a road met some really nice helpful people and had an entirely different but
brilliant adventure of their own!
So is it any different to a White Water trip? – well in essence – no – but generally a touring
trip will be on more gentle water often grade 1 – 2 or on some of the longer rivers, grade 2
with perhaps an odd feature. But the focus might well be different – in a loaded touring
boat build for speed we may walk bits that we would paddle in other boats, our day may be
longer on the water and generally we paddle the same river over the course of a trip – so
that s only 1 shuttle!
Evenings are often around a camp fire, sometimes a pub – good food, a few drinks and
good company.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 12 - Spring 2010/01

On longer trips the thrill of navigating a whole river, the flexibility of being able to “see
where we get to tonight” and the amazing changes to the scenery as you move from
mountain to sea.

UPCOMING TRIPS

DATE Location Description Level CONTACT

20/21 Thames Great trip - nice and local - good Easy local Lee Niven
Feb. pubs and great scenery. Camping paddle
at a pub in Lechlade.
Full details on facebook page.

20/21 Severn Middle Severn – Iron Bridge to Grade 1 – 2 Lee Niven

March Bridge North. Local camping or
Pub B&B

4-7 April Scotland Either the Tay or the Spey – 2 of Classic Lee Niven
the best bits of touring water in the Scottish
UK! Location tbc depending on paddling grade
your feedback! 2 – 2+
30 April OCA CanoeFest 2010, coaching, Richard
1st May lectures, demos etc Williams

Oct-10 BALA UK Open Canoe Symposium Lee Niven

N/Wales coaching, lectures, demos etc

26th June Conway The Conwy Ascent is an upstream approximately Lee Niven
N Wales canoeing event, taking advantage 15km The river
of the flood Bridge and is rich in offers many
wildlife and beautiful scenery. challenges in
The event comprises of both a reading water
marathon race and a tour, and and weather
paddlers may race or tour in any conditions
canoe or kayak of their choice.
Oct-10 Axe OCA organised weekend Lee Niven
Estuary Camping at Seaton in Devon.
Introducing paddlers to open
water and the delights of cream
teas.

ITS YOUR CLUB TELL US WHAT YOU WANT

We have a face book page, club website and a club yahoo group – keep in touch, tell me
what you want, I will do my best to organise something.

Hope to see you on the water

LEE NIVEN – CLUB TOURING REP. FEB 2010

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 13 - Spring 2010/01

REPORT – 2009 AGM

The 2009 AGM was held on the 1st Feb at the Kings Head in Little Marlow. It got off to a
great start by everyone congregating at the bar for a drink (or three) before we were
herded off to the meeting room.

It was attended by 30 members. This was a good turn out (free food was NOT the reason!)
compared to last year and included a high percentage of new members.

Adrian kicked off the AGM by going through last year‟s minutes, approving annual
accounts and the election of committee members. Most existing committee members
agreed to stand for re-election. Kelvin Abbott replaced Paul Crichton as treasurer leaving
one post unfilled, that of women‟s representative. A new post for course co-ordinator was
added and Simon Knowles kindly volunteered.

Adrian also paid special thanks to the coaches and members who have given their time in
the running of the club and in the training of new members.

There were prizes given out for the best newsletter piece (Julie Briggs on behalf of the
mystery author), for the best improved „seniors‟ (male - David Briggs and female Helen
Kragg) and „junior‟ members (Alex & Will Kragg). Swimmer of the year went to Paul
Crichton for the only OBE on the club‟s 2009 Northern Alps tour.

With the routine stuff out of the way, Adrian closed the AGM and we got onto the fun bits.
Food was served and this proved to be of excellent quality. Not only was there the usual
array of sandwiches, there was also a variety of warm dishes, much appreciated by all due
to the cold evening.

Lee did a grand job as quiz master, setting questions that had a nautical theme, apart from
the beer section, the famous-people section, the sights-around-the-world section, the
music section, the name-the-countries sections………maybe not that nautical after all!
However, questions covered a wide range and he was very firm when awarding points for
correct answers. Well done Lee.

There was nail biting excitement throughout the quiz as there was hardly any difference in
points for the top three places. This changed right at the end when xxxxx (my team
including fellow members Kelvin, Melinda, and Glenn) scored nearly full marks in the last 4
rounds and won convincingly. Excellent job guys….can‟t wait for the prize. Well done also
to xxxx who took the wooden spoon!
A good time was had by all.

The next AGM was set for Monday 7th February 2011.

Jennifer Burns FEB 2010

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 14 - Spring 2010/01

 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.

D.O
SUNDAYS FOR FINISH. CHECK NOTICEBOARDS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS
TUESDAY SESSIONS FROM 6:30 pm, ON THE WATER FOR
ALL
7.00pm. SEE D.O. FOR FINISH, CHECK NOTICEBOARDS FOR D.O
TUESDAYS
EVENTS etc. (PUB PADDLE or ALTERNATIVE)

01 MARCH COMMITTEE MEETING – MARLOW DONEY – 19:30 ALL WELCOME AM

6-7 MARCH WHITE WATER TBA WHITEWATER DG
13-14 MARCH CANOE CAMPING – RIVER SEVERN TOURING LN
20 MARCH COACH UPDATE – EYOT CENTRE – HENLEY COACHING BCU
20-27 MARCH SCOTTISH WHITEWATER WHITEWATER DG
28 MARCH KENNET AND AVON CANAL – KINTBURY TO NEWBURY TOURING TT
EASTER CANOE CAMPING – LOCH TAY + RIVER TAY TOURING LN
13 APRIL TUESDAY EVENING SESSIONS COMMENCE ALL WELCOME D.O.
25 APRIL RIVER THAMES – DONNINGTON BRIDGE TO ABINGDON TOURING TT
30-01 MAY OCA CANOEFEST VENUE TBC TOURING LN
8-9 MAY OUR FIRST 2010 BEGINNERS / 1* COURSE COACHING TT
10 MAY COMMITTEE MEETING – MARLOW DONEY – 19:30 ALL WELCOME AM
23 MAY RIVER THAMES – ABINGDON TO CLIFTON HAMPDEN TOURING TT
SEA TOURING / TRIPS CALENDAR HAS YET TO BE CONFIRMED. ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE
MADE ON THE YAHOO GROUP AND THOSE INTERESTED WILL NEED TO FOLLOW THE
INSTRUCTIONS THEREIN. NOTE! ALL SEA TRIPS ARE ‘PEER’ GROUP AS WE HAVE NO SEA
COACHES.

KEEP A LOOKOUT ON NOTICEBOARDS AND THE YAHOO GROUP –

SOME TRIPS JUST SUDDENLY 'APPEAR' IF CONDITIONS ARE RIGHT.

THURSDAY SWIMMING POOL SESSIONS AT GURNELL POOL, WEST LONDON

EVENING GET TUITION IN ROLLING, PRACTISE 3* SKILLS OR ANYTHING
9.00 - 10.30 YOU'VE GOT A BIT RUSTY ON. SEE WEBSITE FOR MAP & DETAILS

ORGANISER / MCC CONTACT FOR ABOVE EVENTS

AC ADRIAN COOPER 01844 344580 adrian@familycooper.fsnet.co.uk

AM ANDY MAXTED 07730 852760 morven@ukonline.co.uk
LN LEE NIVEN 07824 828024 leeandsue@talktalk.net
JN JOHN NORRIS 01494 483833 j.k.norris@btinternet.com
CP CHRIS PORTEOUS 01628 485049 chrisps@gmail.com
PC PAUL CRICHTON 08708 806962 p.crichton@blueyonder.co.uk
DG DAVE GODDARD 01494 863862 dcgodd@googlemail.com

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 15 - Spring 2010/01

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 dianne.ward@tesco.net

CHAIRMAN ADRIAN COOPER 01844 344580 adriancooper@googlemail.com

SECRETARY ANDY MAXTED 07730 852760 morven@ukonline.co.uk

TREASURER KELVIN ABBOTT 01753 654923 kelvin.abbott@btinternet.com

MEMBERSHIP ROD EDMONDS 01753 671389 r.edmonds@etoncollege.org.uk

COACHING TIM TWITCHEN 07833 995289 timothy.twitchen@btinternet.com

EQUIPMENT CHRIS PORTEOUS 01628 485049 chrisps@gmail.com

NEWSLETTER JOHN NORRIS 01494 483833 j.k.norris@btinternet.com

WOMENS REP. VACANT (Temporary – Melinda Livett, see social)

YOUTH REP. ALEX MILLARD 07787 978036 trials_me_crazy@hotmail.co.uk

SOCIAL SEC MELINDA LIVETT Melinda.livett@yahoo.com

WHITEWATER CHRIS PORTEOUS 01628 485049 chrisps@gmail.com

TOURING LEE NIVEN 07824 828024 leeandsue@talktalk.net

SEA JOHN NORRIS 01494 483833 j.k.norris@btinternet.com

1*COURSE
SIMON KNOWLES 07786 836012 s-knowles@tiscali.co.uk
CO-ORDINATOR

OUR NEAREST RETAILERS / SUPPLIERS

RIVERSIDE OXFORD 01865 248673 http://www.riversideoxford.co.uk

MARSPORT READING 01189 665912 http://www.marsport.co.uk

BERKSHIRE
READING 01189 425640 http://www.berkshire-canoes.co.uk
CANOES
WWC SHEPPERTON 01932 247978 http://www.whitewaterthecanoecentre.co.uk

BROOKBANK WARWICK 01926 640573 http://www.paddlesport.co.uk

BROOKBANK LONDON 01992 711611 http://www.brookbanklondon.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 - 16 - Spring 2010/01