A train on the Teign.

A very cold, very frosty late November saw some

of the club on Dave Goddard’s 2nd WW trip of that month. The wind
blew in from Siberia and picked up a little extra chill from Scandinavia,
bringing with it the snow that paralysed some parts of the country.
Here we see Paul Griffin, followed by Judith Sewter (and another lurking
in the trees) on a fast flowing section of the river shortly after the get-in.

Photo – Dave Goddard.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter COVER Spring 2011/01

 CONTENTS EDITORS PIECE
DART WEEKEND (27/28 NOV.) 3 Well, I finally did it – I called it a day, this is
my last newsletter. Sometimes frustrating
DAVID LYDIATT 5 (particularly when developing the new format)
but always enjoyable, I’ve learned a lot along
THE COLD TURKEY PADDLE 5 the way and got some assistance from
unexpected sources. It’s time to thank all
16hr. OUTDOOR FIRST AID 7
those who have contributed to the 28 issues
SLIPPY 8 I’ve edited but in particular I’d like to thank
those who have contributed but who are not
PROBABLY THE BEST £5.00…. 9 club members. Many of the front page
photos have come from paddling.net readers,
GENERAL NEWS 11 a U.S. based weekly internet publication.
Canoes look good in wild majestic scenery
THE AGM 12 and such scenes proliferate in the U.S. &
Canada. I hope (work permitting) to be there
CARDIFF WW 13
myself later this year and might fit a bit of
WHAT’S ON WHEN & WHERE 15 paddling in. Perhaps I’ll get another photo on
the cover!
CONTACTS 16 We have a new editor, Rodney Casbierd,
who is taking over from the next issue (132 –
summer). Rodney enjoys this sort of thing but will need assistance from the membership.
Joining us late last year and unable to make the most of a fine autumn, Rodney does not
know too many people yet. I trust you’ll all support him at least as well as you have me
during the past 7 years.
What have we got in store in my final issue, well we start with a very very cold whitewater
weekend trip on the Teign. The President writes it up for us – a rare treat – with pictures
from trip leader Dave Goddard. We hear from an old member who’s not been around
much recently, hopefully he could be back soon. The Cold Turkey Paddle was poorly
attended but quite eventful and contributed to my winning the swimmer of the year award
(again). Read how this misfortune came about on P5. It’s time for a new First Aid
certificate so I attended a course arranged by Lee Niven. A little different from previous
courses I’ve done, I found it very enjoyable and all is told on P7. ‘Slippy ‘Tim Twitchen
has stood down from his Coaching Officer role. The President records his thanks for a job
well done by a member who’s never refused a request for training or guidance.
Some of us on the sea kayaking side are also members of PDCC. Three of us attended
their annual Coastal navigation course and all learned something from this. A course
delivered by enthusiasts for nothing more than the pleasure of passing on knowledge to
the next generation. Probably the best £5.00’s worth ever describes all.
The AGM took place early February and new secretary Jonathon Garner and outgoing
secretary Andy Maxted have contributed to a report on the evening’s events.
The What’s on, When and Where page has been updated to reflect the coming season
and the contacts page has been revised with new committee member’s details.
Just remains for me to say goodbye and once again thanks.

THE EDITOR FEB 2011

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -2- Spring 2011/01

TEIGN / DART WEEKEND 27/28 NOVEMBER 2010

The forecast was ever colder and even snow was mentioned as a probability. We were
hardy however and when did they ever get the forecast right? I was apparently the only
one to phone Dave hoping to wimp out. He was having none of it!

I refused to wake up at a time that had a four in it so compromised on a quarter to five.

8.45am saw us roll into the car park of the famous "House of Marbles" near Bovey Tracey
in good time for a legendary "Big Breakfast". Everyone apart from me wimped out of that
so scores were even.

I had been attracted to the trip by the opportunity to do a new river. Having walked the
banks of the Teign a number of times thinking it looked about the ticket for a 4 star trip,
and here we were. Eleven cars and a group of around 18 crowded the small lay-by at the
put in and boy, was it cold. Definitely a three thermal trip. The shuttle seemed to take an
eternity as the roads to the take out took a much more devious route than the river.

We split into three groups and launched into the raging torrent - around a grade 1+
although several who only had one previous trip under their belts found the entry a little
tricky. Guess what - the forecasters were spot on for a change. Polar bears lined the
banks and penguins frolicked around us. Pogies were very much the order of the day.

Tom bailey (left) and Judith Sewter (right), two newer members enjoying the Teign

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -3- Spring 2011/01

It was a very pleasant cross between river and large stream and all went well until Charles
spotted an ominous slow flat pool ahead, combined with a horizon line and the increasing
noise of tumbling water. Inspection revealed a man made weir dropping about 6 feet and
comprising several stone boxes forming a fish ladder. An interesting debate followed about
lines and half the group decided to run it before I painted a picture of the possibilities.
Having accepted that the pain was not worth the gain a grade four portage over the rocks
was undertaken. Looking forward to staying in our boats we then only went a further 100m
to find a river wide tree strainer and had to do it all over again.

Adrian, Kelvin, James, Mark and Kieron braved the trip in canoes which was entertaining
to watch, especially the rock spins and pins that entailed. Leg pulling was canned though
when Adrian got the stove and the pancakes out of his boat - a very welcome addition to a
cold lunch. I must admit however to being disappointed that the pancakes came out of a
Waitrose bag rather than an eggshell, a flour bag and a milk bottle!

The river guide said "it’s a bit flat after Fingle Bridge - best get out here". We didn't. They
stood alongside the forecasters in the "I told you so" stakes. There were a few more small
features but it was a long old way to the take out especially for Dave who was pushing on
in order to get back to the put in before dark. He had stashed his car key in the long grass
and was rather anxious to avoid asking Jenny to drive down with the spare!

Sundays trip was to be the loop on the Dart - an old MCC stomping ground well known to
many (but not six of those with us), Debs called it a day and she did sound rather poorly so
we wished her well. The rest of us continued onto a Dart that was probably the lowest I
have ever paddled. When the weather is -6° on the moor the water doesn't come out of
the springs with quite its usual enthusiasm. Yesterday’s wet spraydecks were like a
washboard and took the efforts of two strong men to stretch each one. There was also an
enthusiasm bypass amongst the group who were falling over themselves to avoid my
suggestion of practising some moves on the few mini features that we found. The
Washing Machine is the first rapid of note at this level and it didn't disappoint, claiming
John as the first victim in my group. The normal joshing at a swimmer was replaced with
mass sympathy but he took it well. Proceedings went under control until the Triple Drop,
named surprisingly for its sequence of three (you are way ahead of me here!) drops. At
the third Allan surprisingly took the lead and then paid for his impetuosity, closely followed
by John who was not to be outdone. Apparently two of Dave’s group won an OBE* and
bar to reflect upon and there was even a rumour that the Chairman got rather more of his
hair wet than planned during an exploratory trip down the Loop before the Teign trip on
Saturday! Much shivering took place as we pushed on to the finish in the welcome
sunshine and the team’s reluctance to tarry allowed us to be off and away by 2ish -
unheard of!

A great weekend but please – let’s have a few more degrees and H2O for the next one.

* Out of Boat Experience

Tim Ward. NOV. 2010

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -4- Spring 2011/01

DAVID LYDIATT
I took the opportunity to fire of an e-mail
Christmas message to old member David
Lydiatt, who has not been to well as of late.
Fortunately things are looking up for David and
we might well see him back at the club some
day soon. David writes;

I'm a lot better than I was. My heart has

settled to behaving normally and my asthma (I
now accept that is what I have) is under
control.

I keep saying I should start doing some

paddling but always find something else to do.
This cold weather has given me a ready
excuse (still got memories of DW training).

I had in fact thought my paddling days were over. My health issues gave the people I work
for the excuse to remove me from all activity instructing. The climbing, archery etc I could
give up without a second thought but to be removed from passing on the delights of
paddling has been tough. I've been brought out of "retirement" by a group of young people
(ex "students" of mine) who wanted to form their own canoe club, using local authority
boats and gear. The current economic climate and local authority cutbacks is going to
make that very difficult. A crunch meeting later this month.

I still manage the youth & community centre at Prestwood. This has always been a
challenging job - never enough people to help – and constraints on budgets will not be
making things any easier.

Ah well - it'll keep me off the streets!

John Norris JAN. 2011

THE COLD TURKEY PADDLE

We normally have a Boxing Day paddle, often just a little bimble up or down stream and
return. Hot coffee is often enjoyed and sometimes some excess mince pies or maybe a
nip of Scotland’s finest. I saw the title COLD TURKEY PADDLE on the SESK site and
thought we could use this for a post Christmas paddle, rather than specifically Boxing Day.
This year I tried to make it a bit different with a number of suggestions based around St.
Patricks Stream. Some interest was shown, more so if we could move it to the following
Tuesday, 28th December. So we settled for the 28 th but few turned out. I was a bit miffed
as I could have gone sea kayaking for a couple of days, my principle reason for not doing
so being that I had committed to this.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -5- Spring 2011/01

Four of us turned up at the club for the paddle. There was El. Pres. in his Sidewinder dry
suit and Chris P in his dull but effective grey Typhoon dry suit. Tom Bailey looked
resplendent in his brand new Lomo dry suit, I stuck with the tracksters, (a mistake that
would cost me dearly later on) and DG’s old spare cag, as I’d left mine at home (doh!).
We got on 200m upstream of Shiplake Lock. It still required some ice breaking but at least
it was breakable. The chill soon disappeared with a fast paddle to St. Pats warming me up
a treat. Even in low water flows it is immediately noticeable just how fast St. Pats. can be.
A rough calculation from the web shows a fall of 0.5m per km., perhaps a little more as we
had paddled a couple of clicks to the split. I never found out what happened to the little
weir just beyond the first bridge but these days there is just a small waterfall, about kerb
height, but having gone over it I like to try and paddle up it all the same.
It’s a km or so down to the confluence of another stream from the Thames, one which we
don’t paddle because it’s a little dodgy to shoot through the tunnels into St. Pats. Paul
Mealing and Gary Board used to take us here for our 3* trip and used this stream to
demonstrate ferry gliding and breaking in and out of eddies etc. It’s possibly still our best
spot locally to practise this art. El. Pres. looked serious as the helmet went on and he
entered the ‘tunnel’ to the right, cautiously nosing in the current spun his Habitat around
90° in a flash. A 3 point turn was out of the question in a tunnel not much wider than his
boat was long. Some serious edging and a powerful forward stroke got him out. Chris P.
meanwhile choose to play in the ‘tunnel’ to the left, however his little Jackson could be felt
dipping long before the pour over so he wisely backed off. As Tom was talking to a passer
by I caught an edge and went over. One roll failed so I was out pronto. Boy was that
water cold. El. Pres. did the necessary and we were soon able to carry on. With some of
the group on a time restriction we completed the loop without further incident and returned
to Shiplake just as signs of Hypothermia were becoming noticeable to me.
There were a couple of harsh lessons to be learned this day. Perhaps most important is to
check your kit before you leave – I had a few things lying around, stuffed them in the bag
and completely forgot the cag, hanging up to dry in the garage. To be fair, it had dried well
in the 10 days it had been hanging there. Secondly, dress for immersion. Often quoted in
the sea paddling circles and something to aim for, but if you dress for immersion you’ll all
too soon be to hot to paddle. Experience will lead you to comfortable medium, something I
have a little of, but chose to ignore on this particular occasion. After all, I wasn’t going to
go in – was I?
After the O.B.E., El. Pres took care of the boat whilst I swam a few strokes to the bank; it
was a lot deeper than I would have thought. The water, not surprisingly was very cold.
We were soon on our way again and the first thing I noticed was how warm I felt once
back in the boat but this feeling of euphoria is only temporary I can assure you. Within 10
minutes, paddling with current assistance I was aware of just how much effort I was putting
in to keep up with the others, a far cry from earlier when, at times, I was the fastest in the
group. I mentioned earlier that I had used an old cag left behind by DG. It’s about 6” too
big around the neck and proportionally so around the wrists. It didn’t keep out much water,
but it did keep the chill off my core body area and could have saved the incident from
turning really serious. I’ve been recommending ICEBREAKER (other brands available)
merino wool thermals ever since I got my first piece and had no reason to regret using two
layers on this day. All the heat was lost from my legs. A walk across the canoe portage
back to the cars and I was pretty much spent. A hot drink cheered me up no end but a
lukewarm one would have been better. I had a spare set of clothes in the car but elected
to get back to the club fast and rely on the Volvo’s heated seats. I must have looked a
sorry site running on the spot trying to warm up in the changing room. Perhaps it was just
as well that I had it all to myself. Wouldn’t want to frighten anyone!

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -6- Spring 2011/01

I’d still recommend tracksters as they offer tremendous versatility for the expenditure but
perhaps the standard ones + some thermals instead of the wicked ones I was using would
have held less water or shed it quicker. Was I mildly hypothermic – possibly, or getting
there. Whilst not shivering, I was cold and no matter what you do you will ‘feel’ cold for
some hours to come. I didn’t get comfortable for many hours including a warm bath and
cuddling the fire. I’m hoping I don’t make the same mistakes again – but I wouldn’t put
money on it!

John Norris JAN 2011

OUTDOOR FIRST AID COURSE

The last 3 years flew by pretty fast and I found I was in need of a new first aid ticket. As
an L2K coach I only needed the minimum 4hr., but as luck would have it Lee Niven posted
details of a 16hr. OUTDOOR FIRST AID course via. Wendover House School, where he
works. At just £100.00 this was cheaper than many were charging for lesser courses so I
jumped at the chance. So did Shades, and Lee himself making 3 from the club. Lee was
in a double role as he was also there for ‘work’ along with the rest of the participants who
all came from the Outdoor Education theatre and all from some part of Buckinghamshire
Schools Service.
Our instructor was one Alan Sherliker, an amiable Mancunian who led the course at a
brisk pace but always with time to entice questions from the floor and to provide answers.
Life was made a little easier as we had all held some form of certification previously and
were either upgrading or renewing our First Aider status.
As the title implied, this course was the application of First Aid in the Great Outdoors and
built upon previous courses with practical demonstrations and following practice of
scenarios likely to be encountered in the outdoors. It is not to be confused with the
excellent Aquatic First Aid delivered by Martin Plain some years back at Longridge.
Day One starts with free coffee / tea / juice / biscuit. As we all knew at least two other
participants introductions were kept to a minimum. A brief slide show illustrated some of
the more likely injuries we might come across, broken bones / joints, unconscious persons,
blood loss cases, crushes etc., but unlike previous shorter courses that dealt with
treatment only this course moved on to basic diagnosis, treatment (where possible) and
the provision of some form of shelter for the casualty enabling the First Aider to get further
assistance once the situation was ‘stabilised’. All scenarios seemed to take place on a wet
and windy moorland location some miles from anywhere with no mobile signals and
involved one casualty and one or two First Aiders. There was no getting away from having
to go through the motions of assessing the location, making an initial check and calling for
help. I felt a pratt, but until I find someone who has a better idea I guess I’ll have to live
with it. Learning can be difficult at times. A welcome lunch of baked potato and various
fillings was provided by the school and much enjoyed by us all.
The afternoon was almost entirely devoted to the triangular bandage. Apart from cleaning
one’s hands on it after a messy under car session it has a no. of medical uses as well and
some these were demonstrated along with some quick fixes when bandages were not
available. A good example was the use of the casualty’s jacket in a broken collar bone
incident – just unzip the jacket a tad and slip the arm inside. Another was to roll up the
hem of the jacket and let the forearm rest in the ‘pocket’ created. A safety pin or a bit of
gaffer tape would add a little extra security.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -7- Spring 2011/01

Day two starts early, one of us needed to make an early departure and the only way this
was possible was by starting early. It said 16hr. course in the title and 16hrs. you were
going to get. It’s back on the floor as the scenarios become more acute with a few little
extras thrown in. Like having to find the injury on an unconscious patient who may still
respond to pain. In truth the only pain here was suffered by the First Aiders watching and
listening to the casualty’s ham acting. We progressed on to assumed neck injuries and
stabilising the neck whilst taking the casualty into the ‘recovery’ position. Finally, the
course concludes with a ‘test’ piece outside on the damp grass where two sheds made a
reasonable facsimile of the base of a cliff face. The ‘casualties’ were instructed by the
tutor as to what had happened to them and the rest of us were left to recover the situation
as best we could whilst the all seeing eye of the tutor looked on. Before lunch, this
exercise concluded with a few demo’s of other methods to achieve what we had already
learned. Another welcome lunch, this time a ‘ploughman’s and salad’.
The course had been judged by way of continuous assessment but there was still an
obligatory written test to take and this took place after a round up and revision of previous
course material – stings, bites, ticks, and poisons to name but a few. Thanks to a well
delivered course the test held no fears for anyone, I myself scoring 93% but I saw a few
full houses.
Despite initial concerns I really enjoyed this course. Delivery was neither too fast nor too
slow and the tutor maintained interest throughout the two days. I understand Lee is likely
to be providing a few more of these courses and may be able to offer a few more slots to
the club as and when they become available. The only downside is that it’s in the week so
it’s a couple of days off work, though depending on your employer you may get this given
to you along with a contribution to some or all of the cost.
Similarly, I’d recommend this tutor (though he assures me all his colleagues are at least
his equal) and have provided the contact details below should any one be interested in
seeking to re-validate their own FA certification or would like to organise one on the club’s
behalf.
Alan Sherliker – tel. 07981 194439
mail@astraining.org.uk
www.astraining.org.uk

John Norris Feb. 2011

SLIPPY
At this time of year we often see new faces settling into a role on the Clubs Committee. By
now there will be a new Coaching Officer due to the retirement of Tim Twitchen

Affectionately known amongst long standing members as Slippy due to his past dexterity
during a certain manoeuvre (you'll have to ask him if you don't know) Tim has for many
years filled this important role and leaves large shoes to fill.

I'm afraid I don't recall exactly how long Tim has been a member but presume that he
started as a nervous beginner on one of the One Star courses that he went on to run so
ably. He quickly became a popular club member and I think I can safely say that while
some people have little trouble in picking up the basics, Tim was not one of them.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -8- Spring 2011/01

He has always made up for this with his infectious enthusiasm and his big grin and in the
early days would shoot the weir week after week and every time capsize at the bottom.
This was but a minor snag for Tim and he just jumped back in and tried again. He made up
for an initial shortfall in dexterity with an unexpected strength that I experienced during a
pool session. Having spent around half an hour teaching him some rolling basics I came
home battered after guiding his paddle where he didn't want it to go!
For around the last 7 or 8 years (I'm guessing again here) Tim has been our Coaching
Officer and applied himself to the task with his usual enthusiasm. I am sure that many
current members will have him to thank for their introduction to the Club and the sport. A
few years ago he was the worthy winner at the AGM of a prize for "Volunteer of the Year"
as a sign of the clubs appreciation.

He has been seen paddling many different classes of kayak and canoe and has worked
hard to gain Star Awards in both which led on to Coaching Awards. He has now decided to
stand down from the Committee to apply more of his time to improving his own skills and
we all wish him the very best but I'm sure he won't be able to resist helping out .

I'm sure I speak for everyone in saying a big thank you to Tim for a job well done and good
luck for the future!

Tim Ward
Hon President Feb 2011

PROBABLY THE BEST £5.00’s WORTH EVER

As mine (and other club members) sea paddling progresses you find you need to know
more. The rules of the sea are different for a start and so is finding your way about on it.
They have maps for the sea but they don’t call them maps, they refer to them as charts
and if you find one to the same scale as the matching O/S map then the coastal profile will
look similar. Everything else is different. As Tom found out when he first looked at his
Admiralty SOLENT folio set. ‘I’m O.K. with maps’ said Tom, ‘and I thought I’d figure these
out without too many problems’. But he didn’t.
Every year Portsmouth & District Canoe Club run a Coastal Nav. Course. Delivered by
three PDCC members (each of them a time served sea dog) this is what paddling should
be about. Experienced hands passing on worthwhile knowledge and for nothing more
than the pleasure of teaching the next generation. Many clubs (including us) still do so,
but from the increasing no. of ‘professionally’ led courses being advertised I sometimes
wonder for how much longer.
Just a fiver, and that covered hall hire, tea / coffee / biscuits etc., a full 7 hrs. of training, a
comprehensive handout and some additional materials.
Probably the best £5.00’s worth ever.
Myself, Tom and Jane are also members of PDCC so we each booked a place on the
course. 65 miles and 1½ hours later and we are at Chandlers Ford Guide H.Q. Tom’s
there to learn the difference between maps and charts, Jane to get some experience and
me to revise what I did on an earlier BCU Coastal Navigation and Planning course.
A short introduction and then the morning’s agenda is presented. The morning sessions
are going to focus on planning, the things we should consider, and sources of necessary

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -9- Spring 2011/01

information. Synoptic charts (remember those old TV weather maps before the inception
of the new softer approach) Cold Fronts, Warm Fronts, Occluded Fronts, Anticyclones and
Depressions, all were explained with sufficient detail to advise why they do what they do
without becoming too technical. Winds, Waves, different types of Fog (thick and thin are
NOT different) and the typical weather patterns associated with depressions / anticyclones
are all similarly dealt with. The morning finishes with a discussion on various weather
forecasts, why they often differ for the same area and some recommendations from the
coaches. It’s all been very interesting.

SYNOPTIC CHART FOR 15/02/2011 @ 00:00 – MET OFFICE SURFACE ANALYSIS

The area of low pressure centred to the northwest of Scotland is moving

northwestwards towards Iceland. The area of low pressure in the central Atlantic is
slower moving and will become more complex in nature during the next day or two,
with multiple centres expected to form. Updated 07:30 UTC Tue 15 Feb 2011

The afternoon sessions are about what resources are available to us and how to use
them. There are several providers of charts and information is presented in different ways
but with some commonality. Think O/S and Bartholomew maps – both tell you the same
information but deliver it in slightly different forms. The aim of these sessions is to show
you physical examples of several charts for the same area and how they came to be the
way they are. For example, Admiralty charts show deep waters as white, purely because
at the time they were incorporated printing was expensive and it seemed pointless to cover
the sheet in blue ink. These charts do not have ‘contours’ but use colour to indicate water
of different depths over the chart datum which is set at the lowest Astronomical tide. It’s

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 10 - Spring 2011/01

quite rare for the tide to get this low but under unique circumstances it can go lower. Once
charts have been covered we move on to tidal information. We get a few basics on why
the tide rises and falls (If you delve into this in a nerdish sort of way it becomes quite
fascinating) and the ‘currents’ that occur as a result. Unlike our home River Thames which
always flows downhill, sometimes fast sometimes slow, the tides are alive. The moment
they stop coming in they start going out and the rate of flow differs throughout the cycle. It
all sounds like quite a handful to get to grips with but much of the necessary information is
available in some handy tomes published annually and some can be found on the charts
themselves. A few handy ‘rules’ supplement printed information. Finally a bit of compass
work and the chance to put it all into practise.
Some well thought out exercises start with a simple allowance for a constant tidal flow on a
short crossing and move onto more complex examples involving longer crossings, variable
tidal flows and finding the necessary information out for ourselves with a googly or two
thrown in to keep us on our toes, the aim being to show us that sometimes to much
information can be a hindrance.
The course concludes with a short session on what can go wrong, despite vigilant
planning, as sometimes happens. We never know our limits until we exceed them and
then we need to be best placed to recover the situation. This course goes some way to
helping you plan a safe trip and maybe getting you out of the mire if the planning has gone
a little awry. Top tip – Plan your trip and get someone else to check it for you. If you
both come to a similar conclusion you’re on your way. Full steam ahead me hearties!
After the course I asked one of the coaches if they would open the course to non PDCC
members. If spaces were available, then probably yes. I would recommend those MCC
members who paddle on the sea with us to take up such an offer if it is made available. A
suitable donation over and above the course fee would be required.

John Norris Feb 2011

GENERAL NEWS

POOL SESSIONS

Dave Goddard has booked the pool for a further 10 sessions, taking us up to the end of
2011. Whilst the committee would like to see the sessions fully utilised the sessions have
been set up with the aim of getting the non rolling paddler to have a go. As before,
sessions will be from 7:15 – 8:15pm on the first Saturday evening of each calendar month
at the Chalfont Leisure Pool, cost has been held at £5.00 (adults) and £3.00 (juniors) per
session.
A reminder will go out via. the YAHOO group in addition to being featured on the club
calendar. Dave has committed to a no. of sessions but seeks assistance from the clubs
coaches for those sessions he cannot make.

TUESDAY EVENINGS

Tuesday evening sessions will commence 12 th April (sunset 19:51). On the water for
19:00 will hopefully give us an hour plus of paddling.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 11 - Spring 2011/01

DUTY OFFICER COURSE

Coming soon, before the Tuesday evening sessions start. I will be liaising with Dave
Goddard to run a course prior to commencement of the evening sessions. Following a
situation last year when regular members were unable to paddle due to the lack of a duty
officer we hope to make clear exactly what is required of the D.O. The date will be notified
via. the YAHOO group and on the club calendar and will be scheduled to fit in with the
maximum no. of attendees and the availability of both Dave and myself.

SOCIAL SECRETARY
Mel is looking at a new social activity for the club. Bowling at Maidenhead. At present she
is just checking out interest etc., so if you like people you see in the club and fancy having
a go at a new fangled ‘sport’ (I’m more of a skittles / aunt Sally / traditionalist myself) give
Mel a bell. Contact details on our back page.

COACHING SURVEY
If you receive the newsletter (or notification to a link) by e-mail you’ll also have received a
copy of Gary’s coaching survey. I’m pretty sure you don’t need reminding but these things
rely on honest participation. Please give the survey the time and thought it deserves so
that Gary has a reasonable chance of doing what’s best for the club. If by any chance
you’ve deleted / destroyed / lost it, than you can request another from Gary whose contact
details are on the back page.

I’VE GOT A LITTLE PLAN

Being the not so proud recipient of the Swimmer of the year award twice in the past three
years I’ve hatched a little plan. Three swims (one crass stupidity, one I should have
known better, but one where baling out was definitely the right thing to do) and every
chance I’ll get a hat-trick in the years to come. Normally the ‘prize’ for such an award is a
flask or a footmat or similar. This year I got a guide to Canoeing as the Chair had heard
me comment on I must do more open paddling earlier next year. I could do with a two
piece spare sea paddle. If I haven’t got one by October and I have an O.B.E. you’ll know
why. Look out for me on a Sunny late autumn day!

John Norris Feb 2011

THE AGM – 08 FEBRUARY 2011

This years AGM was held, as usual, in the ‘function’ room of the Kings Head, Little Marlow.
Some of us turned up early and enjoyed the food on offer, I can recommend the Steak &
Kidney pie (for non veggies) should you look to eat there next year. As is customary for
me, a pint of Timothy Taylor ‘Landlord’ followed – a rare drink in these parts.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 12 - Spring 2011/01

Retiring to the ‘function’ room the Chairman called the meeting to order and proceedings
got underway with acceptance of last years minutes. Reports from the major committee
post holders followed with the Chairman thanking all members of the committee for their
valued input over the last 12 months. The treasurer explained the accounts and they are
relatively healthy, though it was noted that rebuilding of the shed or part of it would eat a
chunk of the reserves.
We bade farewell to 3 long standing members of the committee. Andy Maxted stood down
after quite a few years in one post or another, and Tim ‘Slippy’ Twitchen called it a day
after seeing the coaching role through a period of aggressive growth. I too, took the
chance of a break, having threatened to do so for a few years now.
Fortunately we had new faces ready to slip into the vacated roles. We welcomed
Jonathon Garner as the new MCC secretary, Gary Fletcher as the new MCC coaching
Officer, and Rodney Casbierd as the new MCC newsletter editor. I hope all will enjoy the
full support of the membership as have the previous incumbents.
Regulars will know that the evening usually finishes with the awards. Prizes this year went
to;

Most Improved Junior Joe Millington

Most Improved Adult Tom Bailey

Swimmer of the Year John Norris (Two swims too many)

Newsletter item of the Year Paul Griffin; The building of U46

Comment was passed on another active year for the club with Touring (Scotland), an
extensive WW programme including an Intro to WW, and the growing interest in sea
paddling.
Congratulations were offered to all those who gained a 1* with this past year, particularly
to those who went on to get a 2*. Other notable achievements were Charles Pain (3* sea),
Mark Steel (4* sea), and Gary Fletcher (2x 5*) and for starting on the UKCC L3 coach
training. Gary’s successful Eddystone challenge was also noted. Finally, Ben Kelley has
gained his UKCC L2 coach.

JN / JC / AM Feb 2011

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Hello John,

As you are bowing out after seven years as the newsletter's editor, I just wanted to say
thanks for your efforts. There have been a number of times when I have met new
members down at the club who tell me that they were attracted to the club by the wide
range of activities that we participate in; evidenced by the newsletter.

The club is full of canoeists of various persuasions, and it is interesting to see articles of all
types: from the gnarlier white water, to the more sedate expeditions, with the occasional
racing article or sea kayaking epic (intended or otherwise) thrown in for good measure.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 13 - Spring 2011/01

I know that there are different views on the best way to communicate these days, as it's
easier just to have a blog. But the newsletter serves a useful purpose, and makes the club
seem less cliquey to outsiders; it's OK to read a blog if you were there, know where the
blog is, and understand the 'in-jokes'; but the newsletter keeps the rest of the club (and
newcomers) updated on what else is going on, both inside the club, and as a point of
contact for courses etc. that members have been on.

Thanks for keeping it going.

I wish your successor (Rodney) similar success.

Kind Regards

Richard Williams

Our thanks go to John

Who now paddles on
and leaves our newsletter
In a style that is better
Packed full of news and paddling reviews
And now all we need if we want a good read
Is ensure our new scribe has us all on their side
And send in our copy
Be it techy or soppy
So they can create
A read just as great ……As Johns has been

Anne Bateman Dec2010

Goodbye!
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 14 - Spring 2011/01
 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)

th
05 MARCH LITTLE CHALFONT POOL SESSION 7:15 – 8:15pm TRAINING DG
nd
02 APRIL LITTLE CHALFONT POOL SESSION 7:15 – 8:15pm TRAINING DG
th
9 & 10 APRIL NOVICE COURSE 1 TRAINING GF
th
16/17 APRIL WW CANOEING TRIP (TO BE CONFIRMED) WHITEWATER
22/25th APRIL A LATE WARM EASTER HOPEFULLY LOCAL TRIP?
th
07 MAY LITTLE CHALFONT POOL SESSION 7:15 – 8:15pm TRAINING DG
nd
29/02 MAY ANOTHER BANK HOLIDAY (PERHAPS WARMER) LOCAL TRIP?
nd
21/22 MAY NOVICE COURSE 2 TRAINING GF
th
30 MAY YET ANOTHER BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND LOCAL TRIP?
th
18/19 MAY NOVICE COURSE 3 TRAINING GF
th
02/10 JUNE ALPS TRIP (PROVISIONAL DATE) WW DG
th
04 JUNE LITTLE CHALFONT POOL SESSION 7:15 – 8:15pm TRAINING DG
th
27/28 AUG. NOVICE COURSE 4 TRAINING GF
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.
MCC POOL
LITTLE CHALFONT POOL; 7;15 – 8:15pm 1ST.SAT./ MONTH
SESSION
ALTERNATIVE
THURSDAY EVENINGS; 9.00 – 10.00pm GURNELL (W. LONDON)
POOL SESSIONS
ORGANISER / MCC CONTACT FOR ABOVE EVENTS

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

AM ANDY MAXTED 07730 852760 andymcoaching@gmail.com
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
TT TIM TWITCHEN 07833 995289 timothy.twitchen@btinternet.com
DG DAVE GODDARD 01494 863862 dcgodd@googlemail.com

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 15 - Spring 2011/01

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

JONATHON
SECRETARY 07765 226790 joncgarner@googlemail.com
GARNER
TREASURER KELVIN ABBOTT 01753 654923 kelvin.abbott@btinternet.com

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

COACHING GARY FLETCHER 07881 815280 marlowcoachingofficer@gmail.com

EQUIPMENT CHRIS PORTEOUS 01628 485049 chrisps@gmail.com

NEWSLETTER RODNEY CASBIERD 07960 900980 rbcasbierd@yahoo.co.uk

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

YOUTH REP.

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 2011/01