December newsletter - contents

The Clubs AGM will be held in the new club building. You are reminded that Motions for debate must be submitted 21 days before the meeting as should nominations for Officers. This year Dennis is retiring and does not wish to stand for re-election. Please submit motions and nominations to Dave Higson.

The Committee give formal notice that they will be proposing a Motion to increase subscriptions. The Senior rate will be Ł25, Junior Ł15 with commensurate increases in Family and Associate membership. This motion is in line with our policy increasing subscriptions at 3 yearly intervals rather than making small increases annually.

We hope to arrange a Hot Pot to follow the meeting. Please book for this at least a week in advance again to Dave.

Finally there are only a few chairs and especially if you wish to sit in comfort it may be as well to bring one.

Chairs Chat

The last 12 months have been very eventful for the Club. The construction of the new clubhouse has been a major step forward for the club. Obviously there is still a lot of work to be done in ensuring that the new building is utilised to the benefit of all club members and canoeists in general. At this moment, however, I have no intention of discussing clubhouse management but just want to enjoy the building for what it is.

There are still a few bits and pieces to be sorted out in the building, essentially boat racks and furniture for the clubroom, and these are in hand. The target is to have everything sorted by March/April next year. We are on course to achieve this. One item, which is out of our hands, is completion of the electrical mains connection. I have been assured by United Utilities that this will happen on 12th December - I'm not holding my breath.

Over the past 12 months several members of the committee have been compiling our "Top Club" application. It is now ready go apart from one item, a detailed list of members with Coaching Qualifications. If you have such a thing can you please advise Pete King.

Finally may I take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.

Dave Higson.

CLUBHOUSE - Opening Arrangements

During the winter months the Clubhouse will be open on Sunday Mornings, 10:30 am to 1pm, and Tuesday evenings floodlit session. If you use the building please help the club and pay for your drinks - teas coffees etc.

If groups wish to use the site on Saturdays arrangements can be made to open the building. Please contact me - Dave Higson - 905 3367.

In the spring regular Saturday opening will recommence. If you want to volunteer to assist on any day (ie make a space in your diary now to give ˝ a day of your time to the club) then again please contact Dave Higson or Pete King.

Minimum of 2 people required

1 on the water/bank
1 in or around the building

Dave Higson will co-ordinate Saturday afternoons and Pete King Sunday mornings.

Good News - Pete King

I just dropped down for a paddle on Wednesday afternoon on the basis it had been raining. The road down was blocked by a reversing Tipper. The road is being reconditioned at least with a thick layer of Limestone. From what I saw they were putting down a good layer and rolling it well.

Undoubtedly some people will think GREAT and drive up and down a lot faster. Remember there are blind corners, that tearing up and down (like at 20mph) will quickly tear up the surface and that it would be nice if it lasts. Please GO SLOW!

Donations

The club would like to thank all those who have recently made donations, some of which have been made anonymously. The company C.Z. Cussons, have kindly donated Ł250.00. Through Sportsmatch the Government will match money collected from companies after a minimum Ł1000.00 has been raised.

Top Club - Pete King

We are now close to completing our application to receive the Sports England Clubmark award and also to be recognised as a BCU TopClub. What is outstanding? First we have to show that a member has attended a course on Running Clubs for All. There is a course in Stockport on January 29th. If any one is interested please get in touch, there's no reason why more than one shouldn't go.

Secondly we need a list of ALL the coaches in the club together with their 1st aid certificate expiry dates. WE know that there are a lot of coaches who work hard at it but don't wish to fill all their leisure hours coaching for the club. Putting your name on the list is not a commitment to coach at the Goyt or at the Baths. To save me chasing you all what about an e mail to peterking@onetel.net.uk. All I want is Name, BCU Number, Qualification and expiry date.

Scottish Weekend - November 2003 - Clive Howell-Williams

One cold dark and misty Saturday morning 4 yawning paddlers set off north in anticipation of big water and new rivers to run after a long dry summer.

We ( Lance, Dave, Laurence & me Clive ) met up at the Little Chief in Dumfries for breakfast then headed for the hills and the torrent of water flowing down the Nith. We put in at the Nith (G3/4) the water was 2 or 3 foot below the start of the gauge. We played on anything we could find deep enough, it would be a nice river with more water in it. I went over a small drop and capsized as I was setting up to roll a rock grabbed my paddle and won't let go, boat paddle & myself parted company.

Sunday

The falls of lora is a tidal race underneath a road bridge ,its fast big and bouncy fun with standing waves and has lots of boily water and a few whirl pools to cross to get back to the start and do it again.

There is a nice side shoot with a friendly stopper to play on when you're tired of getting munched.

The Awe (G2/3) nice river with lots of play spot but again very low water, it even has friendly fishermen who let you use their car park and toilet!!!

Monday

Spean gorge (G3+5) 3 foot below the water gauge at low levels the river becomes very technical. The river is wide and shallow at the start then it narrows until it becomes a very deep walled gorge with trees high above and you feel like you are at the bottom of the world.

Many thanks to Dave Bradshaw for arranging the trip we all enjoyed ourselves and are looking forward to the next weekend and another curry house.

(Ed's note: apparently it wasn't only Clive who parted company with paddle and boat!)

Paddling in Vermont, USA - Kim Cant

For those of you who don't know, myself, Rob & Jennifer moved to Vermont 15 months ago. Our first purchase on arrival was a 16 foot open Canadian canoe. Canoeing is a very popular sport over here as there are so many lakes, ponds & rivers with no access problems as well as detailed information on the web including gauge levels.

As we live overlooking a large bay on Lake Champlain (6th largest lake in N America) our first trip was around the islands in Malletts Bay. This a beautiful bay with lots of yachts moored, rocky inlets, sandy beeches and even caves. These date back to when the lake was a sea 12,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age. Generally most paddling done on the lake is in sea kayaks due to the potential for large waves to build up as the lake is 120 miles long.

We have also paddled on several smaller lakes including Lake Placid of winter olympic fame. There are plenty of rivers to paddle of all grades in Vermont & upper New York state. The best paddling occurs in spring with the snowmelt. The rivers actually freeze over in winter! Locally there are two wide flat water rivers - the Lamoille and the Winooski. We have paddled several sections on these include a 12 mile epic in 90 plus degree heat. The Winooski Mill falls are a popular weeknight play spot but I haven't managed to make it to any of these yet.

Last week I had my first taste of whitewater paddling US style. We paddled a short section of Otter Creek which includes a grade 3 gorge which I would describe as a smaller less powerful version of the Serpents Tail. I really enjoyed it and was relieved to get by without an enforced swim. I worked it out that the last time I rolled was 14 years ago on the Kent!

If you would like to see more information on paddling in Vermont look at the Vermont Paddlers Club at http://members.aol.com/boatful/vpc.html

Interclub 2003 - 13th & 14th September 2003

Dave Bradshaw

Competition Saturday

There must be some kind of weird weather system around Bedford at the beginning of September, because almost without fail the sun will shine on the Interclub Slalom Championships at Cardington.

The Interclub Championships is a competition between teams from canoe clubs around the country. The structure of the team is devised so that if a club wants to do well, it must have representatives at all levels and in all classes. Some smaller clubs can't manage a full team, but take part anyway, and there are special prizes for incomplete teams, and for teams that enter in the best spirit. This year there were 19 teams entered, and as each team should have thirteen members (including the two in a C2), this meant that there were 250 paddlers there, plus judges and other hangers-on, making it the biggest event in the slalom calendar. The structure of the event makes it the friendliest too, and a great atmosphere is always there, topped off with the disco in the beer tent.

On Saturday the individual events were held for the Premier and Division 1 K1 Men, and the team events for the rest of the paddlers. Nathan Stevenson showed us how fast he is going, by coming 6th in Premier A, despite picking up a two second penalty. Tim Meyrick showed how fast he can go despite his shortage of training to come 5th in Premier B, while Tim Aldridge came very close to some highly regarded paddlers in the Division 1 K1 Men's class.

A certain individual was absent at Tesco's for the first run of the Division 2/3/Vet men's team, and Ben Davenport had to step in and paddle a kayak for the first time for ages. None of the other teams were convinced by the sudden transformation of yours truly into a young stick insect, and would have complained bitterly if it weren't for Ben's disastrous performance. Fortunately the other two teams did rather better, the Canadian team in particular lying first after the first runs. I managed to make the second runs, and my outstanding contribution helped to knock over 100 seconds off our result. Unfortunately, it still left us in second last place. The other two teams failed to improve on their first runs, and unfortunately the Canadian team was beaten into second place by Staffs & Stone Arrow.

Well that was it for Saturday, except for the judges runs. Our Chairman raced in this, posting an excellent time that would have put him well up in the Division 1 K1 Men's class, showing that he still has a fair turn of speed if he puts his mind to it. He even suggested that he might do a little training.

Saturday Night

Well, what can I say. There are certain individuals who would rather I didn't say too much about Saturday night, but we can't have that can we?

Well the Bombardier Ale went down well, the disco was not bad, and much fun was had. Even Ben and Geoff were seen dancing (for pictures, see the website), encouraged by a certain pair of sisters from the North-East. The real entertainment was to had outside the tent, away from the eyes of parents and adults, but I can't comment upon that, as I wouldn't want to spread rumour and gossip.

After the disco was shut down, Simon provided the hot chocolates for everyone still standing, and as usual we all went to bed far too late, and had to get up far too early in the morning.

Sunday

Poor Simon Howcroft was on first, but managed to put in quite a competitive time. Maeve Higham took her first competitive swim on her first run, but was soon smiling again and determined to do better on her next run. Josh followed his father by also posting a competitive time, showing how far he has come since he got promoted from division 3. Simon took a fifty on his second run, but finished well above the bottom of his class. Maeve had an excellent second run to finish twelth, and Josh knocked three seconds off his time, but unfortunately picked up a two second penalty, and also finished twelth.

Everyone paddled well on Sunday, many doing better than they could have expected. Karen Seeley was 7th in the Division 2 Women's class, but in a theme that was repeated in some of the other classes, a couple of seconds faster would have seen her in fourth. Geoff Wells came second in the Division 2./3 C1 class, and he was only four seconds down on Ben Davenport, not that Ben disgraced himself, coming fifth in the Prem/1 C1 class.

I found myself in third place after the first runs, but with a two second penalty, and only three seconds behind Phil Gooding of Staffs & Stone Arrow, I thought I had a real chance to grab second. I knocked two seconds off my time, and managed to clear all the gates, so I waited to see what Phil could do. Oh No! he went six seconds faster. I don't know how he does it.

Ruth Well's first run was excellent, and she was lying high in the Prem/1 Women's class, in seventh place. Her first run being so good was asking a lot of her to improve, and she didn't manage it. Unfortunately she slipped to 11th place after second runs. However this class probably had the highest class field in all the competition, and Ruth came very close to beating much higher ranked paddlers, only finishing 2 seconds behind a Prem paddler.

The top end of the C2 class was also of very good quality, with the Rodens coming first by a mile, and the next four boats being very closely matched, and unfortunately Tom and Steve slipped to 5th place, but again there were only a couple of seconds in it.

Finally the Prem/1 Men's team went down, managing to get within four seconds of Tim Aldridge's individual time, and going clear. It was asking a bit much for an improvement on the second run, and they picked up a couple of touches. However they finished well up in 8th place.

To see the full results go to:

http://www.canoeslalom.co.uk/results/03interclubssummary.htm

and

http://www.canoeslalom.co.uk/results/03interclubs.HTML

Manchester is going through a bit of a transition period at the moment, and was not able to field real contenders in the top men's and women's classes, but providing our paddlers continue to improve over the next year, we should have a great team for next year. Of course, the overall team performance also relies on the ability of the paddlers at the lower end, and we will be looking for our newer members to fill some of these places next year.

Suilven - by hoof and paddle - Andy and Ian Beecroft

In May 2003, three MCC fossils (Andy and Ian Beecroft, Laurance Wilbraham) and 2 friends set out to canoe/climb across the famous Suilven ridge, far NW Scotland - one of the most spectacular, inaccessible and romantic mountain trips in the UK. Knowing there to be a horrific walk-in, Mr. Chairman and his delightful daughters were persuaded to part with their Coleman Canadian canoe for a few days on loan (for whisky).

The approx. 7 km paddle-in is from Elphin on the Ullapool-Kylesku road. To get down to Loch Veyatie you can carry maybe 0.5 km, take boat wheels or buy a fishing permit to be able to drive - get through the locked gate. Paddle then dump the boats on the north shore. Now start yomping N across the undulating bogland plateau.

We climbed the ridge E-W which seemed the best way - there are several very exposed advanced-scrambly bits early on which should not pose a problem for experienced walkers but could intimidate those with vertigo - and would need care in wet conditions. The ridge is wonderful - views from the W summit over the surrounding mountains, Lochinver and the sea are memorable. The route down is to double back then down the main gully on the S side of the mountain.

Then a yomp back to the boats, only to find that the E wind had freshened-up so that paddling-out was just impossible - we tried and failed. So a walk-out leaving Mr. Chairman's boat to fend for itself for the night. Well knackered but happy by the time we got out, it was back to Inchnadamph hostel (thoroughly recommended) for a shower and later pub-grub.

Much tempted to abandon the Higson boat to the wilderness - we eventually walked back in next day and paddled it out.

This is a fantastic combined hoof and paddle mountain trip in a wilderness area - well worth it. Anybody wanting more details contact Ian or Andy Beecroft.

Ian Beecroft, Le Cergneux, 1921 Martigny-Combe (VS), Switzerland - ian@mycable.ch

High Dams Drifter - Photos - Ian Beecroft

Ever thought of canoeing at 2000 m altitude in the Alps? The Swiss Alps have some fine high-altitude dams such as Grande Dixence, Emosson, Mauvoisin, Moiry and Toules. The access situation is unclear to unknown - nobody else does this - best to just 'go for it' then plead ignorance if caught-out.

The reward for the occasional walk-in (use canoe wheels) is usually some fantastic lake boating with glaciers and shear rock walls suspended overhead and nobody else around - see photos. On Emosson lake you paddle with Mont Blanc as the backdrop.

The best time of year to try this 'not very extreme but highly spectacular' sport is late summer or autumn when the Alpine dams are full to capacity and the air is clear.

Need advice about this - contact Ian Beecroft - Le Cergneux, 1921 Martigny-Combe (VS), Switzerland. +41 27 7225665, +41 27 7225708

Mersey Race - Pete King

Rather a non-event. We got an entry of 15 ranking paddlers. But what about the Quinzaine? Well Lance turned up to run it and I turned up to paddle, but with help so short, Janet and Lance ran start while Caroline and I did Finish.

Rather a shame really as the water level was about a foot up which is probably the ideal level for those who don't know the river unless they fancy some bigger water. So there we are. Please lets have some feedback. If you're wimps now is the time to say. Or was it just bad publicity, can't say bad weather, change to Saturday. I know I've in the past taken a tour down on the Saturday afternoon to let people have a look before the race on Sunday but didn't feel like paddling on Saturday morning and again in the afternoon.

Norway - Sea Kayaking Summer 2004 - Helen Fotheringham

I fancy sea kayaking in Norway next summer. I've found a Scottish firm that does a trip for a week staying in a chalet on one of the islands that you can see from Bergen. This is their link http://www.clearwaterpaddling.com/trips2002.html - cost last year Ł500 for a week plus getting there. Bedrooms are either twin or double - single travellers preferring not to share a room may be asked to pay a single supplement. Price includes: all kayaking equipment and guiding, accommodation, all meals, beer and wine.

There's also a Nowegian company that runs a 4 day trip on the fjords. Pete & I did a ˝ day trip on one of the fjords a couple of years ago and it was amazing - the scale of the mountains really comes home to you. Flat as a pancake fill the cruisers come past - then we surfed with the porpoises - pure magic. This holiday starts from their headquarters on the Lustrafjord (directly across from the Jostedal glacier), out onto the main body of the mighty Sognefjord and then all the way to the end of the magnificent Nćrřyfjord. Price 3950 NOK per person (doesn't include getting to Norway). Participants are responsible for providing their own daypack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad and clothing. They provide kayaks with gear, tents and food - have a look for yourself on the web at http://www.vetle-kroken.com/index.htm

So as you can see I'm only in the early planning stages at the moment. I've had a word with Mark Burch who is willing to put a trip together on a commercial basis if I find enough to join me. Or if there is only a few of us I propose to book either one of the above trips - or I'm open to suggestions.

Let me know before the end of January if you are interested & I'll arrange a date for everyone to get together & discuss what everyone wants to do. You might meet a new paddling partner if nothing else. There's always Greece as an alternative …. Contact Helen Fotheringham - 0161 427 8662 - pete@petefoth.co.uk

Liffey Descent - Saturday 4 September 2004

Mike Allen is proposing to do this race - 17 miles long (he hopes to do it in 3 hours plus ish (in his dreams he wants do it in under 3 hours) - next September. It is usually sponsored by Jameson's with a suitable celebratory event in the evening. You don't have to race it - you can tour down - but it is dam release and it is possible to run out of water if you don't complete it in sufficient time.

There are loads of different classes - you could win if you enter the Canadian Four - there was only one finisher last year. There's also Canadian Singles, Canadian Three, Racing Canadian Doubles, various men's and women's Junior, Senior, Master classes in general purpose, racing kayaks and WWR kayaks - something for everyone.

If enough people are interested then it could be possible to rent a minibus & trailer & all travel together. All alternatively share cars etc. Anyway if you want to join Mike in this madness then contact him - the earlier the better - you can always do joint training too!

River Tees Access Agreements 1 Nov 03 - 30 Mar 04

The BCU NE Region has renewed its access agreements with the landowners on the River Tees between Barnard Castle and Winston Bridge for the winter months. Please use the access/egreess sites listed below:

At Barnard Castle on the right (S) bank, via the stone steps off the B6277 about 100m below the stone bridge below the castle

At Egglestone Abbey - on the right bank, via the rough steps above th erapis and also below the rapids by the Abbey Bridge

At Whorlton - below the bridge at the Lido on the right bank, a small charge for parking

At Winston - on the right bank where the bridle path approaches the river about 100m above Winston Bridge.

Please take care when parking to avoid congestion especially at Egglestone Bridge and Winston Bridge. Further details RAO Don Raspin 01287 650668 or 01388 662266

New Members

A warm welcome and hello to the following who are new members:

Jon Eaton - Stockport - Renewal after slight lapse
Laurence Wilbraham - Rugby - Renewal after longer lapse
Katie Howcroft - Poynton - Joins her father and brother
Heather McVicar - Poynton - Junior Member
Ian Carpenter - Mile End - Sea Kayaker
Ian Holmes - Polo
Derek Pierce - former member from the dim and distant past.
Robin Cousins - interested in Rapid touring
Nicholas Price - former member - wide interests
Rod Steele & Sue - L4 Coach
Keith Wilbraham - General interests
Tomm Forder (junior) - interested in all aspects
Kathryn-Jane Sawyers - interested in sea canoeing
Bob Grundy - Greying slalom paddler - former member via Manchester University
Tim Meyrick - slalom organiser who forgot to pay his subs for a couple of years
Dr Jane Graham - joined via Manchester University
Linda Amos, Martin & Mark. - Marple residents - interested in Slalom.
Richard Purcell & 1st Sutton St James Scout & Guide Group.
Carl Southward - interested in Touring
Zoe Burke & David Burke - Liverpool, Touring and slalom
Mark O'Connor & Thomas - Slalom & Touring
Ben Tott & Stephen and Hannah - Marple residents - wide range of interests.
"KATS" - group members with Mike Patrick.

Future Events

BOXING DAY - Pete King

This is the day on which the Boxing Day Race is held. Not usually feeling like rushing we usually tour down either before or after those who wish to exert themselves. With any luck there may be some water. If you are too depressed by the river level, cheer up afterwards in the Navigation. (Who are happy that we take in the under-aged on promise of good behaviour)

Race start time is 11. I'll be touring down at 10.30 - join me for a leisurely paddle or race and burn off those extra calories (that you'll be eating later).

We still need a starter, finisher & rescuers - volunteers on the day will be thanked loads - in advance more so. No experience required just wrap up warm.

Dec 30/31 - New Year walking trip - Lakes - 9 places left

Bury Jubilee Outdoor Pursuits Centre - organiser Mike Chambers - 2 nights of 30 and 31 December provides opportunity for a three day stay in the Lakes including a New Year Celebration - Team meal on evening of 31 December. The centre is about a mile from Glenridding on the way up to Helvellyn, near to Helvellyn Youth Hostel. There are 30 beds in dormitories and smaller bedrooms, hot water and showers, a well equipped self catering kitchen and a welcoming wood burning stove. You need to bring sleeping bags as no bedding is provided. The cost is about Ł3 per person per night.

9 - 18 January - Schroders London International Boat Show - Canoe Village at ExCel includes Europe's largest temporary indoor pool more info www.schroderslondonboatshow.com

16-18 January - Telegraph Adventure Travel and Sports Show, London Olympia

Friday 6 February - AGM - starting at 7.30 in the new club building

13, 14 and 15 February 2004 - Open Canoe Fest -, Glasbury on Wye - further information canoefest@BearCreekAdventure.co.uk

International Canoe Exhibition - NEC Birmingham - Friday 2 April 10.00 am - 6.00 pm, Saturday 3 April and Sunday 4 April 9.00 am - 5.00 pm www.theoutdoorsshow.co.uk entrance on the day Ł12 adult or Ł16 in advance for 2 adult tickets bought by BCU members before 1st April.

Saturday 4 September 2004 - Liffey Descent - see earlier article

Pool Sessions - Hazel Grove

The format is a coached beginners session at 7.10, followed by a general session for more experienced paddlers from 7.55 until 8.40. Charges are - members Ł2.50, and non-members Ł3.50, for a 45 minute session, while those who want to do the full 90 minute session will be charged a further Ł1.00. Boat hire is an extra Ł1.00.

Apart from the informal coaching available there are a series of 5-week beginners' courses, which have to be booked in advance. The fifth week of these courses will be given over to a Diamond Slalom test. Offers to coach by club members will be much appreciated, both from qualified and unqualified coaches. The baths diary is:

14-Dec	General Sessions
21-Dec	General Sessions
28-Dec	Baths Closed
04-Jan	5 week Beginners Introduction Course	4 week Rolling Course
11-Jan
18-Jan
25-Jan
01-Feb
08-Feb	General Session
15-Feb	5 week Beginners Introduction Course	4 week Rolling Course
22-Feb
29-Feb
07-Mar
14-Mar
21-Mar	General Session
28-Mar	Diamond Slalom
table created by T2T 2.51

First Committee Meeting in the new Clubhut