EDITORIAL

I am sorry for the long delay in producing this issue, I am having great difficulty finding the time at work to put it together. We have moved premises and although the move is nearly complete there still seems to be no spare time to organise the newsletter. Any offers to take over as editor of the newsletter gratefully received! My grovelling apologies to all those who sent in articles about forthcoming events that are now long gone. There is a questionnaire with this issue, please can you fill it in and return it by 20th Jan. to Pat Roche or a committee member, there is a £25 voucher to be won in the 'questionnaire draw'.

May the New Year be a good one for all of us.

PRESIDENTS PRATTLE

Pete King

This should be a Chairman's Chat but as some of you will know Tim recently trapped a nerve in his neck and is having a rather slow recovery compounded with other problems. I have agreed to act on Tim's behalf, in the day to day affairs of the Club in the hope that the more pressure that he is relieved from, the quicker will be his recovery.

Looking back on the year we have seen many new faces both through Hazel Grove and Broughton baths most of the latter attracted by Polo. I hope many will stay with the club whether they eventually end up touring the big water, competing In slalom or WWR or just enjoy messing about in boats. Try as many different aspects of paddling as you can, you may be surprised by what you enjoy.

At the moment the lottery bid is static, as Tim told you it was submitted towards the end of July, While he gave me much of the credit, it should have been. shared certainly by Helen who did a lot of groundwork unaided and handed over a very good platform. Dave Cooke's work in planning has been enormous while Janet, Ian Davies and Dave Higson all added and forced me to keep going. All we have had back so far is a formal acknowledgement, we can only hope that this is a good sign and they haven't thrown us out in the first run through.

A couple of years ago we managed to persuade a digger (earth mover not Aussie) into the Goyt after which we benefited from improved water Now. Unhappily the river proved too strong in flood and much of this work was undone. As an experiment we have tried filling wire baskets with stone hoping that they will last better. So far the signs are good and they are solidly in place after high water (but not full flood) 2 weeks ago.

This brings me to the usual warning at this time of year, or is it a welcome. The Goyt in flood we usually regard as more than 2 feet up at the site, up to this stage it provides a lot of fun to those who have mastered basic skills during the summer.

Above this it is well up to the standard of Alpine rivers and starts to ask for higher skills and some strength. To my mind It is an incentive to build skills so that it can be enjoyed. The snags are that in many parts trees come down to the bank and into the river and worse of all that while the swim may not be much cooler the warming sun on the banks is missing.

Hope you're back soon Tim.

POWER BOX ADAMS

OR

2001 A (MARK) SPACE ODDITY.

Roy Bradshaw

Slenningford Mill at West Tanfield was the location for a recent Div 3/4 Slalom. A few miles west of Ripon, the campsite has an excellent toilet and shower block, a meeting room for showing videos etc. and ample space right beside the River Ure. The river is clean, or at least you would say so although there was some foam on the water, something we haven't seen at Marple for at least ten years now. Perhaps it was the effluent from the Brewery just upstream, is that another good reason for visiting the site? Overall it makes a very good Slalom site but with one foible, like practically all rivers it is liable to changes in level. Here it seems to be just my luck that it does so quite dramatically whenever I am there. Twice before it has changed overnight and major decisions have had to, be made for the event to continue. (See Reflections on West Tanfield)

This year the river had been low during the preceding week and the decision was made to set up the course on the flattish water lower down the river where at least there was enough water to float a canoe. The river then rose, but the decision was still a good one as the normal site was now unusable for the opposite reason. That section was now giving sport to some playboaters who were also on the site, and the prepared course was looking decidedly exciting.

By the time practise was over, Gate 2 had to be dropped from the course and Gate 11 brought well over to the side of the river. Both of these were upstreams but no way was it possible to paddle through them at the present level.

Val & I had gone up to West Tanfield to meet up with Dave Adams, an old member who had moved south some years ago. We had a couple of practise runs on the Saturday by which time I was running out of energy. I was only there to judge anyway so it wasn't that important. Dave was competing in Div 3 and had a couple more practise runs before joining two eleven year aids for the Team event. The boys were Tim Powers and Simon Box, hence the Power Box Adams combination which, despite Dave's best efforts still managed to win the Div 3 Team prize,

The river was now flowing quite well and for many paddlers this was the first time they had met conditions anything like this. For some, once on their way, it was all they could do to stop at the finish. West Yorkshire, the organising club, like to use a computer for their results and found a novel problem. With so many 50's in the team event the penalties were going over 2000. Unfortunately the computer couldn't cope with this so some of the penalties had to be added to the time to ensure neither figure went over 2000. (Prior to the computer revolution Mark/Space was the terminology used for the equivalent of today's 01 binomial system at the heart of computers)

With so many people entering on the day I am not aware of how many scratched, I don't think it was many as the campsite was reminiscent of events some years ago. I think all who paddled enjoyed themselves, and in the evening while the youngsters were entertained to a video of the day's happenings, the older members retired to various local hostelries.

Sunday morning showed that the river was back to the level of the previous morning. Gate 2 was reinstated and we set off, almost on time, for a pleasant day's competition. Even at this level the river was still very demanding for some paddlers - 50's were very much in evidence, and although there were a few capsizes no one came out the worse for wear. The fastest Judge went down in 161, the best Div 3 in 175 and the best Div 4 in 201. Nathan Stephenson was the only ranked representative of MCC, I regret I do not have his result, but more importantly he was noticed by John Sturgess who is scouting for potential Junior Team members. All in all it was a most satisfactory event. I hope more of us will be able to attend next year.

LEARN TO BE A LIFEGUARD AT HAZEL GROVE BATHS

We need club members who would be willing to be trained as a lifeguard.

Contact Roy Bradshaw for full details on 0161 427 7324

REFLECTIONS ON WEST TANFIELD

Roy Bradshaw

Over the past years I have been proposing that all events from Div 2 downwards could be run on the same site with the same course, provided, and this is most important, that the expected degree of difficulty is publicised with the event details say Grade 4 for a Div 4 standard event and Grade 2 or 3 accordingly. (Whereas in the past the Slalom AGM determined what level of competition was acceptable on any site, over the years events have been allowed to be staged on water that is totally unsuitable for the advertised Division. This has resulted in occasions when paddlers and their supporters have travelled possibly a hundred miles or more just to take one look at the river and go home) How then can I propose any site is suitable? It is simply that by stating the expected degree of difficulty then paddlers can choose before hand whether or not to attend a specific event. It opens up many more events for them to choose from. New paddlers who may be put off by Grade 2 water can be sure that they only attend a Grade 4 event, whereas more capable newcomers, or those who simply run aground on many of our summer entry events, will be able to choose water more suitable to their requirements.

Many people have been critical of this suggestion and bring forth ungainly ideas whereby 2 courses are set up, or some Gates dropped or moved from the overall sequence between various classes. West Tanfield has shown that none of this is necessary. With plenty of Club support the new paddlers went down and although not gaining much in the way of promotion statistics, they have gained a lot from realising that they can survive under these conditions. (What conditions? - I overheard one club saying their Div 1 paddler was unable to get all the gates!)

But now I have a quandary. While I was judging on the first day the gates were so high that at times it was impossible to tell if a paddler had gone through them or merely ducked underneath. Although "necking', the non amorous type, is part of the international paddlers repertoire, it is not in my view relevant to the original spirit of Slalom. The excuse for high poles, and certainly in the view of West Tanfield's Chairman of Jury, is that it makes it easier for newcomers in plastic boats to compete on more level terms with those in Slalom boats. - "We must not put off the newcomers' Here I must declare a personal interest because now, not being as small or as supple as many 11 year olds, I am not able to duck and limbo my way around the poles, and I suspect this applies to many of the more mature paddlers. Why should we be disadvantaged? Having stated that keeping the poles high benefited the newcomers, the same Chairman of Jury allowed the event to continue when most newcomers (why did we drop the term Novices?) only saw a passing glimpse of the occasional gate as they sped down to Gate12. Personally here I would have started the Novices at Gate 8 where the current was beginning to calm down. This of course appears to be contrary to my original statement that "all events from Div 2 downwards could be run together on any site without modification. My argument is that this event would have been advertised as a Grade 3 or 4 event but water conditions were pushing up beyond Grade 2. Under such conditions it would have been sensible to limit the Novice course so that the results stood some chance of having any relevance.

Two other things came out of the weekend. Talking to a couple of other club's representatives they both said many events were too far away for them to consider attending them. This surely shows the foolishness of the Executive's determination to reduce the number of events on the calendar, this can only result in even fewer people taking part in the sport. Secondly during the prize presentation I was interested to hear the Organiser good-humouredly criticising several Independents for not being willing to pay the small sum most clubs charge for membership. This has an even more serious result, with over 25% of all competitors now being independent, this shows that over a quarter of all paddlers have no intention of assisting in the running of events. It really is time to re arrange Slalom in order to assist Clubs in promoting the sport.

HAZEL GROVE BATHS

Roy Bradshaw

We were threatened with having to vacate Hazel Grove Baths at the beginning of December, at the same time we are being asked to consider extending our session to continue throughout the year and also to provide our own Safety cover.

As you can tell it is a very confused situation which initially only the Committee can deal with, i.e. negotiating alternative boat storage which is the main problem, and also considering ways of how we could extend our usage. However lifeguard cover is something we pay for at the Baths and costs us £5 each Sunday. The Baths are willing to provide initial tuition, so anyone who would consider taking on this duty it would help the Club, and of course provide a little pocket money for those who do so.

Please contact me, Roy Bradshaw if you are interested.

Any ideas concerning an alternative location or of ways of ensuring a continuous session throughout the year would also be welcome.

AUGUST MINI

Peter King

Fine weather and low water! A smaller event than July due to the number away on holidays. (Although more than one family made it back specially to compete. The course was harder than intended. That it could be done clear was demonstrated by Nathan (and myself by going so slowly that the Judges went to sleep). Honestly the results show us as the only 2 with both runs clear. Its fair to say that James paddled without a practice.

Again we had an enjoyable barbecue. You can come and socialise without having to paddle!

Thanks again to Janet for organising and Barbara who learnt a lot about the canteen in a hurry.

SEA KAYAKING - THE NEXT STEP

Fete Fotheringham

OK, I admit I was nervous. A two day taster course based in the warmth and comfort of Plas-y-Brenin is one thing, with a few hours a day on the water, and only your sandwiches, a drink and your pipe and tobacco to carry, then back to the bar and dining room, a shower and a comfortable bed. But this was bound to be different. For a start it was in America, and everyone knows that everything in America is bigger, so the waves and the tides and the wind are going to be huge. And carrying everything you need for three days and two nights in a kayak? When Helen and I camp for a weekend we con easily fill a family size car - how on earth will we manage? And I organised this trip so it's all going to be my fault...

The afternoon before the trip before is due to start, we go along to the Acadia Bike and Kayak shop to pick up a couple of dry bags each. The people there are helpful and friendly, and have reassuring answers for all my nervous questions. Then back to the motel to pack.

Next morning, after an hour of sorting equipment and an hour's drive to a different island, we are standing on a pebble beach surrounded by 9 plastic sea kayaks (8 singles and a double), a mountain of dry bags, tents, five gallon water containers and two mysteriously shaped black plastic boxes. A further hour, and some kind of miracle later, everything is packed either in or on the kayaks. After a quick onshore lesson in how to paddle, we're away. It takes at least four people to move each kayak to the water's edge - 6 for the double - but once they are on the water they are surprisingly easy to handle.

We have put in on a large inlet - about a mile long - so the paddling is like a gentle trip on a wide slow river. Plenty of time to get used to the boat, to watch the gulls, cormorants and loons, to admire the houses scattered along the shore and on some of the larger islands, to soak up the sun, to have one close encounter with a harbour seal who watched us on our way, to chat to our companions. The guides are John and Don, who are both very relaxed and very patient. John knows loads about the wildlife, and Don seems very knowledgeable about the geology of the area. The other people on the trip vary in age and in paddling experience. For some of them it is the first time in a kayak, but everyone seems to pick up the essentials very quickly.

After a couple of hours we make our first stop on a small island - about 75 yards long by 40 wide - and discover that both Don and John are also talented cooks with a gift for presentation. Our lunch not only tastes good - it looks good as well. Another two hours paddling in the afternoon, and we have reached Hells Half Acre - lovely place, ridiculous name - the island where we are to spend the night. We land on a gravel beach and pull the 'boats up above the high-tide mark. This is much bigger - at least 150 yards by 50. There is space amongst the trees for our tents and we get settled in and changed for dinner. At last I find out the secret of the mysteriously shaped black plastic boxes: the islands here are small with fragile ecology, so digging holes is not an option and visitors must remove all their waste. The black boxes are cunningly designed chemical loos, which are positioned each night in a picturesque spot, and the dry bog with the loo paper is hung from a nearby tree - if the dry bags not there the loo is occupied!

After a splendid dinner - tasty and well presented if sadly lacking in meat - we are treated to a couple of hours of natural light show from the Northern lights. None of us has ever seen it before and it really was a highlight of the trip.

Next morning, Helen is up at dawn - her body clock is still on British Summer Time - and passes the time until breakfast watching the gulls dropping mussels onto the rocks so they can eat them, and the cormorants hanging their wings out to dry, Three porpoises glide by while we are eating our breakfast of fruit pancakes.

Day 2 is more paddling in the sunshine from island to island, more wildlife including an osprey, more lunch, more lovely scenery, more chat, more dinner. Sadly no more Northern Lights, but you can't have everything!

Day 3 dawns very misty - instead of being surrounded by islands, we can only see the one we are camped on. After a leisurely start we set off into the mist, with Don and John taking it in turns to paddle in front of the group, keeping to a compass bearing. At last, something worth being nervous about. It really is quite a scary feeling paddling off into the mist, with only a compass to keep you in the right direction. I think everyone is a bit more subdued than they were the previous two days, so maybe I'm not the only one who is nervous. After about 15 minutes however, the mist lifts a little, so that we can see a large channel marker buoy (pronounced 'boo-ee' in America - very confusing) which is what we need to aim for. Everyone relaxes again, the mist continues to lift and an hour after setting off the sun is out again, in time for us to get a really good view (and hopefully a few good photos) of a square-rigged sailing boat which passes very close to us.

This is meant to be our longest day's paddling, with quite a long crossing to our lunch stop, and a slightly shorter one to our planned finish point where we are being picked up. Unfortunately, the wind picks up after lunch and we have to change our plan, as our planned finish point is directly into the wind. After a quick radio conference between Don and the man driving the bus to pick us up, a new plan is agreed and off we go. A windy crossing, with a bit of a swell (but nothing like Anglesey), then past a light house and into the shelter of a bay. Past a bald eagle fishing for his supper, then all too soon we land, unpack the kayaks for the last time and pack them on the trailer.

Why did I only arrange a 3 day trip? Don't Plas-y-Brenin organise a week long trip round the Scottish islands? Or maybe we could find some other people interested in sea kayaking at home....

SOME PRACTICALS

The paddling was off the coast of Maine around the Acadia National Park The park has camp sites, lots of walking and mountain biking. More info available from Acadia National Park. PO Box 177, Bar Harbor, ME 04609-0177

We stayed in the town of Bar Harbot on Mount Desert Isle.

The trip was organised by Acadia Bike and Kayak, Bar Harbor (00 1 207-288-9605)

EDGAR WHEWELL

Peter King

Some members will already be aware of the death of Edgar on October 10th. Edgar had been a member since 1957, was for many years our Chairman and our first President from 1977 to 1981

Edgar came to canoeing through Scouting and was for many years Assistant County Commissioner for watersport. As such he organised Scout river races on the Ribble and Windermere and brought many members to the club.

Edgar fought many battles with varying success. As a keen tourer he was often at the forefront of access "negotiations". As MCC chairman he negotiated the initial lease of the Goyt site but it is perhaps fair to say that his heart was in getting a canoeing centre in the North of Manchester. When I first knew him he was already embroiled in lobbying for the Burrs site, fighting for many years a solitary battle. Those of you who have visited the Burrs site will say that his persistence over 25 years has been well rewarded.

While this took an increasing amount of Edgar's attention he continued to serve the Club in many ways such as continuing to arrange our insurance, seeing that it met the changing needs of the club and until recently was an auditor.

On a personal note, during my own years as chairman and indeed since, I knew that I could always call on Edgar for good advice and help. In Edgar's own words "if you really want something doing ask a busy man. They are much better at getting things done than those with time on their hands." Edgar was always a busy man.

NOTE FROM THE COMMITTEE

Access to the Goyt site from the canal.

Several years ago the Club promised the Owner of the farm on the opposite bank that we would ask our members not to cross his field to the canal. He had been upset by damage done to both his fence and people dragging boats across the newly seeded field. The farmer has been very cooperative in allowing us access for our permanent wires and course erection as well as raising no objection to people using the route on the far bank to get over the top fall.

The fence is again in disrepair, perhaps not due to us. If however you know of people using this route can you ask them for the sake of our continuing good relations to find a route (difficult but much shorter) through the woods.

GOYT RACE JANUARY 16TH

First Quinzaine event of 2000 series Start 11.00 at Brabyns Park and paddle down to Goyt site.

This is a Ranking Div B event. Enter the Div B event and result will be counted in Quinzaine for no extra cost. as long as you ask!

THE NENE ARTIFICIAL SLALOM SITE

Peter King

Janet and I arrived in Northampton after attempting to argue with rapidly rising water on the Nene, I found that we had moored close to the recently opened Nene white water centre so walked the half mile across to see it. The course is entirely artificial winding round in a spiral. The top is fed by water pumped up from the bottom and after the first 3 drops more water comes in from the river. Hence there is a better flow on the lower 3/4 of the course.

As at Cardington it is possible to add in moveable barriers to add variety and jazz things up. The centre is very well organised with access to the river (pretty flat apart from a 10 ft weir) as well as the course. There are some pleasant waves as well as interesting small drops and it seemed a site on which a play boat would be enjoyable, I felt that unless gates are very carefully placed a lot of slalomists are going to scrape their back ends (or their boats) on the side getting out of the breakouts. I'd quite like to have a go on it.

If you feel that the drive is worth it or are in that part of the country, individuals are admitted if they are BCU 3 star or better or Groups of 6 per qualified instructor. If you haven't a boat with you there are plenty for hire.

RODNEY STALLWORTHY RETIRES

After 20 years doing the job, Rodney retired from the post of ranking status on15th December 1999. His successor is JOHN WOODS 16 Holcot leys, Hillside, RUGBY CV22 5SJ; telephone 01788 335469.

All future requests for slalom ranking status should be sent to John enclosing an S.A.E.

HELP! - HAZEL GROVE BATHS do you live in Stockport??

We are in danger of losing our Sunday evening session. If YOU think its worth keeping, for yourself or others, why not have a moan to your Councillor, They are there to serve and mostly sensitive about their majorities!!

Brief facts. We have been using the Jacksons Lane Baths for several years. We store 20 boats there mostly so beginners without boats can have their first paddle. It has been decided to extend the Gym using the area we now use for boats (which is only about 10ft x 3ft). Without being able to keep boats there it will be very hard (= impossible) to continue these sessions, We have booked well in advance for the winter but were only told a short while ago that this extension was planned.

This is the only provision in Stockport for beginners (mostly young children) to learn to paddle in the warmth and! safety of a swimming pool The club provides this facility not only for its members but to the public, There are several other public and private gyms available in Stockport. We are not aware of the current Gym facilities at Jacksons Lane being oversubscribed. On many occasions we have had to turn peddlers away as the baths were full of canoes.

The Club will negotiate till the last minute for either a delay, alternate boat storage or another location. Even 2 or 3 Councillors asking questions of the Leisure Services could cause a change of heart.

INTER CLUB SLALOM CHAMPIONSHIP

I hope that this will be reported somewhere in the Newsletter. This is just to settle gossip. There is every intention of continuing this annual event with 2 clubs from each region competing.What is new is the intention to run interclub competitions. These will be run on 3 weekends with 2 events each weekend. Venues at the moment are Marple, Stone, Middleton, Llandysul, Shepperton and Fairnilee. The exact format is undecided but they will be run in conjunction with Div 4 events, will include team (3 boat) races with club results depending on all who enter for the club. It is likely that the numbers paddling in higher divisions will be limited so that the clubs Div 4 entry will have a major effect on the results. Hopefully we will be able to tell you more in the next newsletter.

CROWD GREET PADDLERS

Jonathon Porter and myself arrived at Irlam baths at 4.I 5 on Saturday to find the car park full of boats, bodies and laughter. This event was Jonathon's first league match as organiser having taken over from Paul Whitelegg who spent many years organinsing the league on behalf of MCC.

However to Jonathan's shock the Pool was shuttered and empty. We now have 40 paddlers, 25 drivers, supporters, parents, photographers and a baby but NO pool. Disaster looms, the stress shows on Jonathon as he considers possible strategies of gaining entry not all legal. However the pool guard arrives and lets us in. Among the assorted paddlers are Salford University Canoe and Kayak (SUCK) our regular opposition at Broughton. After some general messing about their new non-sponsorship deal (they had a British Aerospace Van) it was time to get the show on the road. The event runs from 5 to 9 so a quick start is important. After 15 mins of frantic activity we were on the water and the games commenced. We even started before time, unheard of in canoeing circles.

Our team Manchester Disunited was so involved in organising the event that we had forgotten about organising our team and so had only had four players (so if you can float we need you in our team) and we were facing the enemy, the FOA youth squad.

Now for those of you who are not involved in Polo, Friends of Allonby are Manchester United and we are Stalybridge Celtic. FOA are completely committed to their youth programme and produce fearsome youth teams. Their aggression is legendary and the ability and determination of their teams impressive. So imagine if you can, two teams, one with four players (average age 35 years) sitting in our boats our beer bellies trussed up inside our buoyancy aids with frightened eyes peering through face masks at the opposition. 10 pints and a curry may not have been the best preparation.

POA youth (average age 12-16 yrs) in their fibreglass-boats clutching custom polo blades and so small that some of them can barely see over the cockpit rim. Their preparation includes complex tactics, team meetings and energy drinks.

Yes they trashed us, 3-0 to FOA youth.

And so it went on, we played, we lost, Salford University played, they lost. Our supersub Graham Lewis turned up and ensured that we didn't lose too badly. However there was one game left. Yes the grudge match was here, Salford University versus Disunited (back to four as Graham had to leave early).

The crowds gathered (well at least two people) the sky darkened (it was 8.30) and a quiet descended on the pitch (the other teams were leaving). And away we go and yes it's the ball bouncing in their net. As I sit in defence 3 grinning paddlers stream at me down the pitch. Yes we are ahead! But no, within sec's they score, a game of stalemate ensues but we steal a goal in the second half to win our first win of the season.

A good night was had by all and we saw many old and many new faces at Irlam. It was also good to see some new clubs getting in on Polo and hopefully in a few years we will be in a situation to ensure that we have the ability to cater for all the teams that wish to play.

I would also like to thank Jonathon for a event well run, for the Grant, Mike and Jim from Salford for refereeing and timekeeping and a special thanks to Carole Dean for coming down and refereeing while not playing.

North West Polo League Div 2 Results 16 October 1999

Friends Of Allonby Youth v Manchester Disunited 3 - 0

Salford University v North Wales Wanders 0 - 2

Friends Of Allonby Youth v Liverpool University 1 - 0

Manchester Disunited v Lakeland 0 - 3

North Wales Wanders v Liverpool University 1 - 6

Friends Of Allonby Youth v Salford University 6 - 0

North Wales Wanders v Lakeland 1 - 5

Manchester Disunited v Liverpool University 0 - 2

Salford University v Lakeland 0 - 6

Friends Of Allonby Youth v North Wales Wanders 5 - 0

Salford University v Liverpool University 0 - 1

Manchester Disunited v North Wales Wanders 1 - 2

Friends Of Allonby Youth v Lakeland 5 - 1

Manchester Disunited v Salford University 2 - 1

CANOE POLO

WE WANT YOU

What is it?

Think basketball with Kayaks, in pools and with water, but without Michael Jordan. Two teams of five players chase a ball around the pool and attempt to score by shooting at a net 2 Mts. above the pool. The game rewards good canoe skills and good teamwork. We play all year round, in pools in winter and outdoors in the summer.

Paddlers of all abilities and skills can play polo at their own level in a variety of teams from novice to expert.

Manchester Canoe Club and Polo

Manchester canoe club has a strong and active Polo section with 3 Polo sessions a week. Each session is played at a different standard allowing players of all standards to enjoy themselves. We enter a variety of national leagues and summer competitions.

While we all play at different standards the one place we hope to excel is in having fun.

YOU AND MCC POLO

But I have never played polo before.

Canoe polo is an excellent way to improve your paddling skills. It offers an opportunity to practice boat control skills and is an excellent way to perfect your roll. We all remember our original canoeing sessions and will attempt to ensure that you have the best possible introduction to kayak Polo. Polo also has a comprehensive rule system designed to ensure that the fun is maximised and the danger is minimised.

I played before but I don't really think it's for me

OK You have played but gave it up because you felt it was too fast, too rough or just a plain silly way to spend your time, Well we want to make you think otherwise, We run a variety of sessions where you can find the sort of Polo you will enjoy from playing solely for fun, to national league standard.

Women's Polo

We are actively seeking more female paddlers in order to strengthen our ladies squad. So no matter what your standard you are more than welcome to come along and try it out.

OK it sounds good but I want to get out on Rivers

The MCC Polo group has among its membership some of the best river paddlers in the club, with members annually going to Austria and France. In addition over the last few years Polo players from MCC have paddled in countries including Nepal, Turkey, Chile and New Zealand. Many of the Polo players view Polo as a simple training base to maintain their paddle fitness. We also actively participate in many of the other club activities including slalom and river racing.

I am convinced I want to play

For first time Polo players our Monday night session is the place to start. It's at Broughton in Salford at 9-10 PM. We can supply all the equipment you need: all you need is a swimming costume.

However we do suggest that you contact me, Pat Roche on 0161 881 6221 and I will ensure that someone is there to ensure that you enjoy yourself.

I am not so sure

You will never know until you have tried it, phone us Pat or Judy on 0161 881 6221 and allow yourself to be talked into a game.

See you on the water soon.

Pat

GOYT RACE NOVEMBER 14TH

There was again an even smaller entry for the race, possibly due to people relying on a nudge from the Newsletter. For November it was very warm and while the river was low there was just enough in to make it possible to get down without scraping too much gelcoat off.

It was noticeable that there were entries in classes that were in contention. James was far faster than the rest while Nathan managed to beat Bryan who managed to find a biggish rock to delay him. Finding the time for an exploration of the river on Saturday must be a help.

Pete King won the only other class represented, for once the Veterans were outnumbered.

Jim must have been pleased to get down intact in a borrowed racer that he sat in for the first time at the start.

Those who didn't attend missed out on a sumptuous free soup, coffee and scones provided by Barbara. Janet not only organised the event but acted as starter while Alan was on finish.

Without their help we couldn't enjoy these events. Thank you not only for this one but for your efforts (and those of other helpers) throughout the year.

The new address for the Manchester CC e-mail is:

anyone@manchestercc.dabsol.net

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

RACING/SLALOM

January 16th Goyt Race Ranking/Quinzaine. start at Brabyns Park, finish at the club site.

February 13th Mersey Race Div B Ranking Race/Quinzaine. start at Sale Water Park, finish at Ashton on Mersey Cricket Club

April 8/9th Div 3/4 Slalom at Marple - come and paddle or come and help run the event.

TOURING

January 16th Swale Tour contact Phil McIntyre on 0161 320 4849

January 30th Duddon Tour contact Stan Oxley on 0161 486 3513

February 13th Don or Yorkshire River Tour contact Melvin Samuel on 0161 427 5705

February 27th Vyrnwy Tour contact Simon Booth on 0161 485 3513

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