Reading Canoe Club

Well, it seems we all had a good time. Some more than others. Thank you everyone for attending, bring food and enjoying yourselves.  Have a look at the photos. See you again next year.  The junior party was also a success and thank you to Gail for her efforts towards that.

As you may know, there are now three paddling machines at the club. Two of them are owned by the club and the other belongs to Daniel Seaford. It is labelled. Please respect this and use the club ones before his, but when necessary it can be used by the club. There is a junior sized shaft that can be fitted to them. There is no booking system as yet, but will be if we need it. Arranged sessions will take precedence.

After using the paddle machines etc. please tidy up the club room so that is ready for those who hire it in the week. It's out room bookings that keep the membership fee from increasing!

Due to the recent inclement weather the piling of the river frontage has been postponed. It was to be started in February. We managed to survive well with the flooding, as many other canoe clubs suffered significant damage. Including the BCU and National Watersports Centre. It is hoped that the regatta course will be ready for the April regatta.

Our room bookings, as managed by Dan Seaford, are now online. This is an important source of income for us. We have had many bookings and recently secured a long weekly arrangements with a jazz dance club on Tuesday nights. They are happy to offer a reduced rate for club members!

A TV, Video & Freezer are on there way and thanks to Sue Gray, we have sharp knife! A toaster and dishwasher are being looked into too. If there are things you think we need for the club, please tell a committee member (listed below) and it can be arranged.

The Oxford to Reading race that we were going to run did not happen and will not again. This year we will be running all the other usual races as listed below and volunteers will be needed for them all! Speak to Brian Greenham.

With the watersides looming on the horizon, thoughts turn to the DW. Reading hopes to put in a team as ever. Showing interest already are: Brian Craigie and Ian Dyer. I am sure we will all be out there supporting (what else is there to do at Easter?)

It is probably worth mentioning that the rates issue still hangs over us. We are working hard to ensure we are not whacked for the whole lot, but it is still possible that this might happen

Shorts

  Paul Toomey had money stolen from the changing rooms. Unfortunately we cannot consider the changing rooms safe - please don't leave anything valuable there.

  The Gates: Martin Watson is going to have a look at them. They will go up one day.

  Remember to display a light on your boat at night. This is very important and fines can be imposed by the EA if you don't.

  Are you a budding journalist? Your club needs you. We must continue to get reports in to the Reading Chronicle and Evening Post to keep up our public image. Let me know if you are interested.

  After the success of the last whitewater trip to the Wye, Nigel Frankland is organising a few more this year.

  Circuit Training every Thursday starting at 7.00 optional run before. See you ALL there to work off the Xmas indulgence.

  We are looking into a new cleaning firm to replace the current cleaner.

Our Races this year:

25th Feb - Thameside 1

11th March - Thameside 2

6th May - Reading Circuit Race

15th July - Reading Dinosaurs

6th October - Reading K4

Races coming up...

11th Feb - Exe Descent

18th Feb - Waterside A

25th Feb - Thameside 1

4th Mar - Waterside B

11th Mar - Thameside 2

18th Mar - Waterside C

1st Apr - Waterside D

13/16th Apr - The Devizes to Westminster