2008 News
Funding from BCU Foundation
03/12/08 - We are pleased to announce that our application to the British Canoe Union (BCU) for funding to cover the purchase of two Perception Wavehoppers has been successful. The Wavehopper is a kayak designed for use in the sport of wild water racing, the objective of which is to negotiate a length of rapids in as short a time as possible. Many thanks to the BCU.
Sir Andrew Martin Trust Donation
16/10/08 - Many thanks to the Sir Andrew Martin Trust for its donation of £332 towards the cost of a new general purpose kayak.
Stone Slalom, 12th October 2008
Our team did well at this competition inspite of some stiff competition. The event was very well attended, which unfortunately limited the amount of practice time that we were able to get in. However, this was made up for by some excellent weather, given the time of year. The recent rain caused an unexpectedly high river and plenty of mud; but this didn't seem to dampen anybody's enthusiasm!
Twelve of our Scouts competed in the competition. Louis Berridge achieved sixth place in the Division 3 Men's K1 class, and missed out on promotion to Division 2 by one place. He was also awarded the under 16 prize. Assistant coach Gren Berridge was promoted to Division 3 at his first competition - even though he managed to forget about one of the gates completely during his second run!
Erin Scott caused a little excitement by managing to get her boat caught between two rocks, and then capsizing. Both body and boat survived intact. Thanks to all those who provided support to us during the day, and helped to make the day a resounding success.
West Tanfield Canoe Slalom, 27th/28th September 2008
Nine of our Scouts and three of our coaches entered this competition, which was held at Sleningford Watermill in Yorkshire. We were awarded a total of four prizes. On the Saturday, Erin Scott gained promotion to Division 3, whilst winning the women's under 16 category, and Louis Berridge won the men's under 16 prize.
On the Sunday Erin achieved fourth position in the women's Division 3 event and won the under 14 prize, and Louis achieved 5th place in the men's event (from 43 competitors) and was awarded the under 18 prize.
Harborough District Sport & Activity Alliance Donation
20/08/08 - Many thanks to the Harborough District Sport and Activity Alliance for its donation of £150 towards the purchase of a competition canoe.
Harefield Slalom, 27th July 2008
Eleven of our Scouts entered this canoe slalom competition in Hertfordshire. Erin Scott achieved second place in the Women's Division 4 K1 event, Louis Berridge was our best-placed competitor in the Men's Division 3 K1 event, and Robert Parkinson headed up our Men's Division 4 K1 contingent.
A very hot day necessitated the use of umbrellas for protection from the sun, rather than from the rain for a change! A special mention to Robbie Cook for taking the judo throw like a man, and to Klay for the rather aggressive rugby tackle from behind (my head still hurts!). The photographs are available on our Facebook site. Let us know if you'd like a high resolution copy of any of these, and we'll e-mail them to you.
Donations
02/08/08 - A big thank you to Lutterworth Town Council and Broughton Astley Parish Council for their donations of £165 and £100 respectively towards the purchase of a competition boat.
Goodbye Alastair
23/07/08 - This month we say goodbye to coach Alastair Hilton. Alastair is moving to Bristol to take up a new teaching position. He has been a key member of our team for the past two years, and will be sorely missed! Good luck in your new post Aly, and thanks for all your help during the last couple of years.
Florence Turner Trust Donation
23/07/08 - Many thanks to the Florence Turner Trust for its donation of £400 towards the purchase of two new kayaks.
Johnathan Leaves us for The States
07/07/08 - Johnathan Knifton, one of our most active coaches, is currently in the United States with the Camp Leaders organisation, coaching young people in kayaking and canoeing, and leading rafts on the Delaware river. He'll be returning to us on September 3rd.
Stone Slalom, 15th June
We had eleven entries at this slalom competition in Staffordshire, which was held at the home of Stafford and Stone canoe club - one of the leading canoe slalom clubs in the UK.
Coach Peter Smith won the Division 4 Men's K1 event, with a blistering 100-second first run and only two penalty points: quite an achievement without a competition boat! The Scouts too put in impressive performances in the face of some stiff competition. Robbie Cook's penalty-free second run was a highlight. Unfortunately, he missed out on promotion to Division 3 by one place.
Caterpillar Donation
27/05/08 - Many thanks to Caterpillar (UK) Ltd for its donation of £664. The money has been used to purchase two new Perception Arc kayaks.
Peterborough Slalom, 17th/18th May 2008
Thirteen of our Scouts and three of our coaches competed in the Orton Mere canoe slalom competition at Peterborough on the 17th and 18th of May. Everybody had an excellent, and in some cases challenging, weekend.
We were awarded eleven prizes in total, including first and second places in the Men's K1 competition on both the Saturday and the Sunday, and first place in the Women's K1 on the Saturday.
Saturday's Division 4 Men's K1 event was won by Louis Berridge, who finished nearly thirty seconds ahead of coach Johnathan Knifton (Okay, Johnathan was in a slower boat)! Both were promoted to Division 3. On the same day Erin Scott won the Division 4 Women's K1 event, and Mark Stoner achieved a commendable fourth position in his first Division 3 competition.
On the Sunday six of the first seven places in the Division 4 competition went to Break Out Canoe Club members. The most impressive performance of the day was that put in by Matt Cook, who won the Men's competition, pushing his coach, Alastair Hilton into second place! Again, both were promoted to Division 3. Finally, a special mention to Klay Hancock, who came fourth on both days, narrowly missing out on a promotion place.