January 2025 Newsletter
Happy New Year Paddlers! We do hope you had a Merry Christmas and enjoyed the Festive period.
The Christmas meal at the Walkford on 13th December was a great success – many thanks to Jacquie for organising.
The Christmas Paddle & BBQ evolved into a walk and BBQ due to the weather but was enjoyed by all that attended – thanks to Evan for organising and Chef Ken with his trusty Sous Chefs Debbie & Claire.
Unfortunately the first paddle planned for 2025 on 5th January had to be cancelled but Evan stepped up to lead a walk from the centre. Hopefully the night paddle on 16th January will go ahead along with the other paddles we have planned – See dates further in the Newsletter for more details. The pool sessions are an invaluable opportunity to build confidence in the water during capsizes, rescues, edging, skulling and working towards rolling your kayak. There is nowhere better to practise these than the warm clean water at a pool. Book on to join us if you can.
Hengistbury Head Outdoors had a great Christmas present with plans to bring back the outdoor education centre boosted with a grant of more than £600,000 in funding. HHO has been awarded £668,920 from the Community Ownership Fund to help restore the former Hengistbury Head Outdoor Education Centre, which was run by the council. The money is subject to the group raising a further £155,000 in matched funding as well as the lease of the site being granted by BCP Council. Mark Merritt, chair of Hengistbury Head Outdoors, said: “This grant gives us a wonderful opportunity to bring forward our plans and start to have a meaningful impact on the site and bring back the centre for the use of the community. This grant is just the beginning because we know that it will take us many years and millions of pounds to give the community a centre fit for the next 100 years or more.”
AGM
The AGM will take place on Sunday 23rd February in the Darwin Room at The Hengistbury Head Centre from 1030 – 1130. A formal notice will be sent out in due course but please add the date to your diary. We really do value Members input and hope you can all attend.
Programme from January to March 2025
Thursday 16th January – Night paddle 1800 for 1830 on the water
Saturday 1st February – Pool Session, Two Rivers Meet 1845 – 1945
Thursday 6th February -Night paddle 1800 for 1830 on the water
Sunday 16th February – Weekend Paddle 1330 for 1400 on the water
Sunday 23rd February – AGM, Darwin Room 1030 – 1130
Saturday 1st March – Pool Session, Two Rivers Meet 1845 – 1945
Thursday 6th March – Night paddle 1800 for 1830 on the water
Sunday 9th March – Pre-season boat clean 1000
Sunday 16th March – Weekend Paddle 1000 for 1030 on the water
The first paddle of the 2025 Summer Season will be on Thursday 25th April
We often meet up over the Autumn / Winter period to share our favourite walks. Please feel free to suggest routes / dates if you would like to organise and share.
We always welcome additional volunteers to help with the running of the club – just contact one of the committee if you would like to get involved
SEE YOU ON THE WATER!
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