March 2025 Newsletter
The sun has been out at last and the lighter evenings can’t help but raise the spirits as we look forward to the start of the new season.
10 intrepid paddlers met on 16th February to battle the wind and tide up river past Iford Bridge and back whilst a few savvy members took the opportunity to show their capsizing skills in warm water at the pool session on 1st March instead of in the Harbour when the new season begins!
The AGM was well attended with the majority of the committee agreeing to stand and re- elected for another year. Caroline Wakeham, who has served as Membership Secretary for the past 7 years, stood down and we would like to take this opportunity to thank Caroline for her hard work and support during this time. The amended constitution was agreed and can be viewed on the website https://www.southbourne-canoe-club.org.uk/constitution/
This Sunday (9th March) we would love as many Members as possible to join us for the Boat Clean to get our equipment ready for the start of the season 10am – 12pm at the centre with tea, coffee and cake provided!
Our Safety Officer Duncan and our Training Officer Anatole have been working hard on Risk Assessments to ensure everyone is safe on the water – have a look at the website to see what they have produced: https://www.southbourne-canoe-club.org.uk/risk-assessments/
Membership Renewals Due
Membership Renewals are due at the end of March with the fees held at last years prices
Adult – £45 – Adult membership gives the holder full use of the club’s equipment (subject to hire fees and conditions). Adult membership is for those over the age of 18 years of age.
Family – £90 – Membership for up to 2 adults and all juniors under 18 years of age living at the same address.
Junior – £25.00 – Junior membership gives the holder full use of the club’s equipment and facilities, but with no voting rights. Only available to those up to the age of 18 years. Under 14’s must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times
Student – £30 – (In full-time education and can show student ID) – Student membership gives the holder full use of the club’s equipment and facilities, and full voting rights. Only available to those over the age of 18 years and in full time education.
You will receive an Email with details of how to renew your membership towards the end of March which will include payments by BACS
Programme March 2025
Sunday 9th March – Pre-season boat clean 1000 – 1200
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
The Big Paddle Cleanup 2025 – Sunday 1st June . Meet at 10am for 1030 start.
This is Paddle UK’s annual environmental campaign and SCC will be taking part in the river and harbour from Hengistbury Head Centre on 1st June.
In 2024, 3,699 volunteers around the country collected 1,888 sacks of plastic waste and other junk from our waterways. Paddlers are in a unique position to collect litter from places others are unable to access.
Your efforts help raise more public awareness about plastic pollution and the damage caused to our blue spaces. Also by taking part, we help protect wildlife and minimise pollution so come along and do your bit!
And don’t forget there will be tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits afterwards once we’re done… Please come and help us if you can!
Basingstoke Canal Trip 6th – 8th June 2025
Evan is planning a club camping trip on the Basingstoke canal over the weekend 6-7-8 June (camping 6-7 and paddle 7-8).
On the Saturday he’s hoping to do a paddle from the Basingstoke canal centre at Mychett which is the same place as the campsite which goes through a nature reserve lake at the back of the Deepcut Army barracks and cross an aqueduct. Approximately 5 miles.
On the Sunday the plan is to go from Odiham which is on route home down to the Greywell tunnel with a stop at the historic King Johns Castle, also about 5 miles.
Both paddles are easy and suitable for any grade of paddler and any type of boat or paddle board, however a sea kayak will be unwieldy and difficult to turn on a canal.
If you don’t fancy camping either day is doable as a day trip being within 1 1/2 hours drive from Bournemouth in normal traffic.
There will be options for a pub dinner the Friday evening, BBQ on the Saturday evening and Sunday lunch in a pub with a working waterwheel inside the pub.
We will update with prices for camping and contact details for the trip by club circular email when the Basingstoke canal trust release them and open for bookings early in February but please make a note of the dates if you’re interested.
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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