The Canoe-Camper Winter 2017
issue no 308
LOCH SHIEL TIM WATSON
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T H E C A N O E C A M P I N G CLU B PRESIDENT: Jo Ledger
VICE PRESIDENTS: Dek Davie, Fred Hutt
SECTION COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL COUNCIL ADVISORY OFFICER Dave Henderson, Clover Cottage, Sheldon, Bakewell, DE45 1QS Email: Chairman@canoecampingclub.co.uk VICE CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE Tim Wheeler, 3 Birch Close, Sprotborough, Doncaster, DN5 7RE Tel:01302 645427 Tel: 01246 827202 Email: vice@canoecampingclub.co.uk GENERAL SECRETARY/MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY (SITES OFFICER/WEBMASTER)/CHERTSEY CANOE SHEDS Fran Faulkner, 23 Somerville Road, Eton, Windsor, SL4 6PB Tel: 01753 850122 Email: Secretary@canoecampingclub.co.uk HONORARY TREASURER Brian Hamer, 16 Teal Avenue, Poynton, Stockport, Cheshire,SK12 1JT Tel: 01625 879504 Email: Treasurer@canoecampingclub.co.uk 5TH EXEC MEMBER & ACCESS OFFICER / REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SPORT & RECREATION ALLIANCE Kevin East, 7 Silesian Gardens, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8SG Tel: 01932 562111 Email: exec@canoecampingclub.co.uk/Access@canoecampingclub.co.uk MAGAZINE EDITOR Josie Faulkner, Flat J Venita Manor, 317 Leigham Court Road, SW16 2RX Tel: 07939244318 Email: magazine@canoecampingclub.co.uk
COMMITTEE MEMBERS DEE & NORTH WEST COORDINATOR Brian Hamer, 16 Teal Avenue, Poynton, Stockport, Cheshire,SK12 1JT Tel: 01625 879504 Email: DeeNW@canoecampingclub.co.uk HERTS & EAST ANGLIA COORDINATOR Pete Bradshaw, 53 Hillingdon Avenue, Sevenoaks, TN13 3RB Email: HertsEA@canoecampingclub.co.uk MIDLANDS COORDINATOR Simon Beeston 11 Elston Hall Lane, Bushbury, Wolverhampton, WV10 9HE Tel: 01902 653430 Email: Midlands@canoecampingclub.co.uk THAMES & SOUTH EAST COORDINATOR Robin Hickman, 32 Shepherds Way, Roffey, Horsham, W Sussex, RH12 4LS Tel: 01403 267244 Email: Thames@canoecampingclub.co.uk WEST COUNTRY COORDINATOR Paul Whitehead 17 Whitley Crescent, Bicester, OX26 4XR Tel: 07739 840828 Email: Westcountry@canoecampingclub.co.uk CAMPING & CARAVANNING CLUB NATIONAL ADVISER Phil Henson ARCHIVIST Janet Hales, 9 Strode Street, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9PT Tel: 01784 432 517 CANOE-CAMPING CLUB LIBRARY CURRENTLY WITH THAMES & SOUTH EAST
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S ‘ R O T I D E
LETTER
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elcome to the new year issue of The Canoe-Camper! Inside you’ll find information on both Easter meet and National Families meet at Hereford, along with the runs list of all the events coming up this year.
THWART
C H A I R M A N ‘ S
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appy New Year to everyone. It is the time of the year again when plans for the coming year are being formed and we look forward to another great year of canoeing and camping. The highlights this year are the Easter meet and our families meet in Hereford along with all the organised meets and runs in your local area. Please book early for these events as this will help us in the planning. As always, if anyone wants to get involved in supporting events in any capacity please get in touch. Wishing you all a fantastic 2017 and look forward to seeing you on the water.
Dave Henderson (Welsh Dave) Chairman 3
There’s also the second part of Tim Watson’s tale on Loch Shiel, and Andy Rossells comparisons of two extremes paddling in Scotland and Malta. I hope you are all keeping warm on the water — I managed to get myself in a boat on a glorious sunny Boxing Day, but with not enough layers! As always, if you have any copy you would like to submit please send to magazine@canoecampingclub.co.uk by 25th March. Happy paddling! Josie Faulkner Editor
IN THIS ISSUE 1. IN PHTOTOS LOCH SHIEL BY TIM WATSON 2. CONTACTS
16. RIVER WYE CANOE & KAYAK GUIDE - A REVIEW TIM WHEELER 17. NATIONAL FAMILIES MEET HEREFORD 2017 TIM WHEELER
3. EDITOR’S & CHAIRMANS LETTER JOSIE FAULKNER & DAVE HENDERSON
21. HEREFORD BOOKING FORM
5. EASTER MEET 2017
23. RUNS LIST 2017
7.OBITUARY - DAVE BALL
25. OBITUARY - JEFF SIMMONS WINTER CLUB CHALLENGE
10. TOURING AWARD ANNE DORBER 11. FROM ONE EXTREME TO ANOTHER ANDY ROSSELL
26. EAT LOCAL 27. LOCH SHIEL PT.2 TIM WATSON 33. CLASSIFIEDS
Please send all contributions for the Spring 2017 issue no. 309 to the editor by 25th March 2017. Email or hard copy acceptable. Please do not edit or convert photos other than by cropping and keep them separate from the text.
The Canoe-Camper Front Cover - Paddling on the River Lea by Fran Faulkner Visit the Canoe Camping Club website at : www.canoecampingclub.co.uk The Canoe Camping Club is a section of the Camping and Caravanning Club (company limited by guarantee) Greenfields House, Westwood Way, Coventry, CV4 8JH T: 0845 130 7631 or 024 7647 5448 *** Printed by: The Printhouse, Hove, BN3 2FB 4
EASTER MEET
2017 We are pleased to announce the Canoe-camping club, Easter 2017 meet. This should be a lazy/ sociable paddle as we have lots of locks and relatively short paddling days, total distance approx 38 miles from Bishop Stortford, down the River Stort to meet up with the River Lea/Lee to finish at the Olympic Park in London. There will be a central base camp for those that don’t want to carry everything, and I will be bank support.
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For an entry form, please e-mail easter@canoecampingclub.co.uk , or phone me on 07964 995484 Martin Gammage
1st night (13th April) is Stylemans Bungalow CS, for those who want to arrive Thursday after 1200hrs, this has a toilet and sink and this is our start point for the trip. 2nd night (14th April) is Redricks Lakes, this has toilets and showers. 3rd night (15th April) is Dobbs Weir, which is also the Base Camp, this has toilets and showers; there is a restaurant across the river. 4th night (16th April) is Herts Young Mariners Base, Cheshunt, this has toilets and showers. As this will be our last night, there will be a sit-down meal provided and maybe games or a quiz.
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DAVE BALL 1928 - 2016
DAVE BALL, WHO DIED LAST YEAR AGED 87, HAD A REMARKABLE CAREER.
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eaving school at 14 he attended night school and became a highly skilled machine tool operator. Soon after starting his National Service with the RAF he joined the Mountain Rescue Team at St Athan in Glamorgan. On returning to Enfield he worked in industry, including EverReady. When assigned to the inspection department, within two weeks he was made Chief Inspector and a year or two later he was organising the production schedule of the whole factory. Meanwhile he attended more evening classes and acquired a management qualification. Later he worked at a local authority day centre instructing adults with mental disabilities — he ended up as manager of the centre. For his last 14 years of work he managed a day centre in Tower Hamlets, but with cost cutting and too few staff the strain led to his early retirement on health grounds. Thus, a few years later he turned his skills to organising and managing the Canoe-Camping Club’s International Tour of the Thames (1993). But this was just the culmination of over two decades of active involvement in Club activities (see below). (Compiled from notes by Jon Newton who kept in regular touch with Dave). Tim Wheeler writes: About 5 years after I took over running the Hereford Meet, Dave gave me the brass Dutch barge horn that he used to summon members to meetings. I guess that was at the point where he felt he was no longer going to be running events. I think it was when he returned to camp with us and heard the inferior tone of the plastic one I had. I continue to use the brass horn, which will always remind me of Dave and the considerable contribution he made to Canoeing in general, youth activities and the Canoe Camping Club. It was Dave that prompted me to try to form the Midlands Group, from the
many Midlands based members attending Hereford, which has provided me with a wide network of very good friends. Janet Hales (Archivist) writes: Many members today remember Dave’s encouragement and example, and his legacy continues with the annual River Wye summer holiday, which has now been running for 24 years. The last time he attended this meet, with his Russian friend Denis, someone told him he looked too old to be participating – with characteristic modesty, he didn’t tell them he had started the event. In 1997 Dave Ball was awarded the parent Club’s Certificate of Honour. This edited version of the citation, prepared by the CCC National Committee at the time, summarises the huge contribution Dave made to our Club over a period of more than 25 years. Dave Ball and the Canoe-Camping Club In his first article in “The Canoe-Camper” (no 128, Winter 1970/71), Dave Ball says; “I started to write this article with the purpose of encouraging the less active club members to come out and have a go.... I started club runs for the first time this year after having joined some four years ago...no matter what the conditions are like, the esprit de corps of the active members will more than compensate...so come on out and have a go.” This was Dave’s characteristic approach throughout. From the first, Dave played an active part in organising events and leading runs for Herts and East Anglia Group and he continued in this for some 25 years, much of the time as Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Group. He was generous in helping with transport, often with minivan and trailer, to save car ferrying. Acting as shore party, he often missed out on paddling himself. Early in 1971, while three members canoed the Lee & Stort in a snowstorm, he accompanied by road and looked out for them at every bridge — but this generosity applied during fine summer weather too! International relations Apart from organizing local paddles, Dave was keen to encourage friendship with canoeists on the continent. In 1971 he took Herts & East Anglia Group members to join a canoeing trip to Dalsland, Sweden, the first of many trips abroad. Dave introduced fellow Club members to classic continental events such as the Veluwe Marathons and the annual Bollentocht (tour by water of the Dutch bulbfields). Dave’s network of friends and paddlers spanned Holland (especially the Haarlem Canoe Club), Belgium, Sweden, Germany, Russia and Slovakia. Naturally he invited them all back to the UK, organising many holidays for them to include sightseeing in London, and canoeing, camping and walking in the Wye valley, Devon and Cornwall, and Loch Etive, to name just a few. Youth Activities By 1973, Dave had also set up a Youth Group for Herts & East Anglia, as he could see the need for more canoeing and camping activities for younger members. His programmes included training with BCU qualified instructors; regattas, slalom competitions, youth camping tests in liaison with Regional Groups of the Camping & Caravanning Club, canoe building sessions, and even a weekend on a Thames sailing 8
barge, as well as the Club’s usual canoeing trips. Training weekends, often held at the Herts Young Mariners Base, Cheshunt, became a regular annual event, and the encouragement to take part in competitions led to several Youth Group members becoming successful in national competition. These events were open to all youth members of the Canoe Section and the parent Club too. The programme for the 1975 Youth Regatta at Santon Downham, Norfolk, shows Dave’s approach: “the Regatta is organised so as to test all types of canoeing skill. Further, each competitor is limited to one canoe for events as diverse as: Long Distance race, 200 metre race, backwards race, Canadian style race, hand paddling race, standing up race, sinking competition etc.” By this means participants had no special advantage whether their canoe was a racing canoe or a slalom canoe or a touring canoe. This became the popular annual Brecklands Regatta. In 1975 also, Dave organised a National Youth Rally, probably the Club’s first, based on the River Wye, in 1976 another one at Holkham Hall, Norfolk, and many in subsequent years. National and International Meets From 1975 the National Easter Meets were organised by the Regional Groups in turn, rather than through the National Committee – and again it was Herts & East Anglia Group under Dave’s Chairmanship who took on the first of these, on the River Great Ouse, and many thereafter. In 1992 Dave was the driving force in organising the Canoe Section’s first THS for many years, at Mordiford on the River Wye. This family event, with a variety of activities, ashore and afloat over the week’s holiday, was fully booked and proved an immediate success. Run by Dave for the first five years, it is now an established annual event in the Club calendar (now at Hereford rather than Mordiford). The sixtieth anniversary of the Canoe-Camping Club in 1993 was marked by the International Tour of the Thames, a two-week trip covering the whole length of the river from Lechlade to London. This major event catered for some 200 participants from 9 countries. Based on Audrey Frew’s thorough knowledge and experience of the Thames and suitable waterside campsites, Dave chaired the large team of members involved in making the Tour such a success. It was recognised by the International Canoe Federation with the award of their trophy for “Organiser of the best ICF Touring Event in 1993” – a triumph indeed for the Canoe-Camping Club, and a well deserved tribute to Dave and his team. Janet Hales Then Chairman, Canoe-Camping Club
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I joined the Canoe Camping Club in 2006, which vastly boosted my opportunities to paddle in new places,
The photo shows Kevin East (British Canoeing Access officer and fellow Canoe Camper) presenting me with my BCU Gold (5000 miles) touring certificate. Whilst paddling a total of 5000 miles is far from uncommon amongst Canoe Camping Club members, I only started paddling in 2001 (on a tandem canoe trip organised by a local teacher). I knew immediately that touring was what I wanted to do, although I quickly switched to solo kayak and joined my local club, who thought I would soon lose interest in my batty aim of touring, because it was really boring. No it wasn’t! I have continued to enjoy the scenery and wildlife seen whilst exploring rivers, lakes, seas and canals all over the country, plus a few further afield. I particularly enjoy exploring water I haven’t previously paddled. I joined the Canoe Camping Club in 2006, which vastly boosted my opportunities to paddle in new places, so many thanks to all the many run leaders and organisers I have paddled with.
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To qualify for the award I needed to keep a logbook listing all the paddles (in fact I am now on my sixth logbook) but, far from a chore, this has been a pleasure after an enjoyable day’s paddle to reflect and record the details, memories and wildlife sightings. Now my logbooks also form an archive that I often look back at.
Currently British Canoeing is revising the Touring Award scheme, with a launch of the new scheme planned for early next year. I would like to encourage members, particularly new paddlers, to keep a logbook and enter the awards, and hope they will enjoy it as much as I have.
so many thanks to all the many run leaders and organisers I have paddled with.
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FROM ONE
EXTREME
TO ANOTHER OPEN CANOEING IN SCOTLAND AND SEA KAYAKING AROUND GOZO WORDS & PHOTOS ANDY ROSSELL
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his is an account of two very different paddling adventures, and when I first thought about this article (before the two trips) I envisaged two extremes of paddling and the environment. As it was, there were two extremes, but not quite what I expected! Earlier in the year, I had been looking forward to paddling one of the “classic” Scottish rivers, and was disappointed when the River Tweed Easter meet was called off. I therefore jumped at the opportunity to join with some friends from a nearby canoe club (Axe Vale CC) and our local club (Sutton Bingham CC) for a trip down the River Tay. So towards the end of May, eight of us gathered near Killin in the Scottish highlands. We were all paddling open canoes, myself and Kate, Simon and Jim (all from SBCC), Geoff, Wendy, Chris and Sue (from AVCC). Sue and Wendy dipped into the paddling as and when it suited them – but that was fine. We were a very mixed group of paddlers in as much as our accommodation plans went. Myself, Kate and Simon were looking forward to wild camping (although only Simon wild camped all the way down the River – he’d had lessons from Ray Mears and was keen to put them into practice). Geoff, Wendy and Jim base camped and Chris and Sue bed and breakfasted. How we ever all met up to paddle together on each day was a near miracle – but we did.
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Incidentally, on our way up the Highlands, Kate and I stopped off in Dumfries and Galloway for a couple of days. Probably like a lot of people traveling from the south, once on the M74 north of Carlisle, the intention is to reach Glasgow in the shortest time possible and I have always avoided ‘that bit of land on the left’. However, we were both pleasantly surprised by some beautiful rolling countryside, the potential for some canoeing and a peaceful and quiet area – well worth a stop off. We left Killin on the Monday, after the usual late-ish start sorting out the car shuttle (for those base camping and B & B) and trying to pack everything in the boat. It became very apparent that our Reflection 15 was heavily laden (two up, plus camping kit) but that was fine on the first part of the trip down Loch Tay. The Scottish Canoe Association (SCA) Touring Guide, describes Loch Tay as being 24 km long, making a possible five day trip, so we probably didn’t do it justice. The paddle was straightforward and I remember admiring the view of Ben Lawers on our left, and remnants of snow in high up gullies. It was in the afternoon that we had the only rain of the whole week – a shower that soon passed leaving blue skies. Our aim (the wild campers) was to reach a small island at the end of Loch Tay, the others had to go a bit further to the village of Kemmore at the end of the Loch to collect the shuttle car. From the water, our island did not seem to offer
any possible place to camp, however once on the island and walking some 10 metres through trees we came to a perfect flat area to camp, with a stone fire pit – obviously a well used overnight stop. Whilst we pitched our tent, Simon rigged up a hammock, with idyllic views up the loch down which we had paddled that day. The island, Eilean Nam Ban or Sybilla’s Island is steeped in history, going back to 1122 AD. It was the burial site for Queen Sybillia and later became a priory, the ruins of which can still be seen and are very impressive. The next morning a short paddle took us down to Kenmore, where we met up with the others. After another late-ish start sorting out shuttles and visits to tea rooms, we eventually set out down the River Tay. For the past couple of weeks I had been monitoring the river water levels on the Scottish EPA web site, they were depressingly on the lowest part of the medium band (if that makes sense?). The reality of this soon became apparent, with numerous rock gardens and shingle banks. Route finding became quite technical, and when we encountered any sort of wave train, we quickly found that we were shipping water whereas the others were staying largely dry. We were too low in the water, but we managed the fairly short paddle (10km) to the next overnight stop at a commercial campsite in Aberfeldy. At this stage we decided we had to offload some of our kit (the food barrel and a heavy kit bag) onto the shuttle, which then meant we were committed to camping with the others (but it was nice to have the luxury of hot showers). The next day our rearranged load was a great improvement and we had a good paddle down to Grandtully. The SCA touring guide describes the river as being Grade 1 and 2, with Grandtully being Grade 3, and is the Scottish WW slalom venue. Although a number of possible lines of descent were described, only one was practical in the low water, and even this was not straightforward. Kate and I decided to portage, but the others successfully paddled down without too much drama. However we probably spent about three hours here, which then put us under pressure to paddle another 20 km to the next campsite. As we progressed down the river fly fishermen became more and more frequent, although they were always accepting to our intrusion. At times avoidance became quite challenging as they would be casting across the main flow and we would have to try and take a path behind them, often leading into shallows. I didn’t know if it was polite or etiquette to ask if they had caught anything – of the few I did ask I either got a resounding NO or stony silence – so much for trying to make small talk! There was a wide
variety of fishing huts on the banksides. These were not simply shacks but quite sophisticated affairs, clearly quite an affluent stretch of river. I remember the wide variety of late spring, early summer plant life on the bankside. The Gorse and Broom were in full bloom as were Lupins, which I have not seen in the wild before. Rhododendrons and Azaleas were also flowering. The stop that night was at another commercial campsite near the village of Dunkeld. It was shown on the map as being about 1km up a small side river. After a 29km paddle we were all looking forward to getting off the water, unfortunately with the low water levels the side river was distinctly rocky, with intermittent pools and shallows, which all we could do was to line the boats through. This was exhausting and not what we wanted after what had already been a long and tiring day. We got there eventually – happily there was a fish and chip shop in Dunkeld providing urgently needed comfort food. After a good night’s sleep we packed up and portaged along a well-made path, which we had reconnoitred the previous evening (after the chips), back to the River Tay. It would have saved a lot of effort if we had known about this track last night! Today’s paddle was much shorter, about 18km. The river became more of a lowland river with twists and turns, and shingle banks, but you could never totally relax, either there was a fisherman in the way, or the river would demand some navigational decision. However after yesterday it was a leisurely amble. Our target today was a road bridge, a short distance up another tributary – the River Isla, fortunately there was plenty of water in this river! Just as we came around a bend on the River Isla we were startled by the commotion of an osprey being harassed by two herons (or was it the other way round – as soon as they saw us they forgot their differences and went their separate ways). Later, reading the SCA guide for the Isla, it describes there being an ospreys nest in the square top of an electricity pylon about 20km away – perhaps it came from there! Having been reunited with our kit, we were able to join Simon on a wild camp on the edge of a field beside the River Isla. As we had arrived relatively early we took the opportunity to exercise our legs by going for a short walk to view the renowned Meikleour Beech Hedge, said to be the tallest in the world! Yes it was impressive, but it was right next to a busy road, which after a few days away from it all, seemed to be a gross intrusion. We did find a hotel/pub which was happy to serve us tea and coffee, 12
“THERE WAS ONLY ONE ROUTE AND THAT WAS ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE, AND WE ALL JUST PADDLED THROUGH – WHAT WAS ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?”
but alas no cake! We walked back through a private estate with beautiful gardens, eventually leading us back down to the river and our camp. After a peaceful night, I was the first to rise and I remember sitting by the river edge absorbing the early morning sun and watching the water flow by – very tranquil. The objective today was the end of our trip at Perth another 20km paddle. The paddling was very similar to yesterday, until we reached the infamous (according to the SCA guide) Campsie Linn. Geoff, who had probably done the most research, had read a guide that described this rapid as being a boat eater, so it was with trepidation that we approached. Various lines down were described and the one I most fancied was a chicken run on the right hand side. However, on the day (with the very low water) there was only one route and that was on the left hand side, and we all just paddled through – what was all the fuss about? A weir and some rocky ledges followed which kept us on edge, but that was it, and within a short time we were getting off the river up a steep bank just outside Perth. Sue, who apart from the first day when she paddled on Loch Tay, had been following us down by car, very kindly drove myself and Simon back to Killin for our cars (2 ½ hour round trip). All in all a great week, paddling one of the ‘classic’ Scottish touring rivers. The significant lesson I appreciated was that two up, complete with canoe camping kit in a 15 foot open boat, on white water, doesn’t work. The thought of paddling the river Tweed (the Easter meet that was cancelled) probably with heavier water, without some sort of daily kit transfer 13
would have significantly compromised our ability to keep dry! Anyway, moving onto part two, although Kate and I are both retired, and on paper able to take and spread our holidays throughout the year, when opportunities arise you just have to go with it, so less than a week getting back from Scotland, we were on our way to Malta, more specifically a small island called Gozo just off the coast of the main island of Malta. This was a sea kayaking holiday with a small group of friends from our local club, guided and led by Gozo Adventures. (Those of you who read the various canoeing magazines will probably recognise the name.) Although we often had wall to wall sunshine each day, we were frequently plagued with strong winds. The first day we paddled from the main harbour on the south side of Gozo (Mgarr), and hugged the coast heading east, eventually crossing over to the small island of Comino. Within five minutes of leaving the comfort of the harbour we were having to paddle in a very confused 3 – 4 swell, and as we had only just been introduced to our new kayaks (supplied by Gozo Adventures) it was a wonder no one capsized. There were some amazing sea cliffs and caves on Comino. We were going to paddle to view the renowned Blue Lagoon, but no boats were allowed, due to the presence of swimmers. It was on this first day that my waterproof camera decided it wasn’t waterproof anymore! The next day was a write off due to the very strong winds; incidentally the Maltese governing body for watercraft have the power to veto any small boats putting to sea in adverse conditions. Instead we took the opportunity to do some sightseeing, most noticeably the Azure
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Window on the west coast, a stunning natural sea arch, which is going to become a sea stack in the not too distant future. Seeing massive waves crashing into and through the arch, in bright blue sunshine, was impressive and a very popular tourist attraction. The following day was a lot quieter, and so we again launched from Mgarr, but this time headed west, along the coastline, until we got to the south west headland of Gozo. Here we picked up some heavy seas leftover from yesterday, but I think the real intention of the trip was to see how we coped with larger waves and a more exposed coastline, because the next day was going to be a pretty big day. We launched from a small town on the west coast called Xlendi (which incidentally was where we were staying). From here we paddled around the coast, heading north, past Fungus Rock to the Azure Window. The Fungus Rock was so named by the Knights Templar as a rare form of fungus was found growing on the rock. This fungus had rare medicinal properties, such as treating blood disorders, used to staunch wounds and other more aphrodisiacal properties, and was highly prized and protected. The rock was shaved down its sides to make it difficult for poachers, and an armed guard placed on the rock. Sad to say modern technology has found the fungus has no medicinal qualities, and isn’t even a fungus – oh well! The natural rock arch dubbed the Azure Window (due to the colour of the sea) is in such an apparent state of near collapse that Gozo Adventures do not guide their clients through the arch, quoting health and safety, due care etc. However, whilst Sandra (the guide) was staring out at sea, we all sneaked through, we all survived. There then followed, probably, the most exposed and committing sea paddle that I have ever experienced. For around 7 or 8 miles there was nothing but 300 – 400 foot cliffs, with no possibility of landing. The sort of paddle you can only do in good conditions – amazing scenery, deep caves, and massive overhangs. We eventually came to a small fiord like entrance into which we could paddle and relax. We continued to paddle around the coast that gradually became gentler until we reached our stopping point of Marsalforn and a very welcome ice cream and coffee. A tremendous day. Another day was lost to wind, and then back to Mgarr where we paddled up the east coast, past more broken cliffs, and rock dodging, until we came into Marsalforn again. All in all an excellent week, and if we hadn’t lost the second day, we would probably have completed a circumnavigation of Gozo. Gozo 15
Adventures were great, arranging all transport both on Gozo and to and from the airport on Malta. They were very flexible, for example on the second day we were grounded due to the winds, they arranged climbing and snorkelling for those that wanted. The hotel they arranged in Xlendi was good, comfortable but not so posh that you felt uncomfortable walking around in your paddling kit – the hotel is also a base for scuba divers, so is well acquainted with odd attire. Xlendi, although small, has a wealth of restaurants so we were able to dine out in a different one each evening. The Gozo Adventure paddling staff where efficient in a relaxed, laid back way, Sandra the lead guide and one of the other guides were from Ireland, I was going to say that there were therefore no language problems, but the Irish accent can sometimes be difficult to catch especially on the open water with strong winds. So what were the extremes in the two trips apart from the obvious open canoeing v sea kayaking? I always think that Scotland in May is difficult to beat, everything is green and luscious, the spring flowers are out in abundance, and hopefully the Scottish midge hasn’t woken from his winter slumber. In contrast, Malta was very dry and arid in June, I think their spring is probably in March, even the cows are kept inside under shelter due to the heat. The heat was remorseless at times. The other significant difference relates to the bird life. Scotland in May was teeming with birds of all sorts, sea birds, hedgerow birds, and although the sound of the cuckoo is becoming less frequent down south, I distinctly heard a cuckoo on several occasions whilst on the river. By contrast Malta and its islands seemed devoid of bird life. In the UK the sort of sea cliffs we saw in Gozo would have been covered with nesting birds. Inland there were hardly any smaller birds flitting around in the bushes. It is no secret, and you don’t really appreciate the scale of what has happened, but the Maltese shoot birds, not for food but for sport. Across the island are stone shooting butts that intercept any overflying birds, and as Malta is on a significant migratory path for birds traveling from South Africa to Europe not only is the effect seen on Malta, it is also thought at least partly responsible for the decline of certain species in Europe. I had been expecting to write another extreme, that Scotland was cold and wet, and Malta was hot and dry, but Scotland was warm and dry as well, and at times a lot more comfortable. All in all the two different, but very enjoyable trips in good company – what more can you ask for?
RIVER WYE CANOE AND KAYAK GUIDE MARK RAINSLEY PESDA PRESS ISBN 978-1-906095-51-2 A BOOK REVIEW BY TIM WHEELER My first thought was ‘do we need yet another guide to the River Wye?’, as there are plenty already available. However, existing canoeing guides cover sections of the river and focus solely upon the river, whereas this guide is original in covering the entire river in detail from source to sea whilst providing information on the nearby landmarks and places of interest within easy reach of the river, together with history of the largely past industrial use of the river. The book divides the Wye into 3 sections, of different character, though I would have split the section below Redbrook as a 4th tidal section, no longer suitable for inexperienced touring paddlers. Having regularly paddled most of the river for over 40 years, the impression is that the book is based upon a thorough research of publications, but that other than paddling its full length for the purpose of writing this book, Mark has not been a regular visitor in recent years. The result is a number of minor errors which should have been corrected though proof reading. However, apart from listing a campsite at Foy that only operates a few weeks a year and is strictly members only, the errors will not adversely affect your enjoyment of the river. The inclusion of section on
equipment, D of E scheme, safety etc imply that the target readers are beginners and inexperienced canoeists – at least for Glasbury to Monmouth. I was thus rather disappointed that the book does not seek to provide advice regarding water levels. On rivers used as managed navigations the EA & C&RT have ‘traffic light’ levels and similar advice would be invaluable for the touring section of the Wye and could have been included with the advice of the hire companies. I can understand a reluctance to fill this gap in a litigious era, but it could have been done in conjunction with the EA who are responsible for managing the river. Perhaps the best way to explore would be to alternate days paddling with days exploring on foot. Though aimed primarily at Canoeists, a potentially wider market is those walking the Wye Valley Way — for whom it would be an ideal guide. Apart from the above queries this is an excellent, well presented book and a very useful guide for anyone wishing to explore the Wye Valley, rather than just paddle the river. It would be a very useful purchase for members attending our Hereford Families Meet in May. The information on places provides options for non-paddling family members to visit whilst assisting with car shuttles. 16
AUTUMN 2016
Hereford National Families Meet 2017
2017 will be the 26th time this event has run, some of us have been attending every year from the early days and our children are now adults and some are now returning with their children. The meet is very child friendly, but it is not compulsory to bring children, though ‘the child within’ certainly helps! The meet is suitable for all ages and levels of experience. In 2016 we had a total beginner aged 80, who by the end of the week had paddled canoes, kayaks, Stand up Paddleboards and subsequently bought his own canoe. Youngest in the past has been 4 months, albeit attending with canoeing parent and grandparents. For beginners, or more experienced paddlers trying paddling with young children the meet is ideal, providing opportunities to develop new skills under the watchful eye of highly experiences members. Helping newcomers develop the skills to safely enjoy the sport is central to the event. Unlike activity centres, all coaching and leadership is provided free by suitably experienced members attending the meet. The result is a very low cost holiday, though due to being reliant upon voluntary leaders, we cannot guarantee particular activities will happen, but it is rare anyone leaves disappointed. 17
Again for 2017 we have use of the Sea Cadets facilities which provide good facilities for families and young persons including Disabled/Parent & Child shower room. In addition, the improvements to the female facilities at the rowing club were completed early 2016. As with 2016, we have to finish on Friday due to the dates of the Hereford Regatta. Having observed the setting up of the Regatta, this year we can stay until the evening on Friday, thus enabling us to paddle Friday. In addition, the initial safety training, mass paddle and first BBQ will be brought forward to Saturday, re-gaining a paddling day and the change should make the event much more attractive to those only able to attend for public holiday weekend. The more frequent BBQ’s at the fire pit were well received last year and will be repeated. We look forward to seeing you at Hereford, all welcome, first timers, regulars, all ages. Dogs and other pets are welcome, but must be kept under control, to avoid scaring children or conflict with other dogs. For non-paddling members of families there is plenty do within Hereford and nearby, such as the world famous book fair at Hay on Wye. Any questions/queries, my contacts are in the front cover of the magazine. Tim Wheeler 18
THE CANOE CAMPING CLUB INVITES YOU TO THE NATIONAL FAMILIES HOLIDAY MEET
HEREFORD ROWING CLUB 37 Greyfriars Avenue, Hereford HR4 0BE www.herefordrc.co.uk
Friday 26th May to Friday 2nd June 2017 PROPOSED ACTIVITIES FOR 2017 Day Paddles, Long & Short Canoe Camp the Wye (if leader forthcoming) Training: Canoe, kayak, safety Bring & try various boat and equipment types Marquee for social use (barbeque and other activities) Campsite games, canoe sports, Bilge sale etc Further details will be announced in update newsletters Communal Barbeque Saturday 27th 6pm
The types of activities vary depending on the weather, river conditions being suitable and the availability of volunteers. The Meet relies on those with skills contributing – please let the organisers know if you are able to assist in training / run leading / organising “après-canoe” etc. Those that have been before will be expected to assist with stewarding etc, if not otherwise contributing to running of the event. Offers of help by newcomers will be very welcome. Please note there are no Electric Hook ups on this site. Water, Dishwashing & CDP are available at the club house Toilets and showers are available at the club house and Sea Cadets building RETURN COMPLETED FORMS with payment to Tim Wheeler 3 Birch Close Sprotbrough Doncaster DN5 7JY • Book only ONE pitch per form. Duplicate the form for extra pitches. • Complete the form and questionnaire fully. • Please do not send cash • Site opens 2pm. Friday 26th May, closes 6pm Friday 2nd June 2017 • Refunds can only be provided after the event and will be at the discretion of the organising committee. For Inquiries regarding the meet, or offers of help, contact Tim Wheeler e-mail: holidaymeet@canoecampingclub.co.uk or phone 01302 645427
RUNS LIST 2017 THE CANOE-CAMPING CLUB - The club for canoeists who camp and campers who canoe We are an active Section of The Camping and Caravanning Club, Greenfields House, Westwood Way, Coventry, CV4 8JH FOR MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT THE SECRETARY Fran Faulkner secretary@canoecampingclub.co.uk The Canoe-Camping Club organises local day trips and weekend meets throughout the year, as well as longer holiday meets. You’ll find outline details of the events for the year here. Some events such as the Easter Meet and the annual Families’ Holiday Meet are attended by members from all over the country. Members are welcomed on all meets. (Some of the more advanced trips may be restricted to experienced paddlers). This programme is an outline of proposed events for the calendar year 2016. Further details will be made available when events have been finalised in the quarterly magazine, the Canoe-Camper, distributed to members, via the website www.canoecampingclub.co.uk and via the ‘Pitch and Paddle’ Facebook group. Camping and Caravanning Club membership cards must be shown at all meets. Canoe-camping Club members should keep the Secretary informed whether they are current members of British Canoeing, Canoe Wales, The Scottish Canoe Association or the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland.
RIVER WEY / OLD WOKING / THAMES & SOUTH EAST / 29 JAN LLANGOLLEN CANAL / DEE & NORTH WEST / 18 FEB RIVER WEY / GUILDFORD / THAMES & SOUTH EAST / 19 FEB RIVER THAMES / OLD WINDSOR TO WALTON ON THAMES / THAMES & SOUTH EAST / 5 MARCH TRENT & MERSEY CANAL / MIDLANDS / 5 MARCH RIVER DERWENT / MIDLANDS / 18 - 19 MARCH
RIVER THAMES TIDEWAY / THAMES & SOUTH EAST / 19 MARCH RIVER DEE / BARNES / DEE & NORTH WEST / 19 MARCH RIVERS DEARNE & DON / MIDLANDS / 1-2 APRIL UPPER MOLE / THAMES & SOUTH EAST / 9 APRIL RIVERS STORT AND LEA / BISHOPS STORTFORD TO LONDON / HERTS & EAST ANGLIA / 13 - 17 APRIL POOLE HARBOUR / WEST COUNTRY / 14 - 17 APRIL RIVER THAMES / HENLEY / THAMES & SOUTH EAST / 28 APRIL - 1 MAY RIVER ARUN / THAMES & SOUTH EAST / 13-14 MAY RIVER WYE NATIONAL FAMILIES MEET / HEREFORD / MIDLANDS / 26 MAY - 2 JUNE KENNET & AVON CANAL / WEST COUNTRY / 27 - 29 MAY CHICHESTER HARBOUR / COBNOR / THAMES & SOUTH EAST / 10 - 11 JUNE RIVER NENE / FORTHERINGHAY / AGM MEET / MIDLANDS / 17 - 18 JUNE RIVER THAMES / SHILLINGFORD / THAMES & SOUTH EAST / 24 - 25 JUNE RIVER AVON / WEST COUNTRY / 30 JUNE - 2 JULY NATIONAL YOUTH RALLY / NORTHERN IRELAND NATIONAL / 1 -2 JULY
RIVERS ADUR & CUCKMERE / THAMES & SOUTH EAST / 8 - 9 JULY RIVER TRENT/CANAL / MIDLANDS / 15 -16 JULY RIVER DERWENT / DEE & NORTH WEST / 22 -23 JULY LOWER MOLE / ESHER / THAMES & SOUTH EAST / 23 JULY RIVERS HAMBLE & BEAULIEU / THAMES & SOUTH EAST / 5-6 AUGUST LLANGOLLEN CANAL/RIVER DEE / LLANGOLLEN / MIDLANDS / 19 - 20 AUGUST RIVER WYE / WEST COUNTRY / 19 - 20 AUGUST RIVER THAMES / CHERTSEY / THAMES & SOUTH EAST / 2-3 SEPT RIVER TRENT / HALCROFT FISHERIES / MIDLANDS / 9-10 SEPT MONMOUTHSHIRE & BRECON CANAL / WEST COUNTRY / 22-24 SEPT LAKE BALA / DEE & NORTH WEST / 30 SEPT - 1 OCT RIVER MEDWAY / THAMES & SOUTH EAST / 30 SEPT - 1 OCT RIVER WEY / A LOOP / THAMES & SOUTH EAST / 22 OCT LANCASTER CANAL / DEE & NORTH WEST / 29 OCT RIVER THAMES / WINDSOR/WALTON / 4-5 NOV TYNE TOUR / MEETS & TRIPS / 4-5 NOV
BASINGSTOKE CANAL / CHURCH CROOKHAM / THAMES & SOUTH EAST / 26 NOV RIVER CHERWELL / OXFORD / WEST COUNTRY / 10 DEC BRIDGEWATER CANAL / DEE & NORTH WEST / 10 DEC RIVER WEY / GUILDFORD / THAMES & SOUTH EAST / 17 DEC RIVER DERWENT / MIDLANDS / 26 DEC Dee & North West Brian Hamer, 7 Glastonbury Drive, Poynton, Stockport SK12 1EN DeeNW@canoecampingclub.co.uk Herts & East Anglia Pete Bradshaw, 4 Thirlmere Court, Felixstowe, IP11 9SN Herstea@canoecampingclub.co.uk Midlands Simon Beeston, 11 Elston Hall Lane, Wolverhampton, WV10 9HE Midlands@canoecampingclub.co.uk Thames & South East Robin Hickman, 32 Shepherds Way, Roffey, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 4LS Thames@canoecampingclub.co.uk West Country Paul Whitehead, 17 Whitley Crescent, Bicester, OX26 4XR Westcountry@canoecampingclub.co.uk The Canoe-Camping Club is a national club for touring canoeists (and kayakers) and for those who like to combine canoeing/ kayaking and camping. The Club caters for everyone, with a variety of meets round the country. Some are ideal for beginners whilst others challenge the more experienced paddler. Members are always glad to offer help and friendly advice to newcomers. All ages are welcome, and in particular the Club likes to encourage families Unless otherwise stated, inland trips are planned on relatively easy water. Conditions on coastal trips are less predictable. Distances depend on conditions and participants: organisers will advise, and also reserve the right to decide whether individuals may participate. It is often possible to organise shorter and easier trips for the less experienced.
JEFF SIMMONS 1925-2016
T
he Club has lost another stalwart member, Jeff Simmons, who was a very active member of Thames Group, and active in competitive paddling. He competed in the DevizesWestminster Race in 1979. In 1970 Jeff founded Westel Canoe Club, originally part of the Sports and Social Club of the London Telecoms Region, West Area, of the Post Office, but now named Hampton Canoe Club. Jeff and his wife Barbara (Babs) were active in that Club for 40 years, Jeff remained its President for life. A great many of their Club runs were joint with the Canoe-Camping Club, this co-operation helped both groups to be viable, and Thames Group members also took advantage of Westel’s Eskimo rolling sessions in the local baths. Many CCC members took part in the Westel Tourist Trial on the Basingstoke Canal, an annual event set up by Jeff which ran from 1978 to 2004.
Paddlers will best remember him for his warm and welcoming smile ... and for his generosity to everyone.
Jeff and Babs were always on the water with Thames Group, Babs being Group Secretary for a time, and Jeff also wrote articles on kit etc for “The Canoe-Camper” as the Club’s Technical Secretary. In the 1970s clubs made their own boats — once having obtained a mould, fibreglass boats could be churned out at quite a rate, and Jeff was expert in glassfibre as well as being an accomplished engineer. But paddlers will best remember him for his warm and welcoming smile — events attended by Jeff were always full of fun and laughter — and for his generosity to everyone.
WINTER CLUB CHALLENGE 2016-2017 British Canoeing are again running a “Winter Club Challenge” with prizes for “Most miles paddled “and “Most places paddled”. The challenge runs from 1st December to 28th February. Having won the ‘Most places paddled” award in 2015, the Canoe-camping club are of course up for the challenge again, and will be sending off details of all our organised trips this winter. If you have personal paddling miles that you are happy for us to include, please submit the details using the form on our website. 25
After the success and fun of 2016’s trial Cook-Off at NFOL, the Camping and Caravanning Club is launching Club Campsite Cook of the Year 2017 - in association with CADAC, the Club’s Eat Local sponsor - and want you to take part. To find our most enthusiastic, talented and keen campsite cooks, the Canoe-Camping Club will be holding our own heat at the National Families’ Meet in Hereford on Saturday 27th May. The winner of our section event will win a Cadac Carri Chef Barbecue worth £185. In August 2017, all region/section winners’ recipes will be judged by the Eat Local team at HQ, and eight winners invited to take part in the exciting cook-off final at the Cadac stand, NFOL at 4.30 on Saturday 26th August 2017. The overall winner will be presented with a Club Cook of the Year Trophy and a fantastic patio barbecue. The winning recipe will also be published in the Eat Local pages of the magazine. There are fantastic runner-up prizes too. So, how do you get involved? The essence of the competition is to demonstrate skill and creativity in producing a simple campsite meal beyond burgers and sausages. We are asking entrants to send us their recipe for one main course meal. This meal must be a camping-friendly recipe, one that is possible to prepare and cook at your pitch on a bbq grill or gas stove. (No ovens, microwaves or electric appliances allowed) The actual cooking time (not including prep) must be 30 minutes or under. The recipes will be judged on suitability for campsite cooking, creativity, and in particular the judges will be looking for a meal that embraces the spirit of our Eat Local campaign, whether it’s using a fresh local, seasonal ingredient, incorporates a regional cheese, beer or fruit or perhaps just taking inspiration from a regional dish or flavour. From easy but tasty one pan suppers, exciting salads, vegetarian feast a fabulous fish dish, great grilled meats to pasta with a twist... anything goes, we are looking to be inspired! Entrants are asked to submit details of their proposed meal via e-mail using the form on our website. Closing date: Saturday April 29th 26
LOCH SHIEL PART 2
WORDS & PHOTOS BY TIM WATSON
After pulling the plug (for one reason or another) half way through a winter Sheil circuit, Welsh Dave and I still had a box to tick. So a return to Loch Shiel was on the cards for the September ’16 Scottish Canoe Camp. Sit tight the second half of the story now begins…. 17
18
DAY FOUR
D
ay four started early, we were fed, watered, packed and ready to roll by 08:00. With a breeze coming in from the east we set off towards the North Channel of Moidart. With the wind at our backs I hoisted my sail and cruised silently along dragging a paravane in the hope of catching a decent lunch. As we neared the mouth of the sea loch we saw waves crashing on the rocks that defend the loch from the worst of the rollers, we were about 1KM from the sea. It didn’t look too promising, but with the weather forecast to deteriorate in the next day or two we had to check it out, it was that or a big uphill beast of a portage back up to Sheil. As we exited the sea loch and entered the sea a brief conflab was held. “Everyone ok with this?” nods all round. The wind was blowing SSW but its course was redirected by the land masses was still on my back, my sail was up I was good to go. I pulled out about 500m from the shore while the other three hugged the coastline. I left my paravane in as a sea anchor/brake to slow my progress about I was still whizzing along. Every now and again l let go of my sail turned round to check on the others and for them to catch up a little. They were ok, I was ok. Until We skirted the headland and hit the mouth of Loch Ailort, the wind again was manipulated by the land mass and now was blowing strong and in our faces. The sea state had increased to roughly four foot swells with wind blown wavelets on top of them. To add insult to injury, the tide was going out. Now was the time to dig deep and paddle hard and paddle well, no rest and no room for a half baked effort or poor technique, paddle or get blown to Skye! Like on Shiel we were making very little head-way, but unlike Shiel there was no respite, no bays to hide in only rocks and cliffs with swells crashing against them. We were prepared with a VHF radio and the appropriate flares at hand, we didn’t want to use them, but it has to be said a few times a finger hovered over the SOS button. On we paddled. As the wind was blowing just to the right of our faces we needed to paddle on our left, but every now and then we swapped to our right for a short while, a little respite for our tiring muscles. Even swapping sides we were losing ground. Finding a safe place to pull in for a rest was difficult; surf crashing on beaches and rocks was an issue. Every now and then when the timings were right one of us would disappear down a trough for a fraction of a second before emerging almost surfing on the
29
next wave, the surfing helped a little but this was countered by having to paddle “up hill” on the back of the wave destroying the momentum gained whilst surfing. Painfully slowly we crossed the bay where the Glenuig pub is to a beach sheltered by a big lump of rock. Here we sat and ate our lunch, rested our muscles and gained some life back to our ankles — the pain and discomfort long forgotten until we tried to climb from out of the canoes and onto the sanctuary of the pebble strewn beach. Looking back from where we paddled the sea didn’t look that bad at all: be warned looks can be deceiving! After recuperating somewhat we set off again, following the coast line, we passed a rather splendid hall at Roshven, an ideal place to camp, not sure they would agree… We paddled on; next we came to a nice small bay. It was nice, but we reasoned it necessary to get passed “the narrows” before the forecasted poor weather arrives. We hit the narrows, the tide still going out and it was flowing like a river, dig deep, paddle hard using what little eddies there were. Needs must and through will power technique and some half decent fitness levels we made it to campsite number four. Grid ref NM725 798. Here we hauled the boats and gear up the beach just beyond the seaweed line/high tide mark tethering them to the dry stone wall. It was Darth chef ‘s turn to cook
30
“IT WAS TIME TO DROP THE MAST AND SAIL BEFORE MY COMFORT ZONE BE LITERALLY RIPPED TO SHREDS ALONG WITH MY SAIL AND MY PRIDE.”
and with very little wood at hand the evening meal of lashings of corned beef hash with extra “stuff” cooked on a petrol Trangia aka the afterburner! The traditional Spotted Jock was cooked on an open fire all be it on my economical Rocket Stove. The spicy and yummy corned beef hash was too large to fit in Clives MSR aluminium Dutch oven, so an even larger pot was put to use, it looked far too much for just four of us… mind you it had been a tough day on the water and without faltering we demolished it along with a large portion each of the pretty awesome Spotted Jock and custard. Tired and fed we didn’t see 21:00hrs, however unlike the night before it wasn’t quiet. The wind picked up even more to gale force; the tents were buffeted all night by the winds. Even the two smaller back packing tents protected by the paddocks dry stone wall were being given a fair old thrashing. The tipi standing about seven feet tall took the lot, fortunately the ground was solid and the pegs didn’t budge as I think we would all be blown to Oz! We found out in the morning that we all at some stage checked on our boats wandering around the windswept campsite in Tshirts and skiddies! What a sight that would have been!!!
DAY FIVE
Day five saw us all bleary eyed, not even the coffee made much impact. Fuelled up and packed and not looking forward to paddling in the gale force winds, we set off. Struggling once again to gain any kind of momentum in the right direction, ducking into small bays struggling to achieve any headway; we paddled on. We turned the corner, and “blessed be the cheese makers!”, the wind was now at our backs. What a relief. Then, suddenly, out across the other side of the Loch a gust of strong wind picked up and created a twister, the spray reaching up at least 10m. WOW a sight to see…. As the wind was blowing behind us 31
I hoisted my sail again, the wind although gusting at gale force at intervals, it was for most of the time simply blowing hard. I whizzed along, behind me I saw the water ripple, small whitecaps closing in on me fast, my sail straining with the turbo charged power of the wind, the bow of my canoe lifted and I was skimming along, barely able to hold on to the rope (I don’t use cleats BTW). It was similar to surfing a standing wave, I could feel the water surging and slapping the hull of my canoe beneath my knees, I needed to continuously shift my weight from one knee to the other to compensate the forces applied by the wind and water. The wind increased yet again and I had to let go as I could hold on no longer, the sail now flapping in the wind, snapping like a flag but still propelling my canoe forward at quite a pace, all I could do was steer and enjoy the ride. These squalls were becoming more and more frequent, it was time to drop the mast and sail before my comfort zone be literally ripped to shreds along with my sail and my pride. We made landfall at the end of the trip just before lunchtime. It was only 4Km, but in that 4KM was some very hard paddling and some seriously fast (for me) canoe sailing. We wrapped up our escapade with an evening of beer and food at the Clachaig Inn Glencoe, camping at the Red Squirrel campsite. Reading all this, it looks like we messed up with the tide times, but the truth is the weeks annual leave itself was booked by us all without even knowing where we were going, so you could say we didn’t get the tides wrong, the tides got us wrong. On the flip side, if every thing ran smoothly we would have nothing to talk about in the future in an “I remember when” moment.
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Canoe England have been asked if anyone wants to give a home to this canvas on lathe double kayak. (not folding). A bit historic. We don’t need any more in Chertsey shed! Let me know if interested and I will give contact. Robin. “I have a two man touring canoe (Mallard) wood and canvas that was built by my farther over the winter of 1959/60 from a kit. It was well used over the years but has been stored in the roof of my garage for many years. I am shortly moving house and have got to dispose of it. On inspection it appears in reasonable seaworthy condition, although in need of a bit of cleaning and re varnishing etc. ( would make an ideal project for anyone interested). I don’t want anything for it, but wondered if your group or anyone associated with it would be interested in it, otherwise it will be a very sad journey to the dump! I live in Welling, Kent. It would make me extremely happy if anyone could use it.”
FOR SALE 16ft Apaché Open Canoe Wood gunwales and seats (gunwales need some attention!) Comes with kneeling twart White fibreglass body This was my first open canoe given to me as a 16th birthday present. It breaks my heart to sell it, as we have been on many a journey together, but without the time to paddle it’s wasting away on a rack. It does have a few scrapes along the bottom as has been down many a rapid, but solid. £375.00 o.n.o Contact Josie Faulkner / Fran Faulkner (details in front of magazine) 33
Interested in the history of your craft?
Paddles Past ENDLESS RIVER MAIL ORDER SPECIALISTS Tel. 01905 640003 Please contact us for your free colour brochure. All the accessories you need for canoes, kayaks and yourself P.O. Box 699, Worcester, WR2 6ZL E-mail dave@endlessriver.co.uk www.endlessriver.co.uk
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