An inspirational post on Anne Dickens' blog...

http://annedickins24.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/ive-been-kayaking-for-6-months.html?

The April BCU Sprint Regatta

Timetable and Programme are now available under the Sprint Section at www.weykayak.co.uk

Elmbridge Half Marathon 31 March

There are two traditional races held over Easter*. Besides the Richmond Sprints the Elmbridge Junior Half Marathon is not to be missed.

The race is open for all juniors up to 16 years of age and runs from Wey Kayak Club to the Thames Lock at Weybridge (followed by a short paddle around the corner to Elmbridge Canoe Club for showers and refreshments). This year is the 25th Anniversary and to celebrate I hear that all finishers will receive a souvenir T-Shirt. I expect there will be also be the customary Easter egg prizes!

Details here

*OK, there is a third race. Sit on the steps at Elmbridge when you have finished and clap them as they go by!

Rio Games

Yahoo News reports an interesting problem for the gamesmakers in 2016. The most we had to tackle was goose poo left on the jetties every morning!

Full story here

The Magic of ABBA - Charity fundraising event

ABBA SENSATION are one of the UK’s premiere ABBA tribute bands. Taking place at G Live, in Guildford, on Sat May 11th 2013, this event will reach beyond the Guildford community and should prove to be a night to remember.

The Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Group (Guildford), based at the Samson Centre, is a self-funded charity dedicated to the support of people with Multiple Sclerosis and their carers. There are around 135 members who receive weekly physiotherapy, gym sessions and oxygen therapy to help alleviate their symptoms. This treatment, which unfortunately is not available from the NHS, is provided with no assistance from any government body and is funded solely through fundraising. Although they have over 20 people who volunteer to help them, each year they need to raise in excess of £180,000 to pay for Physiotherapists and Gym Instructors, and the other costs involved in running the centre.
 
Tickets are on sale now at G Live.

This event will kick-start the celebrations of the 10th anniversary of the Samson Centre project and we would be delighted to see as many people there as possible.

The GWC 400 Club draw

...was made on 7 March by Peter Finch, a Founder Member of the Wey Kayak Club. The monthly draw winning ticket was No. 92 and the Bonus Ticket was 138.

  

We would encourage all members and friends of the GWC clubs to join the GWC 400 Club. All profits go to paying off the Waterside Centre's loans and proposed developments at the Centre.

Full details on how to join can be  found on the Wey Kayak Club website www.weykayak.co.uk  Each 'ticket' cost just £2.00 a month and can be paid for by monthly Standing Order if more convenient.

Paddlers and Parents Meeting

For everyone who wants to find out more about how to get involved in racing this year, Mike Childerstone is holding a short meeting next Saturday lunchtime at 12.00. The kitchen will be open so come down and find out how to get to the races you would like to do while sipping a mug of fresh coffee and nibbling on a bacon butty.

See the diary for a list of upcoming races.

Club Redevelopment - Club Fundraising

At the Waterside Centre AGM, last night the Trustees of all the member clubs again highlighted their intention to re-develop and enlarge the Waterside Centre's facilities. 

Planning permission has been lodged with Guildford Borough Council to enlarged the gym, hall, storage, boat racking, changing facilities, toilet facilities and parking.  

The Committee will be applying for grants and funds for the development, plus all Clubs will have to fundraise as well.  If you want to help and you have fundraising knowledge, experience, ideas, contacts or time and energy to help.  Do get in touch with Sonja at fundraising@weykayak.co.uk

Please look at the WKC Fundraising page for exisiting ways to help - more ideas coming soon (click on tab marked Club, then Fundraising).  

In the meanwhile, if you haven't joined the 400 Club, please do consider it.  You may win the monthly draw!

Club Trophy Winners!

These were awarded at the AGM on Thursday.  Well done all!

Chairman’s Trophy for International Sprint Racing	Liam Heath
Caterham Trophy for International Marathon Racing	Jon Simmons
Senior A at BCU National Championships	Rachel Cawthorn
Senior B at BCU National Championships	Joe Beevers
Junior U18 at BCU National Championships	Peter Bannister
Junior U16 at BCU National Championships	Jack Childerstone
Ladies Trophy	Fay Lamph
Best Teamboat	Jack Childerstone & Ed Haws
Istead Trophy for Best Junior	Ed Haws
Veteran’s Trophy	Peter Gorman
Eric Jamieson Canoe Trophy	Max Jamieson
Most Improved Paddler	Oliver Banks
Best Newcomer	Jack Oliver
39th Army Youth Trophy for best helper on the water	Clive Johnson
Helper’s Trophy (off the water)	Amanda Childerstone
Peter Finch Trophy for Endeavour	Rob Green
Fish Award	Charlie Welch & Peter Bannister
Sports Personality Award	Liam Heath

Wey Stompers

Watch the Wey Stompers video.

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Accounts for the Guildford Waterside Centre

Approved by trustees 25th Feb 2013: http://www.weykayak.co.uk/Club/Documents/gwcaccs12final.pdf