Dave Barnes is sending out weekly news letters via the e-mail list. If you are not reciving it or have somehting you want included in it please feel free to let him know!
Shropshire Paddlesport
News update
Memberships are due for renewal at the end of March, (All Members) could you all please fill in a hard copy of the membership form available here: https://www.shropshirepaddlesport.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Main_Membership_form.docx
or there are some copies at the club house.
Please complete the form in full and hand it in with your remittance to Simon Lewis or Giles Franklin or any committee member.
For Sale
FOR SALE £150 ONO, CONTACT ME ( DEREK TOURRET ) 07973 692765
FEEL FREE TO HAVE A PADDLE, IT WILL BE AT THE CLUB THIS SATURDAY
If you have any paddle related items for sale, swap or wanted that you think club members may be interested in send me the details and I can include them in the next email shot.
Dates for your diary
Pool sessions have now finished for this block and we hope you have enjoyed them and take some experience away with you. The club is looking at a possibility of monthly pool sessions (Perhaps once a month throughout the year?) we will keep you posted as this progresses.
New Hedge and Fencing
Some fencing and hedge planting has taken place at the club along the stretch after the lay-by, there are gaps both ends and a gap in the middle for easy access to the canal. Please do not park in front of these gaps or lift boats over the new hedge line as the plants are easily damaged.
Paddle 2 Nature
SATURDAY 16TH APRIL – 9AM – PADDLE 2 NATURE – HABITAT CREATION AT ASTON LOCK 3 – ALL WELCOME
The Paddle 2 Nature group will be gathering this Saturday (16th) with a view to creating some wildlife habitats, from the materials which are lying around, within the confines of Aston Lock 3 Nature Reserve.
We will meet at the usual time and aim to be on the water by 9.30, in order to paddle (or walk) to Aston Lock 3. The weather forecast is dry, but with a northerly breeze. Please come suitably attired – waterproof, hat, gloves, Wellington boots (it will be wet underfoot). Everyone is welcome to join in. A great opportunity to help with our adoption commitment and boost out environment. Observation recording – What is under our mats? How many snipe in the adjoining field? How are the swans coping with their incubation? Why not bring along a camera for the photo competition?
Photo Competition
Calling all budding Photographers, This year why not start taking photo’s when on or around the water. They can be anything from “action shots” to scenery and wildlife from around the water. The overall winner to have their photo framed and hung in the club at the awards ceremony in the autumn.
Open boating on a Friday evening
We have had some interest for the open boating so hopefully we will start in the next week or so on a Friday evening aiming at being on the water for around 6.30p.m (maybe earlier if paddling away from the club), it can consist of Canal paddling, Ellesmere mere and even some river paddling on those barmy summer evenings (remember them?)
Recreational trips
Next trip
Sunday 17th April
River Vyrnwy. Meifod to Llanymynech
Future Trips
More details will be released closer to the dates or see the poster on the notice board in the club.
Sunday 8th May
Cardiff White Water Centre
Saturday 25th / 26th June
Mawddach Paddlesport Festival
20km Mawddach Marathon
The Mawddach Challenge 6km Raft Race
Sunday 10th July
Doggy Paddle
Organised by Leamington Spa Canoe Club May 2015
30th / 31st July
Wye Summer Weekend Camping
Bycross Farm to Hoarwithy
13th to 21st August
The Big One
Coast to Coast along Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal.
Saturday 10th September
Karen Porter Memorial Trip
Sunday 25th September
Llangollen to Chirk Bank
If there is a particular paddle trip you have been on or heard about and would like to try please see Bill or Sian and maybe make it happen.
Marathon Racing
There is now a Tuesday evening Marathon session happening, if you would like to join in on a paddle out meet at the club for 5.30pm for 6pm on the water.
Next race is at Anker Valley. If you would like to have a go at Marathon racing please speak to Dave or anybody in the racing squad.
Other race dates
April 24th Anker Valley
May 1st Chester 1 (out of region but a good race)
May 15th Worcester
May 22nd Royal Leamington spa
May 29th Nottingham
June 12th Burton
June 19th Hereford
June 26th Shrophire Paddlesport (Home Race)
July 17th Ironbridge
July 23rd/24th National Championships (Reading)
August 7th Trentham (out of region but a good race)
September 11th Soar Valley (2017season)
September 25th Hasler finals (Worcester)
October 2nd Lincoln (2017 season)
October 9th Chester 2 (out of region but a good race)
Believe it or not! Fact of the week
There are 11,000 species of ants. The oldest ant fossil is more than 90 million years old. Ants are closely related to bees and wasps.
That’s all for now
Dave Barnes