Kidston: Thursday Evening 2nd June

There were 26 paddlers on this glorious Thursday evening, possibly the largest turnout the club has ever had. Two groups were formed, 9 sea kayakers led by Hugh did a 2.5 hour trip to Gourock, Greenock and the Sugar Boat covering well over 8 miles.

Off Green Island

 

 

The beginners paddled across the Gareloch to the caravan park, with a smaller group heading on to have a closer look at the Cal-Mac ships tied up at McGruers in Rhosneath.

Finally the hyper-local internet-TV station filmed a short piece about the club as part of their weekly Sports roundup programme. This is still to be shown but for those interested, the station can be found at http://helensburgh.urtv.co.uk

 

Sue and Allans Progress

To view where Sue and Allan have got to on their 8 week trip down the Adriatic you can view the “Spot” web page

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0KiRrZONtKPNvPXvaTSh7cHLOIN1pSNqU

Ionian Islands, Greece, October 2011

The club is planning an unguided but supported  trip to the Ionian Islands (west of Greece) in October this year. The planned route is within the protected waters of the region which is bounded by the mainland to the east, and includes the large, mountainous and green Ionian islands of Lefkada, Kephalonia and Ithaki. Sprinkled in between are dozens of smaller, uninhabited or seasonably inhabited islets which remain unaffected by commercial development. Amongst them are Meganisi, Kastos & Kalamos -all within a few kilometres of each other. They present the ideal island hopping circuit for  kayak tours, which begin and end in Vasiliki port, on the south coast of Lefkada Island. More details can be found at http://www.i-explorers.com

The region’s stable climate is also favourable for kayak touring. Almost year-round the central Ionian sea is characterised by calm seas, clear and still waters. Perfect for  sea kayaking.

Because of restricted flight options we are provisionally planning a 7 day/6 paddling day trip between October 6th and 13th. The cost is expected to be around £680 made up as follows:  Boats etc (240 euros =£210), Taxi to/from Prevaza Airport (£60), Air: Manchester-Prevaza (£240), Transport to /from Manchester (£50), Living Expenses in Greece (£120).

If you are at all interested please let Hugh or Geoff know by end of May as we need to book air flights.

Training Courses Spring 2011

The club starts two new training courses next Tuesday (26th April) at the Pool: Basic Skills Training for Youngsters; Sea Kayak Expedition Fundamentals.

The Basic Skills Course is aimed at youngsters aged 12-18, and consists of Pool Sessions on Tuesdays and Open Water Sessions on Thursdays. It is essential that participants are available for both. The course ends with a canoe camping trip on the Loch. The cost is £30 for pool charges, equipment and training plus Junior Club membership at £20. If interested please contact Riddington89@hotmail.com, phone 01436 674966 or register at the pool next Tuesday.

The Sea Kayak course is designed for those with some knowledge and skills (e.g. Support Strokes) who want to explore the islands of the West Coast. The emphasis is on safety and covers Equipment, Navigation and Planning as well as Rescue Skills including Self Rescue (Rolling). Participants will be expected to take part in a day and overnight trip.

Meanwhile the Club doubled its pool hours allowing more experienced members time to develop their rolling skills, and the Thursday night open water sessions resume next Thursday (25th) at Craigendoran 6.30pm for a play and a trip out to the Sugar Boat.

Luss Islands April 2011

Getting Ready to Depart

This was a a shortish trip for the Basic Skills Course in GP kayaks. A cool dry day with little wind and a good time for all. Thanks to Euan, Dave, Myles and Harry for running trip and support.

Ready for the Off
En Route
En Route: Datail (Which is You?)

AGM 2011. Minutes and Reports

Helensburgh Canoe Club

A.G.M. Thursday 24th March 2011,

Scout Halls, John St

MINUTES

1. Welcome and Apologies

Apologies from Keith Davies, Willie and Grant Dolier

2. General Report

Attached

3. Treasurers Report

Attached

4. Election of Committee

a) Chair

Because of pressure of work and family Keith had retired, Geoff Riddington was nominated by Hugh Murray, seconded by Sue Smith and duly elected

b) Treasurer

Ken White

c) Secretary

Vacant. Committee to seek a replacement for Geoff ASAP

d) Quartermaster

Willie Dolier

e) Coaching Organiser

Grant Dolier

f) Convenor; Sea Trips

Hugh Murray

g) Convenor, River Trips

Vacant. We are still looking for someone to look after this important post.

h) Ordinary Members (Up to 6)

Sue Smith (Gender Issues)

Euan Forrest (Coaching)

Neil Walden (Social and Fund Raising)

5. Plans for the Coming Year

Pool time doubled after Easter. Youth Coaching course Easter to Summer.

Sea Trip plans for near future presented  including Minch crossing.

6. AOB

After a short break for Tea and Biscuits, Sue Smith gave an entertaining and informative illustrated talk on her (and Alan’s) 8 week expedition to the Dalmatian Coast


HELENSBURGH CANOE CLUB

Income and Expenditure Account (Year Ending 28th February 2011)

2009/10 2010/11

INCOME                                                                  £                         £

Membership Fees                                                    605.00                  730.00

Profit on pool and coaching activities            (67.40)                 339.42

Bank Interest                                                               0.07                      0.38

———                ———

537.67 1,069.80

EXPENDITURE

Scottish Canoe Association Affiliation             50.00                   50.00

Venue rentals for meetings                                      0.00                     0.00

Ancillary Equipment                                              245.00                 531.00

Equipment Repair                                                         0.00                 188.00

Miscellaneous                                                                 0.00                   50.00

Depreciation                                                               545.69                 545.69

840.69 1,364.69

SURPLUS/DEFICIT FOR YEAR (303.02) (294.89)

Balance Sheet as at 28th February 2011.

Notes £                                   £

Fixed Assets 1 1,637.09 8,368.25

Current Assets

Bank                                                                                   10,482.72            1,578.22

Creditors                                                                                162.00                    0.00

Current Liabilities

Debtors                                                                              (157.40)              (350.70)

Cash in advance                                                                     0.00              (420.00)

Net Current Assets 10,487.32 807.52

£ 12,124.41 £ 9,175.77

Represented by:

Capital Account: 2,124.41 9,106.37

Awards For All Grant 2 10,000.00 69.40

£ 12,124.41 £ 9,1755.77

K. White

Treasurer

20th March 2011

HELENSBURGH CANOE CLUB

Notes to the Accounts as at 28th February 2011

1. Fixed Assets and Depreciation*.

Asset Purchased Cost Depreciation Value 29/02/11  Yr Total

10 Kayaks          08/12/06       3,274.16         545.69        2,182.76               1,091.40

Trailer                 07/06/10       1,991.99             0.00                 0.00               1,991.99

3 Canoes             07/06/10       2,073.63            0.00               0.00               2,073.63

3 Sea Kayaks      28/09/10       2,116.23             0.00                 0.00               2,116.23

Trailer                 20/10/10         1,095.00           0.00                0.00               1,095.00

545.69 2,182.76 8,368.25

* Fixed Assets depreciated over 6 years.

2. Awards For All Grant.

Grant awarded January 2010                                                    £ 10,000.00

Expenditure in 2010/11:

2 trailers                                                                                                      3,086.99

3 Canoes                                                                                                      2,073.63

3 Sea kayaks                                                                                               2,116.23

Ancillary canoe/kayak equipment                                                 2,653.75

9,930.60

Balance in bank                                                                                          £ 69.40


Helensburgh Canoe Club

A.G.M. Thursday 24th March 2011, Scout Halls, John St

General Report

I think we will probably look back at 2010/111 as the year that the club moved to maturity. For the first time we have a membership data base, a comprehensive kit list and even insurance. We now have a home for our gear and an up to date web site. We have established pool time which is about to be doubled. We are developing and running training courses with qualified coaches that have come through our club. In the case of our Sea Expedition Training we are almost unique in providing quality training.

At this stage I think it appropriate to thank a number of people;

Firstly our past chairman Keith Davis, who got the club going, did the initial paperwork and got us the funds for our excellent equipment. We all owe a great deal to Keith.

Secondly the club is indebted to the Dolier clan; Grant for his role as Coach in our training programmes, Natalie as our membership secretary and pool fund collector and Willie for getting to grips with the equipment side. To you all, our thanks.

Finally I would like to thank Hugh, not only for his efforts with the Sea Kayak training over the last few years but also for stepping in on the teaching side over the last few weeks. His support has been invaluable.

Activity wise we possibly may not have been quite as active as last year. Looking through the website we had 4 overnighters

1) A long weekend trip from West Loch Tarbert up the west coat to  Tayvallich

2) A 5 day trip on West Skye

3) A long weekend on Loch Awe

4) A training weekend on Loch Lomond

We had lots of day trips e.g.

1) Loch Striven

2) Fog on the The Clyde

3) The River Awe

4) Loch Lomond.

5) Rough Water training at Ardrossan

We had lots of evening trips e.g

1) Loch Long at Finnart

2) River Leven

3) Loch Long at Ardentinny

4) Clyde

5) Loch Lomond

For the first time, this year, members became competitors when Sue and Ruth entered the Round Lismore Sea Race; Sue becoming Veteran Ladies Champion and Sue and Ruth claiming second and third places in the Open Ladies category.

Finally this year cannot be allowed to pass without comment on our Open Day at Loch Lomond and our stand at Helensburgh 2011. Looking around, these appear to have been highly successful in introducing people to this great sport/recreation.

For the future I think one of our key problems is going to be remaining solvent. If we double pool time we must fill the sessions. We will have insurance and maintenance bills that we have not had before. We will have to ensure our membership is fully paid up. So possibly sadly today we are waving goodbye to our youth

Geoff