Hello everyone, not much has been happening at the club lately due to the bad weather and the state of the river, but clocks go forward at the end of the month, and we can look forward to lighter nights and (hopefully) warmer, dry days and a busy racing schedule.

Red Boards/Flooding

It’s worth repeating that the river continues to be fast flowing and very high, and in some cases, flooding is still occurring on the island and the mainland. Please continue to check river conditions and make yourselves aware of the club’s safety policy, which you will find on our website, before deciding to go out paddling in dangerous conditions.

• Royal Canoe Club Safety Policy

Club Boats and Equipment

Also, again worth reminding everyone who uses club equipment to treat it all with respect and store it correctly after your session. This also applies to gym equipment and paddling machines. Equipment is constantly being damaged, and it takes time to get replacements and repairs made. This is becoming more and more expensive and, frankly, we would rather spend club income on other things.

Club Night Kitchen

The Wednesday Night kitchen is still operating throughout the winter, although numbers have been low. We may be closed over the Easter period, but we will let everyone know via the members Facebook page and email.

Building Work on site

The asbestos work is now complete, and the marquee gym is now back in use. Builders will next start work on the island Gilbert gym roof as soon as the ground has dried out and will try to limit the disruption to a minimum. Ed Williams continues to do a fantastic job, carrying out safety checks around the site and repairs where necessary. Please let us know if you see anything that you think needs attention and we will forward your concerns to TWC.

Club Clothing

Ryan Lark has done a great job of organising some club clothing from a local company. There may be some extra kits available for those who have missed out on placing an order. Please speak to Ryan for details.

Also, we now have club t-shirts for volunteers who help at club races and events, so please consider lending a hand when the time comes.

Royal AGM

This takes place on Wednesday 17^th April and our secretary, Eleanor, will be sending an official notification out on 18^th March. Our Commodore, Amanda Hunt, will be stepping down at the AGM. Amanda has done a marvellous job over the last 3 years, through some very difficult circumstances, and we’d all like to thank her for all her hard work. The closing date for nominations and proposals for a new Commodore is 27^th March. Other club officers are willing to serve another year but, if anyone is interested in taking over as Club Secretary, Club Treasurer or Club Captain, please complete and return the nomination form included in the notification by 27^th March.

Dates for your Diaries – 2024

• Royal Hasler Marathon – Sunday 16^th June. All paddlers welcome to race to get maximum club points towards qualification for the final at Richmond CC later in the year. Anyone not racing, please consider volunteering for as much or as little time as you can spare on the day.
• Paul Gilbert Race – Wednesday 3^rd July. An annual fancy dress event to commemorate the life of Paul Gilbert, a club member who was tragically drowned whilst training for the Devises to Westminster race.
• Royal Sprints – Saturday 20^th July. Time trials and races over 500m (the length of Trowlock Island) and some fun races. Again, volunteers to help will be welcomed with open arms!
• The Paddling Challenge – Saturday 12^th October. The oldest canoe/kayak race in the world! Over a 10k course for the main race, this year is our 150^th anniversary and we plan to make it special, so don’t miss it!
• Royal Awards Evening – Wednesday 16^th October. We celebrate the achievements of the club and all members, junior and senior, with cups and awards for all classes.
• Royal 10@10 – Sunday 24^th November. Part of the local winter series of K2 10k races.
• Christmas Parties – Saturday 7^th December. A party for the juniors in the afternoon, followed by one for adults in the evening.