Hello everyone, it’s good to see that Spring has finally arrived and brought some drier, warmer weather. Here’s an update from the last RCC committee meeting held on May 14^th.  Happy Paddling!

Clear Up Day

An RCC site clear up day took place on Saturday 11^th May, and many juniors and their families came down to help to clear out and tidy up the island site,followed by a well-earned barbeque.

As you can see, the boatsheds look so much cleaner, tidier and well-organised. Thanks so much to everyone who worked so hard and special thanks to Ryan and Bernice who organised the day.

Paddling Code

A new paddling code regarding river conditions has been drawn up and there will be a copy at the club on the island site and on the RCC website. Please take a moment to have a look and familiarise yourselves with the rules for paddling in all conditions.

Royal Hasler Marathon

This takes place on Sunday, 16^th June and is our biggest event of the year, with clubs attending from across the region. All paddlers are 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, even if it’s just for an hour or so, and you get a free t-shirt!

Wednesday Club Night Kitchen

It’s been good to see many of you back on the river and coming to the Wednesday club night dinners. There’s been a great buzz in the clubroom Wednesday evenings. Don’t forget to book on the Facebook members page to guarantee a meal or send an e-mail to Eleanor at secretary@royalcanoeclub.com.

Saturday Kitchen Fund

The kitchen is also open to everyone on Saturday mornings serving tea, coffee and cake, with profits going towards things that benefit all clubs. This year we are buying new tables and chairs for the balcony, and it is hoped we can buy a new barbeque at the end of the summer when the sales start.

Club Successes

Royal paddlers have had some great successes at recent events.

At the National Short Course Championships held at Peterborough on 12^th May, Dianora De Bilio became Under 16 Girls champion, with her brother, Lorenzo, coming 2^nd in the Under 14 Boys race.

At the Elmbridge K2 Assessment Marathon on 4^th May, the Senior Ladies K2 race was won by Elise Montagna and her partner Katie Brooks from Exeter CC.

The first Nottingham sprint regatta of the year was held in April and was a selection event for the GB team to compete at the European Championships to be held in Bratislava later this year. Congratulations to Dianora who has been selected for the Junior Girls 200m K1, Zoe Clark selected for the Under 23 K2 500m and 1000m and to Elise for the Under 23 K4 500m. Well done to you all, it’s great to see you doing so brilliantly!

Club Junior Reps

The club has two new junior reps, who can attend committee meetings and feedback any queries and concerns from all juniors. They are Dianora De Bilio and Henry Pitt.

Update from TWC

The work on Rob Roy House is nearly completed and the next major work to be carried will be to fix the leaks in the changing rooms on the island site. We will let you know any further details as soon as we are informed.

Dates for your Diaries – 2024

• Royal Hasler Marathon – Sunday 16^th June.
• Paul Gilbert Race – Wednesday 3^rd July. A fun race to Ravens Ait and back for all ages
• 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 – The 150^th anniversary on Saturday 12^th October.
• 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.