Hello everyone, clocks went forward last week, nights already seem a lot lighter and we’re looking forward to warmer, drier days and a busy racing schedule. After the first Nottingham regatta of the season this weekend comes the first of our regional Hasler races at Wey KC on Sunday 28^th April. Let’s get as many of us racing there as possible to pick up maximum points! Don’t forget the Hasler final is being held just along the river at Richmond CC this year.

Coaching and Sports Manager

We are pleased to announce that Ryan Lark (Scooby) has been appointed Royal’s Coaching and Sports Manager (CSM), an exciting new position which has been designed to oversee the day to day efficient professional and smooth running of water and gym-based activities of RCC. Ryan has indicated some initial plans to introduce all girl’s taster sessions and run more corporate events as well as the usual junior and school activities we run throughout the year. We would like to involve more volunteers to help the club become more sustainable so, if anyone is interested in volunteer coaching, please speak to Ryan for details of qualifications required and level of commitment. Once programmes are established and club income confirmed, there may be some opportunities for paid coaching work.

Meeting at the club for Paddlers and Parents

Ryan would like to invite junior and senior paddlers and parents to the club next Friday 19^th April at 6pm to discuss how to move the club forward, gaining volunteers and how the club can be supported to reach its goals. We understand it’s very short notice, but we’d like to get things moving as quickly as possible.

Spring/Summer Club Sessions

With the lighter evenings comes the return of the Wednesday night 10k time trial, with a 5k option for beginners. First paddler starts off at 7pm.

Also, Teapot Mondays for mixed ability K2s, if numbers allow. 5 races around Teapot starting at 7pm.

And, of course, Saturday morning Smashfest to Hampton Court continues as usual.

All session starts are handicapped so that everyone finishes around the same time. If you are new and interested in taking part in any of the sessions, please contact Ryan or, our club captain, Tris Turner.

Royal Annual General Meeting

The AGM takes place next Wednesday 17^th April, starting promptly at 8pm. Please come along to hear plans for the coming year, a report on the last year and club finances and to vote for club officers.

Wednesday Club Night Kitchen

The Wednesday Night kitchen will back for the AGM, serving a warming chilli, meat and veg versions. Please book on the Facebook members page to guarantee a meal. Unfortunately, we will be closed on the 24^th, as Jackie and Eleanor are both unavailable, but we’ll be back on Mayday!

Club Successes

Congratulations to Elise Montagne who competed at the Norwich assessment event in horrid wet and windy conditions and came fourth the U23 Ladies race, which led to her being selected to represent GB at the Waterlands Marathon in Amsterdam on 20^th April. Well done Elise and all the best for next weekend. Also, Flynn Holt came 3^rd in the U18 Men’s assessment race and Dianora De Bilio won the U16 Girls race. Meanwhile, Lorenzo De Bilio raced at the Cambridge Marathon and came first and was promoted to Division 4. Great results everyone!

River Clean-up

On Sunday 7^th April Inge Hermans organised a clean-up expedition on our reach of the river. Joined by Pete Stratford, Graham Potts and Phil Jones, the team removed a full wheelie bin load of rubbish in the course of an hour. Well deserved coffee and cake followed in the clubhouse. Many thanks to the team for undertaking this vital task.

Paul Gilbert Race

This takes place the evening of Wednesday 3^rd July. This year is the 30^th anniversary of Paul’s passing and the Outriggers will be organising this special event. More details to follow nearer the time.

Paddling Challenge

Saturday 12^th October. The oldest canoe/kayak race in the world and 150 years old this year so we’d like to make it a huge event and something special. We are planning to give cash prizes, to over 18s only, for the senior men’s and women’s races, with voucher prizes for juniors. Again, more details to follow.

Club Membership

A reminder that club membership fees will be due on 1^st May and don’t forget that LoveAdmin will automatically take your fee if you have a live mandate.

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 – As above.
• 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 – As above.
• 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.