May2000

North West Region

Newsletter

March 2000

Diary Dates for 2000

Monday 6^th March 2000 -Regional Committee Meeting (R.C.M.).

Monday 8^th May 2000 -R.C.M. and Club Forum Meeting.

Monday 3^rd July 2000 -Regional Committee Meeting.

Monday 4^th September 2000 -R.C.M. and Club Forum Meeting.

Monday 6^th November 2000 -Regional Committee Meeting and meal.

Saturday & Sunday 18^th-19thNovember 2000 – A.G.M. Southport.

What’s going on? February 2000

nwb0005

Chris Cleaver Access and Environment Officer

E-mail chriscleaver@bcuinternet.com

8^th & 9^th April 2000

Competition:

(Prizes for juniors, ladies & mens on points)

Coaching available:

Buy 10 before 15^th March and get 2 extra FREE

Expedition to China and K2 Base Camp

Paddlepower goes open -The new scheme for young people.

	Encourage more young people to come into and stay in the sport.
	Show them all aspects of the sport – both competitive and adventurous.
	Provide signposts into Clubs where their skill and developments can be nurtured.
	Fit the equipment to the child and not vice versa.

For further details please phone your BCU Paddlesport Development Officer on Chester 1244 660606

For Further Details phone Riverside Adventure on Chester 01244 660606

The Lower Dee Open Boat Tour takes place from April 28^th to 30^th, 7km per day with a fancy dress competition on the Sunday although a Saturday Night Ceilidh and bouncy castle (for those of the appropriate ages) should be good for smudging the makeup. The tour will have camping and caravans by arrangement. Those who do not have open canoes will be able to hire them but don’t even think about kayaks. 0151 336 4557.

CONTACT YOUR LCO FOR FURTHER DETAILS OF HOW THE NORTHWEST REGION CAN HELP WITH YOUR COACHING REQUIREMENTS. RCO. Derek Brooks 01244 675870

BCU Northwest Region Coach Update and AGM. Southport Derek Brooks

BCU Northwest Coaching.

Any items for the Newsletter to karen.davies@bcunw.freeserve.co.uk

Marathon paddling in the North West Region appears to be quite strong at present, however we still have some way to go before we can match the apparent strength of the Southern regions. Having said that, Chester put in a very impressive performance at the Hasler Finals in ’99 gaining 4^th place overall. Second in the N.W was Macclesfield and District (MAD) in 15^th position, Freestyle (FRE) were 21^st and Warrington (WAR) came home with 25^th place. Everyone seemed to have a great day racing on the Sunday, some having made a weekend of it by playing at the Tees Barrage on Saturday.

The top four placed clubs within the North West qualify to go to the finals so there is a lot of effort put in during the year at the qualifying races, currently there are seven in the region. Two races have already been held for this years finals with MAD taking the honors at both events.

With five races to go it is looking like another highly competitive year in the region!

The number of entries to each race is some where around the 60 –70 mark at present. It would be marvelous if that figure could be increased this season, with a bit of effort on the promotion side we could even reach the magic 100! To help increase entry level at the regions events a new trophy was introduced three years ago. It’s polite title is Points and Posteriors, commonly known as ‘Bums on Seats’. Basically everyone who races gets points for their club, regardless of their position within the race. Since it’s introduction MAD have dominated this trophy, winning it three years running. They may not have the best paddlers in the region but they sure have got the most! So far this season MAD are at it again with a 18 point lead after just two events.

Marathon racing is great fun (honestly) and there is always a lot of happy smiling people at these race meetings who will make anyone feel welcome so please come and join us. There is a category for everyone from novice to full professional so you will be with people of your own ability. Race distances vary from 2 miles for the beginner, up to 12 miles for the experts!

Marathon paddling isn’t just about the Hasler’s though. There are also several longer distance paddles for the more hardy among us. Most people will have heard about the Devizes to Westminster race, yet how many know of the similar event which takes place within our own region? The Cheshire Ring Canal Race takes place every year and can involveup to 150 paddlers plus their supporters. The race covers the 97 miles, 92 locks and 5 tunnels of the Cheshire Ring canal system- hence it’s name. If that sounds just a bit to far ( you don’t have to do it all yourself, you can enter a relay team) try the shorter Weaver Descent. It’s only 17 miles and it’s downhill! If it’s real adventure your after then the Conway Ascent is right up your street, 11 miles upstream travelling on the incoming tide. This race can be really rough if the weather is bad and can offer even the best of paddlers a challenge. The real attraction with this race is that the whole club can go along as those that don’t feel up to racing can just relax and enjoy the scenery whilst paddling the river in whatever craft they wish as part of the touring group. Late in the year comes the Bollington Cut race. 27 miles along the Macclesfield canal from Marple to Hardings Wood, Kidsgrove. Usually held mid October it can be cold, last years was cancelled due to the ice being thicker and stronger than the hull of the boat! All these events are advertised in the BCU Yearbook, so if you would like to join in, just get in touch with the organizer and I look forward to seeing you out there!

Finally I would like to wish anyone entering the Devizes to Westminster Race the very best of luck with all your training and the race itself – 125 miles is a long way!

REGIONAL HEALTH WARNING

Over the last 20+ years Barbara and I have enjoyed canoeing in many parts of the British Isles and in addition serving the British Canoe Union as coaches and

administrators.

Within the next 10 months we will be moving to Spain.

Hence this is an early warning - the North West Region will require the following posts to be filled :

Secretary

Treasurer

Newsletter Editors (Scanner and Modem provided)

Regional Disability Organiser

The Region cannot function without these positions being filled. Please contact either Andy Cook or Barbara Hitchings if you feel you can help your Region in the future.

All seven Great Britain National Teams will be in action during this fabulous feast of Polo. Make sure your Team is there too. For entry forms or further information please contact :

Mike Moffitt or Gerry McCusker

74 Burnie Ave 20 Taunton Drive

Bootle, Merseyside Aintree, Merseyside

0151 922 0760 0151 526 4493

email : gerry@mccusker1.freeserve.co.uk

stolen

THEFT OF SEA KAYAKS FROM SKELMERSDALE

PS. If you know of anyone who has any second-hand sea kayaks for sale perhaps you could pass on my details to them.

FLOOD FORECASTING Environment Agency and the Met. Office working together.

The Environment Agency is investing £4.5 million over the next three years in a 10 year

programme to beef-up the U.K.s weather radar network to give the public as much

advance flood warning as possible.

The E.A. and the Met Office set in motion a programme of improvements to the existing radar network and confirmed an on-going commitment to using new technology to produce the most effective service.

(Courtesy of the Environment Agency).

WORLD CLASS PERFORMANCE was launched in 1996 and has been successful for Britain's elite performers including canoeists. It has awarded grants to over 30 sports and is to continue with an annual budget of £25 million

THE ENGLISH SPORTS COUNCIL under the new image of Sport England is also committing £25 million into two new programmes to develop talented sportsmen and sportswomen.

WORLD CLASS START will have an annual budget of £10 million and will make funds available to National Governing Bodies to help talent develop. Such areas as support for training, sports science and medicine, personal development of young performers and employment of top coaches will be included.

WORLD CLASS POTENTIAL with an annual budget of £15 million will allow National Governing Bodies to expand these programmes, giving access to the necessary facilities and equipment and in employment of world class coaches.

(taken from SW Region Newslette

Fun Day at Salford Quays.

A DAY AT THE RACES

We entered a total of 4 paddlers in the 200 metre sprint races at Nottingham. Travelling down from Manchester we made Holme Pierrepoint just in time. The organisers had brought our slots forward by an hour. So it was a quick change, jump into the canoes, starting point and off. In these circumstances we did really well. Graham was a little disappointed. After the race we found him looking at the ground and we had to decipher comments such as " What happened to me ?".

Charlotte Harrisons efforts placed her comfortably in the C time band and Michael Murden achieved a respectable 1 minute and 32.96 seconds. Melanie Gornall who had demonstrated a wonderful stroke at Salford Quays previously, struggled a little due to a poorly fitted

buoyancy aid. After our exertions we sat and ate our jacket potatoes, watching the other races. It was an event just to be there participating on the day with the best in the country at the National Water Sports Centre.

Where were the other North West Region Paddlers ?!!

M. Appleyard

Marathon Racing May 1999

Graham Simpkin, Regional Hasler Competition Organiser

Macclesfield club extended their lead in the North West competition by a win at the April races on the Macclesfield Canal. Forty three paddlers competed in six different classes, some of the races were very hard fought with first place in contention until the last half mile. This race is one of the most difficult with the narrow canal restricting the first row of the start line, steel piled banks reflecting waves to give a bumpy-wobbly ride and frequent narrow bridges to frustrate overtaking. The next race is on the wide waters of the Weaver.

Warrington Club are relative newcomers to marathon racing in their sea kayaks. They are looking for a K2 if there is one for sale anywhere.

The points table is now:

Club Hasler Competition Points & Posteriors

Macclesfield 47 127

Freestyle 44 114

Chester 42 97

Warrington 27 55

Duffryn Conway 25 40

Adlington 9 22

The other races this year are:-

Macclesffeld 2 4 July Andrew Millest 01606 648917

Adlington 22 August N Bortfield 01625 619271

Hasler Finals 19 September

Farndon 3 October A Parkinson 01829 741214

The North West marathon season began again with a traditional cold and windy day in Chester. Fifty two paddlers from 7 clubs took to the water to try to win prizes for themselves and points for their clubs toward the regional trophy and Hasler competitions. The marathon competition will continue throughout the Spring and Summer at a variety of venues including Addlington, Macclesfield and Northwich. These marathon events are always friendly events and there are divisions catering for all abilities of paddler and all types of boats. They provide a perfect introduction to competition canoeing for all ages from 8 to 80 on local canals and non threatening rivers. Races vary from 2 to 12 miles in length

depending on the paddler's ability and there is a system of local promotions to ensure that ambitious paddlers can progress through the divisions quickly.

In addition there are a number of events in and around the region for the more ambitious paddler. The Conway Ascent in North Wales is a popular event which includes the novelty of travelling upriver with the rising tide (or without the tide if you get it wrong). The Weaver Descent is a longer event and the ultimate test in the region is the Transpennine race between Liverpool and Leeds.

BCU Nationally

The BCU is going to propose changes to the forthcoming Right to Roam Bill to include access to water. When the details are worked out we will need members help to lobby MPs etc. to get the changes considered.

The BCU has published the Facilities Strategy to emphasise the shortage of canoeing

facilities and show a planned wish list to support future grant applications. If your club has a need or plan for any capital work - landing stage, clubhouse or slalom course, tell me so it can go on the list.

There is a new post vacant in the region, a Facilities Officer.

The BCU can give advice on Lottery applications but cannot do the job for you. The BCU has information on bodies giving smaller grants - Commuted sums of money from

property developers for environment improvements. Entrust (Landfill Tax) grants. Local trust grants .

BCU Locally (And that means you)

Carl Lowther is working to maintain access to the flat section of the Lune in Lancaster which is used for training and Marathon Racing.

We still need Local Access Officers for the Croal, Dane, Etherow, Roach, Tame, Weaver, Wheelock, Wyre.

Can you or your club help?

Responsibility for coastal access has returned from the sea touring committee to the

access committee. There is therefore a vacancy for the new position of Coastal Access

Officer.

We need to lobby local authorities so they understand our needs and help. They will have a new duty to produce a Local Cultural Strategy to plan and encourage provision. Culture includes Sport and Recreation. We must get involved.

There are some rivers without access problems, like the Mersey, which are neglected. It was very badly polluted but is getting cleaner, give it a try, it is worth an annual visit. And we should show we are using it before the anglers get too interested. A river guide is

attached.

Give me a ring if you paddle the river, I want to know how many people use it.

C Cleaver

01625 878838

The river is formed in Stockport from the confluence of the Rivers Goyt and Tame. The first mile is unusable due to high built up banks and a shopping centre built over the river. Downstream from Stockport the river valley is mainly underdeveloped due to the risk of flooding. Unfortunately the river was ‘improved’ by weirs, straightening and steep flood banks. There are some natural features and a number of submerged weirs for a bit of interest. The river has enough water in dry weather and at high levels gives a brisk run with some bouncy bits. The best trips are between miles 2 – 5. 2 – 9 – 11.4. The section from 0 can only be done in low water due to weirs. The section below 11.4 awaits the discovery or development of access points.

Site of Carrington Power Station.

Message from Sue Burgess

I am delighted to be working with the BCU's innovative Volunteering Development

Programme. The aim of this programme is to develop an effective recruitment, support and development programme for volunteers at local, regional and national levels within the BCU.

So where do we start?. - with YOU. Over the next two months I hope to get out and about to meet and talk with people who are already volunteering much of their time to the sport. 1 need to get your ideas about volunteering - about the people, the skills and the time! commitment required. I want to hear about the real, practical problems you face as a volunteer. With this information as a starting point, we can begin to build a

programme, which can make a difference to the recruitment, retention and recognition of volunteers through out the sport.

The New Year will see the introduction of regional Valuing Volunteers workshops to continue gathering information and to begin to share some good practice ideas.

I look forward to meeting or speaking with you soon. In the meantime, if you would like any further information about the Valuing Volunteers Programme, please do not hesitate to contact me at:

Tamworth House, 2 Garden Court, Garden Village, Wrexham LL11 2SQ. Tel: 01978 313673

NorthWest Region Coaching Courses Chester - North Wales

Kayak Coach – Level 2 Assessment 18^th July

Kayak Coach – Level 2 Training 9^th/10^th October

Kayak Coach – Level 3 Assessment 18^th.19^th November

Contact Ian McMullen

Tel 01244 372183

French Alps – Summer 1999

(Ribble Canoe Club)

Anyone interested, then read on !!

It is hoped to organise a trip to the French Alps this summer, probably 2-3 weeks around the July/August period. The trip is very much in the early planning stage and will be

tailored around the requirements of the people interested in going. The holiday is not purely a hard river paddling trip but a leisurely family based trip suitable for anyone who wants to have a good time in the sun with some paddling and other activities thrown in. The holiday will be camping based (unless alternatives can be found) and transport to the Alps will be a matter of filling a number of cars and making our own way to the campsite, whether in convoy or separately It is suggested that we head for the Briancon/Embrum area of southern France, where the Club has been on a number of occasions before. Or an alternative to 2 weeks in one spot would be to go to the Biaritz area, around the coast on the Spanish/French border for a week surfing and lounging in the sun followed by a week in the Briancon/Embrum area of the Alps for some addling.

On past expeditions to the Alps people have taken canoes, bikes, windsurfers, walking/climbing gear etc and had a very enjoyable time. There is a large lake at Embrum with beaches for anyone wanting to windsurf, canoe or just lounge in the sun. An ideal site for Canadian canoes or relative beginners to paddle in safety. The Briancon and Embrum

areas (the towns are about 15-20 miles apart) are surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery ideal for walking and cycling and the whole area has numerous clear blue rivers to paddle from Grade 2 up to 6.

Where we go and what we do depends on who is interested in going and what you want to do - it is your holiday! The cost of the holiday will be based on the cost of the ferry crossing, petrol to get down there,campsite fees and the amount of wine and beer you drink. Information on ferries, campsites, routes, maps etc can be organised and booked as a group (if required) or individuals can sort themselves out.

Anyone interested should contact Andy Rushton (01772-724872) or Simon Cole (01253-795017) so that a list of people can be put together and a meeting arranged to sort out the details. A slide show could be arranged of previous trips if required.

North West Youth League

The second season of the North West Youth Leagues was very enjoyable with a total of thirteen teams split seven in the Under 18 League, and six in the new Under 16 League.

In the Under 18 League Friends of Allonby Colts finished as League Champions again with 18 straight wins out of 18. However, the battle for Runners-Up position was a very tense affair with either of the two Viking Teams and Friends of Allonby Colts in the running. Viking 'X' had started the season as the stronger of the two Derby teams but Viking 'Y' grabbed a precious 2-1 win against them in the final tournament which in the end proved good enough to haul them into third place. However, Friends of Allonby Cubs slightly better goal difference gave them the edge over the two Viking Teams and the Runners-Up Trophies.

The other three teams in the League - Middleton Scouts, Ribble and Manchester

Warriors all improved dramatically during the season and played some very exciting games every time they took to the water.

In the Under 16 league all six Teams worked extremely hard throughout the season and had a really great time in the process. As with the Under 18 League the emphasis was on development and each of the teams really did improve during the course of their three Tournaments.

It was touch and go how the League Table would eventually pan out with some

cracking games and unpredictable outcomes. In the final run in it became a contest

between Viking 'I' and the two Friends of Allonby Teams to see which could collect the highest number of points. All three finished having won 10 of their games but Friends of Allonby Pips managed a higher number of drawn games to take the Championship and Friends of Allonby Pups lost one fewer games than Viking 'I' to grab the runners-Up Trophies.

Manmix and Middleton Scouts, the other two teams in the Under 16 league, put in some great performances and will be better still when they return for the 1999/2000

season in September/ October next.

Please note that the North West Youth League is open to Teams from other BCU

Regions as the four Viking Teams from Derby can testify. All the Tournaments are held at Irlam Pool near Manchester which is in relatively easy travelling distance from

Central and West Yorkshire.

It would be very nice to be able to expand both leagues to ten teams each so, if you would like to provide your youth team with friendly competition to help their

development, please contact Gerry McCusker on 0151 526 4493 or email to gerry@mccusker1.freeserve.co.uk.

Thanks to Gerry McCusker for the above article

Investing in the Future

I'm not an independent financial adviser about to advocate the merits of prudent financial planning, or saving for the future - but the message is rather similar!

From little acorns mighty oak trees grow, and little polo players have a tendency to grow into excellent adult players if they are nurtured, trained and suitably motivated.

I am suggesting and recommending that clubs make a special effort in 1999/2000 to start a Youth Team if they haven't already got one. Polo is a great game for kids.

There is no reason why Mums and Dads can't get involved as coaches, timekeepers,

referees, team logistics managers (driving the youngsters to their events) or general

supporters. However, Senior club Players also need to take an interest in the youngsters and help them to develop general canoeing and polo skills under their supervision.

Subsequently these new Youth Teams could be encouraged to join in a local Youth League (if there isn't one already in your area why not start a Youth League of your own) and perhaps eventually join the national Youth Leagues to compete on an even wider plain. In this way the interest of the youth players can be maintained and they will naturally feed into the Club's Senior teams in future years.

Without making this investment in youngsters, Clubs are in danger of eventually running out of players to replace their senior members who may possibly relocate to other areas of the country, retire from the game, or simply find themselves a new interest. Several "big name" Clubs have disappeared in recent years for this very reason, and others have had to resort tot he "transfer market" in order to survive.

Not all the youngsters will make it to your senior teams. Some will lose their enthusiasm, move on to something else, discover "girls" or "boys" as appropriate, or concentrate

exclusively on their academic studies. But a good number will be retained in the sport and will definitely graduate in time to your senior team(s).

Gerry McCusker

BCU visit to club site

Well I never thought I would see the day when the BCU would come to the club site to see how we're developing the club and its facilities, but last week I met with the Officer in charge of Facilities and Development Strategy. He thought the site has great potential and gives the club full backing in the lottery bid (this is very important to success of the bid) and has suggested other areas from which we may tap funds to develop the club. This was a totally refreshing approach from the BCU.

Junior Canoes

Following the clubs interest in developing the youth/childrens section of the club, the Committee have agreed to purchase two new junior canoes.

Canoe Instruction For Children

This is currently in progress at the Hotel Grove Baths. Mark Burch is running the course and I hope to be helping him in the next stage of taking the kids onto the canal or river.

Canoe Polo

This section of the club is doing very well and I understand the MCC Team won their league. They are to buy a quality second-hand polo boat and kit for up and coming young players who do not have their own boats.

On a final note, we've lust had a brilliant Bank Holiday weekend. All those who were out paddling, I hope you had a great time. For those of you who haven't yet brushed off the cobwebs that have been collecting on your canoe over the winter, come on down to the club site on Tuesday evening (club night] and sample the delights of a refreshing paddle. You don't know what you're missing!

Congratulations to slalom C2 pair

Well done to Tom Carlisle and his partner in crime, Steve Hesford who paddled to a victorious first place at the German Open Slalom in Monschau a couple of weeks ago. The very next day they paddled again in the International event against the French and Swiss (they both have very good C2 team paddlers) and came a creditable second place. They clearly deserve their place in the England Slalom Team and lets hope their efforts now get them one step nearer to a place on the Great Britain Slalom Training Squad. Well done lads!

Manchester Paddler wins Great Britain selection event

Yes, Heather Corrie who started off her paddling career training at the Goyt site in Marp]e has recently shown her determination to be the best in Britain. At the Slalom Team Selection Event in La Seu in Spain (site of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Slalom Event) she has just won both selection races which now makes her the number one boat in the British team.

(Taken from Manchester Canoe Club Newsletter)

WILD WATER RACING

JILL BOLTON

Inter-club championships

This years inter-club championships will be held on Saturday 31 July, again on the River Washburn near Harrogate. Manchester are the reigning champions (thanks to the efforts of Phil Heald, Dave Cooke, the Taylors and the Boltons, but several clubs are determined that we won't do it again - can we prove them wrong. The secret of our success was that we had a FULL TEAM. Whilst Jill is happy to coordinate the team again this year, she is unable to spend several hours on the phone trying to round up a full team. YOU NEED TO VOLUNTEER (phone 01925 823897, e-mail jill@wwr.u-net.com) You don't need to be fast, or even to paddle a racing boat. Supporters, especially shuttle bunnies, are

especially welcome.

Inter-regional championships

The 1999 inter-regional championships should have been on the Washburn in March, but unfortunately it was broken. It has been rescheduled for Sunday 21 November on the Mersey. This race, along with the Div B and National Youth Championships at the Burrs on the Saturday should attract some of the country's top river racers to the North West For the weekend (actually most of the country's top river racers live in the North West anyway). Make a note in your diary to attend - especially slalomists who will be starting to get withdrawal symptoms by then, as the slalom season ends in October.

Pre-World Championships

Andy Bolton has been selected for the GB Junior Wild Water Racing Team, to take part in the Pre World Championships on the River Isarco at Vipiteno in Northern Italy. Andy, who has just won the Under 16 and Under 18 National Championship titles, started river racing in order to win the Poussin trophy in the Manchester Quinzaine series.

Coaching

Any youngsters who feel inspired to follow in Andy's footsteps (or should that be wake?) and would like some coaching/advice, please contact Jill, Chris or Andy Bolton phone 01925 - 823897). This offer also applies to adults - especially veterans competing in the Quinzaine series (yes, Pete King, that includes you).

Calendar

Sunday 27 June Tryweryn Div B Starts camp-site,

Finishes above Mill

Saturday 31 July Washburn Div B & inter-clubs Be there!

JULY 17-18TH MARPLE MINI SLALOM

ORGANISER HALEY NEWMAN

Come and join in (or to watch) this club event; there will be something,we hope,for everyone Coaching and club boats available,

Saturday 9.30 onwards Course erection; All WELCOME! we need you!

2.00 onwards Team event and sprint Barbeque b.y.o.f. and drink

Sunday 10.30 start

An ideal event in superb weather conditions (Haley says)to have a go.

Entry £2

under l6 £l

Free camping.

Canteen both days

If you are in touch with ex-members we do know that a number are coming in the hope of meeting with old friends - and may even paddle. Advice on pole dodging can be obtained between now and then on Tuesday evenings

10am to 4 pm

We would like as many people as possible to come to the meeting and contribute.

Canoeing is inhibited by the shortage of suitable canoeing waters and facilities within many areas.

The objective of the Access Service is to provide more opportunities for canoeing by-

1. Reducing the problems effecting canoeing use of rivers, navigations and coastal waters.

2. Promoting the provision of canoeing facilities and playsites.

Bearing in mind that the majority of people live in cities and everyone starts as a beginner the opportunities must include lowland rivers and rivers near centres of population.

These opportunities can only be achieved at a local level by Local Access Officers and local canoe clubs, supported by BCU regional teams and BCU national officers, building

relationships with land owners, local authorities, navigation authorities, Environment Agency, local sports councils, environment action groups, river valley initiatives etc.

The plan is for the meeting to move on from the general problems and solutions identified at the November 1998 meeting and will produce a specific want list and action plan for each river in the region.

Please come to the meeting if you would like to see this happen or can help.

In order to allow arrangements please ring me and confirm your attendance, leave a message if I am not in.

C.H.Cleaver. Northwest Region Access and Environment Officer

39 Cavendish Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire. SK7 6HX

Evening Telephone 01625 878838 E-mail CHRISCLEAVER@bcuinternet.com

Environment Agency and the Met Office working together

The environment Agency is investing 34.5 million over the next 3 years in a 10 year

programme to beef-up the UKs weather radar network to give the public as much advance flood warning as possible.

The E.A. and the Met Office is set in motion a programme of improvements to the existing radar network and confirmed an on-going commitment to using new technology to

produce the most effective service.

(Courtesy of the Environment Agency)

June 18 - 20, Chester

The Disability Awareness Training course has recently been updated, partly because of a need identified within the deliverers forum and also to meet the new coaching update

requirements. The newly structured course took place at Chester - Friday evening and

Saturday morning in the YHA and the remainder of the weekend at the Riverside Centre.

The 17 candidates came from all parts of the N.West, N. Lakes and E. Midlands. Course evaluations were extremely positive, everyone finding the new approach and equipment food for thought!

Because of funding from the NW Disability Committee and Paddlesport the cost of the course was kept to £15 - also well received !!

Finally it is worth noting that all registered BCU Coaches who attended were credited with 3 coach update modules.

Thanks to Derek Brooks (RCO) Andy Brittles (Cheshire Sports Trust) and Jon Davies (Riverside) for their all round support.

Roy Hitchings (Regional Disability Organiser)

B.C.U. North west region newsletter

Volume 1. issue 6

55 People were present at the coaching AGM. The RCO, Derek Brooks, thanked everyone for attending

Derek began by introducing Mike Devlin, Director of Coaching for the BCU.

Andy Cook spoke briefly about the role of the RCO and the LCOs and how these have developed and expanded over the years.

Mike Devlin then continued Andy's theme and spoke on the changing role of the RCO and LCOs. Over the years the RCO/LCOs have had to respond to the growth of the sport with the minimum of help and finance. The NW Region has a good RCO and a supportive team of LCOs. The Region is pro-active and the role of the RCO is not to 'police' courses but to 'encourage' paddling within the Region. Communication needs to be better - both from HQ down and vice versa.

Andy thanked Derek for his hard work over the year on behalf of the Region.

The election of the RCO took place. Andy Cook proposed that Derek Brooks be re-elected for a further 3 years, seconded by Kevin Farnan. Derek was duly re-elected as RCO for the NW Region.

Mike Devlin gave a brief presentation using Power Point. This is the new Level 2 Resource Pack comprising some 92 slides! This will become available to contracted course deliverers and aspirant coaches initially. The presentation covered all aspects of coaching. (Techniques, delivery etc). This is seen as a supportive device to assist in the standardisation of delivery.

After the presentation Derek asked the group to split into their respective districts. He then asked them to think of their own ideas on the 'way forward' for local and regional needs. Derek is going to compile a list of these ideas and they will be forwarded to everyone a.s.a.p.

The election of the LCOs took place. A vote took place for the LCO for Cheshire; this was between Terry Hailwood and lan McMullen. Ian left the room, Terry was not present at the meeting, whilst the voting took place. Only those people from Cheshire were allowed to vote.

T Hailwood-O, I McMullen-7, Absentions -4

lan McMullen was duly re-elected. The remaining LCOs were re-elected nem con.

Roy Hitchings spoke briefly about the coaching accounts. It had been agreed at last years AGM to send 50p per candidate per coaching course to Roy, this money to go into the Coach account. According to the accounts only £16 has been received, representing 32 candidates all year who have taken part in coaching courses! It was agreed to continue with the 50p per head levy. It is in the Region's interest to receive this money as it goes towards buying equipment and enhancing quality of delivery.

Len Hartley and Andy Cook were re-elected as Sea and Open boat coaches.

The meeting closed at 6.00pm

***********************************

Coaching Annual Report

This has proven to be an extremely busy year with several initiatives beginning to pull together and deliver the objectives of Regional and National action plans. The region has led the way with paddlepower, injury prevention and coach update.

The regional coaching panel has continued to meet and give regional coaching activities guidance and direction. They now have a clear working structure and vision of the way forward. The model adopted will be a template for other regions to follow.

Paddlepower has been a major priority this year. The trial within the region has refocused the thrust of coaching within clubs. This initiative is now ready to be launched on a national level with clubs being the central focus and hub for development. The Coaching Service will be key to the development of the imaginative coaches necessary to hold young people in the sport long term. The paddlesport officer and the RCO have visited all of the clubs involved regionally in the paddlepower initiative on at least one occasion. Paddlefest activities have been successfully run at the Burrs and Chester. However we do need more coaches to make connections with their local clubs and support these activities.

It is intended to further support the development of clubs by offering technical advice and advice on health and safety issues through the paddle power accreditation scheme and centre approval schemes already operated.

Coach update will provide a forum for all coaches to meet and exchange ideas on a regular basis and will provide support and help for trainee coaches needed for so long It will enable us to challenge long held views and ideas and take paddlesport into the 20^th century. The emphasis is on personal development and improvement

With this in mind a series of regional events have been organised to promote paddle power and the coach update programme. Coaches are encouraged to bring their young people to the Paddlefest and update their skills at the same time. There will be a small nominal charge for this. LCO's have agreed to act as organisers for these events and co-ordinate activities. The intention is to refocus and rejuvenate coaching activity at a local level using the Manchester panel as an example of good practice

The lottery bid for £60000 made by clubs to support paddle power has now reached the top of the pile and has an allocated caseworker. We are optimistic that this bid will be successful in the New Year. It should be noted that this has generated a considerable amount of money for paddlesport activity within the region. The targets agreed with the sports council are specific and performance led. It is important that all coaches give this initiative their highest priority, as any future funding is dependent on this scheme being a success.

The region has been at the centre of developing new coach education programmes. The Injury prevention course and Risk assessment material developed within the WCA and Northwest now permeates all coaching awards and activities. The region will be focussing on Coaching processes, White water safety initiative and child protection during the next year as key areas in coaching. The regions level 5 and aspirant level 5 coaches have agreed to be involved in the delivery through

coach update.

The main inhibitor for development has been the lack of available funding and personnel on the ground. The employment of a youth development officer regionally has addressed the first problem. The proposed registration of The Northwest Regional Coaching panel as a National Vocational Qualification centre will enable the region to draw in funding that will support both individual coaches working actively and long term within a centre or club environment and a wider coach update programme. This will develop as a trial at the Burrs centre and Chester Canoe club in 1999.

The use of regional level 3 courses during 1998 has acted as an excellent standardisation process and forum for the exchange of ideas. The coaching panel has decided that all courses at this level will operate in a similar way during 1999. They will be co-ordinated by LCO's on an inclusive basis. All appropriately qualified coaches who wish to be involved will be involved. The proposed Level 2 course run in a similar style in the Manchester area will further consolidate this approach. Coaches within the region have been supported to the tune of over a £1000 from the central coaching budget to assist with achieving acceptable standards. The introduction of contracted course provider status and a standard pack for level 2 training will further assist other providers in delivering a nationally standardised package as coaching processes are introduced at other levels.

The profile of sea paddling is being further enhanced within the region. Len Hartley recently qualifed as a level 5 sea coach a product of the regional coach development programme. He is in the process of setting up a sea symposium based on the Isle of Man for the year 2000. A

co-ordinating committee needs to be formed. Volunteers are eagerly awaited. There is a strong possibility that a fleet of sea kayaks will be purchased under a shared purchase scheme

co-ordinated by the PDO.

Communication has been a perennial problem. It is costly and time consuming. The Northwest Coaching Panel now has a presence on the web. The newsletter, coaching calendar etc, can be directly accessed in this way. Free email providers are available and all coaches are encouraged to register addresses with the RCO.

E-mail : bcunw@globalnet.co.uk this will enable better communication and let you receive a copy of the newsletter for free. This will make minutes, notes and newsletters available and allow a much more free interchange of information. The Regional Web site is @ www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~bcunw

There are several free service providers. If you wish to have a email address try. Yahoo! Mail – free you@yahoo.com email.

On a personal note the RCO wishes to thank all those coaches that have given so freely of their time to help promote the sport within the region. In particular the unanimous support of the coaching panel convinces me that the direction being taken by the region and the 34 days spent off the water this year will bear positive fruits and provide for the needs of paddlers in the new millennium.

Derek Brooks Nov 1998.

SUCCESS! This year the North West Region was represented at the National Championship in June. Two canoeists from Chester and three from Salford represented the Region (see Newsletter No. 4 for photo and details ) I repeat my request from last year - if you know of any disability group, individual or centre please inform and encourage them to participate. Paddling 200 metres in a Poly Pippin or any kayak is not too difficult! OBJECTIVE - at least 15 people next year

This year's D.A.T. course took place at Salford Quays as programmed in June NOTE - Jon Davies and I have a target of ensuring that each club in the North West has at least one member who is D.A.T. trained. If you can identify any shortfall in this area please send a representative to next year's course - Chester July 16/18 1999

All coaches will be aware of a major change in Coaching Service philosophy – namely ‘Coaching Update’

The BCU is adopting the policy of many other National Governing Bodies regarding the maintenance of coaching qualifications.

In future BCU coaching members will be required to attend coaching update sessions in order to maintain their qualifications. Some suggestions for coaching update modules are to be found at the end of this year’s Regional Calendar. The requirement is to attend 3 modules over a three year period (April 1999 – April 2002)

Please note that after discussion with Mike Devlin, it is also possible for coaching members to attend a Disability Awareness Training weekend and access two or even three coaching update modules ‘in one sitting’ (July 16/18 1999)

I have applied to the National Disability Committee and the Jubilee Foundation for funding to assist in the purchase of an expedition fleet in conjunction with Oakwood School/Youth Club, Salford. The first application has been successful. I await the Jubilee application result in the New Year

PADDLEABILITY TIMETABLE 1999

MAY 15-16 Entries by April 30

JUNE 5-6 Entries by May 21

JULY 3-4 Entries by June 18 Holme Pierrepont

SEPT. 5-6 Entries by August 27

Roy Hitchings, 1998

Access Officers Report Year to November 1998

I want to suggest a wide interpretation of Access work.

It is about making every suitable river and water body available for canoeing. It is not just about conflict between anglers and canoeists. It is about addressing all the problems that stop suitable and sustainable rivers being paddled.

Suitable in size and sustainable in avoiding damage to conservation interests. We must hand our rivers on to the nest generation in a more natural condition with greater biodiversity. Not degraded by recreation use.

Also sustainability includes not loosing the goodwill of those on whom we depend on the river bank.

Some suitable rivers are unusable due to manmade problems, particularly in urban areas. We should be encouraged because there are pressures from others to reduce these problems and we can benefit. Water quality is improving because the population wants and is paying for improved sewage treatment and cleaner rivers.

Weirs are a problem. Taking a long view I can see that some thing will happen to every weir over twenty years. Fall down, knock down, or be rebuilt.

If we educate and lobby all those organisations involved in rivers and riverside development we can ensure that changes are to our benefit, or at least neutral. If we do nothing the changes will be to our disadvantage.

We need paddlers to work locally and build relationships with local authorities, Environment Agency and other organisations.

Please volunteer if you would like to help.

Access Officers New volunteers.

Carl Lowther - Lower Lune.

Mark Burch - Goyt

Burrs Activity Centre - Irwell

We require access officers for the following canoed rivers :- Croal, Dane, Etherow, Roch, Tame, Weaver, Wheelock and Wyre.

An Access Seminar was held on l4th November. Attendance was 2 Local Access Officers, 5 Access Workers, 7 Club Representatives and 9 Environment Agency Staff.

Another seminar will be held next year.

Need for Access

A questionnaire to determine the north west members opinions produced only a handful of responses. Only the Ribble and Invell access officers report receiving queries. Answered three queries about water to paddle from visitors to the region.

The government is carrying out a review of fisheries legislation, canoeists need to get involved and lobby to avoid further disadvantage.

Access work can only be done at a local level, we need local paddlers to help, please get in touch.

Remember the E.A. phone numbers.

Pollution- 0800 807060

Water levels- 0930 107702

C.H.Cleaver Access and Environment Officer, 39 Cavendish Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport Cheshire SK7 6HX Evening Telephone 01625 878838

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 WILD WATER RACING

In terms of individual achievements, the North-West Region has had another highly successful year:

National Championship Series 1998

National Champion Ian Tordoff Chester

Under 23 Peter Keron Lancaster

Under 18 Joel Wilson Chester Elizabeth Holmes Chester

Under 16 Andy Bolton Chester Nicola McGee Lancaster

Under 14 Jonathan Schofield Clitheroe

Veteran Jill Bolton Chester

English Open Championships 1998

The above paddlers also won the same classes in the English Open on the River Washburn

Youth Series (Wavehoppers)

Under 14 Olivia Hewitt Lancaster

Inter-club Champions 1998

Manchester Canoe Club

Particular praise should go to 17 year old Joel Wilson who took part in three World Championships (26th in Senior WWR, 5th in Junior WWR, 3rd in Junior Marathon)

In addition, it should be noted that North-West paddlers make up a large proportion of Division A (Men's K1 28%, Women's K1 54%, C1 40%, C2 22%).

During the year we have held five Division B races on the region's rivers (Irwell, Goyt, Mersey, Dee), including the Youth Championships, and have run two Division A races on the Tryweryn.

Next year

These achievements should not hide the fact that we need to strengthen the base of the WWR pyramid. Much of the current success is a direct reflection of the work within the region by Andy Parry, during his time as National Development Coach (NDC). Since he gave up the post there has been very little 'new blood'.

We need to work with the Paddlesport Development Officer and new NDC to ensure:

Dates for your Diary

26 December Boxing Day Race River Goyt Marple

10 January Div B Race River Goyt Marple

23-24 January Level 2/3 Coaching course Burrs

6 February Div B Race River Derwent Matlock

13 February Div B Race (sprint) River Irwell Burrs

14 February Div B Race River Mersey Sale

March Div B Race River Dee Chester

Remember - when you've tried WWR, you'll realise:

It's not - a matter of 'slogging your guts out' for twenty minutes down a river

It is about - using your ability to read water and pick the fastest line

- controlling your boat so you don’t spin out