October 20072007————NewsletterNewsletter

Midland Canoe Club (Derby)

Inside this issue:

Club News 1

Proposed Amendments to 2 the Midland Canoe Club Constitution—September

Committee Reports 3 The Mighty Keithus’ by 8 Mr Picky

Its a mini adventure . . . 11

Community Sports Above: Keith Tillen negotiating the “Miss Davis's Bridge” rapid at the ‘Mighty Tryweryn’ on a 12 Coach cumecs release on July 22nd this year—See JohnC’s article on page 8 We would like to welcome on board Ben Seal who is the new Community Sports Tuck Shop the Nene WWC on November Coach for Derby City 18th. Council. As part sponsors Tea and coffee, sweets and of Ben’s post he will be crisps are provided at Darley Increase in Pool Charges doing some coaching for us Abbey. Can members making Derby City Council imposed a down at the pool and as- themselves a drink or taking 12.5% increase in pool charges sisting us with our goal of other items please place their in April. This has forced us to getting more people out on monetary contribution in the increase pool fees by 50p the rivers lakes and sea. If that Derek knows which re- receptacle provided? across the board which is the you sea Ben at the pool or sources he’s got to allocate. We Well Done first increase since 2002. This elsewhere please introduce appreciate your help on this. Another year of success and increase will apply from yourself to him. Remember Club Security fun on the water for the Wednesday 24th October. if you want any advice or MCC Youth Freestyle team Domain Names coaching at the pool please On a number of recent occasions which has comprised this tell Derek Cox as you’re members visiting the site have The domain names year Gabby Bates, Matt Rod- signing in and Derek will found doors unlocked or the www.derbycanoeclub.com and gers, Tom Fyall and Richard arrange the resources to alarm un-set. If you’ve recently www.derbycanoeclub.co.uk Homer all paddlers making give you the help you need. received a key and not had the have been purchased by John site security demonstrated to you great steps forward this year. If you’re a coach or helper Chamberlin for the use of please contact Derek or any other Reports to follow. Why not please let Derek know Midland Canoe Club. committee member to arrange a give it a try on the club trip to when you sign in as well so site induction.

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Proposed Amendments to the Midland Canoe Club Constitution—September 2007

At the EMC meeting on 3rd September, the following two amendments to the current Midland Canoe Club Constitution were recommended for submission to the 2007 AGM:

1. Child Protection Policy

Current wording:

None existing.

Proposed amendment:

The club will abide by the BCU Duty of Care – Child Protection Policy – see http://www.canoe-england.org.uk/canoeeng/2168- 3-child-protection.aspx – a copy of which can be seen at Appendix 1 to this Constitution. The club shall name a nominated Child Protection Officer.

2. Equal Opportunities Policy

Current wording:

Membership should consist of officers and members of the club. All members will be subject to the regulations of this constitu- tion, and by joining the club will be deemed to accept these regulations and codes of conduct that the club has adopted.

Proposed amendment:

Membership should consist of officers and members of the club. All members will be subject to the regulations of this constitu- tion, and by joining the club will be deemed to accept these regulations and codes of conduct that the club has adopted. The club has adopted the BCU Equal Opportunities and Equity Policy; see: http://www.canoe-england.org.uk/canoeeng/2172-3- equity.aspx. Both of these are proposed in order to further align the Midland Canoe Club's Constitution with the requirements of Sport Eng- land's Clubmark accreditation, towards which we are working.

3. Name Change proposal

That the club name be changed to ‘Derby Canoe Club’ - Proposer—Steve Adams

*************************** MCC/EMC/Sept. 19th 2007

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Committee Reports

Vice Chair (EMC Member) Report

I would like to thank the committee for all their hard work over the last 12 months to make it another successful year. The club site is much improved. Lots of courses have been run and we have had a huge variety of trips. Well Done...

I unfortunately will not be standing for re-election but will continue helping with coaching when I can.

The position of Vice Chair (EMC Member) allows you a free roll so a good option for someone who wants to get more involved with the running of the club.

Simon Pilbeam—Vice Chairman ———————||——————— Annual Report to the 2006-2007 AGM of the Midland Canoe Club

John Chamberlin – President

The Midland Canoe Club is 56 years old this November, and it looks as healthy as ever, if not healthier than it's ever been. And that's thanks to you, the members – those who just paddle, those who work to help run the club, and those who do both – every- one. Without out all of you, the club would not exist. And that, I think, is a key issue, really; paraphrasing Mr Kitchener, 'Your club needs you!'

At the time of the AGM – that 'Annual Gathering of Members' – it is time to reflect on the past year, albeit briefly, and time to lay the refreshed foundations for the year ahead. I say 'briefly, but of course I don't do 'brevity'; it's one of my many faults. And I say 'refreshed' because, as usual, there will be some changes among the ranks of those you elect to run the club. All of these will be for entirely valid reasons – sometimes due to changes in people's work commitments or their lives outside of the club (because we all have them), and sometimes because people just need a rest – but whatever the reasons, ultimately, the club as a whole, and the EMC/GC (Executive Management and General Committees) in particular, benefit from the refreshing annual transfusion of some 'new blood', but more of that later.

As far as 2006/07 has been concerned, from where I sit it's been as good as any other year and better than many, and even a cur- sory scan of the many activities being reported on the Message Board will confirm that: see General Chat/Youth Freestyle Results – http://youth.ukfreestyle.com/2007hppresults.php – for just one recent example. There has been lots of paddling on a variety of trips and within a range of disciplines, including a serious rejuvenation of sea paddling, which of course I personally welcome. Those of you who go on these different activities – 'open', sea, surf, river, etc. – will know who's organising them, and therefore who to thank. Specifically, there was the series of sea-kayaking 'theory' evenings down at the club, and it's 30 years since we last did anything like that, so it was great to see the effort that went into it (thanks to Kev' and Gill), and the commitment of those members so clearly interested in and benefiting from it, and subsequently putting it into practice on the sea.

As usual, some things haven't happened anything like as fast as we'd have liked, and one is the major funding application for approx' £19,000 for the renewal of the perimeter fencing (including two new gates). However, this was finally submitted last April – thanks to Andy R. – so if and when it ever gets awarded, we will honour the commitment made at the 2005 AGM to seek members' views on the actual project, prior to any real expenditure.

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Reports—continued

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Another has been the lack of any real progress on the 'Clubmark' application (see: http://www.sportengland.org/clubmark), and that's been down to me. Sorry, but I've had other things on also. Glyn and I recently had a meeting at the club one night, however, to pick up where we'd left off, but it's still down to me to progress it further, so I'll continue to try and find the time unless some- one tells me not to.

The Carsington access issue is making some headway with our first paddle there on15th September, and the aim is to follow that with a few more, but sticking to the rules of the current tripartite agreement between Severn Trent, the BCU and Carsington Sport and Leisure (CSL). The longer-term issue, though, is to try and get the safety boat requirement (currently £12.00/hour) reviewed, at least, because it is financially prohibitive and, we feel, unnecessary. Chat separately if you wish to know more about that, but my thanks to Matt D. and Jocelyn P. for their help with 'negotiations' so far.

Connected to that, whilst at Cwm Pennant recently I was chatting to Rutland CC members and they told me of their agreement, direct with Anglian Water, for paddling on the 'main body' of Rutland Water, where their club is situated. They apparently have an internal club 'coaching scheme', run on exactly the same lines as the BCU's, but which the Anglian Water Authority find quite ac- ceptable as a basis for their agreement. If you look at their club's website* you'll see the term 'Main Body' – referring to the main body of (Rutland) water – and their club's agreement specifies that trips must be led by a 'Main Body Leader'. Apparently the 'leader' needs three things, which are to:

• hold a BCU two-star paddling qualification; • hold a current First-Aid certificate, and; • have a current canoe safety test certificate.

(* http://www.rutlandcanoeclub.org.uk/rules.htm)

This approach is one possible angle with which to open negotiations with Severn Trent about Carsington, so we'll continue to pur- sue that.

As far as running the club is concerned, the EMC itself has had its reduced number of 'hands' full, as at most meetings there's only been about five or six people. Nonetheless they've worked very hard and a variety of improvements have been made in how these meetings are run. Also, though, members of the wider 'GC' have voiced concerns about knowing (or not knowing) what's going on, so that's an aspect for review in the coming months. Either way, all those who have in any way helped run the club over the past twelve months deserve our thanks. It's not an easy task.

One major change this time is that Glyn Smith is stepping down as Chairman after a number of years in the post. Anyone who knows Glyn will know also what a tireless source of energy he's been during this period, but he's acknowledged recently that he needs a break from it and to get back to some more focused paddling for himself. Trying to 'lead' the club, especially, is also no easy task, and often a seemingly thankless one, so Glyn deserves a huge vote of thanks for his work over recent years; everything from organising paddling trips, work on the clubhouse's internal 'structure' and installing all the high-techie stuff, to running the newsletter for a spell and the website for ages, and more recently (along with Paul D-W.) installing the new 'decking'. He's also been on the club's 'Funding' sub-committee – being largely responsible for the £6,300 grant we received last December – and along with me a regular attendee of the Derby City Outdoor Recreation Development Group (DCORDG) meetings since its inception some years ago, for which I owe him my personal thanks as he's much closer to the paddling aspects of the club than I am. Addi- tionally, he's been a staunch advocate of the new Community Sports Coach (CSC) scheme which has just come to fruition. How-

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(Continued from page 4) ever, whilst no-one is indispensable, we have to admit that Glyn's larger-than-life presence in the club will be a hard act to follow.

I won't comment at any length on the wider 'volunteers' of the club (generally known, currently, as the GC), because I'm sure that issue will take care of itself come the revolution, but Andy D. stepped down earlier in the year and has recently decided not to re- new his membership, which is a great loss, and Bill Simpson's looking for a rest from 'Equipment'. Simon Pilbeam is also stepping down from EMC member/Vice Chairman. Members might therefore wish to consider these tasks; i.e. Coaching (Junior and Sen- ior), Social, Site Maintenance and Equipment Maintenance, as they at least could be unfilled as things stand, but thanks go to all those 'volunteers' – not forgetting Nao' and Adi' – for all their hard work whilst 'in post'.

On the central politburo, though, the only people we're confident are standing for re-election are Viv' (currently 'Membership Sec.', but fancying a change, perhaps to 'Social'?), Gill (currently Treasurer – but open to suggestions – Chairman?), Derek (Pool), and Andy R., (Secretary and Newsletter Editor). So this leaves opportunities for four new bodies on that EMC group. This is a great chance for some of the newer, senior members in the club to step forward and get stuck in. There have already been some hints from interested parties, but either way the club needs to retain the full complement of this group if it is to share the workload more evenly.

Another 'partnership' that is beginning to work well for us – prompted initially by Simon P. – is with the 'Community Payback' scheme, where teams of people required to do 'Community Service' have this year laid a few tons of stone along the main drive to the club, and more recently repainted the outsides of all four steel canoe-containers on the club site. (They couldn't do the tops – for 'H&S' reasons – but Keith and I have done those today.) Currently they, but a different 'team', are making two, new, sturdy wooden picnic benches for the site, and all we have to do, upon their delivery, is pay Travis-Perkins the bill for the timber. It's a good deal – they provide the labour, we provide the tools and materials, and we all get something out of it – and there's also the possibility that an occasional 'team member' may decide to paddle with us on the 'straight and narrow'. Who knows?

And this, along with mentioning Cwm Pennant, above, prompts another thought to do with the longer-term future of the club. Glyn has for some while now been saying that MCC should reposition itself as a 'family club'. Well, family-orientated or not, its future certainly lies in a continuous influx of new younger members. The CSC initiative is designed to pump-prime this from one angle, and the seemingly steady influx of new, but more senior members, can only help provide some of the paddling and other developmental guidance that these young people will need from another. It is not without reason that one of the club's long- standing Constitutional Aims is:

'To make appropriate and responsible contributions to the social development of its younger members.'

So what's this got to do with Cwm Pennant? Well, two weekends ago, John Bradley and I attended what was to be the final Sea Kayaking Festival held at that location – see: http://www.cwmpennant.com/, and I mention this because, back in February 2007, Hillingdon Borough Council (HBC), the owners of the centre (or at least, its lease), decided to close it, and the sea kayaking event Bradders and I attended was, literally, its final booking. When we drove away on Sunday evening, 2nd Sept., the centre as we knew it ceased to function. The grounds for its closure, on the face of it, were that it makes a 'loss' of somewhere between £20k and £30k p.a. But, to keep that in perspective, that is the lowest 'loss' the centre has made since the extremely dedicated and energetic manager, Dave Evans, took over in 1997, when the centre was as good as derelict. In the ensuing decade David has continued to improve both its structure and its vibrancy, and about 5,000 young people visited the centre every year (approx' 30-40% of those from Hillingdon). I have seen first-hand many times evidence of the positive effect that has had on the lives of some of those chil- dren (I have posted one tiny example of that, a child's thank-you letter, in the clubhouse, next to the Cwm Pennant poster), and I have also personally taken parties of adults (managers working for our own landlord) and received similar positive feedback as to the value of the centre and the experiences it provided.

It is difficult to equate the HBC accountant's 'bottom-line' of (say) £30,000, but let's say it's more than one, but less that two, po- licemen's wages? What sort of effect do you have to have, to change the behaviour of just a few youngsters, to stop them breaking

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(Continued from page 5) into a car, or smashing up a bus-stop, and hence saving some local community that £30,000? All I can say is that that didn't seem to factor into the accountant's decision, and I offer you an item from a Hillingdon newspaper, earlier this year, when the centre's closure was being debated locally, where a local Councillor posed the question, 'Why do these youngsters have to go to North Wales to experience the outdoors? They could walk to school!'

It is sometimes difficult to understand how the people who run our local authorities get elected. I'm pleased Derby CC apparently isn't like that.

So, again, what's this to do with the Midland Canoe Club? Well, it's back to those young people. The present younger members of MCC are a credit to the club, and therefore to the local community. And this club is highly respected within that community. We should never doubt nor underestimate the effect we can, and do, sometimes have on our younger members. I think it's part of our responsibility, and I remember, as a teenager joining MCC in 1963, the very positive effect on what was then my 'development'.

Last Saturday night I was having dinner with a friend, Tony Parnham, someone I met almost four-and-a-half decades ago when we both joined 'Midland'. We were reminiscing, as old scrotes do, and some of that was to do with those who helped to shape us in our late teens and the years that followed. People like Dave Patrick (or 'Daddy P.', as I've recently written elsewhere), Jim Doxey, Gerry Chester, and the Wallheads – John Senior, and Bill – and others like them. We looked up to them, they kicked us into shape if our youthful ways got a bit wayward, and they taught us an activity that, at least in my case, has stayed with me ever since. It changed my life for ever, and for the better. So I look forward to that steady and continuous influx of new younger members, and hope that the Midland Canoe Club can continue to have a positive effect on their lives also.

For my part, as I've said many times I've always considered it an honour and privilege to hold the post I'm currently in, but as al- ways, that's your decision. I can only say that my passion for the Midland Canoe Club and my belief in it is undiminished, and I'm certainly willing to stand again, as long as that's the members' wish. What I will add, though, is that whilst ever I hold this position, I will continue to play a reasonably active (though I trust not disproportionate) interest in the running of the club and its future direction, and that includes – Chairman willing – attending as many of the club's meetings as I can, as well as representing Midland CC elsewhere when that is the EMC's wish. For example, I currently represent the club on the Darley Barn Steering Group (latest meeting on Thursday, 20th Sept.) – which is serving us well in an increasingly positive relationship with the Derby City Council (our landlords) – and my (and Glyn's) attendance at a number of the local DCC 'Area Panel 5' meetings has drawn in an additional £1,500 of funding for this year. So, I guess I'm not quite ready to be 'put out to grass' yet. Sorry Pete.

In conclusion, please do attend this year's Annual General Meeting, as – thanks again to some innovative thinking by Gill and Kevin – it promises to be a more enjoyable evening. Turn up, enjoy the meeting, tell us what you think, and please also consider offering yourself for one of the vacant EMC or other 'volunteer' positions, because as I said at the start, your club needs you.

I hope, meanwhile, that the club can continue to grow, in the way you want it to, through 2007-2008 and beyond, and I hope to see you at the Annual Gathering, where the curry at least should 'spice up' the evening? John Chamberlin—16th Sept., 2007 ———————||——————— Treasurer’s Report

The club accounts are in a reasonable financial state. The main areas are: Clubhouse - The running costs of the clubhouse continue to be a strain on the finances. For example £3402.50 was received in membership fees & £3406.53 was spent on non lottery funded clubhouse running costs. It is essential, therefore that we continue to generate "other income" such as the £1030.80 generated this year. Paddling Events (Continued on page 7)

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These show a loss this year due to the fact that we have paid in advance for the sole use Nene White Water Centre in November (£170) and also the first visit to the Nene ran at a loss. This should not be the case in November. Pool Sessions We have managed to make a small profit (£904) this year from the pool sessions which is to be ploughed back into repairing & replacing equipment at the pool. Derby City Council did, however, increase the cost of the pool sessions in April by 12.5% and this will have an impact next year. Training Training continues to just about pay for itself. (£1605.15 received, £1655.09 spent). We have continued to assist members in their coaching qualifications and have brought in outside coaches to help where there has been a shortfall in qualifications. Container Rental Some rental has been received. This remains an issue for me as I do not have a list of who has what in the container and so am unable to establish if I have received all monies due for the year. Gill Robinson -Treasurer ———————||——————— MCC MEMBERSHIP REPORT AGM 2007 Having just under 100 members we are slightly down on numbers from last year, but with a steady stream of enquiries via email & phone this remains a constant. As with last year we have had a very productive year with many courses being undertaken, with much hard work on the part of the coaches. 1 and 2 star with Andy Rodgers and Andy Eardley. 3 star with Andy Ditchburn. 1 & 2 star Canoe with Roger Smith, Colum Walsh & Bill Simpson. Intro to moving water with Pete Whitehouse proving popular and Andy Boothman running many river trips. And the new 3star WW a first for the club with myself & Simon Pilbeam. The club has a thriving interest in Sea kayaking due to the enthusiasm of Kev &Gill Robinson. In the junior section the new Cadet coaching scheme piloted by Andy Ditchburn have lead a successful canal trip and helped with running a very busy day for the guides at the club. This is in between practicing for their Youth Freestyle competitions at Holme Pierrepont, Llangollen, Nene W.Water, Teesside and Boulters on the Thames. As we have year round pool session at Queen’s Leisure we must ensure that the potential talent from the new members is chan- nelled in the right direction with more emphasis on transferring newly acquired skills onto the river whether into slalom/canoe/sea kayaking, freestyle, marathon or recreational paddling. We have a great club here lets maximise our potential, so please vote with your feet and attend the AGM. I wish to stand for re-election (Membership Secretary or Social Secretary) Viv Glaves—Membership Secretary ———————||——————— Secretary and Newsletter Editor I shan’t repeat what others have said so eloquently in their reports other than to say... Thanks to Glyn for all of his hard work in serving the club over the years, I hope that a rest from the committee will re-charge your paddling batteries. Thanks to Adi and Nao who haven’t been able to participate as much as they used to due to changes in their work circumstances and also to Simon who is stepping down too. I think we’ve had a good year of paddling overall with a wide variety of trips organised by Kev Robin- son the Touring officer. Knowing Kev as I do I’ve not been at all surprised by the energy levels that he puts into organising and participating in these trips. If any of you would like to see what has been done this year and what you could also do next year please come along to the AGM where there will be a display of photographs from the various club trips. Hopefully you will feel enthused enough to offer your services for one of the committee positions available or one of the equally important volunteer officer roles also up for grabs. I’ve not devoted enough time as I’d like to these posts due to work and supporting Matt and others with their freestyle. I’d like to stand for re-election for both but if anybody else feels they could do better you’ll have my full support.—Andy Rodgers ———————||——————— Pool Manager’s Report Another year as pool manager has passed with not much to report on as most weeks the pool session runs reasonably well. (Continued on page 8)

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Some Wednesday evenings are busier than others with new people wanting to try our pool sessions. Some people have tried canoe- ing before whereas others have not. This can only be a good thing for the club. I would like to thank all of the coaches and members who gave up their time canoeing to teach others. I would also like to say a big welcome to Ben our Community Sports Coach, he will be a big help at the pool sessions and will also be helping people to try the river for the first time. As you are aware the pool has certain rules which are put in place for every- body's safety. Thank you for you co-operation in this matter. May I also say thank you to any committee mebers who are standing down for their help over the past year. However I’m sure there will be other members who are more than willing to help run the club in some way. I myself would be pleased to carry on with my position as Pool Manager for another year if required Derek Cox ‘The Mighty Keithus’ by Mr Picky

Following on from Keith's interesting contribution in the June issue, I'm going to pick him up on one small point. He says, 'I think I can just pip John on my years being associated with canoeing, 42 years, …'. Well, sorry Keith, it must have been my inaccurate writing that caused the mistake, but this coming Bonfire Night, Nov. 2007, I'll have been in the Midland Canoe Club for 44 years; as I said in that article, '… having first come down on Bonfire Night 1963'. But that is where my pickiness ended. From there on, reading the rest of his article, it changed to humility and admiration.

I met Keith for the first time when he joined MCC, but clearly he had known Dave Patrick – or 'Daddy P.' as he was known in my early MCC days – much longer. So it's only when someone like Keith takes the time to write like he did in that last issue, and ac- quaint the rest of us with his true paddling heritage, that one can begin to appreciate more fully the person we thought we knew: the fact that he 'rapidly rose to the top division', and the famous (or at least, they were then) names he mentioned, whom he was paddling alongside.

Paul Farrant – the then World Champion; Keith White – design inspiration behind the whole series of 'KW' slalom* and WWR kayaks made by Roy Staley of Streamlyte Mouldings; and Dave Mitchell – came 2nd in the 1966 (I think it was?) World Champ's, and the top UK slalom paddler for a number of years in the 60s. Yes, Keith definitely has a rock-solid white-water kayaking heri- tage (see also postscript).

(* My first ever kayak was a, sort of, 'KW3', made in a certain garage, in Charles Avenue, Spondon. Like other well-known garage start-ups – Apple Computer; Hewlett-Packard – that particular 'garage' was later to become known as 'P&H Fibreglass Products', and ultimately 'The P&H Company Ltd '. And I'll buy a pint for anyone who can tell me what the 'H' stands for.)

Keith's contribution is worth reflecting on, I believe, because it's all too easy as people get older for younger members not to appre- ciate whom they might have in their midst, and just write them off as doddering old scrotes. Not that anyone would ever say that of Keith, because at 68 (but for 4 days, just six months younger than Dave P.), he's still paddling strongly – at the pool and the club, down at Holme Pierrepont, and on rivers further a field in Scotland and the Alps, and surfing – so no-one would ever agree with him that he had 'lost (his) skills'.

Ernie Phillips, however, is perhaps another case in point, because even though he's into his 80s and, sadly, getting a bit frail these days, I'd never refer to him as a 'doddering old scrote' either. He's a VP, yes, but no-one ever sees him much these days. No-one, that is, except Don Charlesworth (designer of the Midland CC logo), who for years has been taking Ernie out every week. But whilst always, like me perhaps, a bit of a nervous paddler, Ernie was totally competent on a rock face. If you need convincing, and have never read Joe Brown's 1967 book 'The Hard Years', you might like to, because on p. 53 you'll see the section:

'Ernie Phillips tied on as second man and in due course reached my stance. Thirty feet of this crucial pitch remained. Ten feet higher I was stopped by a huge loose rock lying in the crack. I could not see how to circumvent it; if I continued the rock would be dislodged and crush Ernie. Realising the situation Ernie turned very pale...'

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You might have already read it of course, but without realizing it was our 'Ernie Phillips' Joe Brown was talking about. Well it was, but Ernie would never tell you.

It was Ernie who acquired one of the first ever surfing kayaks brought into the UK from the US, the 'Surf Yak', forerunner to al- most all surf kayaks currently in use and certainly to the P&H 'SurP&Her' series, initially designed by Danny Broadhurst and Tim Rule in 1972. It was Ernie, also – despite what anyone else might say – who designed the first retractable skeg system for (then) slalom/GP kayaks being taken on the sea, but which was immediately adopted for the newly-designed sea kayaks being made by P&H in the early 1980s, and, further developed, has since become de rigueur for sea kayaks everywhere.

In his article Keith also mentioned 'Jim Doxey', but he wasn't the only one to mention Jim in recent years. If any of you have read Ellen MacArthur's 2002 book, 'Taking on The World' (or even if you haven't), on pages 189 and 195 you'll see Jim's name. Ellen turned to Jim Doxey, of all the potential people available to her worldwide, because she new he was the guy she could rely on when a serious 'engineering' problem occurred on her boat during 'The 'Vendée Globe' non-stop, solo, 'around-the-globe' race in 2000/2001. James W. Doxey was a 'serious' engineer – mechanical, electrical, hydraulic – you name it, he could do it. But not only was he a superbly skilled, highly qualified and solid all-round consummate engineer, he was also a strong paddler and a solid all- round really nice person. I remember, on meeting him, soon after I joined Midland, knowing instantly he was the sort of person you could, and should, look up to. I did then, and I still do now, even though I haven't seen him for a few years. He was one of those people who, in your more formative years, left a lasting impression. A really good one. He left a 'lasting impression' on MCC at Darley Abbey, too, because when we first moved there from Trent Lock in the mid-70s, and there was no electricity on site, it was Jim – living in Bristol by then – who supplied our first and one-and-only mains generator, for free (but we didn't ask where it came from!).

And it was Ernie Phillips who, for all the succeeding years of that genny's subsequent use, kept it serviced and maintained for us, also for free, until we finally installed permanent mains in the early 90s.

At the risk of seeming maudlin, which I don't intend, over my years I've been to quite a lot of funerals (it becomes more frequent the older one gets), and I've often wondered two things: a) why aren't all the nice things people say on those occasions, said while the subject of the comments is still alive? – and, b) why is it that we often learn more than we previously knew about a person, just after they've died? I've only ever stood up at one of those events to say anything, and it was in 'celebration' of another club mem- ber, George Bazeley, MCC member from about 1970 until he died in 1996. I was seventh in line to go up to the pulpit and say my piece on the day, and I nearly chickened out because I'd never done anything like that before. I was nervous as hell, and I also nearly didn't manage it, because I became racked with tears as I tried to read what I'd written, having to stop a number of times. Someone came up to me later, though, 'back at the house', and said they'd liked mine, because George had obviously meant so much to me. He had. Along with Ian Tatam, in 1972 we'd done that first Irish Sea crossing together (over the appropriately named 'St George's Channel'), and then the first non-stop circumnavigation of Anglesey the following year. Whilst the Irish Sea trip had always been my idea, George was its backbone. He could rationalise anything. He was senior project engineer on Rolls Royce's then RB211 jet engine project in Derby, before being head-hunted by GE in the States. He was another Jim Doxey.

That's why I stood up and spoke, because, as the Americans say; 'Good thoughts, not delivered, mean squat!' Snag is, I'd never said those things to George while he was alive. I'd never delivered those thoughts.

And that's why I'm writing this now, to deliver some, so those newer members to MCC don't fail to appreciate who they have 'in their midst' now, in this case, in Keith Tillen. When he says he 'started back into canoeing with a vengeance with the MCC and (has) not looked back', it's a two-way deal. Neither has MCC. Keith's always been a grafter for the club. From his work on the old clubhouse, to his procurement and hard work on the current one (it almost, literally, 'fell off the back of a lorry'. No, really. Ask him.), on the site, and on the committee, the Midland Canoe Club has continued to benefit from all his years of membership.

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(Continued from page 9)

Whilst also a qualified engineer, Keith's accounting systems as Treasurer might have foiled even the Enron and WorldCom investi- gators, but his dedication and conscientiousness have never been in doubt. Just a few weeks ago for example he was down there on a warm and sticky Monday evening, jet-washing all the metal containers, prior to the 'Community Payback team' coming to paint them for us the following day. I know, because I was chain-sawing trees down round the back and on the tops, and got rather wet as a result! And on top of all of this, remember, at 68 he's still paddling very competently.

So I'm glad he wrote his piece; politely – as is always Keith's way – adding some factual history to that other minor discussion, but at the same time adding some factual history about himself, modestly, as is also his way, so that we might know him better, too.

When he says he was, 'able to pick out the MCC straight away as being the club (he) wanted to join', perhaps it's now time to re- turn the honour, and 'pick out' Keith? Each year at the AGM the club committee makes a number of long-established award pres- entations. Well this year, I think Keith Tillen fully deserves the club's 'Lifetime Achievement Award', for his 'Outstanding Contri- bution to Canoeing, and to the Midland Canoe Club in particular', even though it doesn't exist yet. Perhaps it should?

For he truly is 'The Mighty Keithus'!

Yours, In deep water…

John C.—25th June 2007 ************************ PS: Additional Information... Some archival material might be of interest also; I have some early copies of 'Canoeing in Britain' – the forerunner to Canoe Focus –Right and the: Approaching earliest is 'No. Borthwen, 14 – Summer near 1954'. On the front page it gives the results of 'The Shepperton', the 'classical' canoe slalom heldRhoscolyn, at Shepperton Anglesey Weir (April 25th that year). A glance at the Results shows: 'Men: 1. Paul Farrant (Chalfont Park CC)'; and, 'Women: 1. Mary Farrant (Chalfont Park CC)'.

In 'No. 15 – Autumn 1954' – 'The Chalfont '54' (August 22nd) and billed as 'the toughest so far held in Great Britain', the 'Results' show: 'Men–Seniors (1) Keith White (Manchester CC)'.

Two of the names Keith mentions.

More interesting, perhaps, to Midland CC members might be the 'Canoeing Calendar 1955' in, 'No. 17 – Spring 1955', pp. 2-5, where you'd have seen:

April 9-11. – Canoe cruise on Wreak and Soar (from Melton Mowbray).** May 15 – Canoe slalom at Trent Lock.** June 4-5 – Canoe cruise on Trent (Trent Lock to Newark).** July 2-3 – Canoe cruise on Derwent (Matlock to Derby).** July 10 – River Sport Day at Trent Lock.** ** All of the above event details are suffixed with, 'Organised by Midland CC (R. E. Grays, 17 Deny's Road, Evington, Leicester)'.

In fact, 'R. E. Grays' was actually Dick Gays, of whom there's an old B&W photo in the clubhouse, and in issue 'No. 24 – Winter 1956/57', Midland CC's 'Dick Gays' appears as no. '4' in the 'First Division' summary for 'Slalom Results 1956', with 'Paul Farrant' (Continued on page 11)

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(Continued from page 10) at no. '7', beneath him. Note that; the club was barely five years old, and had a slalom paddler ranked at 'No. 4' in the UK!

In an issue from the following year – 'No. 21 – Spring 1956' – a similar range of events appear, but with the additional reference to: 'Organised by Midland CC (J. Meats, 100 Hucknall Road, Bulwell, Nottingham).', so it's hardly surprising when Keith Tillen says, 'at that time I had no idea where the MCC used to hang out': Leicester? Nottingham?

(NB 'J. Meats' was in fact Jess Meats.)

The confusion wouldn't have been helped by the fact that Manchester Canoe Club also went by the abbreviation 'MCC'. Oops!

Back to the – 'No. 21 – Spring 1956' issue of Canoeing in Britain, though, and there's another small item on p. 25, under, 'From The Clubs': 'Midland CC continued their activities through the cold weather period and put in some rough water practice – over Christmas they went on a three-day canoe camping trip. Their rolling classes went on throughout the winter, and a second kayak is now un- der construction.'

That's 51 years ago last Christmas, and the club was just gaining its 'second kayak'... Should anyone be interested in any of these old publications, I have quite a few, including every Midland CC Newsletter from 1967 to 1977, inc.

Its a mini adventure . . . Soon the volume and width of the river increased and the trip down the eight kilometres was easy and the scenery wonderful. I’ve always liked the Lake District, hill walking and all that, so As we pulled out into the lake past reed beds, the weather back the idea of doing a bit of exploring by kayak seemed a good in Borrowdale (as ever) was an atmospheric mix of rain clouds one, particularly if it involved acquiring some moving water and sunbeams. experience. It was about 13:00 and Andy had a second trip in mind so fol- So led by Andy and Donna Boothman - me, Simon B, Emma lowing some rapid shuttling, we headed down to Grasmere. On and Nyree headed off North on a wet Friday night to the village the way we called Emma and Nyree who rather spookily passed of Staveley in the Southern Lake District. us going in the opposite direction to do some shopping in Kes- wick!

On the Saturday, Emma and Nyree elected to paddle on Rydal Water leaving four of us to set off along Windermere to Kes- Out onto Grasmere in the wind and rain and down the short wick and on into Borrowdale for the first trip. The plan was to section of river to cross Rydal Water and then onto the Rothay. go down the Derwent and across the southern part of Derwent- There was plenty of water and so we had lots of practice break- water. ing into and out of eddies (and of course missing plenty) and dodging overhanging trees and practicing getting the right line on the water with coaching from Andy. There was some fast At this point, my tally of rivers was just the Derwent but this moving grade 3 and even in my oil tanker of a boat I found it was about to be extended to include the . . . er, Derwent. very exciting to the exhortations of “keep paddling, keep pad- dling”.

Up in Borrowdale it seemed a very small river and me and Simon had our first experience of bouncing over boulders. We It was great to enjoy the scenery and not worry about the rain soon settled down with both Simon and I unwittingly executing like you would when hiking; in fact many bedraggled hikers look some pretty fancy manoeuvres including some backward de- at us somewhat enviously. Then the waters opened up into a scent, which as everyone says, is much less alarming cos you (Continued on page 12) can’t see the hazards! We did one portage rather than push our- selves and watched Andy and Donna zoom past with ease.

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(Continued from page 11) choppy Windermere for a tired paddle at dusk across to Waterhead. Once loaded up with boats, We hope to see as many of you as and in my case still unfortunately in a drysuit, we were stuck in traffic in Ambleside for about an possible at the AGM—see below hour whilst Santa (in November!!!) paraded in his car drawn sleigh through town.

That evening we were introduced to the strange terminology of river guides – apparently Sunday’s trip on the Crake would be in conditions that would be moderately wet to wet (after rain)!!

Away early in the morning, we were on Coniston Water just after nine. A steady paddle in the at- mospheric setting, a bit of rolling practice and a friendly exchange with some other paddlers about river conditions set us on our way. The river was quite fast moving and again had some exciting (for me and Simon!) sections of grade 2 and 3 water. Round one bend, a diagonal weir, Bobbin Mill Falls, with a very low bridge below, gave us some food for thought. Simon went for a swim, well to be fair he hadn’t for a while, and I very nearly did. And you really had to duck under the bridge. Downstream a bit, Donna had a slight argument with an overhanging branch but she gave it a good talking to and only had a bit of a black eye and soon we entered the tidal stretch at Greenodd where we alighted at the back of a sadly less than scenic garage. From the Lake to the sea . . . .

So, in summary, for me, the trip was a fascinating insight into the possibilities of exploring less popu- lar rivers in a beautiful setting. Feeling the adrena- lin and development of pushing the boundaries of experience (a bit rare for me these days), it was a genuinely enjoyable experience and one I hope to repeat soon. Alan Carr

Please contact me with articles, news and reports (and photographs), items for the diary for the Next newsletter at:- In the next Issue…... Andy Rodgers 14 New Zealand Lane Duffield, Belper All sorts articles of interest to you MCC paddlers including Derbyshire an account of Junior achievements and reports from a DE56 4BZ Scottish white water trip... Phone: 01332 841696 . Happy paddling and don’t forget to send me those trip E-mail: [email protected] reports Or … talk to me at the pool or clubhouse. Or … use the suggestion box in the clubhouse.