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It is with regret that I bring news of the passing of Geoff Parsons a club member and friend. Geoff, 74, joined the club in 2015 via our beginner course and prior to lockdown was a regular on our Sunday morning paddles. During lockdown he paddled most Tuesday mornings with Norman, and me on occasions. He also joined many of our club trips and in recent years accompanied Norman and I on the Exe camping weekends. I was particularly thankful to him for introducing me to wood turning and his very generous sharing of knowledge, I still aspire to his level of skill. We send our condolence to his family and friends. He will be sadly missed.
New guidelines have now been agreed, please read the latest COVIS-19 Information.
Following the BC Webinar on Monday 9th November there are no changes to their guidance so the club will remain closed for the duration of this lockdown. Only those with access to their own boat will be able to paddle. Do not enter the clubhouse or boat stores for any reason.
We have been advised by British Canoeing that our interpretation of the rules that cover this lockdown is not in fact correct. Sadly we will have to completely close our clubhouse again. This means there will be no paddling for those members who don’t have their own boat or equipment. Very sorry but this has to be complied with immediately so any planned paddles that involve use of the club, including the boat store and car login cannot now take place.
British Canoeing are holding a Webinar about this on Monday where our club Secretary will ask about our particular situation with regard to logging our car registration so things may yet change again, sorry.
Dear Members of MCC
It is with great sadness that the committee have had to take the decision to suspend all paddling from the club with effect from midnight of 4th November as per British Canoeing (BC) guidance. BC are seeking further clarification and hope to get this within the next 48 hours to allow some paddling to go ahead.
In the meantime, please be mindful not to paddle from the club until such times as this has been authorised by the committee so as not to bring Maidstone Canoe Club in to disrepute as this may affect us in the long term.
Thank you to all our members for their continued support and understanding in these very difficult times.
If you wish to read more about this here is the link to the BC’s guidance page:
https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/news/2020/british-canoeing-statement-on-paddlesport-activity-in-england-4-november
It looks as though we are in for another full lockdown, the committee will be discussing options shortly so please keep an eye on our website for news.
In the mean time I received this from one of our new members:
So...thank you to the coaches, group leader and each and everyone of you for the role you play in MCC and the difference you've made in my life. Thank you for being you... keep paddling everyone!
Keep safe
Shoulder injuries - both chronic and acute - are common in our sport. This video gives some insight into how it happens and how to prevent them - aimed specifically at WW paddlers, but useful info for all of us.
https://youtu.be/QpBt4IBD2v4
The club committee has agreed new policies for increased access to our clubhouse. These give requiremnts for the use of Changing Rooms, Up Stairs Toilets, Kitchen and Gym Equipment. The new policies can be downloaded from the COVID-19 Information page, please read these and follow the instruction when you use the clubhouse. There are restrictions on the number of people who can use each area and to control this a system using tokens has been introduced. There is also signage to inform you of the requiremnts. Please be aware that the COVID-19 restrictions are still changing both nationally and locally so these new access rules may have to change or if it becomes clear they are not being followed by club members.
The last of our 2020 beginner courses is over - congratulations to everyone who learned to paddle with us this year, and a huge "thank you" to all the coaches who made it possible during what has been a trying year! Mike L, John S, Ewan S, Wally S, Alan N, Mark H, and anyone else who has helped out - you've been stars!