Interested in trying out some descent racing? Or just want to get a hang of paddling in moving water? The BCU London & South East Region White Water Training Weekend at Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham, is taking place on the 30 and 31 July.

Open to all ages, it's designed to be a fun weekend for everybody, whether you are a paddler or spectator, take the family, take the BBQ make new friends… above all have a good time.

Spaces are limited so book as soon as you can. Details - Application

Richmond paddler Bettina Phillis finished the first British woman in the Marathon de Sable, the world's toughest race. The six stage event covers 245 kilometres (153 miles) through the Moroccan Sahara.

Temperatures peaked at 57ºC, averaging 47ºC over the week, covering terrain from dunes to wadis, to a couple of horrible jebel (hills), dried river beds and lots of sandy plains. Bettina peaked during the 50-mile day coming 5th woman overall for that stage.

Rumours are the organisers made the 20th annual event the toughest course ever as sponsors were concerned that the course was getting too easy.

The race is completely self-supporting with runners carrying all their own food. More details at www.darbaroud.com

Four Richmond paddlers braved the sun and nauseous choppy town centre waters of Maidstone to take part in the Maidstone Marathon Race.

Racing for his first time in Division 3, Oli Sims fought it out in the K1 category with Piren Shelly also in the mix for Richmond. Piren finished a close 2nd (to a Wey Paddler!), and Oli was just off the podium in 4th pushed off by another Wey paddler.

Henry Hendron, racing in Div 1/2  K1 with 'man flu', missed out on 3rd place by just one second with Elmbridge stealing the top three places.

Racing in Div 8, blogger Neil represented, the 'Gohar group'. Full results available here.

Next race - Sunday 1st May at Worcester, a Hasler and K1 assessment race. Looking for a strong Richmond turnout for what will be a competitive and well-attended race.

Congratulations to Richard (Holt) and wife who have a baby boy - arrived 6 April - the little fellah is called Oliver.

Apparently he loves bath time, so the plan is to keep him playing in the water for years to come.

Meanwhile Richard is contemplating the joys of sleep-paddling.

25 April 2005

Club results from the Maidstone Marathon Race.

Full results available here.

Questions posed and questions answered. Another succesful Quiz Night at the Rose of York on Friday saw a number of dazed heads venturing onto the Thames Saturday morning.

Victory went to the Hendrons, with the wonderful introduction of Quiz Night Wash Hanging by Karl, who having assessed who was going to win, sat on their table. Now the Hendrons know how it feels.

Many thanks to Colin and Hazel Greasby for providing the food. And to Tim for organising the event and being our very own Magnus Magnusson - is there anything this man cannot do.

Any more reports or stories that you feel didn't get a good enough airing, email them through.

Quiz Night....Quiz Night....Quiz Night

"It's great and it's a pretty, happy baby girl, born today at 12.13 weighing 4 kilos."

Mother, father and baby are reported to be doing well.  A space has been reserved in Peter's group for the three of them next Saturday.

4 April 2005