You wait for ages and then two parties come along at once - like buses, but different.

The Great South African Migration has begun. Herds of wildebeest move aside, it's time to say a few farewells in best Richmond tradition with a beer or two down the pub. Bring friends, partners, whoever you fancy.

Lindi and Marius are planning to have drinks at the Marlborough (46 Friars Stile Road, TW10 6NQ) in Richmond on Friday 3rd of March from around 7pm to say goodbye. And also to celebrate the public secret that Marius is 30. They're both on holiday now, so can only be contacted on their gmail accounts.

Paula and Simon are also heading south, with goodbye drinks on Saturday 11th March also at the Marlborough from around 7pm.

If you don't know who Lindi and Marius or Paula and Simon are, where have you been these last few years? Go down the Marlborough and you'll find out.

Membership renewals were sent out back in November and there are still a large number overdue. If you haven't completed and returned your membership, please do so as soon as possible. Here's the list of who's yet to renew - it's also pinned up on the club noticeboard.

If you haven't received one, perhaps you have moved and we don't have your address. Yes, difficult to remember little old Richmond Canoe Club amongst the gas, electricity, phone, bank, and so forth. But if you let us know your new address we can send the form to the correct place.

You can download the Senior Membership Application and other membership forms here. And once you've done that, fill out the form, write our your cheque for subscription, put it in an envelope and drop it in the box to the right of the Galley in The Shed.

Dear Member,

It's time for the Club Annual General Meeting, and you can find the Agenda here.

We hope you will attend - the AGM which will be held on the Saturday the 18th March at 1 pm in the Shed.

Amongst the other matters dealt with at the AGM, there will be the usual annual election of officers of the club for the year ahead. If you are interested in helping with the running of the club we would be delighted to hear from you – we are always looking for people to help. If you wish to learn more about what is involved, simply approach any existing member of the committee. A list of the current officers may be found in the Member Area of the club website.

Thank you
The Committee

Nikki Tait is looking to sell her sea kayak - full details - and Piran is looking for flat mates in a flat share in Putney - details.

A representative group of Club members were welcomed by Councillor Robin Jowitt, Mayor of Richmond, for a reception at York House for the Club to mark our successful participation in the Lord Mayor's Parade on New Years Day and to present the club with its recently won Top Club certificate.

For the first time in almost ten years, the London Borough of Richmond was represented in the parade with a float put together by Richmond. Councillor Jowitt accompanied the float on the Parade and was the only Mayor to walk the entire route. The reward for these efforts was a special prize from the organisers for £1000 which was shared equally by the Mayor's chosen charities and the Canoe Club.

Over thirty members of the club took part in the parade, but without enough space for all to attend, a selection attended the reception and were presented with medals by the Mayor.

Robert Bone, Executive Director of The New Year's Day Parade, congratulated Richmond on behalf of the parade, for its participation and urged the Borough to provide a float next year. Sean Martin, Commodore of Richmond Canoe Club, accepting the cheque on behalf of the club, spoke eloquently of the power of sport to change lives.

Later Councillor Jowitt presented the Head Coach of the Club, Mr Trevor Wetherall, with the Top Club Certificate recently awarded to Richmond by the British Canoe Union. This award is given to clubs who can demonstrate that they offer safe, well-organised and structured training programmes for young people so that parents and schools can have confidence in the work done by the club. The club will be expanding its junior training opportunities in the summer.

People of Richmond,

I am having some quite informal drinks tonight at my flat in Richmond to celebrate the occasion of Friday!

If you can then please call by. Bring a bottle and a sense of humour.

From 745 onwards.

13b Petersham Road

Richmond, Surrey, TW10 6UH

That's the top floor above the Thai restraunt on the Petersham Rd near Gourmet Burger. About 5 mins walk from the Canoe Club.

Hope to see you later.
Henry

The Hare & Hounds Series came to an end last weekend (12th Feb), with Trevor, Marcus, Fred Purcell, Paul Wells and Tim Middlehurst out on the water. Congratulations to all who took part in the races.

Next weekend is the start of the Devizes Westminster Countdown with the first of the Waterside Race Series. Add a couple of Thamesides and it's just 8 weeks until the big race. You don't have to be taking part in DW to do the races. Dates below.

Happy Paddling.

Gavin's been splashing around down under in the NSW State Championships (Kayaking) last weekend and won the 200 Metre sprint race, so is now the NSW State Champion in his age group.

Gavin and Rupert also bagged Bronze medal in the two man event so altogether a very successful day of racing.

News of how they got on in the Australian Champs coming in about 5 weeks time. Keep it up guys.

Doubtless more annoyed Aussies wishing the Poms would go home. Get used to losing... it's the Ashes in November.

Message from the organisers of the Waterside Series, recommended paddling for DWers.

Waterside A on Sunday 19th February will now be a circuit race from Newbury to 1/2 mile above Woolhampton and return.
This course change is forced upon us by British Waterways works on the normal course. BW say this will be clear for C and D.
Therefore you need to come to Newbury and check in at the Waterside centre.
Please pass on this information at your club as required.

More generally, please remember to send entries in advance with BCU cards and relevant fees.

More information on the Waterside Series Website.

Devizes Westminster Canoe Marathon is just 70 days away and the Richmond tradition of putting out a number of teams continues. Doubtless we're all doing out best to confuse first-timers by offering wide ranging advice.

As helpful as that may be, more useful would be practical support when the event comes around or sponsoring people who are paddling for charity. Sonia's raising funds for the Shooting Star Hospice in Hampton and visit her Just Giving site to show your support.

For the young and young at heart, the February edition of the Junior newsletter is out - available at a webpage near you.

Any other news, email it down the line.