Chairman's Report 2015

Over the last year the committee has met 5 times to plan and organise everything that goes on in the club.

Developments
We received a £2000 grant from 2014 Communities Big Lottery fund to run WWSR and FSRT courses.  These were well attended with 5 members on FSRT and 9 on the WWSR.

In September 2014 the club was awarded clubCAP accreditation.  This recognises the club as a club that has all the paperwork, does things right and most importantly gets a 25% discount on pool sessions!  

 Two lots of pool sessions – Regular Thursday and Polo Wednesday.

Membership remains healthy.  There will be an increase in memberships due to a large group of Banchory Duke Of Edinburgh Group joining the club for some canoe training.

The prospect of our own storage facility is becoming a reality and the most exciting prospect on the horizon for the club.  With the land being purchased, plans being drawn up and funds being raised (Ceilidh Saturday 21^st March – Buy your tickets after the AGM) and money applied for: the project will gather speed and who knows where we will be this time next year.

Trips and club events
Trips, pool sessions and events have been well attended.  Most have been on the Dee, with some adventures further afield.  Highlights for me have been the White Water Safety course and taking Tom and Josh on a new river (The Blackwater) aswell as the enjoyable Commonwealth Themed – It’s a Washout. 

We also attended two polo tournaments remaining in a consistent 6^th place both times.

We officially used Birsemohr Loch (Queens Loch) for the first time this past year.

Awards
Presented at the Mince Pie Trip this year were:
The Fish of the Year – Trevor Cardy
Youth Paddler – Josh Latimer
‘Thanks for all the bothering Award’ – Gwen Newman

Coaching
Josh Latimer, Tom Mitchell and Molly Davies achieved their level 1 Coaching qualification back in June.  Rumour has it that this has and will inspire 2 more youngsters to follow in her footsteps.
Myself and Jonny Turley completed our 4star canoe leader assessment.

Thanks
Committee:  Thanks to Abi for taking the minutes and looking after all things membership. 
To Donald for keeping the money sorted.  Donald’s 10th and final AGM as treasurer!
To Josh for representing the younger members.
Dale for being the Child Protection person/PVG checker. 
To Maria for attending meetings and helping out.
To JK for his advice and support as Rear Admiral.
Coaches:  Donald, Dale, JK, Stuart, Jonny, Josh, Tom, Molly and Kirsty for all the “being in charge”. 
Gwen/Ameilia/Christina:  A massive thanks has to go to Gwen for taking on the pool bookings at the start of this year and passing the flame onto Amelia and Christina Cardy.
Shed Owners: To Karen, Katie and Pippa, for the boat shed.
Alan:  For all his excellent photos.
Members: And finally thanks go to all those members that came paddling – because that’s what we are all about! 

Hope to see as many of you on the water in the coming year,

Chris