CaNews August 2022
A lot has happened since the last newsletter so I thought it was time to make sure you are up-to-date on all the news.
The Crane
It would be hard for you to miss the crane that now adorns Matlock Town Bridge. But just in case you haven’t had chance to come to Matlock, here is the news good and bad!
- The Environment Agency and the Council seem to be approving the use of the river for paddlesports because they have gone to great lengths to accommodate us. If you are paddling from Darley Bridge or the Arc then you must stop at the pontoon (if the marshalls are there) and await instructions before proceeding.
- The river left arch of the bridge is now inaccessible. The right hand arch is the best route. There is portage river right if necessary.
- The A6 is closed between Sainsbury’s roundabout and Matlock Bridge. Matlock Bridge is now two-way and the resulting traffic congestion is often quite bad.
- Please be patient and polite with the construction officials and fly the flag for responsible paddlers.
The River
Last month, I wrote, “The river is just about as low as I have ever seen it…” It’s now even lower! If you do paddle from Darley Bridge be aware that it may be a bit of a scrape.
Despite the good news above we must still be aware of the rights of fishermen. Please pass quietly and give them as much space as possible.
The break-in
I’m sure that you heard about our container being broken into. We lost ten plastic boats, all the paddles and half the spraydecks. An angle grinder was used to break into the Colour Works and it seemed to be a well planned attack. We have removed most of the remaining boats and kit out of the container and the committee have decided that we will replace the container and fit lock boxes to try and make it as secure as possible.
We have had generous donations of money, boats and paddles to replace the stolen kit. A huge thanks to everyone who has helped us.
Matlock Slalom
Matlock division 2 slalom used to be one of the most popular slalom events on the National calendar. The 2020 event was cancelled due to the November 2019 floods; the 2021 event was cancelled due to covid and the March 2022 event was postponed, again due to floods.
The great news is that the 2022 event will take place over the weekend of 1st/2nd October. This is a big event for us and your help over the weekend would be much appreciated. We’ll set up the course from midday on Friday 30th September. On Saturday and Sunday we’ll be there from 8 am until about 6pm. You don’t need to know anything about slalom to help. Please just turn up at any time over the weekend and someone will find you a job to do! Bring your boat and kit with you as we will be holding a club handicap event on the Sunday – any craft will be fine you could even use your SUP!
Wednesday Nights
Mark is now on holiday so won’t be available to coach on Wednesday nights until September. On 7th September he will be doing the annual river rescue/swimming session. You will need to wear a wetsuit or drysuit as you will spend most of the evening in the water.
Thereafter, Wednesday sessions will continue under floodlights throughout the Autumn and Winter (unless the river is too high).
Thursday Nights
Thursday night is slalom night. Beginners (div 3/4) meet at 5:45 – 6:45 and advanced training (div 1/2) will take place from 7:00 – 9:00 pm.
New Members
Of the ten beginners who started in the Spring we now have five very keen paddlers who have been paddling regularly once or twice a week. These five are now getting very proficient and looking forward to the challenge of some water in the river!!!
They have all been having a go at slalom and hopefully will be able to attend one of the div 4 events in September and October.
Dates for these are…
Oughtibridge: September 10th & 11th
Marple: September 17th & 18th
Stone: October 22nd & 23rd
Pool Sessions
The last pool session was very well attended. If you want to polish up your skills this is an ideal opportunity as you are able to use your boat straight from the river. If you’d like to book a session, please contact Donna at least two weeks before.
Dates for 2022 are: 25/9/22, 6/11/22 and 18/12/22.
If you want further details of any of the above, please email me (secretarymatlockcc@gmail.com).
See you on the water soon.
Donna.