Canoe club’s new home splashes into action

The much-needed purpose-built building includes boat storage, a larger club room, fitness room and dedicated disabled facilities, which will benefit residents across the borough who wish to take part in paddle sports.

The club is a registered charity and run by volunteer members, for the benefit of its membership and the wider community. In 2020, Runnymede Borough Council supported the club with a loan of £150,000, enabling it to secure funds to replace the old clubhouse, which was dilapidated and no longer fit for purpose.

Carol Reeves, Chairman of Addlestone Canoe Club, said:

I am proud to say, after many years of hard work, our volunteers have brought our vision for the club to life. We are delighted that our members, volunteers and visitors are able to experience our new clubhouse and all that Addlestone Canoe Club can offer, enjoying our waterways safely.

 

The building enables the club to enhance the range activities we offer to the community, including Stand Up Paddleboarding and summer day camps for young people this year. We also run paddling sessions throughout the year for local youth groups and schools, introducing all ages to paddle sports. The new building enables us to do so in a fun and safe environment.

 

We would like to thank the Council for its support and financial backing, which helped us to get this project off the ground. We’d also like to thank our donors, Sport England, the London Marathon Charitable Trust and Chertsey Combined Charity, the Feoffees of Chertsey Market, business supporters, club members and their friends and families. Hats off to Ascot Build and Design who, thanks to their expertise and guidance, brought the project in on schedule and in budget.

 

Addlestone Canoe Club is based on the banks of the Wey Navigation, set within easy reach of local locks and weirs and the River Thames. It is well equipped with all types of canoes and kayaks, paddles, and paddling kit.

It is also home to top talent, with members including Becky Pemble, who last September represented Team GB at the Junior World Championships in Portugal. The club’s sprint team, also landed some excellent results at the recent National Championships in July, securing two silver medals.

Nick Prescot, Council Leader, said:

We know just how important the Addlestone Canoe Club is to local people, so we were pleased to be able to back this project. The club has a huge impact on the local community, reaching hundreds of young people every year.

 

It is also well regarded for the coaching and support they provide to those wishing to compete, including young people who have reached national levels and competed internationally.

If you wish to try your hand at canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding, or can offer your skills as a coach, why not pay a visit to Addlestone Canoe Club? You can find further information on the canoe club website or by emailing: addlestonecc@gmail.com