A canoeing club is hoping for a repeat performance after getting more than 150 people out on the River Dee last summer.
Chester Riverside Canoe Club is holding another ‘Go Canoeing’ event between 10am and 4pm on Sunday, July 20.
Designed to provide a fun introduction to paddling, the starter session is open to all and costs £2 with qualified instructors leading activities on the water, a barbecue, cakes and a raffle.
Chairman Ian McMullen said: “Our aim is to introduce as many people as possible to the popular, growing sport of canoeing and kayaking, and get them out on the water.
“We want to build on our success as a club and get more members to join up.
“We want to show people how quick, easy and accessible it is to get out there and enjoy the water.”
Chester Riverside Canoe Club was established 30 years ago and meets each week at the boathouse between the Meadows and the Queen’s Park Suspension Bridge.
Paddlers are aged from eight upwards and the club – which is a registered charity – offers training, Duke of Edinburgh Awards and coaching qualifications.
Two years ago Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) stopped funding the club but volunteers and parents stepped in and committee member Dave Sutch said the future was bright.
He said: “We are doing really well and increasing our numbers and we are getting the youngsters involved in coaching so they can take us forward.
“We want to build on our success and we’ve had great support from the Mark Master Masons and the Kilmorey Lodge to get a new boat and helmets.
“But some of our equipment is 30 years old now and it needs replacing so we would love to hear from any businesses interested in sponsoring the club.
“We’d invite anyone who wants to know more to come along to our ‘Go Canoeing’ event and see what we are about.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about the club or the ‘Go Canoeing’ event can email crccgroup.enquiries@gmail.com
