PADDLE FIRST FOR RALPHH, AS CANOE CLUB JOINS THE CAUSE

RALPHH made a national first in late March, when Addlestone Canoe Club became the first such club in the country to partner with the heart-care organisation.

A gifted defibrillator by the Surbiton-based charity means that equipment will be installed and mounted in the impressive canoe clubhouse on the bank of the Wey Navigation canal.

Growing out of a swimming club established in the 1920’s, Addlestone Canoe Club was properly established in 1981. The Club has up to 160 members but is also very active in encouraging youth groups and schools to participate. This adds approximately a further 500 participants each year. Another key feature is the steps the Club takes to build the participation of those with all types of disabilities. Para-boats are adapted to all needs and both these sessions and others for young people are properly supervised by qualified coaches.

Completed during the period of the covid pandemic, the Boathouse is the home to a wide range of different types of canoeing. Whilst some are intended for sprint racing others are purpose-built for marathons that can be as much as 10 miles. However, some hardy members participate in the Devizes-Westminster annual race, covering 125 miles. Canadian and other boats such as those at home on white water are also features of the range.

The Wey Navigation was first opened in 1653 and the Addlestone Canoe base is just two miles from the River Thames at Shepperton. Representing a major investment for the Club, the attractive building at the end of a cul-de-sac was made possible by a combination of loans and fund-raising activities, whilst the work in support of para-canoeing makes Addlestone the premier location for this type of participation in the South of England. 

For the Robert Allen Life Promotion and Healthy Hearts (RALPHH) Trust the link with Addlestone is the first such partnership with a canoe club in the country.

“I believe that we have helped various canoe clubs across England by providing defibrillation equipment to rowing clubs, which share neighbouring facilities,” said Richard Allen, Chairman of the charity. “But I hope this initiative with Addlestone will encourage others to make contact and request our help.” 

Pictured being watched by members of the Club are Richard Allen making the presentation to Addlestone Canoe Club Chair Caroline Pemble.

Although originally aimed at giving rowing clubs and schools top priority, since 2019, RALPHH has extended its donations to many other physical sports including hockey, sailing, football and rugby.