WATER WORKS 2008 – POST EVENT PRESS RELEASE

On Saturday 21st June, Hamble Valley Rotary Club hosted a charity paddle along the Upper Hamble River. The joint aims were to raise money for the international charity, Water Aid and to provide an enjoyable day out for local kayakers and canoeists of all ages. Over 60 paddlers assembled at the pontoon in Manor Farm Country Part to report in and to purchase their lunch vouchers. At 11:15, with the tide flowing strongly up the river and with everyone accounted for, the word was given to set off. The more flamboyant among the kayakers seal-launched off the pontoon. One father chose this point to discover that he just could not squeeze into the kayak he had brought with him. His son, paddling in another kayak, set off in the care of others while the father had to be content with watching from the shore. This normally placid stretch of the Hamble River became a scene of intense activity as the armada of small boats headed towards their lunch appointment in Botley. The uncertain British Summer weather did its best to oblige and though cloudy, was always warm. As Botley approached, the river narrowed and the boats jostled together as they weaved between the steep banks lined with waterside properties. The water level was rising as High Water approached but unfortunately not quickly enough for the forward paddlers. They ran aground before they could paddle under the road bridge in Botley, having completed the journey just a little too fast for the tide to lift the river level far enough! No matter, they jumped out and completed the trip to Millstream House by pulling their boats across the shallow patches. The varying river depths created a number of interesting diversions as paddlers discovered novel ways of getting in and out of their boats, which occasionally involved a big splash and getting very wet. At last all boats were safely moored at Millstream House just above Botley Mill and the tired paddlers were glad to find their sometimes damp tokens purchased at the pontoon could be exchanged for a welcome barbecue lunch. The garden filled up with groups eating their lunch and enjoying a well-earned rest. The younger paddlers enjoyed the swing over the millpond or played ball. As the weather threatened to turn nasty (but never actually did) people set off again. This time, the same daring kayakers seal launched off the wall outside Millstream House, which really impressed the on-lookers. The water level had risen by now and there was no need for an impromptu dive overboard to cross the shallow stretches. All found their way safely back to the pontoon at Manor Farm Country Park despite a couple of capsizes from the more experimental paddlers in the group. These were easily recovered with the help of other boaters and the rescue RIB was always on hand if required. And the verdict – a seemingly unanimous vote to repeat the event next year. We raised a few hundred ponds for Water Aid but this was only half the story. The real success was the enjoyment had by all and it was lovely to see so many boats out on the water. Not bad for a first time – just see what we can manage next year!

Rosie Hinge
23 June 2008
Hamble Valley Rotary Club