Round-up of the 2021 Canoe Wales AGM

It was fantastic to have over 90 people register for this year's Annual General Meeting, which was held online via Zoom on Monday 11 October - with nearly 80 attending on the evening.

Let's talk SUP...

A warm welcome and overview from the Chair of the Board, Kerry Chown, was followed by a 25-minute presentation on Stand Up Paddleboarding by Phil Scowcroft, Club Support Officer at British Canoeing. Phil delivered an informative presentation on SUP and his journey and experiences within the discipline, and talked through different SUP disciplines, why it’s increased in popularity, gender parity, how it’s evolving and some safety considerations.

Elections to the Board of Directors

We'd like to say a special welcome to our newest Board member, Rhys Green. Asked what he hopes to bring to the Board, Rhys commented:

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who nominated me and those who voted for me to become a Board member in 2021. As paddlers I am sure that everyone can identify with the desire to assist others within our sport, from fitting out boats through to advanced journeys, For me, being on the Board of Canoe Wales allows me to be able to assist even further. Through my paddling to date I have enjoyed most environments, and most disciplines. I would like to ensure that others are able to enjoy what I have over the years through progressive, sustainable development of our sport. I'm always open to listening to the concerns or to pass on praise from our community to better shape and safeguard the sport we enjoy."

Annual Reports

After agreeing the minutes of the 2020 AGM, annual reports were presented by Kerry Chown (Chair), Alistair Dickson (CEO) and Andy Booth (Finance Director). These reports have now been added to the 2021 AGM papers and can be found here.

The CEO presented a summary of achievements throughout the 2020/21 financial year and an update on progress since then. Alistair spoke about some of Canoe Wales’ work supporting members and the paddling community through the COVID-19 lockdown, the very different challenges following the release of restrictions in May, and the increasing popularity of paddlesports since. You can download the full presentation here.

A few words from Amlwch Canoe Club

Phil Edwards gave a presentation on how Amlwch Canoe Club had managed through the lockdowns and the subsequent return to paddling during the summer of 2021. He spoke about the increased demand for paddlesport and the challenges this was presenting to the club. He also talked about the successful Go Paddling event the club had run earlier this summer and how this had roughly doubled club membership.  He finished by thanking Canoe Wales for all the support and guidance through the lockdown period - and also the Outdoor Partnership who had been instrumental in the club’s formation and onward success.

Opening of the 2021 Awards

Before the AGM came to a close, Alistair also announced the opening of the 2021 Canoe Wales Awards and encouraged members, clubs and other organisation to start submitting their nominations. Nominations are open till 21 November and winners will be announced in December.

Looking ahead

We'd like to thank all of the members, presenters and stakeholders who attended and supported the 2021 AGM, making it such a valuable event.

We'd be interested to hear whether members would like to keep the current online format for the 2022 AGM, or would be interested in a face-to-face event that alternates between North, Mid and South Wales every year (similar to the Eisteddfod). Do contact us to let us know your views.

Jf you weren't able to attend the AGM, a recording is now available on the Canoe Wales YouTube channel: