The SCC Christmas Party went off very smoothly thanks to a wonderfully organised Social Coordinator, and her various delegates, the club had a complete makeover and looked like a glamorous restaurant….yes I’m not joking our shed scrubbed up well. The food was plentiful and very well presented, and the tables were decorated beautifully. We had several esteemed guests join us for the evenings festivities, The Honourable Ron Norris – Mayor of Mosman Park and his wife Anita, Dave Jenkins representing our sponsor Mainpeak, Tony Bowman – CWA’s president, Shane Hamilton – President of AKC and his wife Vanessa who is also on the CWA board, and Robyn Khorshid who provides a huge service to the WA paddling community by keeping us informed of events and issues affecting us and runs an excellent and useful website. It was fantastic to have our guests along and a chance to say thanks for all their work and help throughout the year. In addition the Mayor gave us an interesting speech on the direction Mosman Park council is taking for the future and was very supportive of the clubs plans for extending the building.
Presentations commenced with thanks to Management Committee Members who put in a huge amount of volunteer time throughout the year for the club, they were recognised with some merchandise kindly donated by Mainpeak for the occasion. Andy Skriener, outgoing President was thanked for holding the fort in the transition period when the club were without a President until he managed to twist my arm hard enough to take the role, our Secretary Judy Pedro does a sterling job of chairing the committee meetings, handling correspondence and admin for the club, our Treasurer Paul Smith was thanked for the key role he holds in managing the clubs funds along with his motivation and help with the Friday night PaddleBash series, Membership Officer Marion Ewing was thanked for her role in revitalising the clubs membership forms and dealing with the huge task of keeping the membership process flowing, Richard Jolly was thanked for his role as Vice President and the work load he takes on for the club. Additionally Committee Members Craig Woodhead along with Member Ginnie Crawley were thanked for their organisational role in coordinating the Nanga Camp this year which was a very successful event, and Sarah Whitaker Social Coordinator was thanked for the tireless and energetic way she takes on organising wonderful social events for the club. Member Ian Garthwaite was thanked for his generous role in repairing clubboats and also Member Karen Green was thanked for compiling an excellent submission for the Parliamentary Inquiry into recreational access to portable waterways in WA. Just as I was about to get onto thanking other key members of the club we had a surprise arrival form Santa and his little elf helper. A little scary for some but huge fun for the kids with gifts and sweets being delivered by this duo. It was such a spectacle that it put me off my stride so I’d like to say thanks to those key Members here: Craig Woodhead for his role as Webmaster an managing the clubs website and communication network, Roland Bodt as Boat Hire Coordinator and assisting Steve Ems in his absence as Boat Space Officer, thanks also to Steve Ems who missed an earlier mention as he was absent from the party on holiday in the UK, Colin Scully for his role as Assets Officer, Dieter Straus for his role as PaddleBash Coordinator earlier in the year, Peter Ewing as Slalom rep, Colin Priest as Head of T&D, Gisela Cannon for her role as Trips Coordinator, and all the Instructors who generously give their time to run inductions and courses throughout the year ( in no particular order…..Elaine Lenox, Colin Scully, Gisela Cannon, Colin Priest, Gill Palmer, Geoff Emery, Andy Skriener, Ian Garthwaite, Jennifer Houston, Steve Wellman, John Hubach, and Matt Chafer). So apologies for not mentioning you all on the night but it by no means be-littles your efforts for the club which are hugely appreciated by all THANKS!
Club Awards
Club Member of the Year: a joint presentation to Peter Ewing and Lee Edwards for the enormous amount of volunteer work they do for the club with repair of the slalom poles and boat ramp, electrical and many other maintenance issues for the club along with them both holding key roles on the Building Committee.
Junior Paddler of the Year was awarded to Seb Ewing for his monumental achievement, winning all the Men’s K1 events at the Slalom Nationals in Tasmania last January, qualifying him for a position in the Australian Slalom Junior Training Squad. He also qualified for the Australian Junior Team which trained and competed in Europe during June this year, and as the youngest male competitor in the Under 18 team (15 at the time)…keep up the good work Seb, Robin Bell is probably looking over his shoulder!
Paddler of the Year went to Andy Hewlett for yet another gargantuan effort of having competed in 18 consecutive Avon Descents, with this years placing nearly getting him into a podium position with a 4th place in Mens K1. We are expecting great things for your 20th attempt Andy!
Also of key note is that a most unexpected and kind gesture was received from Terry Ciciora during the evening, which was a bequest from his late wife Elva Harper. Elva was a keen paddler and active club member. Elva bequeathed a significant sum to the club to assist toward the provision of toilet facilities. We plan to work extra hard toward achieving the Building Extensions in 2010 to ensure Elva’s intention for her bequest is realised.
So in summary the evening went well and wound on into the night with good food, wine and conversation enjoyed by all. Thanks to all the organisers and to everyone who attended to make for such a successful event.
Wishing you all a safe and Happy Christmas and many exciting paddling adventures in 2010.