Braintree Club’s 50th Anniversary event - 5th to 8th August - Bungay
The weather was hot and everyone was in good spirits throughout the three day camping weekend, in Bungay, Norfolk.
Friday was very sociable as members arrived at camp, set up and then grouped together for a drink, a bite to eat, catching up and meeting some new members for the first time.
Saturday began early with 28 members taking a slow and somewhat relaxing paddle along the River Waveney, with half the group completing the 'Bungay Loop' by walking the 200m across the golf course back to camp, whilst the other half simply turned around and paddled back.
And then the mandatory rope swinging to cool off!
After lunch, the water based team games began, with something that resembled canoe pole...but it wasn't!
Followed by Kayak and SUP Rounders, various team relays
Then onto the relay races!
and the finale.... "how long can you stay afloat in the 'bathtub'" (which really was a very small canadian canoe).
Early evening Bar-B-Q's were lit and everyone finished eating in time for 'Wet n Wild Bingo!'. It wasn't long before chaos and laughter soon erupted as the Bingo callers realised that the MEGA BINGO MACHINE wasn't up to the job in the dark!!!! Duplicate numbers, false calls, heckling and Sloe Gin all added up to making the evening extremely funny, enjoyable and no doubt memorable. Even the members who got a soaking during one of the 'Wet 'n Wild Bingo Challenges saw the funny side of it. Who doesn't like a game of Bingo now? The evening ended with prizes being handed out and more socialising around the camp.
Sunday was the day to try out new boats, kayaks, SUP's (Stand Up Paddleboards) and even a chance to buy some new equipment / kit. Kent Canoes and Square Rock kindly supported our event over the whole weekend by bringing over 30 different kayaks and paddleboards for our members to try out, many for the first time.
By late afternoon things finally began to calm down, as many packed away and left for home leaving just a few to spend another night underneath the stars, but this time somewhat quieter, and with a much earlier finish time.
A big thank you to everyone who came along, now we look forward to the next one!
Happy Paddling!
Andrew Dronsfield
Chair, Braintree Canoeing Club Ltd
The End … Until next time!!
