The Club’s Annual General Meeting (held Tuesday 19th February) saw the presentation of Ribble’s illustrious trophies along with a very special Life Time Achievement Award.
Life Time Achievement Award
Pat Green
The last several years there has always been one person sitting at the AGM’s top table making sure that the annual meetings run smoothly and accordingly. With years of dedication Pat Green has decided to step down as Membership Secretary and it was only fitting for the club to acknowledge Pat’s extraordinary contribution to the club and the wider paddling community.
Philip Singleton and Steve Swarbrick Memorial Award
Paul Wicks
(Awarded for significant contribution to the club over a number of years)
This trophy is only awarded in special circumstances and not on a yearly basis. This year the committee received several nominations for Paul Wicks, all of whom highlighted his huge contribution to the continuous development of members over the last several years. Paul’s passion and energy for delivering top class coaching and leading trips has seen many members flourish into fantastic all rounded independent paddlers. From all the committee and the club, we would like to say a huge thank you to Paul for his selfish and endless dedication to Ribble’s coaching programme.
Floater Trophy
Frankie Twizell
(Awarded to the member for doing the most extraordinary, exceptional thing(s) during the past year)
I (Frankie Twizell) am very grateful for being awarded with the Floater Trophy…thanks everyone! Here’s to looking forwards to another summer of Frankie and his band (the kid’s weekly paddling group), developing the club further and getting out paddling.
Driftwood Trophy
Chris Fairhurst
(Awarded to the club member whose paddling is thought to have improved the most throughout the year)
The Driftwood Trophy was awarded to the very worthy Chris Fairhurst. Every aspect of Chris’ paddling journey, from completing his 1star to tackling Wardens Gorge at the Tyne Tour, has seen his confidence and independence grow immeasurably. Well done Chris and we look forward to seeing you on plenty more trips!
Youth Challenge Trophy
Evie
(Awarded to a member under 18 who is thought to have achieved the most throughout the year)
The Youth Challenge Trophy was a fiercely contested trophy this year with many fantastic nominees. The very worthy winner was Evie! Over the last year, Evie has grasped the fundamentals of kayaking through completing her 1* award and being a regular attendee of the club’s weekly junior sessions. Evie has attended many trips and she’s explored different disciplines, such as Canoeing and Stand Up Paddleboarding. We look forward to seeing Evie continue to improve and become one super star paddler!
Competition Trophy
Paul Binks
(Awarded to the member who is seen to have achieved improved the most in competition throughout the year)
This year saw Paul Binks retain the trophy for a second year! Whilst continuing to be involved within many competitive Stand Up Padleboard races and polo tournaments Paul has also given many club members the SUP Polo bug. Paul has coordinated many SUP activities most notably the ridiculously fun and entertaining mini SUP Polo tournaments for club members.
Photo Competition
Winner
Richard Emmess' Blackpool Illuminations Shot
Runners Up
