A COLCHESTER activity club with a 40-year history has celebrated a prestigious award win.
The Colchester Canoe Club attended The Pride of Essex Awards on November 14 and received the Highly Commended Team Of Pride award for the group’s efforts in introducing the sport to the local community.
The glamourous awards event was held at Anglia Ruskin University, in Chelmsford, last week and several members of the club attended.
Amanda Gilmour, 44, Colchester Canoe Club’s chairman, said it was a thrill for the group to be recognised with the commendation.
She said: “It was amazing, we were nominated, and I was asked to send supporting information of the club’s successes throughout the years.
“From the early days when the paddlers created the group to the youth paddlers that have gone onto paddle for Team GB, there have been so many achievements the group is proud of.
“To be able to celebrate 40 years of a club which is still running, I was incredibly proud, kayaking is my life and to be able to go there and accept the award on behalf of every single coach, member, and volunteer was amazing.”
Interestingly, Amanda, who lives in Clacton with her husband and four children, was petrified of boats and the water only a few years ago.
Her husband has been a coach for the club for around ten years and he suggested she take up kayaking at the club in 2021.
After six initial months of fearing her kayaking journey, Amanda grew to love the sport and even became a certified paddleboard instructor.
After two years of working with the team of 31 instructors, coaches, and the club’s committee members, she became chairman.
She said: “When I went to the club, I noticed the friendly welcome I was given.
"When you join clubs, you can be a bit apprehensive, but what I found was that I had friends immediately, the coaches were so encouraging, so patient, and the atmosphere is like one big family.
“You go on the river Colne and getting onto the water is just a fantastic release from real world issues, you just enjoy the blue space, it’s amazing.”
The club, which aims to make the sport as accessible as possible, is currently active every Wednesday from 6pm onwards and an annual membership costs £20.
Based in Colne Bank Avenue, the club is the only organisation licenced to paddle the non-tidal section of the river Colne.
The group has set itself apart thanks to its sociable atmosphere, nearly 50/50 split of female and male members, and its different events, including free-style kayaking.
Amanda has stated there are many benefits to anyone who wants to get involved as a member with the club.
She said: “I would encourage people to join the club because kayaking is for everyone.
"There are very few barriers or limitations, it improves mental health, physical health, and it helps you be part of a community where people do care about you.”
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