Archived News - July 2007 - November 2010

Ruth Holdway

Ruth Holdway has been killed in a tragic accident whilst on a walking holiday in Madeira.
Ruth was Community Sports Coach at Stafford and Stone Canoe Club and Trentham Canoe Club. She was instrumental in introducing hundreds of young people to canoeing in the local area. Ruth was also a keen volunteer at both clubs offering her time to be Secretary at Trentham and Newsletter Editor at Stafford and Stone.
Ruth also pioneered the The Canoe Polo Cancer Challenge 2004 which promoted a World Record 24 hour canoe polo match in aid of cancer charities.
Our thoughts are with Ruth's family at this most difficult time.
Dave Royle

Jazz Royle wins Stone Mini Slaloms

Jazz Royle receiving the Roger Symes Trophy

Jazz Royle receiving the Roger Symes Trophy from Sean Miles, race organiser

This year's races have seen some extremes of weather and the final race was no exception with three inches of snow falling in the night prompting a number of skiers to cross the football pitches during the day. Neverther less 89 intrepid canoeists turned up for the final race in the Stafford and Stone Mini Series. Hot favourite was local paddler Jazz Royle who had placed 1st and 2nd in the first two races in the new category of Women's Canadian Singles. Fastest man on the course so far had been Robin Vasey, also from Stone, who had delivered some excellent results but wasn't fast enough to beat the handicap. Other contenders were Matt Lister from White Rose Canoe Club, The Roden Brothers from Stone and Philippa Hipkiss also from Stone.

Robin Vasey made a critical error in first runs and passed through the gates in the wrong order. Jazz Royle was clean and into second place behind Aimee Robson an experienced paddler but new to slalom. Aimee starts in a lower division and therefore gets a more favourable handicap. Jazz's second run wasn't as good but she kept second place with Aimee ahead, and Josh Gosling of Holme Pierrepont Canoe Club in third.

Ranking position after the three events determines the top ten finalists who compete in a one run race for the Roger Symes Trophy. Fastest time of the day was posted by Rob Neave also from Stone. Robin Vasey, teacher at Alleynes High School, was second fastest but had three touches to add to his score. Neither men were able to break the handicap and Jazz Royle improved her time by 5 seconds to win the Series and the Roger Symes Trophy. Jazz has recently supported by of the Sports Aid Foundation and Asda Sporting Chance to help her with her training costs during 2010 as she makes her bid for Junior Team Selection this year. Second place went to Philippa Hipkiss and third to Carl Sunderland both paddlers from Stafford and Stone Canoe Club.

Mini Slalom 2

Despite cold temperatures and Snow covered ground, 126 canoeists entered Stafford and Stone Canoe Club's second Mini Slalom this Sunday at Westbridge Park. Â Fastest time of the day was again posted by Local Teacher Robin Vasey in a time of 77.1 seconds, but an even shorter and less technical course made it impossible to break the handicap. Â The Canadian Singles dominated the Podium with Dan Robson from Meridian Canoe Club in third place over all. Â Jazz Royle could not repeat the success of the previous round and came second and Emily Woodcock came first with two clear runs.

Jazz Royle now leads the rankings going into the third race on 21 Febraury 2010

Mini Slalom 1

After the big freeze came the inevitable big thaw and Stafford and Stone Canoe Club's first Mini Slalom had good water levels to open the series of three handicapped races. A total of 91 competitors took on the icy waters on a technical but flowing course designed by local Junior - Rosie Bate.

Fastest time of the day was set by another local paddler and Alleyne's teacher, Robin Vasey, just breaking 80 seconds with a time of 79.2 seconds. This wasn't fast enough to beat the handicap and the eventual overall winner for the day was Jazz Royle from Stafford and Stone CC in the new class of Women's Canadian Singles. Jazz, who is currently studying photography at Stafford College, was also pleased with her result in her kayak which is her main focus for the forthcoming season. Entries were received from all ages and the youngest three paddlers were Michael Owen, Ross Walker and Max Darlington who are all nine years old.

The next race will be held on 31 Jan and the final race of the series on 21 February