Revisiting Lincoln Canoe Club

We’re immensely proud of the positive impact we’ve had on our communities over the years, as we come to mark our 160th anniversary.

One of the ways we monitor our success is through the positive impact we have in our local area. Over the last 160 years, we’ve been able to support many good causes and community groups - such as Lincoln Canoe Club.

Lincoln Canoe Club was the recipient of one of our ‘Big Birthday Awards’ ten years ago, when we celebrated our 150th anniversary. They were presented with a £10,000 grant, a chunk of the £500,000 total given to 150 local groups at the time.

The money meant the group could build a landing stage - a facility that allows paddlers to get in and out of their canoes at the same level as the water.

Not only do the group offer coaching and facilities to members, but they also organise clean-ups of the water - none of which would be possible without the landing stage.

Robyn Smith, Secretary at Lincoln Canoe Club, said: “We couldn’t be without the landing stage, it’s still in perfect working order and we use it on a daily basis.

“The landing stage makes the water accessible to everyone, we have over 150 members and a real mix of people. For some, it’s a recreational hobby, others enjoy racing, either way it’s great to keep fit and make friends.”

The group are committed to inclusivity and have an appointed Paddle-ability Officer- Chairman Kevin Lack.

Kevin said: “If anyone has any sort of disability and they want to be involved in the club, they can contact me and we will work together to enable them to do whatever activity they are interested in.

“We have a number of members with mobility difficulties and some with learning disabilities as well. We work with them to enable them to access the water and the landing stage makes this much easier.”