Colour City Dragons

The rescheduled National Paddle Day took place, with a few extra activities added on 22nd Oct, beautiful weather and a good roll up of Club members. The Dotting of the Eyes was followed by the Blessing of the Boats conducted by Father Frank Hetherington. Deb Clarke from Pan Dragons and Neil Stephens and daughter Carmen from Forbes joined us for the morning.  Having joined us for a paddle in one of the boats, Andrew Gee declared great respect for paddlers–he was bit puffed by this time–but we can expect to see him in the boat ‘when parliamentary duties permit’.

Phil Lambert was kept busy helping three trainee sweeps from three clubs improve their skills.  Thank you to all those who helped in any way, just to have members there is so encouraging for the committee. We have had messages of thanks from our trainee sweeps, from members who found the whole ceremony a moving experience and from all those who enjoyed the fellowship and the barbeque.

Dragons Abreast Orange – Six members plus 3  supporters participated in the DAA Festival at Darling Harbour  in the team Just Do It.  Gail and her daughter Lisa were the motivators behind the Fabulous Fitness Team.  Each team raised over $2000 exceeding their targets. Overall the Regatta, one of only two annual major fundraisers for DAA has to date raised over $187,000. Apart from the fundraising it was great weekend, rules that usually apply sort of got lost along the way. Both the local teams were supplemented with paddlers from DASydney, several of whom have been in Australian representative teams at the World Championships – which just might have influenced both teams gaining 4th, 2nd and 3rd placing in different categories.

It was great to have new DA supporter Pam with us for first time. And giving us a warm fuzzy feeling –so many people telling us how much they are looking forward to coming to Orange for the regatta. One Sydney paddler is disgusted with her niece who has been inconsiderate enough to arrange her wedding for that weekend!!

Kamini Jain Paddling Clinic – general consensus – excellent.  Burrendong Sport and Rec Centre is ideal for such a training session. Paddlers from four western region clubs, ACT and Victoria worked hard, laughed a lot and fell asleep very fast at night.  Nine hours on the water over two days ensured lessons learnt, stuck. We were all quite happy when there was a break in the training while Kamini and co coach Leanne admired the wedgetail soaring overhead and we were all rapt watching as three emus came down to the water for a bath! There was plenty of socializing in the evenings.  Couldn’t help but be amazed how the wine and beer ‘appeared’ from nowhere when the barbeque was fired up and have you any idea how noisy a game of “Who Said That” can be when 3 young people are asking the questions.

Rather belated but:  Pam Johnson’s hockey team had an excellent result at the National Championships, Elise Jones gained the hockey coaches award.

Several of our younger members have completed or almost completed HSC exams – hope it hasn’t been too bad for the parents of Alex, Hayden and Taylor!

Training – Increasing paddlers fronting up all sessions. Thursday’s sessions are becoming more and more intense as those who attended last Thursday will tell you. Don’t forget Tuesday and Saturday training allows more time to be spent on technique improvement while Thursday is about building up stamina and speed. Its not fair on anyone, or safe for new paddlers to be expected to train almost non stop for an hour of hard training. 

Squad training – continues. Members of four regional clubs attending, they are rising to the challenge extremely well and this is reflected in Club training performance We are moving into training for State representative level. If a Club member, even relatively new paddler is interested in joining the squad please see me, no promises but it may be possible. The same conditions will apply ie Club training at least once a week, attend 2 out of every 3 Squad training sessions, regardless of where they take place and expect those sessions to be at least 1 ½ hours on the water – non stop.

Regatta – entries are trickling in, good to see ‘new’ teams entering. If you are involved with getting a community team together don’t forget deadline for entries is THURSDAY 03rd, that’s days away.  If you are paddling with the CCDB Club team, entry fees to Yvonne (or in the envelopes at training) should have been paid by last Friday and don’t forget your membership needs to be up to date. 

Calare Rotary Raffle – HELP.  This is a huge project. Not only as a fundraiser of major proportions but as a PR exercise. This is the first time the Club has had  support from such a Community Organisation, As a Club we have undertaken to sell the raffle tickets for Calare Rotary Christmas Stocking. The Club will get almost 80% of the proceeds of ticket sales.  The balance is used to cover Rotary costs and other community projects. Please contact Ella  6361 4050 if you can sell tickets either near K Mart throughout the week or at the City Centre Thursdays and Saturdays. One member has even given up her lunch hour to sell tickets which is a big help. Please give some thought to this –we need to fulfil our commitment not only for the monetary gain but as a gesture of goodwill and integrity.  You may know someone, often older people, who enjoy the social side of selling raffle tickets, it helps them to feel needed and do we need them

Paddles Up

… time to be confirmed.  we will be desperately short of helpers  so give some thought to taking a long lunch or something to come out for ½ hour to lift the boat off trailer. Watch for urgent emails because when I have an ETA I will be sending out an SOS.

 Help will also be needed Sunday 4^th September  to load one of the leased boats onto the DBNSW trailer, this, I’m guessing will be about 3pm, but will confirm later. Squad training being in Dubbo that day means there will be shortage of helpers so let me know if you are available.

DBNSW are trying to improve efficiency (and cut costs) by streamlining certain tasks, hence the encouragement to renew memberships on line.  To help in this, CC are, as we did last year, processing memberships once month, ie in last week of each month we will do an “export” of renewals and new members to DBNSW, who then  process and generate new ID tags

 To date just eleven members have ventured on line to renew membership.   We will defer the ‘Export’ until Monday 29^th, so you have few days to go online and renew.  The next  “export” will be end of September which means ID tags will be available mid to late October. Remember NO ID tags, NO Regattas

Don’t forget – you pay only  the $85 on line. Please contact me if you need help – if you really are unable to go online – bring your money to training this Sunday 28^th – we’ll work something out – but only do this if you genuinely cannot, for whatever reason go online. Cash or cheques available for the Club component can also be paid Sunday – or deposited in CC Bank account – details sent earlier.

Dobroyd 10s –- certainly lived up to its reputation – just so laid back. In one race we had five Clubs represented in our boat – not bad when a full crew was 10 paddlers, sweep and drummer. It was really good interaction between clubs, we got to know John (from Nowra,)  a little better, most of you have seen John at regattas.   He of the Goths – pink beard, chains and tatts fame.  We’d have been stuck without him.

Elise and Bella did great job as stroke makers, with yet another very experienced paddler commenting on the high standard of paddling our juniors have, but then we don’t need anyone to tell us how good they are do we? Sweeping – yours truly has got first 2 races out of the way.  Dobroyd’s is good place to sweep, no lanes, plenty of space, short course. The negative is currents, tides and the wind.

 NEXT REGATTA  is Ryde, September 11^th.  Need names in by 05^th Sept, that’s week Monday – and you need your new ID tag by then.                  

FATHERS DAY raffle – less than a week before you find out who has won $2000 worth of prizes.   A huge thank you to the following members  (and family of members) who have taken books of tickets to sell:

Bev Waters,  Gail Wright, Wendy (Gail’s sister), Jan Richards, Regina Fogarty, Ella, Phil Lambert, Judy Carter, Jo Krats, Rhonda Sawtell, Jo Beeby, Brenda (Megan and Elise’s mother) and Sophie Kastrounis (Alex and Terry’s mother). Others who have taken books have been the business houses who contributed the prizes and the Ophir Tavern have been selling tickets in the bar. Then there are those who have been selling tickets at the City Centre last 2 weeks (and again tomorrow). Saturday 03^rd tickets will be sold in morning only,  at IGA Supermarket, if you can help there, contact Ella 6361 4050.

If you haven’t bought your  raffles tickets yet – see any of the above OR get a book for yourself from Gail  6362 4193 OR come along to the Ophir Tavern Saturday 03^rd Sept from about 3.00pm, there will be games, sausage sizzle and of course tickets to buy before the big draw.

Its quite likely someone is going to have to take the barrow of prizes to Sydney or even further afield as Brenda, never one to miss an opportunity, was selling tickets to paddlers at the Dobroyds. Don’t forget to return all books to Gail, Bev or Ella by Friday 02^nd or bring along Saturday 03^rd to the Ophir.

 Kamini Jain paddling camp – Oct Tuesday 18^th to 20^th – at Burrendong Sport and Rec Camp – arriving late afternoon/early evening on 18^th, full day training – on water, reviewing video, discussions Wed and Thursday. Departing mid to late afternoon 20^th. Cost $325 – includes accommodation and training.  There are still places if you want to participate.

 Training for Colour City Dragons – This Sunday 1.00pm on the Lake – then as result of numerous requests,  there has been an executive decision –  training from Saturday September  10^th  training will be 7.30am. Tuesday and Thursday evening training will commence with daylight saving (almost make you wish for daylight saving to continue longer).

 Next general meeting Wednesday 8^th Hotel Canobolas.

 Why is it that when someone tells you that there are one billion stars in the universe, you believe them but, if they tell you there is wet paint, you have to touch it to check?

Well how good was that? A terrific turn out on Sunday with lots of family and friends to help us celebrate a summer of paddling. I think I will forever hold the image of Taylor jumping  overboard, disappearing beneath the water, closely followed by Hayden, who seemed to ‘roll’ out of the other boat – no, not to rescue his sister, but to beat her to the clue which was nestling in the reeds! Thank you both for adding fun to the day and I hope you didn’t get too cold.

Then there was the clue that almost got away – over the spillway. Nathan was seen hanging off the bridge retrieving it before it crashed to the other side. It was so good to see Terry back in the boat. Terry has a way to go before he is 100% and will no doubt experience lot of frustrations along the way – hang in there Terry, every day is step closer to full recovery.

It was a day of firsts really – Women getting in the boat for the men v women race found water coming in a great rate. Umm, at the working bee, did the blokes really forget to put that screw back in? Then both boats became grounded – at the top end of the lake?, don’t know how Phil’s boat got themselves afloat again but few of our people overboard and couple of visitors moving to back of the boat and we soon floated free. And how was the paddling with the paddle handle ? only caught couple members  trying to cheat on that one!           

Monster Raffle – Gail and Bev thank the 3 members who’ve added to the raffle – there’s still room in the wheelbarrow for more and as the tickets have not yet been printed you have few more days to add to the barrow .

DA Orange – Sound of Music, we have just 8 tickets left if anyone is wanting to attend the Opening Night on Friday.  Meeting at the theatre for pre show nibbles, 7pm, show starts at 8pm.  See Pearl 6365 8475

Good luck to our younger members who are doing HSC this year, I’m told pressure is building up – or not – in the case of students who are pretty laid back by it all. Maybe its just the parents feeling the pressure!

Alex, as if he doesn’t have enough to do – is heading to Adelaide this weekend with the Orange High School Band for the National Band Championships.  Good luck from all  members Alex.

Car Boot Sale – June   Start clearing out the garage, sort out all those books. We plan to have special book stall as well.  But you can also have your own site and sell all those unwanted items from your shed. This is planned for early June, date to be confirmed.  Will be needing some help, especially over the next few weeks getting the word out there.  Car spaces will be available at $20 each for NON Club members, $10 for members.

We had a really good working bee at the boat shed little over a week ago.  At one stage I saw Ian under the trailer fixing something, Jo Krats sanding the gunnwales on one boat, Yvonne, Warren and George were putting blocks in the 2^nd boat, Phil Lambert putting final touches to the roof, in order to meet Councils requirements.  I don’t think Kristy and I are going to be let loose with the paint pots again, we just don’t seem to see things from an artists perspective – but we did fix our errors – so if you weren’t there you won’t know what we did!

Chocolates – we seem to have lot of chocolates out there and little money coming in. In fact we ordered a 2^nd lot due to demand but we haven’t received money back in to cover cost of the first order.  Could those who have money or chocolates please get them back to Gail, Bev or myself. End of financial year is fast approaching and we need to get everything in order before then.

Paddle Order  - I haven’t placed an order yet as not enough people requesting them, Will leave it till spring comes and we start traing for the 2 km race!                                                                                                        

Long Weekend– June 09^th/10^th–some are planning a trip to Lake Cargelligo.  A  morale boost for the Lake Cargelligo Club and good for CCDragons to have lots of paddling space.  The paddling will take place in the Saturday afternoon giving us time to travel over in the morning, I know some are thinking of staying Saturday night in Lake C – so good opportunity for us to socialise.

July 03^rd  - Barbeque at Bunnings. Ella is going to need lots of helpers.

 This will clash with a Governance Workshop which is to be held in Orange. DBNSW advises it will be mandatory for 4 committee members to attend. Issues to be covered include Constitution, Legal Issues, Conflict Resolution and Risk Management.  Its sad that its become compulsory for Clubs and other organisations  to learn about these issues.

 July 11^th  HARRY POTTER movie, the very last one to be made. At this stage we have the whole cinema booked – fill that and we could almost buy TWO boats!!

 Kamini Jain – the Canadian coach of world champion dragon boat teams is again heading down under.  STRONGLY encourage everyone interested in developing their paddling skills to competition level to attend. Keep October free. Kamini will be at Myuna Bay again for 3 days BUT …………..fingers crossed we can entice her west of the mountains.

Chocolates – we seem to have lot of chocolates out there and little money coming in. In fact we ordered a 2^nd lot due to demand but we haven’t received money back in to cover cost of the first order.  Could those who have money or chocolates please get them back to Gail,

Coaching course – those interested in undertaking this training please contact me with preferred dates ASAP. I’m now collating names and preferred dates from the 6 W/Region clubs. Just to remind you all:

• Initial Training: over 2 consecutive days
• Follow Up: quite bit of work over several months
• First Aid Cert: a must – no certificate no accrediation
• Cost:   not sure – last year was $250
• Venue: not sure – probably Orange or Dubbo
• Content:  some of the subjects covered are Role of the Coach: Planning; Teaching Skills and Communication; Physical Conditioning//Physiology; Racing regulations; Safety and the Law.

Colour City Dragon Boat Club Regulations and Constitution. This huge task is now complete. There are couple of late additions to the Regulations. One relates to paddlers from other clubs, the 2^nd addition relates to Club’s policies on training courses – please be sure to read it.

 Land training for winter – watch this space, several options in the pot – we do have the erg machine now which will help us maintain aerobic fitness.

Paddles Up!

Pearl

The boat yard about to become a boat shed. Phil Lambert has been heading up a team of members preparing the yard in readiness for the roof to be put on this Sunday. Kaye’s husband, Mark made posts, Ian organised the post hole digger, George, Warren, Brian were there to dig, scrape, fill, hammer and  do whatever else was needed. Yvonne and Jo Keniry were seen lifting panels and holding them in place while the blokes fastened them in – the panels, not Jo and Yvonne – tho the latter is pretty handy with the screwwdriver too. Then there were all those members keeping the food and drinks up to builders – and Jan Richards makes a chocolate slice to die for!

There is so much that goes on in Colour City Dragons, often with little or no comment.  Did you notice early Jan – the 2^nd boat was much in demand, it was almost impossible to move on the little trolley – until Ian quietly put a stronger axle on – it’s a breeze to move now.

Remember those fantastic brochures promoting our Regatta, same person just produced the information brochure (for new members) and the abbreviated version for promotional purposes – take a bow Jo Keniry.  Alan Reeder, Karen’s husband produced flyers at short notice to promote the Come and Try Session taking place as part of Slow Summer program this week.

Have you checked out the Club website recently? After an inactive year it is now  updated regularly. An expert with the camera is now taking the ID photos and while the Western Region Regatta 2011 is still 9 ½ months away work has already begun to encourage business houses in Orange to enter teams – all this is thanks to the Web, Word and Camera Witches, Jan Richards, Jasmine Vidler and Claire Buchanan.   And joy of joy – the Constitution – a work in progress for over a year has been handed over to Christine Stanger for a final tidy up – Christine, like Mark Rutherford and Alan Reeder, is not even a Club member – yet!! Heartfelt Thanks to you all.

Trust you’re not feeling exhausted reading about all this activity – because there’s more to come

This Saturday – the 5^th, Come and Try Day as part of the Slow Summer program.  Training as usual at 7.15,  the Frosties, Community Team will be having their training session at 9.30, this will be followed at 10am by CCDB showing off with a short display  – don’t forget to wear your Club shirts – then we’ll be introducing yet more members of the public to dragon boating – I’ve lost track of how many have come along but I think we have had 11 or 12 paddlers new members in January alone and I know there are more waiting till after the Community Team races at CNY. Help will be needed Saturday, especially between 10am and midday, with the boats, the paddlers, the barbeque and the “100 Club”.

Chinese New Year  - Saturday 12^th for Club teams, Sunday 13^th Feb (for DAA and Community teams. Have you found your ID tag yet?   No tag No Race – Absolutely no wrist bands will be handed out this year.  Paddlers need to be at Cockle Bay by 7.30am at latest  for first timers, we try to find a convenient spot to gather, we need bagmen/women, they carry the wallets etc while the rest of us rush round looking for missing paddlers. When the final draw is available I will let you know our races – we don’t go on times, always listen for Race Number over the PA.  (its very noisy) you need to be in the marshalling area at least  3 races before yours. If you are missing when we head for the loading pontoons – sorry, you missed the boat – literally. There is an 8 minute turn around so no time for waiting for missing paddlers. According to the draft draw our races are well spread out so I don’t anticipate problems.

NOW to the social calendar – First – those staying at the Goldsborough Mort (that’s nearly all of us), there is a swimming pool and gym, the lift is so slow – think its an original used in the wool store days. The apartments have everything you need – including w/machine.

A room has been booked for CCDB Club at the Bridge Hotel for 6pm, that’s a meeting place in a lively hotel – we then decide do we eat there or head to Dixon Street, I’m still waiting to hear from couple of Chinese restaurants – did think of booking a table at the Marigold but tables of 12 only, so decided against that – my decision had nothing to do with the fact that minimum cost was $1350.  Anyone know a good Chinese restaurant? Volunteers are desparately needed for CNY, both days, anyone not paddling and would like to help  see Pearl.

Officials and Volunteers Training – Pam attended the course recently, not what she expected but found it very worthwhile and looking forward to getting more involved with DBNSW. Its always good to have members with a growing awareness of the rules and regulations.

Now, reflecting on past activities. Barbeque at Bunnings cleared a little over $500, with enough meat left over to stock this weekends ‘Come and Try Barbeque’. Ella was delighted with all the help. Great effort everyone.

DA Orange – had a stand at the Australia Day Celebrations in Cook Park, mainly to highlight breast cancer awareness and our presence in Orange. We ran a “100 Club’, raising $200 – because the winner of the $100 donated it back to us. We do have 42 numbers to sell on the $5 Club which we hope to sell this Saturday at the Come and Try.  Why? Because DA Orange have been  successful in gaining a grant for $2000 from Orange Credit Union and $700 from Chris Gryllis Real Estate to purchase a marquee. Too late we were advised by Sydney Dazzlers we should also purchase  marquee walls. So DA Orange members decided to order them and use the proceeds of the “100 Clubs” to cover the cost of 3 walls. Thoough Phil did have a brilliant idea to recyle the tarps –  it turned out it would cost more than buying the new walls.

Leisure Expo – at PCYC Sunday 27^th Feb – will need helpers to run the promotional stand – do we have an IT Witch or Wizard who could maybe set up a dvd to run during the show?  Any ideas on how to make the stand appealing.

Fundraising/socialising- heaps of activities in the pipeline–just waiting for you to offer to help – everything from Car Boot Sales to Theatre Nights and Dinners.  Come to next meeting to learn more – hasten to add these are winter projects.

Training  this Sunday (6/2) again, 5pm for the CNY team.  This training time will continue for those attending the State Finals – don’t forget EVERYONE is welcome to participate. If we were sending only the super fit or elite paddlers  – well, need I say more.  But we are improving and that’s the goal.

Speaking of goals – theres moves afoot for those going to Penrith for the State Finals to lose the weight of a paddler – and no we are not throwing anyone overboard. The idea is, those wanting to participate, weigh in at training. The goal is by State Finals (March 19^th) we have between us lost equivelent of average persons weight. Well I reckon the average weight is 50kg!!

All this sounded good – Yvonne and Kristy said that’s no good unless you take waist measurements too, I kind of lost interest at that point – however in the interests of the dragon spirit I’ll give it a go – next week. Lets get this weekend over first. Have a think about joining me.

New Club Shirts –  those going to regattas, do you have one? Have all shirts been paid for? Old Club Shirts – I still have couple left – a bargain at $20, a size 12 and a small mens (would fit a size 12 or 14 ladies)

A big thank you to all of you – the last few weeks have been so hectic, not just with the number of members turning up for training but so many people trying it out. In case you hadn’t noticed – we have had between 25 and 39 consistantly for the last month.  And yes I did hear Phil Lambert mention a THIRD boat!  Don’t ask me how but we have managed to maintain the training plan for the ‘older’ members AND help the newcomers to develop their technique.

The Shellharbour  Festival of Sport  is on March 5.  A real fun regatta – if you enjoyed Ryde, you’ll love this one – and we have two Level 2 Sweeps needing to sweep at 2 more races (without incident) to gain their L3 status. Name on the clipboard if your’e interested.

Heaps of positive thoughts to Terry for a speedy full recovery – we miss you Terry.

And soon after CNY we say farewell to Gloria who will be returning to her home in Canada. You have just become part of the Colour City Dragons and we are going to miss you Gloria. Travel safely and come back soon.

Paddles Up!

Pearl

$10 steaks and time to relax – this Tuesday after training – at the Hotel Canobolas – just turn up, no need to rush home and shower and change – we’ll look quite clean compared with the mining guys.

Greetings All and best wishes for 2010, I hope you enjoyed your Christmas and New Year Celebrations and are rearing to get back into training.

Training – For a while, it looked as if there would be NO training during Jan. However, when he heard of our problem, John Pickett, our Founding Chairman and very first Sweep generously offered to help on Saturdays. Then Susie decided she would sacrifice the flexibility she had so looked forward to enjoying during school holidays. This means you will have opportunity to train almost as per usual. (more information at end). I’m sure everyone joins me in thanking John and Susie for giving up their precious time.

Don’t forget, commencing 7^th Jan, Thursday training will consist of longer, harder drills. The goal being to develop endurance and speed – while maintaining technique.

The Committee has always been aware of the need to cater for those who like to train for fun and fitness and those who want to do serious competitive paddling.

By setting aside one session a week for the competitive paddlers and two sessions for the not so competitive we may go some way to solving the dilemma. This is really an indication of the growth of the Club (and I don’t mean numerical) so a very positive move.

Almost all of you are ready and capable of tougher training – only you know whether its what you want. Come to whatever session you want – but know on Thursday’s you’ll be working up a sweat.

Chinese New Year Regatta – 27^th/28^th Feb – that is less than 8 weeks to improve fitness and strengthen team spirit.

The ideal would be ‘on water’ training as a team at least twice a week, Realistically that’s not likely to happen but it is important you try to fit in extra ½ hour a day, walking, swimming or some other exercise – for your own well being and minimising risk of injury.

Boat Trailer – If you haven’t been to training recently you won’t know – we no longer have to lift the boat on

and off the trailer. Thanks to the Phil Beeby, Phil Lambert, Ian, George and Craig who have modified the boat trailer. Fellas, we bless you every time we put the boat out.

Thanks to JT, who made the current trailer and to the guys already mentioned, we’ve come a long way since the little trolley we started with. Now instead of needing

15 or more people to get the boat out it can be done easily with just 4 or 5 members.

Christmas Breakfast – Thanks to our Juniors who cooked breakfast while the rest of us were able to enjoy a little time relaxing – well, the blokes didn’t, they were too busy working on the trailer.

Terry Kastrounis isn’t saying much but word is he and his parents were happy with his HSC results, good work Terry and good luck in your career path.

Gareth Petersen – also ended 2009 with some very successful scores (and prizes) on the golf course.

Penrith Regatta – just as we were about to cancel plans to participate in this due to lack of paddlers, the Beeby/Micallef family and Megan, decided they could just fit in a regatta before heading off to do Christmas shopping and see the show ‘Wicked’. So with just 16 paddlers, including 5 members at their first regatta, a drummer and a fantastic ‘borrowed’ sweep from Central Coast Club, the CC Dragons, put up a very good show, no prizes but we weren’t far behind those boats with full crews and we had a lot of fun.

Ryan, an old hand at drumming worked hard encouraging paddlers to give their all and Megan drumming at a regatta for first time shows lots of potential, look forward to seeing you up front again Megan.

Oh, and Jo Beeby found time to buy 5 dresses between the regatta and seeing ‘Wicked’!!

January 21^st – Merge – a holiday activity program for young people run by combined community agencies has asked if dragon boating could be included on the programme this year. Your Committee have agreed subject to availability of Coaches, Sweep and few members to help out. Susie will be sweeping, Erin or Pearl will be there as coach. If 6 to 8 members could make themselves available for couple of hours on that day it would be very much appreciated. Last year when Nippers Surf Life Saving clubs came out it worked really well having our Junior Dragons in the boat so if any of them would like to help this time I’m sure we can organise ride out to the Lake and return. Merge will be paying for our services so more funds for the Club. Contact Pearl or Judy if you can help.

Volunteers Needed – for Australian Championships at West Lakes, SA, April 22^nd to 25^th. If you’d like to help, can spare few days and would like to see dragon boating at its best as the top clubs vie for championship status let Melanie now ASAP, not sure on this level but on DBNSW level, accommodation is paid for volunteers and your Club receives a small contribution – could be a win win situation.

DA Orange – Gail and Bev continued selling meat raffle tickets up until 19^th Dec. A side effect of their fundraising seems to be an informal get together of CC Dragons at the Ophir Tavern on a Sat PM to enjoy couple of hours relaxing with friends.

On the 19^th when Christmas hams substituted the meat trays, Brenda Jones went home very happy – because she won a ham of course, no other reason.

Exciting News – for DBNSW,

NSW Sports Federation has announced the finalists for the NSW Annual Sports Awards, of interest to us:

· Australian Mixed Masters Team

· Gavin Godfrey – Coach

· Kim Simpson – Volunteer

Overall winners will be announced on 18^th Feb.

Dates for the diary:

Training Dates and times:

Jan 05^th and 7^th 5.45pm

Jan 09^th 7.30am

Jan 12^th and 14^th no training

Jan 16^th 7.30am

Jan 19^th and 23^rd 5.45pm

Jan 25^th 7.30am

Stay turned – the above could change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Jan 09^th DBNSW Race 4 Tacoma, Central Coast 500 metres

Jan 21^st Merge Holiday Program

10.15 to 1.30 approx.

Feb 7^th Slow Summer Come & Try

Feb 14/15 Flowing Festival Regatta

Feb 27/28^th Chinese New Year – Darling Harbour 240 metres

March13/14^th Canberra 500metres

Paddles Up