In the picturesque site of Mayesbrook Park Rising East reporter Patrick Wilkins headed down to Barking and Dagenham canoe club to watch the members of them train at the lake.
Chatting to two of club’s coaches they mentioned the history of the club and the excitement of ultimately the biggest event of the year for British kayaking the DW.
Walking into the park was very surprising as it felt like I’ve left London; it was clear that there was a body of water there, but I couldn’t see any kayaks.
Then from around the hill I heard the all too familiar sound of a boat and the splash of the paddles entering the water.
Looking over I could see a local boat house that gave everything away.
Making my way towards the boat house John and Bill two are both volunteer coaches at the Saturday morning sessions were kind enough to talk to me.
Talking to John he mentioned that Bill has done the DW (the Devises to Westminster canoe marathon) nine or ten times in his canoeing life.
Speaking to John you get the sense that the club really came into its own when the two met. John was a milkman at the time and Bill coached canoeing.
The Early Years
John described how the club formed from humble beginnings: “This club started, with a couple of kids and Bob Porter (former coach), he took kids to racing, they use to turn up with some right crappy old boats, with some kids that had the ability and they enjoyed it to get out there and try to get a medal, some of them got medals and that’s how it started.”
Just from being at the centre I got a feel for the team atmosphere that was there along with that rugged ‘make do and mend’ attitude. The friendly banter was a constant during my time at the club.
The love for what they do is evident from John and what it means to him. “None of this we’re paid for, were all volunteers here,” John told me.
That was clear as another club member passed into view being followed by five young children all paddling dagger dynamos (small plastic kayaks, great for learning in at a young age).
It’s clear to see that there will be a next generation taking an interest in the sport and going out in boats with a club as well established as Barking and Dagenham.
The Team
Danny Beazley – Represented Great Britain 56 times between 1993 and 2006 at Marathon Canoeing with best result being 6th in K1 at 1996 World Cup held in Australia.
18 medals were won at international level, marathons including winning the Bosplann Marathon, Holland in K2 in 1996 and the Transmorbhianaise Marathon, France in K2 in 2002.
Kelly (McGee) Beazley – Represented Great Britain at Sprint Canoeing as a junior in 1993 to 1995 and finished 9th in K4 at the 1995 Junior Sprint World Championships held in Japan.
Also represented Great Britain at Sprint Canoeing in 2000 as a senior winning 4 medals at international sprint events and then went on to represent Great Britain at Marathon Canoeing from 2000 to 2004 where her best result was 3rd in K2 at the World Cup in Spain in 2001. She also won medals at several international marathons.
Steve Harris – Represented Great Britain at Marathon Canoeing from 1994 to 1998 winning two World Championships in K2 in 1994 and 1996. He also won medals at various World Cups and finished 3rd in K2 at the 1997 European Championships.
Lea Pilgrim – Represented Great Britain at Marathon Canoeing as a junior from 1996 to 1997
Stuart Hayday – Represented Great Britain at Marathon Canoeing as a junior from 1996 to 1997
Nikki Gordon – Represented Great Britain at Sprint Canoeing as a junior from 1997 to 1998
Nicky Taylor – Represented Great Britain as a junior at Marathon Canoeing from 1998 to 1999 and as a senior from 2001 to 2007 where her best result was 3rd in K2 at the World Cup in Spain in 2001. She also won medals at several international marathons.
Sam Rainey – Represented Great Britain as a junior at Marathon Canoeing in 2006 and 2007
Gary Rowell – Represented Great Britain as a junior at Marathon Canoeing in 2005
Ben Bradshaw – Represented Great Britain at Marathon Canoeing as a and as a senior in 2010.
Leanne Brown – Represented Great Britain at both Sprint and Marathon Canoeing as a junior
The DW
The DW is a very intimidating race as it is 125 miles long and can be raced in singles or doubles. Depending on age the race can be done over four days or all in one 24 hours straight run.
Barking and Dagenham canoe club has had a long history of competing in the event. When speaking to John he discussed the clubs reputation with myself.
“Barking has a reputation of doing it, we have a reputation of whoever does [it], finishes it, we’ve never had anyone drop out.” Bill, who had been coaching alongside the bank for the best part said that it was a great race to do.
“Getting the kids to do 125 miles race, once they’ve done that, they go to university they get a job and they say they’ve done 125-mile race, straight away the employer knows that they’ve got commitment and dedication”.
Next Generation
The next generation is a key part of the success plan for the club and there is a process in place in which john delves into. “When we get kids that are good, they go to the club to train at night, we have a weights room, a shower room and they can go and paddle up and down the river.”
The Future
The short-term future of the club and heading towards the winter periods is to compete in the Essex winter series as well as the Hasler races. I really do wish them all the best in these races and urge anyone reading to give kayaking a go with Barking and Dagenham canoe club.
The manner in which the club represents itself and the ethos they abide by makes you really think that these guys are ones to root for both here in the UK and away at the European championships and especially the DW.
