2008 Challenge Information Pack

1. brown dogRegistered Charity 1111550 Information Pack 2008 Challenge Information Pack 2009 Challenge

2. Welcome Thank you for taking part in this years challenge – you are all very welcome! This is the 9th brown dog challenge, albeit our first ever water-based challenge. Challengers always ask “how hard is the challenge going to be”. From experience, the degree of difficulty will vary from one person (maybe super-fit) to another (perhaps this year that could mean someone who has never done anything like this or is scared of water and will find it a challenge just getting in a canoe). Also the degree of difficulty with this challenge will very much depend on the weather – particularly the wind! If the wind is strong on the day, it really will be a challenge to finish in the agreed time, to stay off-the bank and in the boat. We experienced strong winds on the dry run and it really made a difference to the energy and effort required – we all stayed in our canoes so don’t worry! On the other hand we have been blessed with great weather in June and as such it may be sunny and calm, which will make it easier – either way, you will know you have done 25 miles when you get to the end! The one thing we can assure you, is that this route is absolutely beautiful and you will all have a great time. Your safety is the most important thing, please take time to read this information pack and to join the pre-challenge safety briefing on Tuesday 2nd June. Note: if your accommodation requirements or anything else is not correct in this pack call Mark Storer immediately on 07918070710, thanks

3. Introducing the 2009 Canoe Challenge Team 1 Ian Alexander 17 Jeni O’Neil 18 Anil Patel 2 Darren Baddeley 19 Katherine Parkes 3 Rebecca Cansell 20 Richard Parkes 4 Laurence Crack 21 Edwin Reay 5 Maria Dobson 22 Bernie Smith 6 Pete Fowler 7 David Hall 23 Grace Storer 8 Gez Johnston 24 Helen Storer 9 Alison Jones 25 Isaac Storer 10 James Leeson 26 Josh Storer 11 Alan Hodges 27 Mark Storer 28 Bev Wildgoose 12 Richard Little 29 Ian Wildgoose 13 Fiona Meikle 30 Dave Willcock 14 GarryMorris 31 Anita Yong 15 Becky Naylor 16 Tony O’Neil 32 Peter Young Ground/Moral Support 33 Catherine Crack 34 Deb Johnson 20 Old members 35 Fiona Johnstone 17 New members 36 Kathy O’Neil 37 Jay Packham A special warm welcome to our brown dog virgins!

4. Thank you for joining our team You will directly help someone who has cancer and make a real difference to the quality of their life FRONT brown dog helping people with cancer brown dog helping people with cancer 2009 Canoe Marathon Ross-on-Wye

5. T-Shirts 1 Ian Alexander L 17 Jeni O’Neil M 18 Anil Patel M 2 Darren Baddeley M 19 Katherine Parkes M 3 Rebecca Cansell S 20 Richard Parkes M 4 Laurence Crack XL 21 Edwin Reay L 5 Maria Dobson M 22 Bernie Smith XXL 6 Pete Fowler XL 7 David Hall L 23 Grace Storer M 8 Gez Johnston XXL 24 Helen Storer M 9 Alison Jones M 25 Isaac Storer S 10 James Leeson M 26 Josh Storer M 11 Alan Hodges M 27 Mark Storer XXL 28 Bev Wildgoose M 12 Richard Little XXL 29 Ian Wildgoose M 13 Fiona Meikle M 30 Dave Willcock M 14 GarryMorris L 31 Anita Yong S 15 Becky Naylor S 16 Tony O’Neil XL 32 Peter Young L If you recall in the original welcome pack we asked you to return your personal contact details Where we did not receive this we guessed a size for you – if it is not correct, then let us know immediately Ground/Moral Support 33 Catherine Crack S 34 Deb Johnson L 35 Fiona Johnstone M 36 Kathy O’Neil M 37 Jay Packham M

6. Your Challenge brown dog (brown dog is a registered charity 1111550) 9th annual charity challenge raising money for people with cancer CANOE MARATHON 09 Hoarwithy to Symmonds Yat The River Wye Saturday 13th June 2009 This years challenge is to canoe 25 miles in 7 hours Don’t under-estimate this challenge as it will test your endurance and timing!!!

7. Challenge Plans Please read carefully

8. PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO JOIN THIS CALL Pre-challenge SAFETY and PRE-BRIEFING teleconference TUESDAY 2ND JUNE 8 PM – 9 PM Dial 08702 411 409 You will then be asked for a code 17145979# • Objective of call: • Brief on key safety aspects • Ensure you are clear on arrangements • Ask any questions you may have

9. Before you set off - tips for you to consider • Take gloves – it will help prevent blisters (you can always take them off) • Take a small bag/ruck sack that can be put in a water-tight tub provided on the day, this may include: • Valuables (note: car keys will be handed to canoe company) • A packed lunch in your bag • Change of clothes (just in case) – t-shirt, shorts and underwear • Note: You will only be able to access this bag at lunch or on an emergency stop • Take a water-tight plastic bag (or double carrier-bag) to keep things for the journey • Sun cream • A kagal • Water, chocolate or nibbles! • Taking a zip-up fleece is recommended as it will go over your life jacket and you can take it on and off if the weather is changeable. • Sitting and rowing for 7 hours will have an effect on your bottom – you may consider wearing padded cycling shorts if you have them • Take insect repellent particularly if you are sensitive to Midge bites. • Take sun-cream – if the weather is hot, your canoe will be a sun trap. • Take sun-glasses • Consider bringing a hat (sun/rain protection) • Take a packed-lunch for the Saturday lunch break

10. Outline of the Challenge – it is essential you are at the start by 7.45 a.m. PREPARE TO START THE CHALLENGE OFF TO THE DOGS Return Boats Kit Out Hoarwithy to Ross 5.30 – 6.00 7.45 – 8.15 9.30 – 12.45 Obtain Life Jackets Obtain Water-tight Containers (tubs) 10.75 miles Drive to Hotel Lunch 6.00 – 6.15 12.45 -1.30 Go to Start Check In / Shower etc. 8.15 – 8.45 6.15 – 7.15 Ross to Kerne Bridge 2 mini-buses Drive us to Hoarwithy (start point) 1.30 – 3.00 Meet in Bar Opposite Reception 5.25 miles Launch Boats 7.15 – 8.15 Bridge to Simmonds Yat 8.45 – 9.30 3.00 – 5.30 Boats off Trailer Safety Briefing Launch Boats Dogs Dinner In the Buckingham Suite 8 miles 8.15 - Midnight

11. Directions to Start – Symonds Yat WEST – Martins Grove Business Park- HR96BJ M5 M50 A40 Ross On Wye Follow Symonds Yat WEST, go over the mini-roundabout and then: as the road bends to the right you go straight-on and park on the pay and display car park (you will need £2 for the day – bring coins) Then walk back to the bend in the road, turn left and then turn left again at the Ross-on-Wye Canoe Hire board. Note: Ross-on-Wye Canoe Hire – there are others! Pencraig Symonds Yat East bridge

12. Canoe Share – Find your canoe mate Anita & Peter Young Grace Storer & Josh Storer Mark & Helen Storer Young at Heartt Foxy Flier Rooti Tootie Tony & Jeni O’Neil Me & My Girl Isaac Storer & James Leeson Katherine & Richard Parkes OAR powered Parky Puffer Becky Naylor & Dave Wilcock Love Boat Bev & Ian Wildgoose Dave Hall & Gez Johnston Goose Lightening Little & Barge Garry Morris & Darren Baddeley Cup a tea M’duck Fiona Meikle & Alison Jones Anil Patel & Alan Hodges BT Babes Maria Dobson & Rebecca C M6 cruiser Brighton Belle Richard Little & Ian Alexander Bernie Smith & Laurence Crack Pete Fowler & Edwin Raey Tamworth Tug Crackin’ On Pompy Punt

13. At the boat yard Having parked your car in the pay and display car park and then walked to the Ross-on-Wye Canoe Hire centre: • Find Mark Storer or Richard Parkes to check in • You will then each be given a: • life-jacket and oar • map • water-proof tub (to put your bag/ruck-sack in described earlier) • You will shown how to fix the lid on the tubs to ensure water-tight • The canoe company will put the 17 canoes onto two trailers at the back of two mini-buses • At the appropriate time you will be asked to get on the min-bus It is essential that you are on time – at 8.15 prompt the buses will leave We will not be able to wait for late comers Kit Out 7.45 – 8.15

14. Also at the boat yard – confirm the money you have raised The brown dog annual challenge is all about raising as money as we can to help people with Cancer over the next year. At the dogs dinner we will announce how much we have raised as a team This usually provides a great excuse to celebrate To achieve this we have to find out from you all individually how much money you believe you have raised At the boat yard, or in the bus or at the start you may be asked for this information. Please ensure you have that information with you.

15. At the start - Hoarwithy • The bus ride to Hoarwithy will take 20 minutes • On the bus you will be briefed by either Mark or Richard • The bus will take us to the river-side • 3 things will take place: • A team photograph will be taken - please listen to instructions – it won’t easy organising 34 people! • A safety briefing will be provided by the canoe company – please listen! • The canoes will be lowered to the river ready to launch • You will be asked to get into the canoe – push your oars into river bed to push-off • You will feel uncomfortable to start with as the canoe will rock a little • Stay cool, get yourself in the middle of the river and practice steering the canoe • The challenge commences!

16. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS • Do not stand up in the canoe • Stay near the middle of the river as much as you can • On faster water – paddle hard and straight, don’t let the river take control • If you do find yourself heading for the bank try and slow yourself down and don’t panic – if you hit the bank you can push yourself back on track • If you capsize – don’t panic, try and stand up in the river and push yourself to the bank. If you have water in the canoe tip over from the middle to pour out the water. Get yourself back in the canoe and off-you go again (note – if you take a change of clothes, get to somewhere safe to pull up and change) • If the wind is very strong on the day it can make canoeing almost impossible – if this unlikely scenario occurs we need to all get together at the river side and tie the canoes together – then phone for assistance • If at any point you cannot carry on you must phone the canoe hire company who will come and get you (or tell you where to go to if they can’t)

17. TIPS FROM THE DRY RUN • Remember if you both paddle to the left you will go right (and visa-versa) • If the person at the back holds the oar (as a rudder) to the right you will turn right • When the water is steady the rudder technique will work • When the water is fast the rudder technique may not work – you are much better to paddle as hard as you can on one side to steer the boat • On a few occasions the power of the river (or our inability to steer!) turned the the canoe completely round – to right yourself; - the one at the front paddle hard to the left - the one at the back paddle backwards to the right • On one stretch of fast water we lost control and went through the fast water backwards – a bit scary, but we stayed cool and the water slowed up and we turned ourselves around (as described above) • On a few occasions the wind was strong and took us to the bank - we learned to stay calm, slow the canoe down as much as we could and looked to avoid any sharp branches or twigs as we hit the bank. We then pushed ourselves away and off we went. It is a bit scary, but again stay cool.

18. Challenge (first half) – Hoarwithy to Ross-on-Wye (10 miles) Hoarwithy Selleck Footbridge Foy Suspension Bridge A40 Bridge Get off here! It’s small get-off point. Lift your canoe out of the water Lift canoe to top of bank Park canoe on grass Lunch is 30 minutes only Ross Rowing Club x Wilton Bridge Hope & Anchor Pub DON’T GET OFF HERE x Ross-on-Wye

19. Stopping for Lunch at Ross-on-Wye • Ensure you get off at the right place – see diagram below • Get your canoe out of the water and lift it up the bank onto the grassy bank • Help others if they are struggling to lift out • Ensure you only have 30 minutes for lunch Go under the M40 bridge • If people are launching canoes • at the get-off point, either: • slow down and back paddle • go by, turn around and • paddle against water for a • few minutes • pull up at Hope & Anchor • and wait a few minutes Ross-on-Wye Rowing Club Get off here! Don’t get off here! Lift your canoe out Of the water and lift Up the bank onto the Grassy area Hope & Anchor Pub Riverside Inn Toilets

20. Challenge (second half) – Ross-on-Wye to Simonds Yat (14 miles) Ross Rowing Club x Wilton Bridge Fast Water Go to theright of island Hope & Anchor Pub DON’T GET OFF HERE x Ross-on-Wye Kerne Bridge Fast Water Go to the right of island Keep as close to island as possible Green Metal Bridge E Fast Water Go to the left of island Symonds Yat Finish Point Look for the Ross-on-Wye Canoe Hire Sign on the right It’s small gravel beach landing Old Ferry Inn x If you come across the Old Ferry Inn you have gone too far and missed the finish turn around and canoe back up-stream

21. At the end of the challenge • Remember to look for the Ross-on-Wye Canoe Hire sign on the right • Land your canoe safely on the small beach area (sometimes people fish from here so be careful/respectful) • Get out of your canoe and then pull the canoe out of the water • Lift your canoe and take it to the grassy area at the top of the river bank • Wait there for other team members to arrive • Mark or Richard will contact the canoe hire company • You will be collected and taken back to your car at the canoe hire HQ

22. Directions to Hotel A40 Riverside Inn Toilets Hotel Pencraig Symonds Yat East • Get back on the A40 (turn left at first roundabout and go over the bridge) • Head back to Ross – at first roundabout turn right • Follow the road over the river • Then up the hill, turning right at the top • Hotel is on your right • Car Parking at the hotel • If non available park in the street bridge

23. Venue for Dogs Dinner & Accommodation – The Royal Hotel Royal Hotel, known locally as “The Face of Ross-on-Wye” was originally built in 1837 and has recently been the subject of major work to restore it to its former beauty. Situated near the centre of the busy market town of Ross on Wye: Standing high above the horseshoe bend of the River Wye, The Royal enjoys some of the best views of the surrounding countryside. This majestic grade II Georgian Country Hotel, boasts many famous visitors including Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens, who planned his American Biography whilst staying here. The spectacular Barrett’s Restaurant, Riverside Bar and Riverside Terrace offer seasonal menus, with a wide selection of modern and traditional British favourites, from hearty main courses to lighter snacks, complimented by a selection of real ales, carefully selected wines, speciality teas and coffees. The Hotels has 42 comfortable en-suite bedrooms of individual character ranging from romantic feature rooms with spectacular views, to character filled single rooms in the old stable block. With four fabulous function rooms The Royal is the perfect setting for picture perfect weddings, family celebrations, parties, private dining, business entertaining, meetings, conferences and events. http://www.theroyal-ross.com/conference.htm

24. Accommodation Details • Friday & Saturday • 6 Doubles & 6 Twins (23) • Doubles x 6 • Mark & Helen Storer • Richard & Katheryn Parkes • Bev & Ian Wildgoose • Becky Naylor & Dave Willcock • Anita & Peter Young • Dave Hall & Debbie Johnson • Twins x 6 • Josh Storer & James Leeson • Grace Storer & Isaac Storer • Maria Dobson & Rebecca Cansell • Edwin Reay & Ian Alexander • Darren Baddeley & Garry Morris • Bernie Smith • Saturday • 5 Doubles & 2 Twins (14) • Doubles x 5 • Laurence & Catherine Crack • Gez & Fiona Johnstone • Fiona Meikle & Alison Jones • Tony O’Neil & Kathy O’Neil • Jeni O’Neil & Jay Packham • Twins x 2 (including 1 single) • Richard Little & Pete Fowler • Alan Hodges & Alan Hodges When you arrive just check in You have already paid brown dog Brown dog will settle room rate – not extras

25. If you are staying on Friday night as well as Saturday • Check in to your room on arrival • We are planning to eat in the main restaurant at approx 8pm • Meet up in the Bar between 7 and 8 • Please remember that the restaurant closes at 9pm • Note: we have negotiated a special Bed, Breakfast and Evening Meal rate which has been factored into your brown dog joining fee – however if you miss the 9pm deadline you will not get a meal or be entitled to a refund. Hopefully you will all be be able to meet these time-frames (if you know for sure you won’t, then give Mark or Richard P a call and we will see if we can organise a super for you) • In the restaurant you will be able to chose from the full menu • If you are there earlier and want to eat – feel free to do so • If you decide to eat earlier, we will congregate in the bar later • On Saturday morning breakfast will be at 7am prompt • You will need to be in your car and ready to drive to the canoe hire centre no later than 7.30am

26. In preparation for the Dogs Dinner - Meal • To help the hotel to cater for us on the Saturday night we will be asking you to • decide what you would like eat beforehand (note: there is an excellent choice) • This is the plan: • If you are staying on the Friday night • when you pick your meal on the Friday night can you also pick a meal for the Saturday night (only tell the waiter what you want for Friday night, remember what you want on the Saturday night) • After your meal, back in the bar, you will be asked for your Saturday choice • If you have not given your order to one of the brown dog team, can you ensure you do so at breakfast If you are only staying on the Saturday night • we will arrange for you to see a menu in the bar before the dogs dinner By doing this we will give the hotel the best possible opportunity of providing a good service for you

27. Dogs Dinner - Agenda As is now tradition, we have organised special dinner to celebrate our success. Just like last year we have arranged a private room to hopefully resurrect the same atmosphere, where after dinner prizes will be presented and speeches made by those brave enough (or drunk enough) 7.00 Drinks in the Main Hotel Bar (over-looking River) 8.00 Make your way to the Buckingham Suite 8.15 Welcome &Brown Dog AGM As a registered charity we have to organise an AGM, so we do it just before the dinner commences – it only takes 10 minutes, focusing on where your money was utilised in the last year 8.30 Dogs Dinner Celebration Meal Speeches Competitions/Fun Awards Prize-giving 2008 Achievement Announced Dress code Smart/casual

28. Dogs Dinner – Seating Plan (for Hotel only) Table 2 15 14 12 13 19 18 16 17 1 6 Table 3 23 22 20 21 2 7 27 26 24 25 3 8 4 9 Table 4 5 10 31 32 28 29 30 11 36 37 33 34 35 Table 1

29. Dogs Dinner – Seating Plan Table 2 Tony Richard Anita Kathy Table 1 Jeni Katheryn Peter Jay Alan James Isaac Josh Table 3 Becky Laurence Gez Fiona Mark Ian Dave Catherine Debs Dave Helen Bev Grace Moggy Bernie Table 4 Rich L Fiona Edwin Anil Maria Ian Alison Pete F Darren Rebecca

30. Collecting Money Remember that the purpose of the challenge is to raise as much money as we can to help people who have cancer across the UK You should all have the sponsorship form (and hopefully be filling it up by now) Remember to capture the full address on your sponsorship form (including post code) and agreement for us to collect gift aid – this makes a big difference to the total amount we raise. After the challenge it is important to send your sponsorship forms to Ian Alexander so brown dog can claim gift Aid. If people are willing to donate money now or give you money in advance of the challenge we suggest you take it. This money can be paid automatically via internet banking or paid in a LTSB branch using our brown dog account below (note different from the expenses account you will pay your registration fee to); Paying in Funds Raised Account Name: brown dog charity Account Number 18439960 Sort code: 30-67-72. If you pay any money in please let Ian have the details (ian.browndog@yahoo.co.uk) – when paid in, by who, where etc. This helps Ian (our Financial Director) to balance our books to charity commission standards. Good luck with your fund raising

31. brown dog helping people with cancer Thank you so much for supporting Brown Dog brown dog helping people with cancer 2009 Canoe marathon Ross-on-Wye

32. and finally…

33. We need help……. The Brown Dog Trustee Board are looking to expand after this years challenge. We are looking for 2 or 3 new members to the organising team. Enthusiasm and a desire to contribute is the only criteria. You can become a fully fledged Trustee or just join our organising team. You can do as little or as much as you want to – but everything you do will be much appreciated. We have a call once a month and in the mean time Trustees will progress things either on their own or working in pairs or small sub-groups. If you are interested, please contact this years event organisors and Trustees, Mark Storer or Richard Parkes (or indeed any of the Trustees listed on the last page).

34. CONTACTS If you have any questions please contact any of the Brown Dog Trustee Board NameMobile IAN ALEXANDER 07801910829 Financial Director PETER FOWLER 07736359982 Secretary NICK HILL 07918082648 Trustee ANIL PATEL 07801471723 Founder Member RICHARD LITTLE 07710170642 Trustee RICHARD PARKES 07740605362 Trustee MARK STORER 07918070710 Founder Member NICKY WATKINS 07739817143 Chairperson