blundell's school devizes to westminster canoe race roadcrews' handbook

BLUNDELL’S BLUNDELL’S BLUNDELL’S BLUNDELL’S

SCHOOLSCHOOLSCHOOLSCHOOL

Devizes to Westminster

Canoe Race

Roadcrews’ Handbook

Thursday 21st April 2011

To

Monday 25th

April 2011

1948-2011 - CELEBRATING 63 YEARS OF

PERSONAL ENDEAVOUR

of 33 DW Handbook 2011

GENERAL

INFORMATION


D/W What’s it all about? The Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race is the

longest non-stop canoe race in the world. It starts at Devizes

in Wiltshire and runs along the Kennet and Avon Canal,

punctuated by locks, until it reaches the River Thames at

Reading. It finishes under the Westminster Bridge in the

heart of London, 125 miles from the start.

It is a test of endurance, stamina, fortitude and courage. Not

for nothing is it known as the “Canoeist’s Everest”. It is held

over the Easter weekend each year and has been a fixture in

the British sporting calendar since 1950

Blundell’s and the Race

Blundell’s students, staff and Old Blundellian members of

the Blundell’s Canoe club have been taking part in the

race for many years.

The event is divided into classes. Blundell’s compete in

the four day event,

which starts on Good

Friday and finishes

on Easter Monday

every year. Most paddlers enter the Junior K2 class,

some go in as Junior/Veteran and the occasional a single

paddler enters one of the toughest categories, the K1

event. This year, This year will again see crews in the

Junior K2 class at present we have 3 crews training,

let’s see how many make the start line in Devizes on Good Friday?


Blundell’s Race Results 2011

Category Crew Time Speed Position

Endeavour Leah Doak and Luke Wynell-Mayow 25.53.27 4.83 13th

Junior K2 Dylan Davis and Gerald Auger 23.41.32 5.28 45th

2010


Junior K2 Freddie Evans and Chris Boddington 19.46.18 6.37 25th

Junior K2 Tamsin Cardale and James Evans 20.21.40 6.18 35th

Junior K2 Harry Bruce and Edward Thompson 20.51.52 6.09 41st

2009


Junior K2 Tamsin Cardale and Elliot Prior 22.07.46 5.66 39th

Junior K2 James Evans and Harry Bruce 22.55.24 5.52 49th

Junior/Vet Bess Menheneott and Yan Yates 22.55.00 5.54 8th

2008


Junior K2 Austin Squibbs and Rory Findlay 19.14.11 6.53 6th

Junior K2 Edward Jones and Edward Lock 21.23.44 5.88 28th

Junior K2 Bess Menheneott and Thomas Treffry 25.08.08 4.98 63rd

2007


Junior K2 Rory Findlay and Tim Archibald 21.49:33 5.73 33rd

Junior K2 Austin Squibbs and Richard Carroll 22:23:07 5.58 41st

2006


Junior K2 Ben Garth and Joe Lambert Barnet 21.12.16 5.89 14th

Junior K2 Josh Albon and Jack Bruce 21.19.41 5.86 17th

Junior K2 Will Harper and Jack Warne 23.53.56 5.23 32nd

2005


Junior K2 Jack Bruce and Edward Spencer 23.57.58 5.22 43rd

Junior K2 Emma Hayes-Pankhurst and Josh Albon 24.43.27 5.06 47th

Junior/Vet Alan Ker and John Ker 22.02.33 5.67 3rd

2004


Junior K2 Tom Garth and William Spencer 23.19.49 5.36 33rd


Junior K2 David Luther and James Waddington 25:13:10 4.96 41st

Junior K2 Will Kerr and George Daniell 25.13.10 4.95 48th

Junr /Vet John Ker and Yan Yates 24.15.51 5.15 6th

Senior K1 Michael Wright 19.29.05 6.42 12th

2003


Junior K2 Hugo Davies and Michael Wright 20.01.18 6.24 4th

Junior K2 Peter Daniell and Alex de Tessier 25.56.54 4.82 47th

Junr /Vet Steve Keane and Sandy Nightingale 20.18.41 6.15 3rd

2002


Junior K2 Michael Wright and Chris Sagar 18.52.25 6.62 6th

Junior K2 Hugo Davies and Will Bosworth 19.35.51 6.38 12th

Junior K2 Sandy Nightingale and Charlie Leigh 22.05.35 5.66 -

1999


Junior K2 C. Smedley and C. Dalrymple-Smith 18.46.06 6.66 4th

Junior K2 S. Bisiker and H Vlasto 24:51:20 5.03 42nd

Junr /Vet Steve Keane and Will Nightingale 18:18:11 6.83 2nd

1998


Junior K2 C. Smedley and I R Blessley 18.20.32 6.82 9th

Junr /Vet R. Smedley and Steve Keane 17:49:50 7.01 2nd

1997


Junior K2 D. H. Copplestone and A.A. Pilgrim 20.31.33 6.09 12th

Junior K2 Charmody Briggs and J Banbury 22:16:24 5.61 24th

Junior K2 GHH Morris and C Hulse 22:36:39 5.53 28th

Junr /Vet R. Smedley and Steve Keane 19:27:41 6.42 3rd

1996


Junior K2 D. H. Copplestone and S Pilgrim 19.38.36 6.37 6th

Junior K2 G.E. Meadows and Darrel Keane 20:06:42 6.22 7th

1985


Junior K2 SJ Barnes and MC Howgill 29:02:07 4.31 50th


Record Holders:

Highest Place Junior K2 Year Crew Time Speed Position

2003 Hugo Davies and Michael Wright 20.01.18 6.24 4th

Fastest K2 Juniors

Year Crew Time Speed Position

1998 C. Smedley and I R Blessley 18.20.32 6.82 9th

Fastest K2 Mixed or girls crew

Year Crew Time Speed Position

1997 Charmody Briggs and J Banbury 22:16:24 5.61 24th

Fastest Junior /Vet Year Crew Time Speed Position

1998 R. Smedley and Steve Keane 17:49:50 7.01 2nd

Overall Statistics Number of entries

since race began

Average Time

Average Speed

Average place

`103 22 hrs 12 mins 5.6 mph 24th


Background to the D/W

The Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race is the longest non-stop canoe race in the world. It

starts in the quiet market town of Devizes in Wiltshire and finishes 125 miles later at Westminster Bridge,

directly opposite the Houses of Parliament in the heart of London.. But DW is much more than just a canoe

race - it’s an adventure! It forces competitors to dig long and deep into their reserves of physical and mental

stamina which is why the race is often called “the canoeists’ Everest”. Having the technical skill to paddle a

kayak or canoe is essential but the most important quality needed to complete DW is raw determination.

And the reward for making the mighty effort needed to cross the finish line is a sense of satisfaction so

profound that many paddlers can’t resist coming back year after year.

The race can either be completed in one continuous effort or paddled over four days. The Senior Doubles

event (often called the straight-through race) is non-stop and is exclusively for adult paddlers in a two

person boat. The Senior Doubles crews set off from Devizes and simply don’t stop till they get to

Westminster, 125 miles and 77 portages later. For elite crews, this journey may take 17 or 18 hours – the

race record has stood since 1979 at an incredible 15 hours and 34 minutes - but it is a real achievement to

break 20 hours and the bulk of paddlers take around 24. But however quick a crew is, everyone has to

paddle through the night. Coping with deep fatigue in the hours of darkness is just one of the challenges

facing DW paddlers in the straight-through race. Alternatively, the race can be done, in daylight, over 4

days. On the first day paddlers cover 34 miles, then 36, 38 and, on the final day, a mercifully short 17. The

competitive 4 day classes include Junior Doubles, Senior Singles, and Veteran / Junior Doubles. Do not

mistake the 4 day events for a soft option. Each day sees intense racing and the cumulative toll this takes on

body and soul is considerable. Some of the most exciting racing, from a spectator point of view, takes place

in these classes because the boats do not get so strung out as in the straight-through event.

There is also a non-competitive 4 day Doubles category – the Endeavour Class - for adults who prefer to

take their time and enjoy the beautiful scenery the Thames Valley has to offer. More information can be

found at www.dwrace.org.uk


Information for Road Crews

The Race

Run every Easter weekend, crews arrive in Devizes on Maunday

Thursday in the evening to register and spend the night at the ‘Corn

Exchange’. They set off from Devizes early on Good Friday

morning, paddling eastwards towards Westminster along the Kennet

and Avon canal, before joining the Thames at Reading. The teams of

two paddlers camp overnight at Newbury, Marlow and Teddington,

before finishing the last 17 miles on Easter Monday morning with the

outgoing tide. In total, the paddlers race 125 miles against teams from many British schools and

competitors around the world. Although theirs is the responsibility for paddling the canoes along canal and

river, they require a support crew to drive in a vehicle with supplies of food, water and drinks for them

along the way.

Necessity for a Road Crew

The road crew for paddlers in the DW are highly valued. It makes a significant difference to paddlers when

their crew are efficient and well organised. For paddlers competing in the Junior K2 event it is not possible

to complete the race without a road crew to provide food, drink, encouragement and guidance.

A Road Crew needs to be:

Fairly fit - willing to sprint along a towpath on occasions,

Patient – willing to stand on a cold towpath for long periods of time

Able to navigate – the portages are not always easy to find on a map

Confident drivers – the narrow lanes and other support crews will be challenging

Resourceful – able to meet the strange and wonderful demands of their paddlers

Cheerful – able to smile in the face of wet, cold, boredom and other adversity

Flexible – able to adapt to the varying needs of the paddlers and conditions of the race

Tolerant – able to survive without regular sleep, food or comfort stops

However, if you are looking for appreciation, please look elsewhere, your normally polite and cheerful

child may well turn into a demanding, angry, verbally aggressive and critical person. They may well see

your job as simple, even enjoyable and clearly you will have no idea what they are going through!

The job of Road Crew

Is to keep up with your paddlers, feeding them and replenishing their fluids at most of the pre-appointed

stops (portages) on the way. You need to cheer for them and offer encouragement. You are the link

between the paddlers, Blundell’s team Coach and the DW race officials.

You must make sure you are familiar with the rules; infringements by both paddlers and their road crews

will mean penalty time points being added to the crews and can even cause disqualification.

What should they be fed:

At every stop the paddlers must eat something. Food needs to be prepared into bite sized pieces and you

may only get one opportunity to stuff a piece of food into an open mouth as the paddlers run through the

portages. Do not expect your crews to stop while you feed them. Likewise you will need to replenish their

drinking bottles at most portages. See section on food suggestions.


If you should lose your Paddlers…

Firstly give them a bit more time, phone the Coach to see if he knows where they are. Then, if you are not

sure where they may have got to, move on to the next point where your table or chart shows you can

guarantee to be ahead. If they do not appear with the other boats whose numbers you recognise, then call

the coach again and he will ring DW Information Centre on 020-7620-0298. They may have a message for

you or know something else you don't. Remember, lots of support parties lose their crews!!

If the next checkpoint is close, then try proceeding to there and asking if your crew has been through.

The role of team coach and coaching crew

Mr. Yates is team coach, (herein after to be referred to as The Coach) he will monitor all crews so will not

necessarily be at each portage. (This year Mr Yates is not competing himself. So will be on hand to help

and advise whenever needed.) He will be able to tell you where he intends to be each day but in an

emergency may have to be elsewhere. He will advise the crews, support you, assist emergency repairs or

situations and will always have a vehicle with him capable of carrying canoes. We may have some Ex

Blundellians (who have completed the race or been road crews themselves) to assist the Coach.

Administration

Each day road crews will need to determine the start time allocated to their paddlers and be on site well

before this to support them in getting prepared for the day’s racing. They should have, where required,

washed and dried clothing, organized food and drinks for the day, identified the route on maps and

discussed with other members of the team the actual portages where they intend to be in support. (This does

not mean inflexibility and ad hoc arrangements are bound to occur each day).

Each evening will be a formal briefing to team coaches and support crews must ensure that they in turn are

briefed by The Coach on arrangements and any special notices which have been brought up at this meeting.

Generally all this admin will be completed during the evening preceding each day’s racing at ‘Admin HQ’

The Coach’s camp area. (Refreshments will be supplied). Please do not feel you are alone, The Coach and

his team are willing and keen to help.

Final day of the actual race

It is the road crews’ responsibility to supply the bubby, bring a camera to record the glorious moment and

to purchase the merchandise which will proliferate. After a shower and a change of clothes your paddlers

may want to spend a little time in London – after all, they have spent three days trying to get there, so be

aware that they may not be very willing to get into a car and drive straight back to Blundell’s!


Supporters Code of Practice

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

• In the event of an emergency resulting in serious injury or loss of life, contact the Emergency

Services: telephone 999

• Please telephone the Blundell’s team coach on 07753 897362

• If there is ANY emergency, contact the DW Information Centre Duty Officer on 0207-620-0298, or

the nearest checkpoint official.

• For more detailed instructions, see the first page in the rule book.

PROBLEMS INVOLVING YOUR CREW: RETIREMENTS ETC.

• If there are any problems please phone the Coach immediately on 07753 897362 and he will then

contact the race officials on your behalf.

SUPPORTERS CONDUCT. Every year the DW race organisers have complaints concerning supporter

behavior.

• Driving vehicles across private grassed areas, knocking down stones and brickwork.

• Using the facilities and car parks in hotels and pubs without being customers.

• Using front gardens as public loos.

• Noise at night can also cause considerable offence.

• Speeding down country lanes.

• Despite the demands of the race or the behavior of other support crews, please act with

consideration to other teams and local people

Advice on Food and Liquid for the crews

Most paddlers use a camelback filled with water, please check that this is being drunk and replenish it

where necessary. In addition here are a few dos and don’ts

Do

Provide food and liquid at every meeting point

• Use some isotonic drinks but not at every replen.

• Give the occasional sip of sweet tea or hot chocolate (cooled appropriately)

• Ribena is effective and usually popular

Cut food into bite sized pieces Try the following foodstuffs

• Banana

• Mars bars

• Flapjack

• Pieces of jelly cube

• Dried fruits (apricots etc)

• Marmite sandwiches

• Ham sandwiches

• Energy bars

• Grapes

Don’t

Just give isotonic drinks

Give apples

Give foods which are not easily digestible

Give Fizzy drinks

Allow then to get away with saying they are not thirsty / hungry


Merchandise

A variety of merchandise will be available for sale on the first and last days of the event and by mail order.

A sample of the sort of items below:

DW Fleece £ ?

Navy

DW Logo on front

can be personalized with school, nickname etc.

XL, L, M, S

Mens and ladies

DW Hoodie £?

Navy

Large DW Logo

XL, L, M

Tie £? Navy

Lapel badge £?

For all current prices please see the D/W web site


Registration at Devizes

Thursday 21

st April

Leaving school at around 1400hrs the boats and crews (if they wish to travel with school vehicles) will

leave for Devizes.

Boats must be registered with the committee on Thursday evening and all entries must be confirmed and

paid for by then.

Overnight ACCOMMODATION is free of charge, at the Corn Exchange in Devizes on Thursday night.

Sleeping bags will be necessary.

Friday 22nd

April

Crews must rise in time to clean up and report for personal registration.

At the Wharf a number plate will be issued to each crew and must be secured on the boat as directed. Any

crew not displaying the number plate will be deemed to have retired from the Race.

Crews must report for Kit Check one hour prior to intended start time.

Before leaving Devizes crewmembers must have an identity wristlet, which includes the emergency

number, attached to their wrist by a Race Official. This must not be removed during the Race.

Also this year bibs/arm bands will be issued to the Team coach for the road crews, at present we

understand that it will be two per boat.

Please note:- Without this form of identification you will not be allowed on the course or near the

portage areas, if you do and you are identified penalty points will be awarded to the race crews you

are supporting and extreme cases my even mean disqualification for the race crews.

Please talk to Mr Yates for advise, as at present this is a changing and untested rule of the race.


DAY 1DAY 1DAY 1DAY 1

Devizes to Newbury Friday 22

nd April 2011

DEVIZES From Centre of town and Corn Exchange follow signs to the Wharf.

The Wharf Car Park

Toilets in Car Park

Registration in Kennet and Avon Canal Trust Centre Upstairs

Scrutiny etc in car park

START

Route Leave Devizes by London Road follow signs for Swindon

Cross over canal and past Police HQ on left hand side

Continue along A316 until you reach roundabout, signposted for Allington, Horton and All Cannings

Over canal bridge past Bridge Inn Pub

HORTON BRIDGE

Limited parking

Route

Straight through Horton

Over canal bridge

Continue on main road – signed to Pewsey

Do not attempt to stop at All Cannings Bridge

Turn Right Woodborough / Hillcott

Follow main road through Stanton St. Bernard to Alton Barns

T Junction turn right

HONEY STREET BRIDGE

Limited parking

Use Pub car park

Route

Retrace route to Alton Barnes

Immediately past junction you came from, turn Right Wilcot / Pewsey

Through Alton Priors

WILCOT BRIDGE

Follow main road – signed Pewsey into Pewsey

PEWSEY WHARF From A45 enter Pewsey

Continue north on road under railway bridge to Pewsey Wharf.

Parking, Public toilets


The café owner at the Wharf is churlish and only allows use of his facilities, after interrogation, to

customers.

Route

Retrace route to Pewsey A346

At mini-roundabout take Right fork

At War Memorial turn Left Burbage B3087

Follow main Burbage road

Ignore first sign to Wooton Rivers/New Mill

Go into Milton Lilbourne

Turn Left for Wooton Rivers at cross road

Follow main route under railway bridge bear right signed Wooton Rivers

BRIDGE OVER CANAL

Very little parking here

Route

Continue towards Wooton Rivers

At T junction opposite Royal Oak Pub, turn right

WOOTON RIVERS

Park in village.

Route

Continue over canal and railway bridge, bear Left, Eastern Royal

Follow main road – very narrow

T Junction, bear right towards Eastern Royal

T Junction rejoin B3087 at Eastern Royal towards Burbage

At roundabout, straight over East Grafton/ Hungerford A338 To East Grafton

Enter East Grafton.

At Cross roads, turn left alongside a white cottage signed Crofton

Single track road

T junction, turn right over bridge

CENTRE OF CROFTON FLIGHT

Limited Parking

Route

Follow railway line then over railway bridge

Crofton, follow main road

Sharp left handed bend, turn right

BOTTOM OF CROFTON FLIGHT

Park here,

DO NOT DOUBLE PARK – Police issue tickets

footpath over railway line, Turn right

Route

Continue along main road to Great Bedwyn

At T junction bear left into Great Bedwyn

Into village, past church to T junction

Turn right towards Shalborne and Oxenwood

Over Railway to canal


GREAT BEDWYN

Park at the Wharf. (Do not go to the Village Hall today)

Route

Turn left out of car park back over the canal into the centre of Gt. Bedwyn

At “Three Tuns” Pub, turn right to Little Bedwyn

Follow signs for Little Bedwyn forking right at junction

Turn right over railway and canal- signed to Bagshot

DO NOT PARK on the bridge.

DO NOT DOUBLE PARK – Police ticket vehicles in this area

Little Bedwyn is OUT OF BOUNDS to support crews

Continue on main road through Little Bedwyn, signed Hungerford

Continue along road Canal on left

FROXFIELD FLIGHT (Lock 68)

Parking and access to all three locks

Do not leave car doors open. Beware of crews running beside your car.

Route

Continue along road, canal on left

Turn left over canal and railway bridge to rejoin A4

Turn Right A4 Hungerford

(Toilets on your right as you enter town)

Co-Op usually open on Sundays for provisions.

To a mini roundabout turn Right

Pub John o’Gaunt has car parking or

Park in High Street

HUNGERFORD LOCK

Access is via towpath, from main street go down to bridge and walk along towpath

Route

From lower High street, continue up street under railway bridge

Turn left into Park Street, signed Station

On to Hungerford Common- canal on left, stay on Main road

Next left past Pill Box towards Lower Denford, Over canal at Dunmill

Alternative route

From Hungerford return to A4

Turn right signed Newbury

Turn right at Dunford Manor, signed Dunford and Dunmill

DUNNMILL LOCK

Limited parking

DO NOT DOUBLE PARK – Police ticket vehicles in this area


Route

Head North from Dunmill to rejoin A4

Turn Right

Along A4 turn right at crossroads for Kintbury

Continue along road to level crossing

Park in Station area

NO PARKING IN DUNDAS ARMS HOTLE CARPARKS EITHER SIDE OF CANAL

KINTBURY LOCK

Public toilets for supporters and CREW

Route

Retrace route from Kintbury to A4

Turn right onto A4 towards Newbury

Turn right at crossroads, signed to Marsh Benham/Hampstead Marshall

Over level crossing

HAMPSTEAD LOCK

West of bridge, Limited parking

Route

Retrace route from Hampstead Marshall to A4

Turn right onto A4 and continue to Newbury

1st roundabout continue on A4 to Newbury, passing over A34

2nd

Roundabout continue on A4 to Newbury

Just after ‘Starting Gate’ Pub and opposite Robert Sandilands School on left, turn Right

Enter Old Bath Road

At mini roundabout turn Right into Strawberry Hill – Signed North Croft Recreation Centre

Follow road around to right in front of Lion Public House

At T Junction turn Right into North Croft Lane. Signed North Croft Recreation Centre

Park in Car park at Recreation Centre

NEWBURY CAMPSITE (END OF FIRST DAY)

Walk around Sports Hall buildings and across football field behind.

FINISH LINE

Blundell’s team and support vehicles will already be in place at the side of the Leisure Centre.


Day 1 Time Sheet 2011

Friday 22nd

April 2011 Devizes to Newbury

Crews:- Names –_______ ________________--_____________________________

Location Miles

Stage

Miles

total

Time Remarks

Devizes 0 0

All Cannings 6 6

Honey Street 1.8 7.8

Pewsey 3.7 11.5

Wootton Rivers 3 14.5

Crofton 4 18.5

Great Bedwyn 2 20.5

Froxfield 2.8 23.3

Dunmill 3.45 26.75

Kintbury 2.25 29

Marsh Benham (Hampstead Lock)

2.2 31.2

Newbury 3.3 34.5

Race

Time


DAY DAY DAY DAY 2222

Newbury to Marlow Saturday 23

rd April 2011

NEWBURY CAMPSITE Crews put in near the wear, the start point is in the same are as yesterday’s finish

START

Route

Retrace route from Recreation Centre back to A4

At T junction turn Right in front of Robert Sandiland’s School.

Straight over next roundabout stay on A4

Get in right hand lane signed A339

Follow signs A339 Basingstoke/Winchester

At traffic lights follow A34 Winchester, cross over canal, keep in the right hand lane

At roundabout take 3rd

Exit into Bear Lane, signed Town Centre

At mini roundabout Turn right in Wharf Road and car parks

NEWBURY WHARF

Ample parking

Toilets for supporters and Crew

Route

Leave car park,

Turn left at mini roundabout

1st roundabout turn left back over canal, keep in left hand lane

At bottom of flyover filter – left – signposted “Thatcham”

Follow A4 out of Newbury

Continue on A4 through Thatcham

Leave town passing Texaco petrol station on the left hand side

Straight over 1st roundabout

Take 2nd

exit off next roundabout – signposted “Station”

To next roundabout 1st exit – signed “Crookham”

Go across level crossing and park in the station car park.

OLD MONKEY MARSH (Lock 90)

Park on left in Station Cark park

Access to lock by foot across level crossing

Turn right along canal side to lock heading west.

Route

Return to roundabout

Retrace route to A4

Additional stop if required

Turn right signposted “Colthorpe”

Turn right at T junction and then take first exit at roundabout

Cross level crossing, immediately turn Left down unmade road


Turn right across bridge over canal

COLTHORPE LOCK

Route

Retrace route to A4

Note: No right turn at this point!

Turn left towards Newbury and use next roundabout to turn back towards Reading A4

Heading towards Reading on A4

Turn Right at ‘Coach and Horses’ – signed Brimton

MIDGHAM LOCK

Limited Parking

Route

Retrace route back to A4

Follow A4 to Woolhampton

In Woolhampton turn right at the Angel Public House into Station Road

Continue over level crossing and canal to Rowbarge Inn

OLD WOOLHAMPTON LOCK

Route

Retrace route to A4 turn right

Follow A4 direction Reading

At next roundabout turn right signed Kennet and Avon Visitors Centre

ALDERMASTON

Parking and Toilet at Visitor Centre

Route


Turn Right onto A4

Turn Right at end of Duel Carriageway at ‘Winning Hand’ Public House into Ufton Lane

Cross over Level Crossing

UFTON NERVET LOCK

Limited parking

Route


Turn right for A4

Turn Right at the Spring Inn, signposted ‘Police Training College’ over Railway bridge

TYLE MILL LOCK

Over river to Canal at Tyle Mill

Good Parking


Route


Turn Right for A4

At roundabout take third exit to A4 and station

At next roundabout take third exit to Arlington Business Park and station

Continue through business part and on towards station

At he end of a long straight road, running parallel to the railway line, pass station car park and turn left at

roundabout

Pass over canal swing bridge

SHEFFIELD LOCK Theale

Parking and access to lock 50 years on

Route

Turn left into ARC entry

Bear left and follow track to canal

Retrace Route to A4

At roundabout take A4 signposted Reading

Straight over M4 junction 12

Follow A4 towards Reading

Continue for 2.1 miles and filter right opposite the ‘George and Dragon’ at traffic lights into Burghfield

Road.

Follow road over railway bridge

BURGHFIELD LOCK

Over canal bridge, park on left

Lock is South West of the bridge 450 metres

Route

Retrace steps from Burghfield to A4, turn right

Straight across next 3 mini roundabouts, signposted A4/Town Centre

Straight over next set of traffic lights

Down to main roundabout, turn right onto A 329 signed ‘all other routes’

Down onto Inner Distribution Road

COUNTY LOCK – NO ACCESS

Route

Straight over next set of lights

Follow signs ‘All other routes’/A4 Maidenhead

Leave Reading on Kings Road, A4 towards Maidenhead

BLAKES LOCK – NO ACCESS

Route

Pass under railway bridge

1st roundabout take 1

st exit signposted ‘The Waterside Centre’

To next roundabout – 1st exit

Turn left after 25m into car park or on road

DREADNAUGHT REACH


Note - compulsory portage at this point

Warm drinks available, an opportunity to warm up your crew,

Spray decks must be opened so crews will have a brief compulsory stop while these are sorted. They can

use public toilets.

Spray decks must be brought into use from this point forwards

Route

Leave car park and turn left along dual carriageway

At next roundabout take the 3rd

exit

(This will return you the way you came) Do not drive over central reservation CCTV cameras in operation

Return to roundabout at end of A329M

Take 1st exit

Take slip road back onto roundabout on A4

Take 1st exit – A4

Next roundabout 3rd

exit A4

Next roundabout 1st exit A4

Over railway bridge to crossroads

Turn Left B4446Sonning

Follow road through village to mini roundabout

Turn left B4446 ‘Thames Street’

Follow road over Thames

NO ACCESS TO SONNING LOCK (55.4m)

To next roundabout – straight over

To next roundabout – 3rd

exit (right) to Henley A4155

Continue on A4155 to outskirts of Henley

Straight over small roundabout – Tesco on the right

Immediately after Jet Garage on the right – Turn Right

Enter ‘Mill Lane’ . Over railway bridge signed ‘Henley Town FC’

MARSH LOCK (61.1m)

1st opening on left to car park

Route

Exit car park, turn Right

Retrace route from Marsh lock to A4155

Turn right

Straight through Henley Town Centre

Follow signs for Marlow A4155

To a pair of mini roundabouts

Turn right at second mini roundabout A4155 Marlow

Continue on A4155 to Hambledon

In village MILLEND

Turn left, signposted car park 500yds left

Continue down road to car park (Beware height barrier)

HAMBLEDON LOCK (walking access only)

Walk back to A4155, turn right and cross road towards a mill house

Between high wooden fences is a path which leads to a metal walkway

Continue along this walkway/gantry to the lock (dogs do not like this part of the route)

Route


Walk back to car park

Retrace route from car park to A4155

Turn left, signed Marlow

Straight into Marlow past War Memorial

Turn right signposted BISHAM

At end of high street, Mini roundabout

Optional support at MARLOW LOCK

Turn left, ‘Station Road’

Take 3rd

Right (Fish and Chip shop on the corner) Down to end.

MARLOW LOCK Parking limited

Access via footpath at end of Garden

Route

Return to Marlow high Street

Go over Marlow Bridge (beware, its narrow)

1st left into Cookham Dean

Under road bridge, LONGRIDGE SCOUT CAMP on left

You will be told were to park( this is a very busy site please be patient

CAMPSITE (END OF SECOND DAY)

Walk through scout camp to river.

Blundell’s team and support vehicles will already be in place either in the main car park or in the campsite car park.



Saturday 23rd

April 2011 Newbury to Marlow

Crews:- Names –_______ ________________--_____________________________

Location Miles

Stage

Miles

total

Time Remarks

Newbury 0 34.5

Thatcham 3.5 38

Woolhampton 6.5 41

Aldermaston 8.75 43.25

Theale 12.5 47

Burfield Bridge 14.5 49

County Lock 51

Dreadnought 19.25 53.75

Sonning Lock 21.5 56

Shiplake 24.25 58.75

Marsh Lock 26.5 61

Hambledon Lock 29.75 64.25

Marlow Bridge

35.5 70

Longridge Camp 2

36 70.5

Race

Time



Marlow to Teddington (Ham) Sunday 24

th April 2011

Marlow CAMPSITE Crews put in at the wharf, the start point is in the same are as yesterday’s finish

Route

Exit Longridge, Turn Left

Follow signs to COOKHAM

Straight through Cookham

Over level crossing B4447

Straight over mini roundabout

Across village green to T junction

RIVERSIDE ACCESS

Turn left for support at Cookham Bridge

(A4094) Very limited parking

Back to T junction and straight on to Maidenhead

Past car park with toilets on the right

Continue towards Maidenhead

At point where river runs parallel to road

Car park on right

BOULTERS WEIR

Access is by foot, leave car in car park, turn right

110 yards to bridge over lock, past hotel and into Park

Go to far end of Park – Portage by weir

Toilets open 24 hours

Route

Exit car park, turn Right

To T junction / roundabout, turn left A4

Follow signs to Slough

Over River, take 1st right after railway bridge at traffic lights signed ‘Dorney Reach’

Optional support at BRAY

Turn right into Old Marsh Lane signed ‘Camp Site’ 350 yds

Take next right into very narrow lane past houses, immediately after sharp right hand bend take Left turn

into private car park

BRAY LOCK

Access from rear of car park (may be restricted or closed)

Back to end of Old Marsh Lane

Turn right over M4 motorway


Through Dorney Reach to T junction

Turn Right onto B3026 to Windsor

NO ACCESS TO BOVNEY LOCK

Access is available at St. Mary Magdalen Chapel, near Bovney Lock

Continue on to Eton, past school

To Traffic Lights

Turn Left B3022 – Windsor & Slough

Follow signs for Windsor B3022

Go to roundabout

Take first exit – Windsor & Bagshot

A332 over Thames

Take slip road to Left (signed A308)

Down to roundabout

Take first exit signed ‘Town Centre’

Straight over 3 sets of traffic lights

To roundabout

Take first exit – Datchet B470

Under old railway bridge to river front bear Right

(In high water conditions, COMPULSARY PORTAGE for competitors around bridge into lock cut, follow

instructions)

Over next set of lights, turn left at mini-roundabout after rail station into car park behind playing fields

ROMNEY LOCK

Foot access over footbridge at the left corner of the Pay and Display car park

Turn right to end of road through gate on left

Crossing lock by upstream gate at far end

Turn left and follow path along to portage near weir

Return to vehicle by reversing route

Route

Retrace route from Romney lock to main road

Turn left over Thames B3021 into Datchet

Follow signs for Staines and Old Windsor

Cross Thames again

Follow signs ‘Staines and Egham’ A308

Turn left after Wheatsheaf Pub

Into ‘Church Road’ for OLD WINDSOR LOCK

Follow Church Road to St. George’s Farm (Ornamental railings)

Turn left into Ham Lane

G to end of Ham Lane

Parking before footbridge on Right Only

OLD WINDSOR LOCK

NO VEHICLES ON TOW PATH

Walk right along River 300m

Route

Retrace route from Lock to main road

Turn left to mini roundabout

1st exit sign posted ‘Stains & Egham’ A308 (A30)


RIVERSIDE ACCESS

After ½ mile, turn left into car park to meet crew on bank side

Toilets at rear of National Trust Tea Rooms

NO ACCESS BELL HOTEL NOR USE OF ITS CAR PARK

Back onto Road through Park

To roundabout, take 2nd

exit (straight over)

Straight over small roundabout (Sainsbury’s on right)

To next roundabout- 1st exit signed Staines Town Centre / Wraysbury B376

Cross over Thames

Bear Right into 1 way system, keep right signed ‘Shepperton’ B376

Continue on B376 towards Laleham

250 years past ‘Anglers’ Retreat’ Pub on left

Turn right into ‘Riverway’

Proceed to end where Riverway meets Ryde Road

Note – Access to the river is via Public footpath on left of new builds (Thamesway)

There is no vehicular access to the river at this point

PENTON HOOK LOCK

Access via footpath through entry to river front, turn right

Route

Retrace route from Penton Hook to main road, turn right

On to next roundabout, turn right ‘Shepperton’ B375

Take 3rd

turning on right at ‘Three Horseshoes’ Ferry Lane

Along river bank past Laleham Caravan Park

Toilets in Council Car park

Carry on under M3

CHERTSEY LOCK

Park along roadside

Route

Continue to T junction

Turn Left to roundabout, take 2nd

exit Shepperton B376

After approx 350 yds (just after Lee Motors) turn Right into concealed road ‘Dockett Eddy Lane’

Long straight road to river

SHEPPERTON LOCK

Follow left bend along one way road.

Parking on roadside as available

Toilets for support or crews (Coin)

Route

Continue along road (heading downstream)

Turn sharp left and follow road up Ferry Lane to B376

Turn Right

To roundabout take 3rd

exit – Sunbury B375

To roundabout take 3rd

exit – Walton A244

Over Thames Left hand lane


Turn left at Lights signed ‘Hampton Court’ A3035

Straight over next set of lights

Carry on to next roundabout, take first exit (left) signed to ‘Leisure Centre’

Straight down the road to mini roundabout

Take 2nd

exit right

Down rough lane to the pub ‘The Wier’

Park car opposite pub

SUNBURY LOCK (ROLLERS)

Access by walking right along river bank crossing footbridge and continue 100m to rollers

This is a limited area for road crews 1 road crew per boat ONLY at this point

Route

Retrace Route from Sunbury Lock

Turn left back on to A3050 Waterworks on both sides of road

MOLESEY LOCK on left

Extremely restricted parking

Access to lock back along river bank

Route

Continue to Hampton Court Bridge

Turn left over river to roundabout, 2nd

exit (straight over)

2nd

exit over Kingston Bridge for Ham

Follow Kingston one-way system

Turn Left onto A307 (Richmond Road)

After 1 mile turn left at traffic lights by Texaco Garage into ‘Dukes Avenue’ (Becomes Riverside Drive)

THAMES YOUNG MARINERS (End of Third Day)

Signed on left.

Park on field, left or right of road

Walk – follow road to the left of buildings then follow track to gateway into hedgerow and join bridleway.

Turn right. Walk for approx 100m to small bridge

Finish Line

The evening briefing is especially important tonight as confirmation will be given to paddlers, support

teams and road crews about the exact time for the start the next day. It is likely to be very very early so

please be prepared for this.

Blundell’s team and support vehicles will already be in place in the top left hand corner of the campsite.



Sunday 24th

April 2011 Marlow to Teddington/Ham

Crews:- Names –_______ ________________--_____________________________

Location Miles

Stage

Miles

total

Time Remarks

Longridge Camp 0 70.5

Cookham Bridge 3.5 74

Boulters Lock 5.5 76

Bray Lock 8.5 79

Romney Lock 14 84.5

Old Windsor 17 87.5

Penton Hook 22.5 93

Chertsey 24.5 95

Shepperton Lock 26.5 97

Sunbury Rollers 29.5 100

Molesey Rollers 32.5 103

Ham Camp 3 37.5 108

Race

Time



Teddington/Ham to Westminster Monday 25

th April 2011

Ham CAMPSITE Crews put in from the shore, at slack tide just before the tide starts to ebb (go out) the put in off the bridal

path, there is no access for road crews.

The start point is in the same are as yesterday’s finish but is a massed start viewed from above the river

from the same point as yesterday’s finish.

The start time is dependant upon high tide. It is predicted to be very early this year but full details will be

have been confirmed at the end of Day Three briefing..

Road crews are not required to support paddlers on the final day. They have no portages as they are on the

tidalway.

However, there are plenty of bridges to see your crews. Remember your crew will move quickly on this

stage, boat speeds are rapid at this stage, assume 3mph above average.

Suggested viewpoints are: Kew Bridge, Hammersmith, Battersea Bridge and Chelsea Bridge. However, if

road crews wish, they may go direct from campsite to Westminster to secure one of the limited vantage

points.

Westminster. (St. Thomas’ Hospital / County Hall / London Eye)

Parking for vehicles is at St. Thomas’ hospital car park. (Pay and Display)

Follow signposts.

Note – A height restriction of 9’6” exists. Access to trailers may be restricted or excluded

Crews and boats will be removed at the steps in front of County Hall. All K2s and C2s must be taken out at

the upstream set of steps.

Follow the instructions of DW officials at the County Hall steps. (Although it may appear otherwise, the

steps and walkway in front of County Hall are private property).

Reception for Crews is in the grounds of St. Thomas’ Hospital.

CREWS ARE NOT PERMITTED INTO THE HOSPITAL BUILDINGS WEARING RACING CLOTHES



Monday 25th

April 2011 Ham/Teddington to Westminster

Crews:- Names –_______ ________________--_____________________________

Location Miles

Stage

Miles

total

Time Remarks

Ham 0 108

Kew Bridge 5 113

Hammersmith 9.5 117.5

Battersea Br 12.5 121.5

Chelsea Bridge 14.7 122.7

Westminster 17 125

Race

Time


Devizes to Westminster Race Time Sheet 2011

Crews:- Names –_______ ________________--_____________________________

Day Location Miles Stage Miles Total Time Remarks

1 Devizes 0 O

All Cannings 6 6

Honey Street 7.8 7.8

Pewsey 11.5 11.5

Wootton Rivers 14.5 14.5

Crofton 18.5 18.5

Great Bedwyn 20.5 20.5

Froxfield 23.3 23.3

Dunmill 26.75 26.75

Kintbury 29 29

Marsh Benham (Hampstead Lock)

31.2 31.2

Newbury Camp 1 34.5 34.5

2 Newbury 0 34.5

Thatcham 3.5 38

Woolhampton 6.5 41

Aldermaston 8.75 43.25

Theale 12.5 47

Burfield Bridge 14.5 49

County Lock 51

Dreadnought 19.25 53.75

Sonning Lock 21.5 56

Shiplake 24.25 58.75

Marsh Lock 26.5 61

Hambledon Lock 29.75 64.25

Marlow Bridge 35.5 70

Longridge Camp 2 36 70.5

3 Longridge Camp 0 70.5

Cookham Bridge 3.5 74

Boulters Lock 5.5 76

Bray Lock 8.5 79

Romney Lock 14 84.5

Old Windsor 17 87.5

Penton Hook 22.5 93

Chertsey 24.5 95

Shepperton Lock 26.5 97

Sunbury Rollers 29.5 100

Molesey Rollers 32.5 103

Ham Camp 3 37.5 108

4 Ham 0 108

Kew Bridge 5 113

Hammersmith 9.5 117.5

Battersea Br 12.5 121.5

Chelsea Bridge 14.7 122.7

Westminster 17 125


Useful Phone Numbers

Coaching Team

Yan Yates (Coach) 07753 897362

Silvia 07976 778954

Road/Support Crews

Please use this area for contact No of the support crews, please ensure the Team Coach

also has copies of the Nos

DW Information Centre

Duty Officer: 0207 620 0298. Only contact

the duty officer in cases of emergency and

after talking to the Team Coach first.


Please Read This

DEVIZES TO WESTMINSTER CANOE RACE

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

1. WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY?

For the purpose of this event an Emergency is defined as any incident (a) Resulting in serious injury or the loss of life of a DW Race participant or supporter or official (b) Requiring the rescue of a DW Race participant or supporter from a hazard on land or water; (c) Involving a search for a crew member missing and believed to be in danger; (d) Or occasion which the DW Duty Officer decides warrants the calling out of Emergency Services.

2. WHO TO CONTACT

In the event of an emergency resulting in serious injury or loss of life contact the Emergency Services tel. 999

In the event of any emergency contact the Team Coach (Mr. Yates) on 07753

897362 in the first instance. Only if he advises you to do so or is not

contactable should you contact the D.W. Race Information Duty Officer, Tel. 0207

620 0298 or the nearest check point official, whichever is quicker.

3. INFORMATION TO GIVE

In the event of an emergency be prepared to provide the following information to the Duty Officer. State that the message is under the D.W. Emergency Response Plan.,

• Your name and status • Race number of boat. • Confirmation of crew name(s)

• Nature/time/location of the incident, • Are supporters of the crew present at the scene?

• Which emergency services have already been informed?

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 07753897362

blundell's school devizes to westminster canoe race roadcrews' handbook

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