Found inside the latest paddler magazine here.

Cumbria Ladies canoe polo team had their first outing in this years’ newly formed North-west regional ladies league in Manchester on Saturday 18th November. They are currently placed 6th from 7 teams but had several closely fought games and things are looking good for the rest of this season.
The team is made up of players from Penrith, Duddon and Lakeland Canoe clubs, with Penrith and Duddon fielding players for this event. The team had players with a range of experience from 25 years playing to several who have only started canoeing in the last two years.
The first game was lost 4:1 against a very well organised Liverpool Uni team. The second game was a closer fought 2:4 loss to Lancaster Uni, with the Cumbria players feeling more confident after the first game. Next up came the only win of the evening for Cumbria against the Queen Bees from Manchester Uni with a final score of 5:3, and the final game was against the well drilled Valkyries team from Scotland which finished 3:1.
Hilary Clarke was the top goal scorer at the tournament with 8 goals with Nadine Merrick scoring Cumbria’s other goal of the night. The rest of the team was Kirstine Bailie, Kerry Holdsworth, Leanne Parrett, Maia Peplow and Alex Stables. Leanne and Maia were competing for the first time outside of competitions organised within Cumbria, and Alex and Kirstine were playing for the first time in a women’s tournament.
Penrith Canoe club run a women and girls’ canoeing session at the Penrith swimming pool every Monday evening. For more details see www.penrithcanoeclub.co.uk.

​In Sale, Manchester, a group of Cumbrian paddlers gathered for a unique canoe polo tournament, blending sport and charity, “Canoe polo meets Movember!” Teams from across the North West region met on the waters of Sale Waterpark, not just to compete but to champion the cause of men's health. The echo of cheers and the rhythmic sound of paddles reverberated across the tournament grounds, creating an atmosphere that resonated with both competitiveness and camaraderie. Amidst the spirited clashes in the water, our team forged a path with determination, navigating the currents with a shared goal—supporting Movember's mission. Despite fierce competition from some of the best in the region, we proudly clinched the fourth position, a testament to the tenacity and teamwork displayed by our paddlers. Beyond the scorecard, the true victory lay in the funds raised to tackle pressing men's health issues. Until next year's tournament, Cumbria paddlers will also be represented in the North West division 2 series.
 
 
 
Pictured in the photo from left to right are Cameron Fletcher, Noah Rankin, Nicky Taylor, Finley Coleman, Dan Camp and Andy Laird. The team was supported by coach Mike Fletcher. 
Cameron, Noah and Finley are students at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Penrith.

Mac Knowles
Having been vice chair for Cumbria Canoeists for 5 years, I have been Macs carer! (Or has Mac been Mike's?)
He has been honest, loyal, analytic and supportive on all issues and decisions that the Management have made over this period and my GO TO colleague, before I float or suggest anything.
Now fully retired and involved with more grand children he has decided to give more energy to family and retirement plans.
We are not losing Mac, as he will maintain his role as Open Boat Lead for Cumbria Canoeists and has recently qualified as Cumbria Canoeists Welfare and Safeguarding officer.
Thank you Mac for your OUTSTANDING contribution to Cumbria Canoeists, we will miss your WISDOM on the management team and I will miss your support and advice as Chairman.
Mike

​Tim Mather
Tim is no stranger to British Canoeing awards for “outstanding contributions”, as he has been voted in nationally for a major award and celebrated this in Nottingham at the Annual BC Awards evening a few years ago.
This award is recognising Tim’s voluntary work as Cumbria Canoeists Polo Lead for the past 10yrs.
Like Mac, Tim has now retired and spends much of the winter in the Alps skiing.
However, he still plays competitive polo, is a key mover and shaker in Penrith Canoe Club and has just participated in a “Canoe Polo Coach training course, that we have been delighted to fund, as recognition of the years of tireless work he has put into develop Polo in Cumbria.
Thank you Tim and enjoy your new, well-earned life style.
Mike

​Michelle Sanderson
Michelle joined Duddon Canoe Club about 10 years ago along with her children.
 
She was soon hooked and under took coach training and took an active interest in all aspects of paddlesport.
 
She was particularly taken with canoe polo and helped the club polo lead – who soon stepped aside to leave Michelle in charge of club polo.
 
Over the Summer she runs weekly polo sessions at the club base on Barrow Dock and year-round bi-weekly pool sessions. Under her guidance the club has entered 1 or 2 teams in all local polo comps for the last few years.
 
A copy of the old BCU Level 1 polo coach folder helped a little but
keen to increase her personal skills and ability to pass on the skills to other club members she undertook core coach training in preparation for the polo coach award planed by CC.
 
This year she organised a polo tournament for the local Festival of the Sea. Under her guidance club members have developed and attended Cumbria and national events.
 
Michelle does not restrict her coaching to polo or club members helping out with youth and school groups and training the local Sea Cadets so they could enter regional polo events.
 
Neither is she tied to polo!! A regular entry in K1 and K2 marathon canoe events, often seen on a club SUP, sometimes seen in a Wavehopper and joining in with family days and beginner river trips.
 
Most weeks she will be at 2 or 3 club sessions - O yes – and did I mention that she has 3 children and works shifts.
John
Coaching organizer
Duddon Canoe Club