11th November, 2000 - Fatality on Tavy (report from newspaper)
A woman canoeist drowned in a rampaging torrent on the swollen River Tavy despite a huge rescue effort. The 33-year-old woman from the Callington area was trapped underwater by a hidden branch in the fast-flowing river while her horrified husband looked on. The current was so strong that the four other paddlers accompanying her and rescue services were unable to reach the experience canoeist. The mother, who has canoed the river many times, was trapped about a mile from Harford Bridge near Peter Tavy at about 1.30pm on Saturday afternoon. She became caught in her kayak underneath a yew tree which had fallen across the river. The trunk was six feet above the water but a branch was hidden beneath the surface. A mass rescue effort was begun, with the RNAS Culdrose search and rescue helicopter launched, and coastguard teams joining fire crews from Tavistock and a line rescue unit from Camel's Head station. Police teams, including the underwater search unit, paramedics and Dartmoor Rescue Group, were also at the scene. It was believed the woman was still alive initially, trapped in an air pocket beneath the canoe. But shortly before rescue workers could reach her she was swept way by the 15 knot current. When the emergency services arrived on the scene, they found an empty canoe in the river, and a life jacket hanging from a tree. Her body was not found until three hours later. PC Jon Bancroft, of Tavistock police, said: "The woman and her husband were both experienced paddlers. They had been all over the world and down this river many times. "Two of the canoeists had actually been guides on the Zambezi in Africa, one of the toughest rivers in the world. They had all the right safety equipment and had done all the proper training. "There was just nothing that could have been done." He added that the five canoeists were from all over the country and that they were attracted to the river at the weekend by the strong current. Station officer Tug Wilson, based at Plympton fire station, said conditions on the river were treacherous. He said: "The river was a rampaging torrent. It was absolutely steaming down. The river was too rough for the police divers to carry out a search. "It was tremendous effort then to get the casualty out of the water because the sheer force of the water was pinning her against the tree." John Whiting, general secretary of the Dartmoor Rescue Group, said: "They found a paddle, an aluminium one, which was bent round in two against a tree, which gives you an idea how powerful the river was." Rescue workers searched for three hours before the line rescue team recovered the woman's body at about 4.30pm. She was taken to North Devon District Hospital. Police are repairing a report for the coroner. The tragedy was the worst incident caused by the bad weather in the region on Saturday.
13th October, 2000 - Dart Land Purchase Agreed
The committee have agreed to purchase a further section of land next to the river Dart. The contract will be signed shortly. The long term aim is to purchase enough land so that a car park could be considered to remove the congestion at the get out point on the Loop section.
07th April, 2000 - Regional Team Affirms Commitment to Access Agreements
A number of critical articles appeared in the canoeing newsgroups at the beginning of the year. These commented on suspected abuse of the access agreement on the River Dart by a regional managment team member. At a recent meeting the team wished to make its stand clear that it unanimously supports the existing access agreements and no member of the team is given any favourable treatment when applying for access to the Dart or any other river.
22nd March, 2000 - Exeter White Water Course
An information and display forum is taking place in Exeter at the old Maritime Museum on 30th March, 31st March and 1st April. There appear to be three alternative plans for the site below the Quay, one of which includes a White Water Course. This would be of clear benefit to canoeists in the region and anyone able to attend the forum is encouraged to do so to register their support. Anyone unable to attend is invited to write to Justine Morris, Estate Services, Exeter City Council, Civic Center, Paris Street, Exeter, EX1 1JN.
23rd December, 1999 - Thorverton Weir Collapsed
Thorverton Weir on the River Exe has collapsed in spectacular fashion! A huge section of it on river right has gone and the river level behind it has dropped by about 2 metres. At present there are no plans to rebuild it and it would not appear to pose any threats at normal flows, although it has not yet been possible to inspect for metal spikes, etc.
11th December, 1999 - Fatality on Lyn
Sadly there was a fatality on the East Lyn this weekend. It appears that a competent group of paddlers who had permission to be on the river had wisely portaged the majority of the river and had got on below the gorge to paddle the 'easier' section to the town. The deceased capsized above a drop which was covered by two people with throw lines and another in a boat. It seems that he was not able to grasp the lines so the paddler got to him. In the fast current the rescuer was having some difficulties so the swimmer let go. He was carried all the way down to the sea, which is a distance of several hundred metres, where he was found and recovered by the group. Once ashore they commenced CPR and this was continued by paramedics from an ambulance which had been called. A Sea King helicoptor arrived and took the patient to Barnstaple hospital where he was admitted into Intensive Care. Sadly he died later, it is believed of multiple injuries caused by contact with the many rocks and boulders in the river. As always I would request all contributors to avoid making any ill-informed comments, or to avoid spreading gossip, and to have be aware of the feelings of the group members and family of the deceased. I have deliberately not named the club or the individual as I am not certain that next of kin have been informed, so please follow this format in any responses. Adam Box.
08th October, 1999 - Taunton Canoe Club receive Lottery Grant
Taunton Canoe Club have been awarded lottery funding of £3765 for 3 junior dancers and accompanying kit, an open boat, paddles, bouyancy aids, helmets, a K1 trainer, topolino duo and junior coach training. Further details and information on how to apply are available.