Paddle4Relief 2008 not dampened!

The dismal 2008 summer weather did little to dampen the spirits of the Paddle4relief team and their supporters.

Although many were put off venturing into the sea because of the conditions, there were around 50 paddlers willing to brave the elements. Together with raffle ticket, tombola, donations and of course the sponsorship money, we have so far raised £3,00 from the day and with more sponsorship money to follow it has proved a very successful event.

The paddle event (the fourth since the 2004 Asian Tsunami) was dogged by deteriorating conditions and strengthening winds and swell. Despite this, at 12:30 the Paddlers gathered by the water’s edge for the safety talk and pre-paddle group photo. This done, water craft (and people) of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities took to the water for the arduous paddle.
A mention must go out to Luke Challace who made the paddle in fancy dress and raised over £200 in sponsorship-- well done!

Due to the conditions (once again!) the decision was made on safety grounds to Paddle to Downend point and not all the way to Croyde as planned. This said, the paddle to the point was still a challenge for most and a great achievement for those who participated.

Once the determined paddlers reached the point they were joined by a very inquisitive seal that joined in the FUN (we’re still awaiting his sponsor money)!
By this point it was clear that the conditions and the increasing rip would make performing the memorial circle unsafe, so it was decided we would have to turn back to the beach.( apart from mr.seal).

A huge thank you must go out to Barrie Charlesworth and the safety boat crews, who once again played a vital role and skilfully assisted paddlers in completing their task, and provided a reassuring presence throughout the paddle.

Meanwhile, back up the beach and sheltered from the strengthening south westerly winds, the paddlers’ friends, family and supporters were busy parting with their pennies on the tombola stall, and purchasing tickets for the legendary Paddle4Relief raffle. Others were getting their free ear check-up provided by Rob Shaddick who again ran a surfer’s ear clinic at the event.

All paddlers safely back on the beach, a memorial circle was formed and Paddle4Relief founder Tim Tanton led the group into a minute’s silence with a few emotionally charged words remembering those who were lost and those who are still suffering since the 2004 Tsunami.

By this point the smells of BBQ were everywhere so the dash up the beach was swift .Paddlers were greeted By ‘Stormin Norman’, his wife Hayley and the Hotdoggers team who had prepared a BBQ feast for the weary water men, women, and their die hard supporters on the beach.
Big thanks guys, it was an impressive spread!
Also a big thanks to Bod who generously supplied all the food.

Due to the worsening weather, the afternoon/evening’s entertainment was relocated to ‘The Aggi’ in Braunton, where Julian, the landlord- having already completed the arduous paddle- welcomed all the team and their supporters.

What Followed was an amazing evening with a top quality line up of musical talent and raffle prizes which proved to be a winning combination for a great night that was had by all.

The night’s music started with Douglas E Powell’s eclectic mix of acoustic guitar and harmonious vocals which turned everyone’s attention to the stage.

As the room began to fill, Raffle tickets, limited edition t-shirts and stickers continued to be purchased. Huge thanks to Jane, Tash, Ali, Karen and Daisy for their tireless efforts both at the beach and at The Aggi ensuring it all ran smoothly.

Next up on stage was the chilled out acoustic sound of Steve Lay, followed by Jim Jones’s own singer/song writing talents, both of whom delivered a powerful performance to the ever increasing audience.

The ‘Devil Delta Blues Band’; Robin Courtnage, vocals and guitar, Richard Newbury, guitar, and Joel Soul on Harp then delivered their set.
Led by Robin’s Amazing voice, their unique mixture of bluesy guitar, harp and vocals kept the crowd’s attention towards the stage ready for the raffle.

The famous Paddle4relief raffle was delivered once again by the always entertaining duo of Kenny and Daisy.
A large number of prizes all generously donated by local businesses were up for grabs.
Top prizes included a weekend break at Saunton Sands holiday Villas, a motorised electric skateboard donated by Surfed out and a top prize of a 9ft4 longboard donated by Tiki.
Thank you again to all those shops and businesses who generously contributed.
See a full list on 2008 thank you page.

The headliners ‘Mendella’ then took to the stage, and wow!
The electrically energetic, 5-piece rock band proceeded to blow the Aggi’s roof off for over an hour. Toby Parker on drums, Chappell on lead guitar, Jude Davies on bass, Green Jay on guitar and Butters vocals. Thanks guys for an amazing performance and all the best in your musical future.

This brought the 2008 Paddle4Relief to a close.

The Paddle4relief team would like to express their thanks and gratitude to all who supported the event, either by contributing time, money, prizes, moral support…the list can go on and on (a bit like this article—sorry, so much to say)!

All your efforts keep the Paddle4Relief and our communities’ spirits alive.
Thankyou.

Don’t forget to check out the 2008 Thank You page for full list of contributors and donators (if we forget you please let us know).
Paul.

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