Saturday 17th September was Ulverston's Lantern procession. ​We all met at Hill Foot garden centre car park and let lose all the bees that had been under the care of Carol, Emily, Victoria and Sue in the containers at the docks over the past few weeks. The hive was put together and lit up ready for the start. We were to lead the procession from this part of Ulverston. Emily had made a queen bee complete with a crown, decorated with gold wrapping papers off Mikes chocolate teacakes, and presented it to Carol. We set off to the sound of the band that was behind us, heading down Dalton gate to the front of the Coronation Hall where we met up with three other processions from different parts of the town. On our way to Ford Park for the finale of entertainment and fantastic fireworks we made our way through streets crowded with folk just watching never mind walking with a lantern in the parade. I have never seen so many people line the streets of Ulverston for a long time. As usual a great night was had by all.

​“On Sunday 18th Sep saw DCC's Sea Kayakers Rob, John, John, Paul and Dave paddle the Lancaster Round, a 16 mile round trip setting off from Glasson Dock, heading up the River Lune through Lancaster, over the weir then at the Canals viaduct climbing up the path to then use the canal to go through the city and back out into the countryside. Then the final stretch of canal heading back to the dock, is where 6 locks are encountered and where team work and boat entry come into play as you negotiate each one.
 
On the trip we stopped for a nice pint in two different pubs, both in amazing places with spectacular views and things to see. Along the way, there were plenty of birds to spot, from Heron, Buzzards and even a Kingfisher that followed us all the way through its territory! Something that was interesting about canal paddling was how you get to compare your paddle speed to others around you, discovering that you are slower than a cyclist, faster than walkers and canal boats, which make for interesting overtaking!
 
The tide and weather were perfect, being pushed up the Lune gently, with the Sun out, it did start to cloud over by the evening and we made it back before the heavens opened up.
 
If you have yet not paddled the Lancaster Round, it is a must, the ability requirements lay more towards launching and docking often rather than long marathon style paddling, it is a long paddle but there is n't a rush and with all the places to stop and rest, it really makes it feel like a gentle relaxed day out but solo paddling it would be a much harder challenge due to the lock obstacle course heading back to Glasson. “
 
John Gill
 

Congratulations to Carol, who along with two others from their region, was recognised for her outstanding contribution to canoeing at the Cumbria RDT meeting. As many of you already know, Carol wears many hats as a volunteer at DCC, and works extremely hard in her roles as Secretary, coach, welfare officer and more, to ensure everyone has the opportunity to take part, have fun and learn new skills.
We're very pleased that Carol has been recognised for her hard work and dedication. X
Carol was presented with her award at the RDT Cumbrian meeting at Penrith on the 14th September.

With the start of the new school year well under way thoughts turned to the DCC special school canoe club again. This evenings session was well attended with a few new members joining, though I may add they were not new to paddling as they had attended sessions at the dock with their schools through term time. A great time was had by all and they couldn't have asked for better weather.

On Sunday 28th August up at the Sands Centre Carlisle several DCC members, including two sets of father and sons, competed in the slalom racing. A fantastic day was had by all as DCC came away with 5 first places, a second and a third.