News
October 2025 Newsletter
BEI LOON DRAGON BOAT CLUB
FROM THE PRESIDENT
The results of the Bus to Regatta Survey were discussed by the Committee at our last meeting. Due to insufficient numbers committing to take the coach and the increased costs it was decided that it is not viable for the Club to return to hiring coaches to the Regattas.
Some progress has been made on the arrangements for the two new boats. A thank you to Peter Jones who has put a lot of work into the arrangements and to David Dunwoodie and George Webster who are continuing organising the logistics. Good news is two other Clubs Ryders and FFB jumped on board and have also ordered boats which reduces our transport costs. We are still waiting for an arrival date and will let you know as soon as possible.
Good to see the weather warming up and returning to our summer training next week, see the details below.
Neil Jones
President
COACHING NEWS
"We'd like to welcome Neil Jones and Kerrie Lewis-Jones as qualified coaches pending completion of their AusDBF level 1 coaching qualifications. Based on their previous experience we believe they can offer a significant contribution to our coaching team. This is something we have discussed with them over several months, but only recently has there been an opportunity to participate in the formal training course, and expect to find them running our training sessions over the next few weeks in order to complete the practical requirements of the qualification."
Thanks,
Steve
DAYLIGHT SAVING TRAINING
Our summer training will commence on Tuesday 7th October, 2025. Training will be 6.00pm arrival time to be on the water by 6.15pm concluding at 7.15pm. Please respond on Team app before 4.00pm on the day before so that the correct number of sweeps can be organised. Also, if you can’t attend, please remove your name from team app.
ROUND 1 REGATTA – 12TH OCTOBER, 2025
The cut off for this regatta was 21st September, 2025. Please remember if your situation changes and you are no longer able to attend, please email the coaches at coach@beiloon.com.au.
I would like to thank in advance Michelle Horner and Di Millgate for volunteering for us at this Regatta.
Region V Region
Will be held on the day before and we have a fantastic representation of Bei Loon Paddlers competing. Good luck to – Sarah Vining, Kerrie Lewis Jones, Rod Power, Heather Pryor, Di Maher, Arthur Papanicolaou, Vicki Papanicolaou, Gordon Hirsch, Nigel Farquhar, Mitch Burt, Steve McKeogh and Andy Turner
MASTERS GAMES CANBERRA – 17TH OCTOBER, 2025
Emails have been sent in relation to accommodation and team dinner. Further information will be provided closer to the time.
SOCIAL COMMITTEE NEWS
7th Day Brewery: We had a small and energetic group of 17 paddlers and partners turn up for our night out at the 7th Day Brewery. This was a great venue and very 'vibey' and was definitely worth the venture into Brooky. We had great food, great music with a DJ followed by live bands and of course great company. From all accounts it was a fun night out even if a tad 'loud' at times we revisited our misspent youth!! We will look at doing a few more things like this throughout the year to get us all out and about and in the groove!
The next activity on the agenda is the Welcome BBQ after paddling on Sunday 26 October. This is to welcome our newest paddlers to the club and for the start off this season on the water.
Please confirm on TeamApp if you are able to come and let us know if you have any meal requirements ie vegetarian, gluten free.
See you on the water,
Kathy and Sally O.
NEWBIE GET TOGETHER
We had a very successful newbie get together on 14th September, 2025 and it was well attended. It gave our new members the opportunity to talk to our Coaches and Committee and discuss regattas, selections, social get togethers and all aspects about Bei Loon.
MAINTENANCE OFFICER
A big thank you to Dave Dunwoodie who kindly took over as Maintenance Officer while Peter Jones is away. Kerrie Lewis Jones has now taken on this role so our boats are again in great hands.
DEFIBRILATOR
Just a reminder that our club does have a defibrillator and it is kept in the unlocked locker on the right-hand side. Our first aid person Doreen is ordering new pads for it. As soon as they have arrived, we will put a video on team app for everyone to see how it is used.
CONGRATULATIONS
DBNSW held its Annual General Meeting on Saturday 6th September, 2025. Our Bei Loon member Suzanne Brown was elected Director for the second year. Well done Suzanne congratulations.
PROFILES
This lady is definitely not a skiver, crabbit or besom nor do we have any scunner towards her
How did a Highlander end up a Bei Loonie?
I grew up in Strathpeffer near Inverness and moved to Edinburgh for nursing. Worked in the UK before getting a 3-year visa for Australia in 1999 which took me to Mount Isa, Mona Vale and Fremantle.
They let me back as a permanent resident in 2003.
I joined Bei Loon in 2004 and have travelled all over Australia, to the Czech Republic, Hungary and Italy dragon boating, Hawaii and the Cook Islands outrigging so I am very grateful to Bei Loon for so many opportunities.
Another memorable trip was completing the 800km French Camino- highly recommended!
Doreen – Bei Loon’s bonnie lass – Doreen has kindly shared her shortbread recipe as well.
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