September 2003

As we near the end of the summer season we are grateful for a really fantastic year. The Outdoor Show in March was a new venture for Oakhanger Project and has opened our horizons and widened our vision for the future, as well as providing new contacts. We have booked a Stand at the Outdoor Show at Birmingham NEC from 2 to 4 April 2004. Do visit us. We are also looking for sponsors to support publicity at Shows and Events. Any ideas?

The Managemnent Committe have been very busy restructuring the organisation and policies - a tedious but necessary task. Rewards have included a Grant of £7000 from Cheshire County Council Network Fund and £800 from Crewe and Nantwich to develop programmes for families and young people who would otherwise be excluded from outdoor and adventure activities. Give thanks, and pray that we may use this money wisely and to the benefit of as many as possible.

Graham has been busy with kayak courses with local groups as well as in North Wales and on Windermere with Capernwray Summer programme. Courses have included 1, 2 and 3 star Certificates and 2 Canoe Safety Courses. Next year we will be offering Level 1 and 2 Coaching Courses. Keep an eye on this web site for details.

The Isles of Scilly Trip in May was enjoyed by all despite (for some) a rough ferry crossing from Penzance. The winds stayed around Force 5-6 all week but did not prevent us kayaking to Tresco to visit the Abbey Gardens, where other group members joined us by ferry boat. Food and Fellowship on the islands was its usual excellent level. Next year we are planning to be on St Mary's from 20 May to 1 June. Why not visit for all or part of that time?

If you live within reach of S. Cheshire a pool training session is available on Thursday 30 October. A chance to learn/improve you support and rolls! Contact Graham for details.

Thanks to Dan for the great work in providing a regular Prayer letter. If you do not receive a copy and wish to be added to the mailing please EMAILDan (email address: luke9.20@btinternet.com)

Other activities have included walks on Snowdon, Scafell, Kinder Scout and in the Macclesfield Forest as well as North Wales. The Adventure Outreach Programme continues to be popular and will be extended in the next 12 months.

Provisional dates for next year's weekends are 18-20 June 2004 Beddgelert, N. Wales and 13-15 August 2004 in Trearddur Bay, Anglesey.

The Oakhanger Christmas Celebration will be on Monday 15 December. A warm welcome plus food is assured if you are able to attend.