As intimated in Scottish Paddler Issue 39 (April 1998), we are now up and running and have been since June 1998. Our initial name of Leven Valley Canoe Club has been changed to that of Lomond Kayak Club.

This letter serves a two-fold purpose; firstly, to thank those who came to our aid with providing some boats and other gear. It was much appreciated and helped us get started sooner rather than later.

Secondly, to raise the profile of this new club within the Dumbarton area. We have a current membership of 52, around half of which are juniors. Included in this total are 6 families. 

We meet each Sunday evening in the Meadow Leisure Centre and use the pool for training and coaching purposes. We currently have three Level 2 coaches and hope to increase this number from within the club. We also have access to one senior instructor. As affiliate members of West Dumbartonshire Sports Council, we have access to funding for training purposes on a 50/50 basis. It is our intention to make use of this in the not too distant future. We are also affiliated to the Scottish Canoe Association, and as such, abide by their guidelines and this gives us much more credibility, particularly when talking to parents of our junior members.

We recently held a fundraising disco - our first - and raised the sum of £247 towards our funds. We have also been in receipt of a £200 start up grant from West Dumbartonshire Sports Council.

We have just heard that we have been awarded a grant of £4500 from the Scottish Sports Council under the Awards for All programme. These monies will now go towards the provision of much needed new boats and other equipment. We will hopefully take delivery of this new gear in the early part of the New Year.