On Friday we held the first annual Tees Tigers Awards evening and Christmas party; celebrating all the great stuff that has happened this year for the club and it’s members, to laugh at the funnier moments, to remember those not with us anymore and to celebrate the new arrivals.

Nicky and Sam organised a great night at the River Tees Watersports Centre on Friday 10th December 2010, catering for young and old in the club. It was great to see some of the club made an effort and came in their party kit – a bit of a change to the usual camping gear we see each other in! Particular reference has to be made to Nicky’s very smart, club colours, outfit – putting the rest of the boys to shame!

The night kicked off with the Awards presentation. The categories, nominations and winners (in bold) were:

Senior Outstanding Achievement Award
Chaz Cheung
Darren Cresser
Matthew Fletcher
Tees Tigers A

Junior Outstanding Achievement Award
Jake Brown
Calum Cresser
Beth Kelly
Andrew Martin
Erin Turner

The Simon Fletcher Most Improved Paddler Award
Andrew Brown
Jake Brown
Sally & Ellie
Mark Ledger
Ben Watson

Most Clean Runs
Jake Brown
Nicky Cresser
Mark Ledger
Andrew Martin
James Tonks

Volunteer/Coach of the Year
Ian & Sue Cresser
Mark & Margaret Cresswell
Andy Rhucroft
James & Rachel Tonks
Mark & Bev Wilkinson

Plus The Broken Paddle Awards – the alternative awards honouring the various dubious ‘achievements’:
Club Mark Award – Duncan McAuley
there’s something fishy going on down here! – Chaz Cheung
targets hit - Kris Wilko
steady eddie – James Tonks
rolly polly goalie – Scott Cresswell
temper temper - Andy Brown
pushy parent – Mark Wilko
funny mummies – Andrea Watson and Sarah Brown

The Award Winners

Special thanks also went to the Committee for all their hard work over the last year in making the club run smoothly.

Then after the Awards and the ‘official’ photography, the Christmas party started in earnest. Including party food ala our very own in-house caterers, the Fletcher’s; music from the club’s DJ Cresswell; and party games from kid’s party planner Nicky Cresser! The party games went down pretty well, and not only with the kids. Although you could tell we’re a competitive canoeing club as I’ve never seen such a ‘spirited’ game of Musical Chairs!

The night ended with everyone pitching in as usual to tidy up and then the wellies were adorned for the trek back to the cars through the last of the snow.

Thanks to everyone for a fantastic night.

Merry Christmas and all the best for a great 2011.