John Sherwen has been a volunteer coach at Duddon Canoe Club for well over 20 years.
The canoe club is situated at the dock side on waste land at Barrow where he, with assistance, has built a club site out of shipping containers. Over this period of time he has trained countless numbers of youngster and adults,some with special needs, in the art of canoeing and kayaking on flat water, wild water, sea, rivers, lakes etc from Barrow and the surrounding area.
Many of these have gone on to become coaches themselves. Before this he was a scout leader and taught them as well to canoe. He has forged strong ties with special need schools, mainstream schools, guides, scouts, colleges, youth groups,local council run groups, main stream and special needs and has given countless folk the opportunity to achieve great things.
Even if that means just being able to sit in a canoe for some thats a big step or coming 1st in their age group. You only have to see the success that has been achieved by the youth group who this year have won the National UK Wavehopper championships 2014, National UK whitewater championships 2014 as well as making 6 young members 1st in their age groups for the UK and the Lightning North west regional championship 2014.
John also trains a canoe polo team. These achievements only scratch the surface of what has been achieved by DCC with his help over past years. None of this would have been possible without all the coaching and help he has provided. John transports the boats and kit on the back of his trailer all over the country which means that those that dont have facility to do so dont miss out. He will give lifts to members should they need it to the races in his car. He organises family outings where all the members of the family can get involved on a days paddle.
He gives everyone the opportunity to achieve so much.
BREAKING NEWS – congratulations on making it to the final three in this category, see you on the red carpet at the Forum in March!
John
this year we tried canoeing for the first time in our lives. We loved it immediately for its challenge and fun.
Your coaching and support this year took away my fears and gave us great confidence we had never known.
Thank you and the whole of the DCC for what you do. A well deserved nomination.
Karen, Chris, Matthew and Kathryn Bell X
John,
No one can deserve this more than you. From the early days of the club when boats were stored on people’s drives, you have been instrumental in driving forward the securing and development of site at the docks. So many people have benefited from your hard work and dedication, and thrived in the positive environment you encourage.
From a personal perspective, you have been there for our family from the earliest days when we drafted opens to provide a safe means for or babies to get out on the water, to Rhianns rapid rise through the racing scene to compete for GB selection, all in a spirit of fun and friendship.
We have so many wonderful memories from our time with Duddon cc, and none of them would be possible without the countless hours you put in behind the scenes. As Rhiann and Connor so aptly put it, you are a one man army!
Many thanks for all you do for us, for the club and for the young people and families of Furness and beyond, there is no reward big enough to match!
From Chris, Cari, Charlotte, Rhiann and Connor. X
I personally have learned alot and from you john,still got lots to learn bit I and my family love canoeing and kayaking,thanks for your time that u have given to me personally,a valuable coach at the club
You deserve it John, well done and thank you
Robin
As Chairman of Duddon Canoe Club, I rely on John and others to maintain our club running as smoothly and safely as it does. Johns commitment to our club has given many youngsters and adults of all ages many hours of coaching in many disciplines, resulting in success in Racing, but more importantly enjoyment on the water.
Well done John, a well deserved nomination. Your such a chilled out cool cookie, with all the smiles and time in the world for everyone and anyone. Love Julie,Steve,Jack,Tyler,Charlie & Corey xx.
as newbies we are still learning and it really has become a family affair thanks to john and all at dcc
he keeps us laughing week after week in turn makes us want to come back for more (even when we end up swimming)
it has really bought my family back together thank you john and all
well done and good luck
The amount of effort and time you put into Duddon Canoe Club is appreciated by us all, and through your drive and motivation this is what makes our Club unique. Your tireless efforts and fundraising enabled us to create a great opporunity for people to learn a new skill and get out on the water without having to travel Miles which isn’t always an option for families and young people.
The coahing and training you’ve provided has put Duddon Cannoe Club on the map and we have a great racing team who travel all over the country entering a mixed bag of events from White Water Racing, Marathon Racing, Slaom and more. Often taking you away from your own family.
Whether your a serious paddler or come just to along to have fun. You always make people feel welcome.
Good Luck xx