Our team is growing, developing and changing all the time. We have loads of jobs that need doing at every event, before, after and during - and of course, in between. Some jobs get done, some jobs get done in a wobbly sort of way and some jobs get forgotten completely. We'd like to make sure that in future (as far as possible) all jobs get done really well, but for that we need your help. After all, we are only human and we can't do it all. That's why we are a team.

In particular we are looking for people who are energetic, fun-loving and willing to give up a bit of their time to come and help us set up event weekends. Eddie (our amazing technical chief and lighting/sound engineer) is currently over-loaded with tons of chores to do at every event and could really do with a helper (or several) to take a bit of the load. You'll need to be up for coming along to the site a few days before the weekend is due to kick off, so being able to get time off work is essential. You'll help put up the Big Top, fit out the flooring, lighting, sound, electrics, water, pool, toilets, furniture etc. Practical ability would be good, plus strength and stamina as well! If you're a dab hand at electrical stuff, even better. It's not all hard work, there is a lot of satisfaction creating a village miles from anywhere in a muddy field. And we do play hard :-)

Some of the team have a jig about

We are running several tours this year which include organising the paddling side of things as well as the party. We need people to help with this, 'cause quite frankly by the time the weekend actually comes, most of the River Legacy team are already knackered and in need of a helping hand. If you're up for this, it'll include coordinating the services (stuff like the hot soup, the transport, access and egress points, ticketing, marshalling, first aid etc) and will be a key role in the organisation of any tour. Ideally we need several people to get stuck in to this, enabling us to form a rota throughout the day.

One of the things we are keen to develop is a program of additional events on Saturday afternoons/early evenings, for example talks, displays and even workshops. There are one or two other ideas floating around already from various minor-celebrities. And of course, if you've got any ideas yourself or fancy giving this a bash, please shout.


Teifi Tour, 2006: approaching one of the drops

We also need people at all events to take help everything down again on bleary Sunday mornings, something many of you will have already experienced. Nothing better to rid your hangover than a certain Mr Turton yelling at you through the rain to be "careful what you do with that pole young man" and all sorts of other endearing exclamations... The more the merrier, so if you don't fancy a Sunday paddle come on down and lend us a bit of elbow grease instead.

We need people to spread the word, encourage others to come along, and actually take part as well. This is something any canoe/kayak club member can do, be it active paddler or just a social member, though of course club committee folk usually have more clout. By coming along to one of our events you are effectively helping us out, so thank you lots to all who have already done so.

Finally...

Whatever paddling background you come from, if you have something you'd like to contribute please give us a shout. All of the above are volunteer roles, so you'd be working for nothing - just like the rest of us. We do however give event passes and some expenses where appropriate, for example if you pick up equipment we'll pay for your fuel. We look forward to hearing from you.


Steve organising the famous beer race at the Dee Tour in February 2007