N&SBSKS SCA Tour 23/24th April

From Bob Baird - Secretary - 26/3/05

Hello Everyone.


Thank you for showing an interest in our Tour.

Accomodation for the tour will be FREE at The Beal Expedition Centre, Beal, Berwick-Upon- Tweed which is adjacent to the A.1 about 5 miles south of Berwick-upon Tweed. Access will be from 5.p.m. on Friday 22nd for all those attending the tour.


The number of people attending the Tour will be limited to 24 and there are 24 beds available spread over 4 dorms. THE DORMS WILL BE MIXED. However there is plenty of room within the grounds if you wish to camp. There are 3 bunk beds to a room and we will supply a mattress cover and pillow cases. Bring your own sleeping bag and teddy bear.


TO CONFIRM YOUR PLACE ON THE TOUR PLEASE e-mail me ASAP AND LET ME KNOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CAMP OR RESERVE A BED. (I have only contacted those who originally e-mailed me i.e. you). A large club block booking will not be allowed so please do not be concerned that you will miss out.


To fully appreciate the social aspects of this tour we would very much like people to stay for both days.


The centre is stone built and is made up of 2 seperate buildings which was the local school. It has oil fired central heating, T.V. Lounge with video and DVD player, Toilets, 2 showers.


We will supply soup of an evening however meals will be SELF-CATERING. The kitchen has a fridge freezer and we will supply a double ring gas burner with a bottle of gas. There will be plates, cups and cutlery. However you can imagine that possibly it would be a good idea to bring your own stove to use in the kitchen.
WE WOULD BE GRATEFUL OF MONETARY DONATIONS TO N&SBSKS


There is a very nice pub next door which is open until 11p.m. and serves great meals from about 5.p.m. to 8.30.p.m.


On the other side of the Centre there is a garage with a Mace shop which sells all sorts of things and you can even get a shower there for a £1. It also sells cans of beer and bottles of wine.

We would like all tour participants to meet at the Centre about 9a.m. on Sat and Sun for a weather and trip briefing. If you would like to go to the Farne Islands please bear in mind that YOU must have the skill level and judgement to deal with tide races and possibly challenging sea conditions. We will not be coaching anyone and will not be involved in introducing paddlers to such conditions.


AS THE ORGANISERS OF THE TOUR WE RESERVE THE FINAL SAY ON WHO GOES.


There will also be a daily trip along the beautiful local Northumberland coast with its Castles and gorgeous beaches.


I will be away until 10/04/05 and may not be able to confirm or deny anything until 11/04/05 so if you do not receive an immediate reply to your e-mail please do not panick.

Best regards, Bob on behalf of all the commitee.