Festive paddlers in good cheer
Canal paddleboarders put a smile on people’s faces
SANTA, his trusty reindeer Ruldolph and a host of elf helpers have been spreading a little Christmas cheer along the canal.
The group of around 10 paddleboarders all donned festive fancy dress for the event at the weekend and were led by organiser and mother-of-three Sam Tillotson, who set up Facebook group SUP Buddies West Berkshire two years ago.
Throughout their paddle the group were waving and wishing everyone they passed a very merry Christmas.
“Everyone was so delighted to see Father Christmas,” Mrs Tillotson said.
“Paul Griffin played the part brilliantly and one of our group experts, Jonny Nthe Hat [sic], was his reindeer.
“Everyone made a massive effort and as we came under the bridge at the Lock, Stock and Barrel I could just hear children shouting ‘Santa’.
“People were waving from the windows in Costa, it was unbelievable.
“It was so nice to see people happy and that’s something I won’t forget. Everyone was really, really happy.
“It’s little things that can bring a smile to your face.”
They launched from Marsh Benham and paddled for an hour-and-a-half into Newbury, where they stopped off at the Teashop on the Canal for a well-deserved toasted sandwich and a hot drink, before heading back on the water to where they started.
Mrs Tillotson said paddleboarding was a “great way to chat, escape the pressures and worries of the world and be at one with nature”.
“My passion, from my own experience, is to not be afraid to talk,” she added.
“Whether it’s walking, running, swimming, the great outdoors and nature is a brilliant tonic for coping with the daily stress and worries of life, especially during these difficult times.”
The social paddle group welcomes anyone and has plans for a weekend camping paddle, as well as Valentine’s Day, Easter and cream tea paddles in the new year.