14th – 17th April 2006

Bruce Buckland-Wilson and I [Jon Peatman] entered the 2006 Devizes to Westminster canoe race, to raise money for the Sebastian English Memorial Fund.

The race takes place over Easter weekend, and for Juniors lasts four days. The race comprises of stages of 34, 36, 38 and 17 miles, along the Kennet and Avon Canal, and the Thames.

Having completed the 2004 race in 18th place with another paddling partner, I felt confident that Bruce and I could improve on this, and we were aiming for a top 10 finish in the Junior Doubles class – which would be the best ever position for competitors from Lord Wandsworth College.

We started in the rain from Devizes, but the weather soon improved and after fending off a swan attack and capsizing at the first portage (right), we reached Newbury in 8th position.

The second day took us onto the Thames at Reading, leaving us much more exposed to wind and incompetent pleasure boaters – but also giving us some extra speed. We slowed slightly towards the end of the day and dropped into 10th place.

Last time I did the race I found the third day the most challenging because it is the longest day and the distances between portages are much greater. However, this year we managed to stay positive and kept our speed up throughout the day, putting us in 9th position.

On Easter Monday we had to wake up at 4am to catch the tide at Teddington, and after racing down the last stretch we reached Westminster Bridge in just under 2 hours, putting us 9th overall with a total time of 20 hours 21 minutes.

Despite, or because of, the challenges we faced, we both really enjoyed the race and plan to compete next year. We look forward to the opportunity to raise more money and awareness for CRY.

Jon Peatman

Jon and Bruce raised £300 for CRY