Tandridge Canoe Polo League was founded in 1994 by youth worker Richard Swire, supported by Venture Scout Leader Christine Norris. Their goal was to provide a fun, challenging, and affordable activity for teenagers in the Tandridge area.
The League was an instant success, attracting eight teams of four players straight away, along with a strong group of adult volunteers — many with Scout and Guiding backgrounds. Remarkably, several of those early volunteers are still involved today, including:
The club’s continued success has always been driven by the commitment and enthusiasm of volunteers. Over time, many went on to train as coaches, allowing the club to expand beyond canoe polo.
This led to the evolution of Tandridge Canoe Polo League into Tandridge Canoe and Kayak Club (TCKC), with the creation of specialist sections alongside canoe polo:
Slalom
Created by Peter Bedingfield, later led by Shiona Shaw, and now by Bev Morgan
Freestyle
Created by Phil Davies, then led by Eddie Eddington, followed by Debbie and Jonny Stitt, and now Dan Daley
TYKs (Tandridge Young Kayakers)
A recreational junior section created by Nick and Amanda Westall
Our focus has always been on motivating young people and encouraging them to set and achieve personal goals.
Alongside kayaking skills, members have opportunities to develop valuable life skills, including:
Lifeguarding
First aid
Canoe safety and rescue
Junior coaching
Canoe polo refereeing
Slalom judging
Fundraising and event support
Young people aged 14 and over can also have their achievements recognised through participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
The real reward for us is seeing young people grow in confidence, independence, judgement, and social skills — this is why the club exists.
While recognition has never been our main motivation, the club’s work has been widely acknowledged by Canoe England and the British Canoe Union (BCU).
A major milestone came when Sue Hornby, BCU Paddlesport Development Officer, encouraged the club to apply for a National Lottery grant.
To support the application, the committee produced a three-year Development Plan, introducing:
A child protection policy
Volunteer screening procedures
A commitment to regional competition
Broader paddlesport opportunities
The application was successful, enabling the club to purchase its first set of equipment and setting a clear direction for future growth.
The BCU awarded TCKC Top Community Club Status — the first canoe club in England to receive this award (renewed every two years).
Awarded Sport England Clubmark, recognising a safe, well-run club.
Blades Slalom section launched by Peter Bedingfield, training at Hedgecourt Lake.
Awarded Active Surrey Silver Certificate.
Junior members Joe Davies and Tom Webb secured funding to develop the Freestyle section, led by Phil Davies.
TYKs (Tandridge Young Kayakers) launched by Nick and Amanda Westall, opening membership to children of all ages.
Canoe England Top Club Gold Award
(One of only 8 Gold Clubs nationwide at the time)
Peter Bedingfield – Award for Outstanding Contribution to Paddlesport Development
Christine Norris – Award for Outstanding Contribution to Club Development
Canoe England Top Club Gold Award
Dave Exall – Tandridge Sports Awards Adult Volunteer of the Year
Jonnie Stitt – Canoe England Outstanding Junior Contribution
Nick Westall – BCU South East Coach of the Year
Amanda Westall – BCU South East Coach of the Year
Canoe England Club of the Year
We are grateful for the support we’ve received over the years from:
Surrey Youth Service, National Lottery, Awards for All, Oxted Parish Council, Limpsfield Parish Council, Tandridge District Council, Surrey County Council, Surrey County Playing Fields Association, Sport England, Rotary Club of Caterham, Lions Club, and the Gatwick Airport Community Trust.
From the very first meeting, the Canoe Polo League proved hugely popular. Early members joined through organisations such as:
Scouts and Guides
Venture Scouts and Air Cadets
Schools and youth projects
Young Farmers
Specialist schools
Today, people join as individuals, families, or groups of friends, continuing the club’s tradition of being open, inclusive, and welcoming to all.
