Teddington’s Royal Canoe Club celebrated 150 years of canoeing history by unlocking its archives this month.

Current and past members of the world’s oldest canoe club gathered in the clubhouse to share stories and discover more about the club’s long history on Sunday, April 17.

The club was founded in 1866 following a meeting at Richmond’s Star and Garter Hotel and received Royal patronage under Queen Victoria.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

The archives on display contained trophies, photographs, committee minutes and sporting artefacts such as stop-watches and flags.

Among the most prized historical items in the club’s possession are the diaries of John MacGregor, who started the club and is credited with founding the sport of canoeing.

The diaries and sketches contained within them detail Mr MacGregor’s pioneering 1,000-mile journey in a canoe from London and around Europe.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Royal Canoe Club member Ben Parfitt said: “The archives are a real treasure. Just by flicking through old committee minutes or by reading through past copies of the club rules, you get a real idea about life at the club in years gone by.

“It used to be a real gentleman’s club and was unrecognisable from the club today. But you can still relate to many of the issues raised at committee meetings and it’s proof that some things really never do change.”

Royal Canoe Club runs courses for adult and junior beginners, as well as for local schools. Contact secretary@royalcanoeclub.com for more information.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Doug Evans has been a member of the club since 1982

Photos: suki-design2016.