A VETERAN canoeist has celebrated his 70th birthday with a lifetime achievement award. 

Hexham Canoe Club has bestowed the honour upon long-serving member Vic Parker, who has paddled since the age of 16. 

It is in recognition of his contribution to the club since he joined in 2002, both as a coach and a canoeist. 

The award also reflects his achievements in the sport at home and abroad since the 1960s. 

Hexham Rowing Club’s Lorraine Glendenning said: “Vic is one of our oldest coaches. He remains as active as ever, and is still canoeing and coaching. 

“Having paddled in the Alps and Pyrenees, among other global locations, Vic brings a lot of experience to the table, and has made a tremendous contribution to our club.

“He’s ran our canoe polo team, and helped me advance myself and others advance their coaching qualifications in both canoe and kayak.”

Vic first paddled canvas covered kayaks as a member of the Boys’ Brigade. 
He began racing while at Leeds University from 1968 to 1971, and went on to compete in doubles slalom and wild water racing events in Canada.  

In the early 1980s, Vic supported canoeing groups on training and development courses in Hull and Chesterfield. 

He gained experience of sea kayak paddling while living in Orkney, and in the 1980s, joined sea expeditions around the Isle of Mull, the River Humber, and the East Coast of Yorkshire. 

After establishing himself as an instructor, Vic founded the Fergus Canoe and Kayak Club in Ireland, before moving back to England, and joining Hexham Canoe Club in 2002. 

Vic, who celebrated his 70th birthday last month, was presented with a lifetime achievement certificate, in recognition of his valuable contribution.

He was also presented with a framed collage of photos of himself in action, titled ‘Vic At 70’. 

Hexham Canoe Club was formed in 1994. It welcomes new members of all ages and abilities.

The club hosts weekly sessions where novice canoeists are given the opportunity to develop their skills on the water.

These include pool sessions at Hexham’s Wentworth Leisure Centre during the winter months. For more information visit www.hexhamcanoeclub.co.uk