OCUK's Committee
The OCUK committee meets once a month. Committee roles come up for re-election annually, giving all members the opportunity to participate in the running of the club. We find this systems works well, giving the club a fresh edge at the start of each year and improving relationships within the club.
Brian Denholm, Chairman
Brian Denholm aka "Stormboy" started paddling in 1999 for Texaco Dragonboat club which later became the Thames DBC. He participated in many UK and a few world events, but due to his lanky stature decided that a switch to outrigging was in order. Unfortunately Thames DBC weren't in a position to fund the purchase of an OC6. So, with a few other paddlers, he chipped in to buy two OC6's from New Zealand. When the new toys arrived, started paddling OC6 as well as Dragonboat. This became a bit much so dropped the regular Dragonboating in 2003 and has been paddling Outrigger's since. Helped found OCUK in 2002 and had many an overseas paddling trip to compete in various events around the world.
Sheila Wells, Club Secretary
Sheila Wells is the Club Secretary. She joined OCUK in April 2008 after spending 13 years in Hong Kong where she paddled in outrigger canoes and dragon boats. Having swapped the hot, steamy weather of Hong Kong for the cooler climes of England she has invested in a whole different range of paddle gear including wellies and rubber gloves. She has raced in the Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Race in Hawaii (2004 and 2011), the Micronesia Cup in Guam (2005 and 2007), the Liberty World Outrigger Competition in New York (2010) and the Giglio Allwave Competition in Italy (2010 and 2011) amongst others. In September 2011 she completed her fourth Great River Race (21 miles from the Isle of Dogs to Ham) in a mixed crew, second time as steerer. When not paddling, sending out agendas or writing minutes her other hobbies include scuba diving and reflexology. On a more mundane level she also trained as a solicitor.
Olivier Heyraud, Club Treasurer
A latecomer to our sport, Olivier is now addicted to the thrill of swell surfing, the pain of long distance efforts and the passion of OC6 team paddling. Olivier started outrigging a few years ago in Hong Kong, with a life-long passion for surfing, sailing and the competitive practice of skiing and skateboarding in his (much) earlier years. He now also cross-trains with Stand Up Paddling when the surf is up at his secret spot back in France... The OCUK Committee foolishly thought Olivier's investment banking career would qualify him as Treasurer for the Club.
Jenny Williams, Fundraising Secretary
Jenny first hit the Thames 3 years ago. Being unable to swim and with a bizarre phobia of boats, it was an unusual choice of sport. But, from her first session she fell in love with the sport, crew atmosphere and OCUK spirit. When she is not wandering around in crocs and board shorts she can be found running and horse riding. With Jenny's degree in New Media Journalism and PR, she brings vision and drive to the role of Fundraising Secretary.
Odette Baumann, Membership Secretary
Odette is a Personal Assistant working in Chelsea, West London. She first tried outrigger canoeing a couple of years ago, not really knowing what to expect, and arrived - unsuitably dressed - in the pouring rain on a cold winter's morning … and loved it! Last year was Odette's first of official racing competitions, and she took part in events in Italy and Holland, as well as the Great River Race on the Thames, and the fun 'Paddle Round the Pier' weekend in Brighton. Being OCUK's Membership Secretary, it is Odette who will collect your money when you sign-up, and get you to complete the membership/waiver forms.