Islington Boat Club members on the water

IT was big smiles at Islington Boat Club this week after it unofficially reopened last Wednesday – a year after it was abruptly closed.

Based at City Road Basin, the club’s proper reopening is planned for July when builders are expected to finish upgrades to its changing rooms and toilets.

Meanwhile, last weekend competitors taking part in youth games started their training. Ten Islington children, aged between 11 and 16, were out on the canal on Saturday as they got ready to compete in the water sports challenge due to be held in the summer in Fairlop Waters, Barkingside.

“Islington has established a track record of collecting youth games silverware in the kayak events, so it’s just great to see our kids back on the water again training,” said Eric Sorensen, IBC chairman.

“We at the club are all incredibly grateful to the many people around Islington swho have given their wholehearted support to the club to help us get up and running again.”