December Newsletter 2002

Shaun's Report

Cold but dry, good news for winter fishermen enjoying good sport on early mornings. Cold nights giving early start fishermen great sport, plenty of takes and bag limits too easy as most finished too early.

Small lures fishing well with lots of fish chasing fry patterns. Water colour generally good. A little rain at the end of the month had given a slight tinge to the water although clearing this week with the return of the cold weather.

Many good fish. Doubles being caught freely 13lb 10oz biggest fish this month. Many members finally catching the excess of fish from October big fish weekend, well done to many who finally caught a double figure.

Member and Guest Weekend Result

As mentioned, the end of month brought its first real heavy spell of rain. Water colour however was slightly affected, but not so with the fishing. Bag limits being caught easily with most member and guest achieving their 6 fish.

Sat Results:
Best Bag: D Worrall / T Reid 24lb
Best Fish: R Trowsdale 8lb 12oz

Sun Results:
Best Bag: G Smart / J LeSurf 21lb 11oz
Best Fish: S Robertson 7lb 12oz

Mon Results:
Best Bag: J Maskell / J Maskell 20lb 15oz
Best Fish: R Vallins 10lb 7 oz

A very busy weekend many enjoying the festive fair and spirit. Monday was a busy day giving midweekers a good competition spirit. Well done to overall winners Dave Worrall and Tony Reid. Thanks to all those who supported this event.

Boxing Day Brace

Bookings good, about a dozen of you fishing from 9am to 12 noon. A short morning with your Chairman Mike Lawrence offering his festive spirit maybe literally a chance to work off Christmas lunch and an appetite for another one on Boxing Day. Booking sheets in last month's newsletter, or if you wish to book, contact Shaun by phone, £17 brace ticket.

New Year Brace

Your first club event of 2002. Normally very well supported. Bookings a little slow maybe many not committing as to night before.

However noon start a chance to sleep it off and then blow the cobwebs away. £17 per ticket with free light buffet to finish and maybe a toast to the New Year. Booking sheets in last month's newsletter. Some have verbally booked this, I need your booking sheets and payments please.

Whilst mentioning booking sheets, there are some who have become a little lax as to sending these in. This is not fair on many who follow the procedure correctly. I shall be strict again, from now on, a verbal booking will not hold your spot.

Priority will be given to those who complete the forms and pay. You cannot verbally book and then turn up expecting to fish as the competition maybe full!! You know who you are!! It only costs a stamp and of course your fee. You have been warned.

New Year and Membership

Many people are on our waiting list for membership. In next month's newsletter, waiting list members will receive an application form. As you know, this will be in waiting list order in accordance with your waiting list reference number. The first numbers will be offer membership spots and then in the following month's newsletter, mnore spots will be offered and so on until 1st April. Some may have to wait until the start of the season after 1st April as to the renewal of current members season 2002/2003.

We look forward to welcoming, all waiting list members with your start of year membership year as from 1st April 2003. Payment for this will be requested with your application, but these will be held on deposit until 1st April, this just secures your spot, we thank you all for being so patient. After you receive your membership application you will have a clear calendar month to return your application. If not received, this will be offered as informed in our future newsletter to another waiting list applicant.

Christmas Offers

Many have taken advantage of the 25% off in the shop. Still bargains to be had, don't leave it till the last minute.

Trophy Returns

All those who were fortunate enough to win events last year, I need these trophies returned before the end of January for engraving for this year's winners and presentation at next year's AGM, Monday 31st March.

Enough about business and work and all enjoy your festive fortnight, relax and recharge your batteries. Let's hope to see many of you during Christmas on the fishery to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year personally. Have a good one.

Tight lines!
Shaun

Closure Dates

25th Christmas
27th December closed am only, pm open
28th December closed all day

Please click here for current closure dates.

Secretary's Report

Recent prolonged rain and run off from saturated ground has coloured the water. Suprisingly however, the standard of fishing has remained fairly consistent despite these adverse conditions. Until we reach a decent dry spell I think the key word is patience - you will be rewarded.

Christmas Party

I am sorry to say that due to a poor response the Christmas Party is just not economically viable and with regret has been cancelled.

That is a shame as aside from festive reasons it was intended to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the club's formation at this function and considerable - now abortive - effort has gone into making this a special occasion. Needless to say those who have already purchased their tickets will receive a full refund.

Seasonal Events

There are still a few places left for the Boxing Day and New Year's Day competitions. Any member wishing to participate should contact Shaun as soon as possible to reserve a place. As usual, payment in advance is required to secure a booking.

Tagged Fish

As I write, the beast remains on the loose and persists in evading capture. It never crossed my mind that trout have their own elite units where escape and evasion techniques are taught. As a result the pot has risen to a very respectable sum.

Good fishing to you all.

G Mutch
Hon Secretary