April Newsletter 2003

AGM Report

A very healthy turnout at the AGM to start our 2003/2004 season - probably our best to date. A report of club issues are available with a good open floor for all club members to discuss all issues.

Prize giving followed for all trophy winners during 2002/2003 with a good social evening after with free buffet. Membership cards and badges were handed out to those attending on the evening.

Anyone who was not at the AGM, please ask Shaun for their new membership badge. Last season’s members still use their club card for the forthcoming season. Only new members receive new membership cards.

Shaun's Report (Fishery Manager)

Welcoming all existing members and new, apologies for absence by your Chairman, Mike Lawrence and Treasurer Malcolm Hunt. Explanation of all membership benefits with new privilege card system explained in full and review of privilege card after first year in operation.

Review of Season 2002/2003

Healthy uptake of membership - 138 members. A good social and sporting atmosphere adopted to start of season. Club events being supported well early in the season. Attendance in later part of season however deteriorated with popularity of summer events proving hard to promote.

Fishing always harder this time of year and summer holidays, which does affect attendance. Your Club will address this during the current season, maybe subsidising these events to gain support.

Fishing in general good with many blue-trout and browns being caught early part of the season but rainbows being hardcore of stocking policy. Harder months as always July/August. All Method day giving a good break to season, well supported during August when fly- fishing proves hard.

Plans for this season being considered are to stock with as many browns and blues and still offering a social and pleasurable day’s sport.

A good winter supported well at the end of season. Big Fish, Member and Guest and Knockout Singles and Pairs. Weather being kind to us, not a lot of rain helping and rewarding the hardier of fishermen turning out.

In general a rewarding year, members taking advantage of all privileges, early starts, tagged fish and shop discount - remember these for next year.

Coltsfordmill-fishery.co.uk (Website)

This was launched in February. Signs are that people have been using our web site, especially members, for general information and newsletters.

Plans as always to enhance the web site with more general information and fishing reports.

Proposals for 2003/2004 season

To maintain high standards especially fishing with good stock levels and variety of fish. Browns now being stocked early season with Blues for later on in season.

Big Fish policy not of priority, however stocking of doubles in moderation, but try to improve mid range of fish 4lb - 8lb and specimen fish Browns and Blues.

Maintaining high standards of membership

Coltsford Mill membership and the Fishery is the envy of many clubs due to the hard work attributed to the Committee and of course support from its members, keep up the good work.

The Fishery is to keep a good stocking policy, striving for good quality and size level plus option on different strain of fish including rainbow, blue and brown trout.

We feel that this year, after last year’s dramatic changes, this was the year to consolidate on the successful changes now being taken advantage of by our members. My thanks goes to the Committee for all their hard work, all dedicating their free time to facilitate the Club, and working with me to organise our fishing season.

The Committee thanked the Fishery for providing service and maintenance throughout the year, especially Neil for his friendly helpful advice and hard work during last season.

Ticket prices for 2003/2004

Unfortunately an increase, which we review every two years. Many other price increases affect your sport, but we feel we hope you can absorb this within your membership benefits.

New Privilege Card

Many of you are taking advantage of the benefits offered since being presented at the AGM. Purely by using these, lots of anglers now see the benefits and understand how they work. However, a brief explanation will follow, as a minority still do not use them to their full advantage.

The privilege cards simply work when charged with cash amounts we give you an extra 10% free of charge. Example, charge the card with £50 and we credit it with £55. Remember minimum amount on card is £20 then increments of £10 over and above.

When charged, you may purchase anything from the Fishery, Lodge or shop. Each is then 10% cheaper, fishing tickets, pint of beer or any item in the shop. You have received 20% discount in total, 10% on the card and 10% as your privilege as a member, this only applies if your card is already charged. Bonus points, very simple, each time you fish you receive 1 point, every 10 points we charge your card with £19, a two fish ticket.

A convenient way to pay on the fishery with no worries about losing cash or credit cards, if you lose your card we simply cancel it on the system and credit a new card with the balance on your old card. Lost cards will have a charge of £4 per card.

When visiting we can help in explaining in full if not understood.

Each transaction on your card is given a full receipt, showing all balances and reports of your expenditure. You should keep your last receipt as to the balance on your card, we can always duplicate this with receipt of your card at any visit to the fishery.

Your club secretary Greg Mutch opened his report with a warm welcome and support of your committee for its work throughout the year. Support of your club was encouraged by Greg as the more you participate in the fishing and social events the more you benefit as a club member. He wishes all anglers a successful 2003/2004 season.

Treasurer’s Report

A Receipt and Expenses balance sheet was prepared by Treasurer Malcolm Hunt and issued at the AGM in his absnece, a copy is on your members’ noticeboard.

Your club also carries over a moderate balance to next year. Your club tries to actively use all monies to promote and subsidise members fairly with only carrying over balances if necessary.

An open floor with points raised for the Committee, many paying tribute to the hard work and efforts in striving to support its members on many occasions throughout the season.

Your Committee meets the last Thursday in each month, please use your Committee to represent yourselves and raise any points of interest.

A suggestion book is always by the signing in book in the Lodge. This is normally used for constructive suggestions which are raised at your Committee meeting each month.

Fishing Report

A very good start to Spring, probably the best Spring weather for some years. March totally out of character, the Spring season well in advance of itself. Natural patterns fishing better than lures.

Hares ear, PTN, Damsels and Sunken Daddies are the top patterns.

Colours being olive and black on bright days with evenings fishing well, even as early as this in the year. We probably will pay a price for this early weather either with a cold winter or a very long hot summer.

Take advantage early of this great start to the season. You have been warned!!

Every member should purchase their national rod licence. These are for sale in the Lodge. The fines are considerable. Purchase these before you start fishing. You have been warned!!

Forthcoming events

Big Fish Weekend 31st May/1st June and Big Fish Weekday 2nd June (8am start)

All I am sure know the format! Your Club subsidises this event by £5, therefore £37 for 4 fish to pay.

All fish stocked at 5lbs plus with option to release anything under. Lunch and prize giving after. Total cost £43 per angler fishing from 8am to 1pm.

Normal club rules apply. Booking sheets enclosed in the post, please send back early with your payment.

We look forward to seeing you all at the best time of year Spring, for fishing and to advise and implement any of your membership benefits, especially your privilege cards. (Especially new members).

Tight lines!

Shaun
Fishery Manager

Fishery Closure Dates:
3rd May 2003 (am only)
4th May 2003 (pm only)
16th May 2003
18th May 2003 (am only)
25th May 2003