February Newsletter 2004

Secretary’s Report

A late blast of winter has brought about variable conditions. Mill Lake was iced over on several occasions whereas Willow being sheltered from the prevailing winds did not suffer too badly. As a result of differences in water temperature, Willow and the Cascades seem more productive at present. However this will soon change as things warm up. The best news is that rainfall has been low and the water clarity is excellent. With longer daylight hours the time to slope off early for a trip to the “Bank” is not far away.

The pairs and singles are reaching a climax with an interesting Father v Daughter singles final which is causing some consternation in the Winchester household. I am led to believe that Dad has threatened to withhold pocket money if he loses! The pairs has the Dream team of Messrs Oak and Robertson looking for their hat trick. Just as we own Holland Sports following our hat trick of wins, I suppose Stuart and Barry will be looking to take on ownership of Coltsford Mill Trout Club if they win. Standing in their way are the Father and Daughter team who we hope are still speaking after their singles match

As if a reminder is needed your AGM and prizegiving are fast approaching and membership packs are included with this newsletter. With a waiting list for members I would urge you to get your renewal details back to us by 8th April at the very latest.

The end of the club year also coincides with expiry licences. Your new licences can be obtained from the Lodge from 20th March.

J Jaycock Memorial Weekend Results
Saturday’s turnout was disappointing on a normally very popular social team event. However, thanks to all who supported in tribute to our late treasurer, J Jaycock.

Sat Results
Best Team: S Standen(capt), M Lawrence, S Williams, P Avis (23lb 5oz)
Best Bag: A Taylor ( 10lb 2oz
Best Fish: S Williams (3lb 4oz)

Saturday was cold and fished the hardest of the two days but well done to the team and individual winners.

Sun Results
Best Team: G Fleet (capt), B Oak, G Briggs, L Winchester (40lb 11oz)
Best Bag: G Mutch (13lb 12oz)
Best Fish: J Hall (5lb 15oz)

A healthier turnout thankfully. A better fishing day, less wind and a little warmer – a lot better fishing.

A good social and competitive weekend. Well done to all winners.

Forthcoming Events

Fairview Flooring Member and Guest Weekend 24th, 25th, 26th April
The most popular of our Members’ weekends and weekday events.

Fishing from 8am-1pm. A member brings a guest, 6 fish shared ticket and lunch at a price of £52 per couple. Enter the event as a pair prize for best bag and best fish. The weekend event is sponsored by Keith Goldsmith for the Fairview Silver Salver. The Monday event by Mick Aylett for the other Silver Salver. A good social atmosphere with the chance to introduce a fellow angler to your water or a novice to sample the art of fly fishing. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Membership 2004/2005

Existing members
Your new club year is 1st April 2004.

Subscriptions are now due (£90) on or before this date. A subscription form is enclosed for current members. Please return this prior to the AGM to allow us to process the relevant information and have membership badges ready to issue at our AGM. Your subscription forms must be filled in fully i.e. phone numbers and more importantly, any e-mail addresses and also, please tick the box if you are willing to receive your newsletter by e-mail. This simply allows your club to save money on expensive posting and ensuring they arrive safely in the right hands. Our web site, coltsfordmill-fishery.co.uk is running and members will find all relevant information of interest and more importantly informative. Any member not able to attend the AGM, your membership packages will be left until the 22nd April in your pigeon holes for collection, any left after this date will then be posted. Any member who has not acknowledged renewal of his membership by 8th April, we will consider his/her membership lapsed. This will allow us to offer these spots to our waiting list members.

We have offered spots to our early entries on our waiting list after current members expressed disappointment at not being able to renew for the current season

Privilege Card
This is particularly important to new members to identify themselves to Fishery staff. This should be presented every time you fish to benefit from your cheaper ticket price. This has lots of other values, which are explained in your members’ privileges under number 12. This will mean no cash to carry with you on the Fishery and every time you spend, a balance report will be given with your receipt to allow careful monitoring of your balance. Please note all explanations if not already made clear will be explained at your A.G.M. and we look forward to hearing your comments on our improved system

A.G.M. 5th April 7:30/8:00
In the marquee at the Coltsford Mill next to the Club Lodge. A social evening, free buffet and your club prize-giving. Club trophies and medals to be presented to winners during 2003/2004. Club reports from committee chairman, secretary and treasurer. Fishery reports for season 2003/2004 and prospects for 2004/2005 season, open floor for members’ suggestions and constructive

criticism and compliments! New members, this is of great importance as to socialising with current members and starting the year with the knowledge of your Club’s constitution and objectives. We look forward to seeing many of you.

With other members I have ventured to foreign parts and failed to catch a fish, often bemoaning dwindling stocks. It was with interest I read an article by a renowned angler from which I quote:

“On arrival I was alarmed to see fleets of commercial trawlers setting huge nets and extracting hundreds of tons of tuna destined for the cannery or fertiliser plants. The greed of the commercials was such that many of the boats were laden to their gunwales and on the verge of sinking. With anger and sadness in my heart I bade farewell to the tuna , these mighty warriors of the sea”.

Sound familiar?

This piece was written by Zane Gray in 1916!

Good fishing to you all.

G Mutch
Hon. Secretary