At a national level, Angling Trust Board Member David Kent has been nominated by the Trust to serve on the CRT's 30-strong Members Council, with representatives from most waterway-related activities, local government and a selection of NGOs.

The Trust has also encouraged anglers to put their names forward to serve on the thirteen Partnership Boards. So far, five of these have been successful, and there will be opportunities for new applicants to put themselves forward in the coming months and years.

Angling is represented in the following regions:

• North East.
  Eric Bootland who has a detailed knowledge of the big Yorkshire waterways;
• East Midlands.
  Glyn Williams, former Angling Development Board (ADB, now part of Angling Trust). National Coaching Development Manager. Glyn has a long time involvement with the Chesterfield Canal and the Witham and Fossdyke navigations;
• Central Shires.
  Brian Hull, formerly Education Officer with the ADB. Knows the Grand Union North and the River Soar very well.
• South East.
  Dick Pilkington, who for many years has worked tirelessly on the Grand Union South Consultative and knows all about the Tring Reservoirs;
• Kennet & Avon.
  Angling Trust Board Member Terry Fell, a retired Justice of the Peace, with a massive knowledge of the K & A system.

These appointments, alongside David Kent's national seat on the Members Council, will ensure that angling has a strong presence within the charity from the outset.

This is the most high profile example of the Government's push towards the Big Society. Therefore, one of the cornerstones of CRT's strategy is to encourage greater involvement from the wider community in the management and well-being of our waterways.

David Kent said: "I am delighted to be able to represent anglers on this new charity's Members Council. The canal and river network controlled by the charity extends to more than a thousand miles of bank and towpath, and our aim is to improve the opportunities for anglers to enjoy this fantastic resource to the full. Anglers and their clubs should contact me via the Angling Trust to let me know of any problems or suggestions they have to improve fishing on the canals. We will be working with our member clubs and consultatives to encourage knowledgeable anglers to volunteer to serve on the remaining local partnerships when vacancies arise."

Source: Angling Trust Fishing News

The Angling Organisation Survey asks detailed questions of those running angling projects and will take about 20 minutes to complete. It aims to find out what techniques have been most successful in getting more people fishing more often, and where more support is needed for the growing number of organisations involved in angling participation and social projects. The survey remains open until the end of August and is hosted on the Angling Trust web site at www.anglingtrust.net/anglingorganisationsurvey

Angling Projects, Get Hooked on Fishing, Dreamstore, Fishing for Heroes, Fishing for Forces, Casting for Recovery and Fishing For Schools are all examples of highly successful programmes that are boosting angler numbers and also boosting health, wellbeing and community cohesion through angling. The number of people working in this sector at a local level has exploded in recent years; now there are hundreds of people working locally and nationally to increase angling participation and to use angling to improve people’s lives.

Along with the National Angling Survey, this research with angling organisations will help inform a National Angling Participation Plan (NAPP) for England and Wales, which is being co-ordinated by the Angling Trust, as the National Governing Body for angling in England. The Plan aims to encourage greater partnership working between many organisations taking part, and to create pathways for new anglers to follow so that when they leave one project they are able to take the next steps to taking up angling for life. The NAPP will also create an impressive overall picture of all the pieces in the angling jigsaw to potential funders.

More than 40 professionals from the angling world, including large national organisations such as the National Trust, the Canal and Rivers Trust and The Rivers Trust met up in Birmingham with staff and volunteers from bodies such as the Albrighton Trust, the Masonic Fishing Charity, the Wheelyboat Trust and the Community Angling Regeneration Project (CARP) at an event organised by the Angling Trust last week. At a very positive and constructive meeting, these experts provided important input to the development of the NAPP, which will be completed in the autumn.

Mark Lloyd, chief executive of the Angling Trust said: “We are delighted with the response to the individuals survey and also from the many people who gave up their time to support the event last week. There is so much fantastic work going on around the country to improve and increase angling, but far too often the hard work of volunteers and staff is not reported outside angling and so it doesn’t get the support it deserves. We want to shout about angling’s achievements from the rooftops, and this Plan will help us do that.”

Richard Wightman, Angling Manager at the Environment Agency said: “Holding such a positive, collaborative meeting as the one we had last week would have been unthinkable a decade ago. We might have got forty people in a room but there wasn’t the agreement or capacity to deliver ambitious programmes afterwards. Angling has achieved a huge amount in recent years through the dedication and co-operation of a wide range of organisations. The NAPP aims to continue that process and to develop a clear strategy for the future of angling for the next generation. We are very pleased to be able to support its development and look forward to seeing the final report in the autumn.”

Source: Angling Trust Fishing News

Following a tough few weeks on Temple, the last week or so has seen some excellent catches reported which has included a few thirties and increasing numbers of twenties. The recent cooler weather has also seen a marked improvement in catches on the Old Lake with last weekends 48 hour Olympic Carp Challenge being won with over 300lb whilst session anglers have also reported bumper catches which has also included a good number of 20’s as well as a stunning 31lb mirror.

The following are just a few of the catches reported over the past couple of weeks.

Mike Gibbons stormed to victory in last weekends 48 hour Olympic Carp Challenge which was held on the Old Lake. Drawn in peg 2, Mike made no mistakes putting 27 carp on the bank for a well-deserved 316lb 15oz. Shane Mc Donagh fishing peg 11 took second place with 148lb 10oz whilst Dan Wood fishing peg 5 was third with 106lb 13oz and John Mason fishing peg 24 was fourth with 106lb 2oz. You can read full details of the event in this weeks catch report.

Old Lake regular Graham Cocks who fished peg 2 fishing one line straight out to mid water and one tight to the bushes on the left. Graham managed 9 fish in total although lost several others. Grahams biggest fish was a 20lb 10oz Mirror. Graham caught on double mainline cell sinking dumbells with small corn stop and single 15mm cell boilie with one standard size pop up corn, all fished over a scattering of 15mm cell boilies.

Another angler to do very well on the Old Lake was James Chanut who was on holiday from Bordeaux and just happened to be staying with Bury Hill carp expert Chris Maltby. Needless to say, being a keen carper Chris suggested that James had a session on the Old Lake, which resulted in an impressive 14 carp being banked topped by a very impressive 31 lb 8 oz mirror. All of James fish were taken on Carp Company Icelandic Red boilies cast into open water from peg 3.

Also fishing the Old Lake was Dave Auburn who bagged 14 carp up to 21 lb in a busy 24 hours session. Dave fished peg 42 on the Long Bank fishing Mainline Cell Dumbells in open water.

Turning to Temple catches, Jim Paveley managed a couple of stunning fish during his latest session, the biggest was a 33 lb mirror called Nemo, with the smaller fish being a 29 lb 6 oz mirror. Jim was fishing peg 9 and using a Carp Company Condensed Milk Pukka pop-up topped off with a 10 mm Coconut Pukka pop-up.

Dan Mayne also managed a thirty during his recent session, which weighed 31 lb 8 oz being part of a four-fish catch. Having moved from peg 14, success came from peg 11 where Dan caught this thirty plus three other fish weighing 24 lb 6 oz, 24 lb 10 oz and 28 lb 8 oz. Three of his carp came from the channel in front of the swim and one from tight to the reeds on the island to the left. The session brought Dan's tally to 12 fish from Temple since March, two of which have been thirties, and he has since added a 25 lb 4 oz mirror at 11.30pm from peg 10, casting to the reeds on the island.

Source: Bury Hill Fisheries

Alzheimer’s Society is developing a new Befriending Service in the East Antrim area for people living with dementia. We are currently recruiting volunteers for this new service and specifically need a male volunteer who has an interest in fishing and would like to take a person with dementia out fishing on a weekly or fortnightly basis. Volunteer expenses and training will be provided.

Befriending volunteers offer companionship, support and social inclusion to individuals in the early stages of dementia and help individual’s to maintain and develop their hobbies and interests.

If you are a caring, empathic and reliable person passionate about making a real difference to people living with dementia we would love to hear from you.

Interested?
For an application pack or more details contact:
Alison Rankin, Befriending Manager on 07511 174 099 or Email: alison.rankin@alzheimers.org.uk

Unfortunately wet and windy conditions greeted the teams at the draw in the morning, but by the time the fishing commenced the sun was shining and it stayed with the competitors for the duration of the match. Sadly the damp weather conditions returned just in time for the weighing in.

Suffolk County took the Team Championship title in the Cadets category with an impressive 21 points (26.82kg) to beat Matrix Tameside with 15 points (17.84kg) into second place. Current Champions Smartbait Leeds were third with 14 points (25.04kg), and with 10 points and (17.52kg) Worksop & District AA finished in fourth place. Adam Thorne of Smartbait Leeds took the individual title for the gold medal from peg F1 with 9.06kg. In second place was Ben Fry, Worksop & District AA from peg B3 with 7.24kg, and in third and fourth places were Suffolk County anglers Jamie Marriott from peg D3 with 5.60kg, and Oliver Saunders on peg F4 with 4.88kg.

The Junior Championship attracted 23 teams of six anglers with Worksop & District AA Red taking the gold medal to come out as team Champions with 122 points (79.96kg). In runner up position were Pride of Derby Juniors with 112 points (64.94kg), and in third place Barnsley & District Red with 101 points (57.88kg). In fourth place was Matrix Tameside with 97 points 58.80kg. In the individual category it was Boston & District AA angler Tom Morretti who won the Championship title from peg D6 with a fantastic winners weight of 23.700kg. In second place was Liam Harrison of Pride and Derby Juniors from peg B17 with 19.280kg and in bronze medal position was Connor Morris of Worksop DAA Blue team on peg E1 with 18.760kg. In fourth place was Matrix Tameside angler Joe Kent from peg C17 with 17.400kg.

The top six junior anglers from the National Championship can now look forward to Sunday 15th July 2012 where they will be competing for the Fish ‘O’ Mania Junior Championship title at Cudmore Fishery, Newcastle under Lyme. They are; Tom Moretti (Boston & District AA), Liam Harrison (Pride of Derby Juniors), Connor Morris (Worksop & District Blue), Joe Kent (Matrix Tameside), Kyle Lockwood (Barnsley & District Red) and Shane Seeley (Worksop & District AA Red).

The Intermediate category saw Sensas A4 walk away with the team Championship title for 2012 with 65 points (120.06kg). In second place winning the silver medal with 62 points (103.94kg) were Matrix Tameside and in third place Suffolk County Red with 57 points (101.52kg). Finishing in fourth place was Warrington AA with 55 points 91.46kg. Two of the Sensas A4 anglers took two of three placings in the individual category with Ben Lockwood, taking the gold medal position with a fantastic weight of 33.100kg from peg F5. In runner up position was Luke Butterworth of Barnsley & District AAS from peg B1 with 31.300kg. In third position with 30.600kg again from the winning team was Harry Marsh on peg A4, and in fourth place Dan Elliot of Suffolk County Red from peg D1 weighed in with 28.900kg.

In 2013 the Cadet, Junior and Intermediate National Championships moves to Tunnel Barn Fishery in Warwickshire on Saturday 29th June.

The Angling Trust would like to express their appreciation and thanks to Neil and Bev Grantham and all their staff and helpers at Garbolino Lindholme Lakes for all their help and support not only on the day of the event, but in the build up to the Championship.

Source: Angling Trust Fishing News

For more information on the fishery and its grand opening, please visit www.cleveleybridgefisheries.com or telephone Hazel on 07958 797117 or 01524 791637

Angling Trust National Campaigns Coordinator Martin Salter joined Charles Jardine, the legendary fly angler and Pallatrax baits boss Simon Pomeroy for the opening of the Newbury fishing superstore on Saturday June 2nd.

Experience Fishing is a new concept in fishing retail. This amazing 6,000 square foot store caters for all types of fishing including carp, match and fly fishing with specialist sections for both barbel and predators.

It has been set up by Ben Bangham, England Rivers Champion 2010, OCA guide and Level 2 coach and David Wrigley, fisherman and retail expert. All the staff are experienced fishermen and include former Kennet barbel record holder and local expert Paul Smythe and Lewis Hendrix a Level 2 coach, England fly-fishing junior and current England rivers finalist.

Experience Fishing caters for all budgets and levels of angling experience. The store is perfectly situated in Newbury, the heart of fishing country with good transport links to the A34, M4, A303 and M3.

It has everything the fisherman needs, including: bait, bivvys, tackle, clothing and a pole alley, giving people the opportunity to try out poles at full length.

In the store there are sections for fly, carp, match, pleasure, barbel and predator angling.

Martin Salter, who attended the launch on behalf of the Angling Trust, said: “At a time when tackle shops are closing how great is it to be celebrating the opening of not just a fishing shop but a 21st century Fishing Superstore that caters for all branches of our sport. The facilities are top class and the Angling Trust wishes Ben and Dave the best of luck in their new venture.”

Dave Wrigley said: "It's fantastic to be able to open a fishing shop in the heart of such a great fishing area. Things have started well and we are looking forward to getting to know both the fishing and the people better over the coming years."

Source: Angling Trust Fishing News

Event: Fishing for Heroes Countryside Event
Date: 18th June 2012
Venue: Meon Springs, Whitewool Farm, East Meon, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 1HW

It will be attended by a number of both well known celebrities and corporate sponsors, as well as by 2 teams of veterans. Celebrities will include Sir Ian Botham, Robson Green, Mike Atherton, David Lloyd, Adam Henson, Chris De Margary and others.

Corporate sponsors include Waitrose, Hunter, Jeep, Eley Cartridges and Hardy Greys.

There will be 15 teams. Each team will consist of 4 members, being made up from 3 plus 1 celebrity.

The ‘Cast and Blast’ competition will include both fly fishing and a sporting clay shoot. There will be excellent prizes for the winning teams, an auction held by Philip Serrell with some fantastic lots and a raffle.

The Angling Trust have been offered some fabulous private fishing, hospitality and accommodation specifically for the veterans by sponsors such as Waitrose who have very kindly donated a day at Leckford on the Test.

In July the Angling Trust are providing the instructors for 16 people in Scotland from a regiment recently returned from Afghanistan and we have one veteran who did his initial Fishing for Heroes program in January 2012 who is now approaching his Level 2 coaching qualification via the Angling Trust which is funded by Sport England.

The purpose of the day is to raise funds and awareness for Fishing for Heroes whist making it an enjoyable and very memorable day for everyone there. The organisers will be hoping to raise in excess of £20,000.

Fishing For Heroes Website

Eleven of the thirteen sections were won with over 60 lbs and a quick calculation showed that the average weight per angler was over 26 lbs, even including 46 anglers who did not bother to weigh.

Top rod was Surrey angler, Ben Emery (Marukyu/Garbolino), a previous Fish ‘O’ Mania grand finalist in 2010. The 31 year old cabinet maker drew Peg 16 on the Holbar 2 pool and caught carp to 12 lbs to put 123 lbs 5 ozs on the scales. Early on he caught fishing shallow with 6 mm pellet, but as the day went on he switched to his left hand margin to take some real “lumps”. Ben’s wife sat behind keeping score and at the weigh in she was less than 10 lbs adrift.

Runner up on Holbar 1 pool peg 9 was accountant, Peter Plant, from Stone in Staffordshire. Peter fished caster shallow all day to take 81 lbs 11 ozs of carp to 8 lbs to the scales. Third spot went to Grant Albutt fishing Covey 48. Grant weighed 78 lbs 10 ozs of F1’s and mirrors to 5 lbs taken shallow on caster and also on a short meat line. Simon Skelton took fourth place with 78 lbs 3 ozs. He was three pegs away from Grant on Covey 51 and caught a mixture of ide, F1’s and carp to 5 lbs on pellet. In fifth place was Rob Pelling on Willow 19. Rob caught carp, ide and roach for a total of 76 lbs 6 ozs on soft hook pellet.

The 14th Fish ‘O’ Mania qualifier action moves to Preston Innovations Boldings Fishery, Bridgnorth, Shropshire on Saturday 9th June 2012. With only three more qualifiers to go for this year it will be interesting to see who joins the grand final line up for one of the most prestigious matches in angling for a chance to win the coveted title of Fish ‘O’ Mania Champion 2012, and the major prize pot of £30,000 on Saturday 14th July.

Source: Angling Trust Fishing News

The fishery can be found on Coole Lane, off the A530 near Nantwich and will open its doors for a fun packed day of fishing demonstrations, refreshment and family fun.

The 20-acre site, surrounded by the beautiful Cheshire landscape boasts a number of lakes with the three-acre specimen Carp Lake well stocked with carp up to 27lb in weight, and three smaller one-acre fishing lakes. The fish have been carefully selected and have had time to grow on for the past two years.

The new fishery represents a professional, yet friendly face of modern angling, with modern luxuries such as the soon to be completed custom designed Anglers lodge, which will provide refreshments and an eating area, a comfortable lounge area with TV, a bait and tackle store, showers and even a dryer for fishing kit for those more typical English summer days! Brian and Bianca look forward to welcoming you to their fishery.

For more information on the fishery and its grand opening, please visit http://www.cooleacresfishery.co.uk or telephone 01270 446553.