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Northwich Anglers Association
News
Latest news:
A Summer of Fishing For Everyone
Northwich Anglers Association is pleased to offer a summer season of events for juniors and newcomers to angling, and for those looking to build on their existing skills and abilities.
A series of free coaching sessions on Friday evenings entitled ‘Beginning to Fish’ will start on 29th July, and will cover all the basics needed to actually start fishing. The sessions will be suitable for children as well as adults and all fishing tackle and bait will be provided and non members are welcome to come along.
All you will need to bring is suitable footwear and clothing and your own food and drink. However, we do ask that you contact us in advance to book your place, please contact us.
All coaching sessions will be run by qualified and licensed angling coaches.
As in previous years we will be running a series of matches for junior members (under 17 years of age) and these will take place throughout the summer on Saturday mornings, where again free coaching will be available for newcomers, and also on Monday evenings.
So, if you would like to give angling a try, but don’t know where to start, please get in touch. We are there to help.
Beginning To Fish Coaching Sessions
| Friday 29th July 2011 | Whip fishing (suitable for children and beginners). 7.00 pm. Dane Valley Fisheries, off Shipbrook Road, Rudheath. |
|---|---|
| Friday 5th August 2011 | Rod & line - float fishing (suitable for children and beginners). 7.00 pm. Dane Valley Fisheries, off Shipbrook Road, Rudheath. |
| Friday 12th August | Rod & line - legering (suitable for children and beginners). 7.00 pm. Eyres Pit, off New Warrington Road, Northwich. |
| Friday 19th Aug | Carp / specialist rigs (suitable for those looking to target bigger fish). 7.00 pm. Northwich AA headquarters, Station Rd. Northwich. |
| Friday 29th Aug | Rigs & traces for predator fishing (suitable for improving anglers). 7.00 pm. Northwich AA headquarters, Station Road, Northwich. |
| Friday 2nd September | Lure fishing for pike and perch (suitable for improving anglers). 7.00 pm. River Weaver (Boats section), off Bickley Close, Kingsmead. |
NAA Junior Matches - Monday Evening Series
| Monday 18th July 2011 | River Weaver, Red Lion stretch, Barnton. Draw at 5.00 pm. in the car park opposite the old Red Lion public house, Runcorn Road, Barnton. |
|---|---|
| Monday 25th July 2011 | River Weaver, Red Lion stretch, Barnton. Draw at 5.00 pm. in the car park opposite the old Red Lion public house, Runcorn Road, Barnton. |
| Monday 1st August 2011 | River Weaver, Red Lion stretch, Barnton. Draw at 5.00 pm. in the car park opposite the old Red Lion public house, Runcorn Road, Barnton. |
| Monday 8th August 2011 | River Weaver, Red Lion stretch, Barnton. Draw at 5.00 pm. in the car park opposite the old Red Lion public house, Runcorn Road, Barnton. |
| Monday 15th August 2011 | River Weaver, Red Lion stretch, Barnton. Draw at 5.00 pm. in the car park opposite the old Red Lion public house, Runcorn Road, Barnton. |
NAA Junior Matches - Junior Festival / Saturday Morning Series
Free coaching available for beginners at each session; please book in advance.
| Saturday 23rd July 2011 | Bill Buckley Memorial Trophy, Eyres Pit. Draw at 10.00 am. in the parking area off New Warrington Road. |
|---|---|
| Saturday 30rd July 2011 | NAA Junior Festival Series, match 1, River Weaver, Oak Tree length. Draw at 10.00 am. the car park beneath Hartford Blue Bridge. |
| Saturday 6th August 2011 | NAA Junior Festival Series, match 2, Eyres Pit. Draw at 10.00 am. in the parking area off New Warrington Road. |
| Saturday 13th August 2011 | NAA Junior Festival Series, match 3, River Weaver, The Boats length. Draw at 10.00 am. in the car park off Bickley Close, Kingsmead. |
| Saturday 20th August 2011 | Bob Hunt Memorial Trophy, River Weaver, The Boats length. Draw at 10.00 am. in the car park off Bickley Close, Kingsmead. |
| Saturday 27th August 2011 | Graham Evans & Son, Kitchens & Bathrooms Trophy, River Weaver, Oak Tree length. Draw at 10.00 am. the car park, beneath Hartford Blue Bridge. |
21th July 2011
Northwich Anglers Association helps to lead the way in Eel conservation
Presented by Paul Ikin on behalf of the NAC to Christine Jones
Northwich Anglers Association has become the first angling association in the country to adopt a new scheme dedicated to the conservation of the freshwater Eel, a species which was once common but is now listed throughout Europe as being critically endangered.
In recent years Eel stocks have fallen dramatically and the population is now at less than 5% of previous levels. Over exploitation by commercial fishing is believed to be the principal cause with huge numbers of European Eels netted annually for human consumption. Historically many of these fish were exported to the far east where there is substantial demand for Eels as a food source.
The Environment Agency has introduced a new byelaw which makes it an offence for anglers to take Eels and commercial fishing has now become more tightly regulated in England and Wales.
The National Anguilla Club, a group for specialist Eel anglers has now introduced an "Eel Friendly Fisheries Scheme" which sets out a new code of practice for individual fisheries and angling clubs. The code provides advice for the safe handling, unhooking and return of eels, whilst participating fisheries are asked to collect data about Eels caught by anglers.
On learning of the scheme Northwich Anglers Association management committee voted unanimously to adopt the new code of practice, becoming the first angling association in the country to do so.
Chairman Mark Leathwood said "Very few anglers fish for Eels by design and many are put off handling them because they are so slippery and snake like. However, they are not dangerous serpents, but very delicate and increasingly rare fish, and I would strongly encourage anglers to handle them with great care and respect so that they may be returned safely to the water." He added "An Eel weighing 4 lbs is likely to be forty years old and fish like this simply cannot be replaced if they are lost."
Code of practice for anglers using the fishery
- All Eels must be returned to the water alive as per the new byelaws.
- If deeply hooked the line should be cut as near to the hook as possible.
- Handle Eels with care a 4lb Eel could be over 40 years old.
- Eels must not be used for bait including frozen deadbaits.
- Eel captures should be recorded in fisheries Eel log.
- Treat sores and abrasions with antiseptic treatment as with Carp.
- Do not hold Eels with a dry cloth, newspaper or dry net.
- Do not stand on or pin the Eel down with excessive pressure.
Code of practice for owners & managers
- Commercial Eel netting/trapping at the fishery should not be permitted.
- If the lake is to be drained the silt should be checked for buried Eels where possible.
- Eels captured during netting/desilting should be recorded in the Eel log.
- Barriers to Eel migration should be identified and where practical improvements made.
- A program of habitat enhancement/improvement should be identified and where possible implemented.
- Eels thrive on neglect if space allows a small set aside area of the fishery would provide the perfect environment.
Forum updates
Please note we have moved the forum to a new server, the forum can now be accessed at www.northwich-anglers.org.uk/forum/ with your existing account. The old forum has been disabled and will be removed presently.
Thank you,
Mike Sherman
14th June 2011
Malcolm Scott obituary
The Association is deeply saddened by the news that Malcolm Scott has passed away following a short illness. Many members will have known Mal as the genial, helpful and knowledgeable proprietor of Vale Royal Angling Centre. Throughout his life he made an enormous contribution to angling in the Northwich area, and to our Association. Russ Moores shares his thoughts with us:
This is really upsetting news. Malcolm was a great friend and somebody who did more than people think for NAA.
He was a long serving committee member; always loyal to me as chairman at the time, and to the Association. Malcolm would do it his way and would always go for broke, if it didn’t work he would get back up and start again. He was never one to roll over and give up. Always the optimist, he courted controversy but would never fall out with people. I’m not sure how he managed it.
Malcolm only turned up to meetings every now and then, which was not very often. The good news was that when he did turn up his contribution was significant. He had lots of good ideas to improve our sport, he had a clever angling brain, especially where match angling was involved. He also had the ear of the angler which provided us with valuable information to take our Association forward.
Malcolm has supported NAA for many years; Committee member, Match secretary, National team, Winter league team, has also provided sponsorship for the Junior Festival and National Championship events for many years, also provided an outlet for the sale of permits.
Above all Malcolm has been a great ambassador for NAA and for our sport.
Russ.
18th May 2011
Concerns Regarding Rotary Rigs
The Management Committee has been made aware that some members have been fishing for carp at Petty Pool using rigs which are potentially dangerous to fish in the event of line breakage. The problem centres on the ease with which the hook length can pull free of the lead and terminal tackle, ensuring that a hooked fish will not end up towing a complete rig and risk becoming tethered to a snag.
Rotary rigs (including 'helicopter' and 'chod' rigs) are of particular concern due to the use of rubber beads to secure the hook length on a section of rig tubing. It is vital that this bead is not too tightly fitting and that there are no obstructions further up the main line to prevent it - and the hook length - from slipping easily off the line.
We would recommend that anglers always use a main line which is adequate in every respect. When distance casting with heavy leads the main line should be capable of withstanding the cast and, if a shock leader is used with a lighter main line, the line should still be strong enough to comfortably land the biggest fish you may encounter.
The bailiffs at Petty Pool are very experienced anglers and have specialized knowledge of carp fishing tactics. We have therefore requested that they carry out checks on the tackle which members are using to ensure that it is both adequate and safe. Members are asked to cooperate fully and heed any advice which may be offered.
The Management Committee has been asked to consider a ban on rotary rigs and we will be monitoring this situation very closely over the weeks ahead. Please think carefully about the rigs that you are using and ensure that you fish in a safe and responsible manner.
Please see the below diagrams so you can avoid common mistakes:
Mark Leathwood (Chairman)
April 28th 2011
Member’s Forum & Social Evening Owley Wood Club, April 27th 2011
Given that this is a new quarterly event; designed to provide members with an opportunity to talk to the Management Committee and put forward ideas or issues, the response was extremely disappointing. Five members of the committee gave up their evening in order to attend with just one solitary member (one of our bailiffs) turning up with a couple of questions.
I can only assume that the rest of the membership is happy with what the Association is currently doing - although hardly a day passes without the jungle drums telling us that somebody somewhere is grumbling about something. All I can say is that the Management Committee cannot be expected to respond to rumours or hearsay and that the member’s forum is there to provide everyone with a platform for constructive dialogue.
I very much hope that more of you will come along next time we meet at 7.30 pm. on Monday 25th July. Again, the venue will be Owley Wood Club.
Mark Leathwood (Chairman)
April 28th 2011
Northwich Rowing Club River Events for 2011
Northwich rowing club are running the following events on the River Weaver this year:
- Sunday 17th April 2011 The Northwich Spring Head of the River, Vale Royal locks to Hunts Lock
- Monday 30th May 2011 The Northwich Regatta, Blue Bridge to Hunts Lock
- Sunday 13th November 2011 The Northwich Autumn Head, Vale Royal Lock to Hunts Lock
11th May 2011
Northwich Anglers Association 2011 Newsletter
Management Committee
There have been a number of changes within the Management Committee. In late 2010 our treasurer Nigel Aston was obliged to resign due to ill health and we have been grateful to former treasurer Hugh Arathoon for coming to our rescue. However, Hugh wishes to step down from the committee and we are therefore actively seeking a new treasurer at the present time. John Aston has also resigned from the role of maintenance officer and has been replaced by Paul Steele who was co-opted onto the committee in January.
At the AGM on January 19th Mark Leathwood was appointed chairman and Russ Moores, who had formerly held this role for many years, became vice chairman. Sadly Russ has since resigned from the committee and we thank him for all he has done and wish him well for the future. Mark was formerly our head bailiff but this role has now been taken up by Kevin Rimmer. Kevin joined the management committee in the spring of 2010 and has done a superb job of managing Dane Valley Fisheries ever since. We were also pleased to welcome Tony Fallows onto the management committee during 2010. The committee could still benefit greatly from additional personnel as there is always a great deal of work to be done and too few of us to do it. If you feel you could help we would be delighted to hear from you.
Juniors & Coaching
The Junior Festival was a great success again during the summer of 2010, with a real highlight being a victory for the Northwich A.A. junior team in the Cheshire Junior Angling Championships held at Border Fisheries. Very well done to all involved and our thanks to junior official Christine Jones and to all the parents and helpers, and to the individuals and companies, who supported the Junior Festival with such generosity.
Details of this year's Junior Festival will be advertised during the next few months. In the meantime the Association is working towards achieving 'Clubmark' status. Clubmark is the only national cross sports quality accreditation scheme for clubs with junior sections. It is built around a set of core criteria which ensure that accredited clubs operate to a set of consistent, accepted and adopted minimum operating standards. We have adopted both Equity and Safeguarding policies issued by the Angling Development Board and will have fully qualified and licensed angling coaches in place very soon.
We are currently working on a coaching programme for the year ahead and it is intended to run regular indoor coaching sessions at our headquarters, as well as on the bank. The coaching is not just for junior members but for anyone who wishes to improve their angling knowledge base and practical skills. Again, we really need volunteers with different areas of specialization to assist the coaches in delivering instruction on as diverse a range of angling disciplines as possible. If you are able to help or would like further information please contact Kevin Rimmer on 07947 977 585. Alternatively you can get in touch via the website.
Membership. Membership levels remained fairly consistent during 2010 but, after keeping subscriptions at the same level for the last 3 years, it has now been decided that a small increase is necessary if we are to continue to take the Association forwards. We have some ambitious plans, which will ultimately benefit every member, and we hope that you will soon see that the additional revenue is being put to good use.
New Handbook
The content of our handbook has been completely overhauled. The rules now appear in a more logical order and have been re-drafted to make them easier to understand. Similarly we have adopted a new constitution, which retains the traditions of the Association whilst also taking full account of current legal advice.
Disciplinary System
This has been revised and a fairer system put in place. Any member who is now reported for a red card offence is invited to appear before a Disciplinary Sub Committee, or submit written details of any mitigating circumstances before a decision is made. This has all but eliminated the need for appeals against disciplinary action, which suggests that we're now getting it right. However, any appeals that are made are now dealt with by the management committee, which remains independent of the DSC's original decision.
Bailiffs
During the last year the bailiff team issued 50 verbal warnings for minor rule breaches, 29 yellow cards for more serious matters and and 11 members were suspended from fishing; the possession or consumption of alcohol by members who were night fishing being the most common reason for this. Two members were banned for life for making a serious of abusive and threatening telephone calls to Association officials. In the end we had to involve our lawyer and the police and have had to make it very clear that we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour under any circumstances.
A total of 54 non members were encountered fishing Association waters. In some cases bailiffs found themselves dealing with youngsters who were new to the sport, and a suitable letter home to their parents has seen many become keen junior members. In more serious cases we have had to involve the Environment Agency and the police and prosecutions have resulted.
We have a small but dedicated team of 15 bailiffs who work very hard to protect your interests. Please give them your full cooperation and support at all times.
Stocking
In 2010 we stocked 6 Symmonds Carp, a hardy and fast growing strain, up to 10 lb. in weight, into Big Billinge. This is the beginning of an ongoing policy for stocking the water with a few carp each year to ensure the longevity of specimen carp fishing. We are currently looking to register Petty Pool with CEFAS in order to implement a similar policy there too. During the early part of 2011 Little Billinge received a stocking of 200 lb. of skimmer bream, with a number of 2 - 4 lb. specimens included. Pool 3 at Dane Valley Fisheries has also received another stocking of 600 tench (6 - 8 inches), 1000 bream (6 - 8 inches) and 500 chub (3 - 4 inches).
Member's Forum and Social Evenings
This is a new quarterly event intended to give members an opportunity to meet with the management committee on an informal basis in order to bring forward any ideas or issues they may wish to discuss. There will be no set agenda as the topics for discussion will be raised by the members themselves. However, we will record all ideas and suggestions so that they can be given full consideration The venue for the Member's Forum and Social Evenings will be Owley Wood Recreational Club, Barrymore Road, Weaverham, Northwich, CW8 3LS. The Forum and Social Evenings will commence at 7.30 pm. and will be on the following dates:
- Wednesday 27th April 2011
- Monday 25th July 2011
- Monday 31st October 2011
- Monday 30th January 2012
Canal Pit
This venue suffered a total fish kill as a result of deoxygenation during the big freeze of December 2010. We have sought advice from the Environment Agency and hope to reinstate Canal Pit as a viable fishery later this year. However, no firm decisions have yet been taken about the new stocking policy
Dane Valley Fisheries
During 2010 we engaged the services of Community Payback to help maintain the site and, thanks to their efforts and those of Kevin, the site manager we are seeing a vast improvement in the general upkeep of the site. Kevin and Mark also sit on the Dane Valley Task Group, a new multi-agency body which has been set up to address social and environmental issues affecting our site and the surrounding area. We are taking huge strides in building bridges with the community of which we are a part and a great deal has now been done to eliminate anti social behaviour and general misuse of our facilities. The main problem with the venue itself has been a proliferation of pond weed, especially during late summer. We have engaged the services of eminent fisheries scientist Dr. Bruno Broughton and are following his recommendations for dealing with the weed, here and at several other waters.
Big Billinge
Booking on procedure for night fishing
In the autumn of 2010 we were obliged to take tighter control of the reins at Big Billinge because of ongoing problems with members ignoring our zero tolerance policy in relation to litter and alcohol. The following system was introduced as a trial and was intended to enable the Association to keep tabs on who was fishing the water at night, as well as the peg they were fishing. We intend to leave this system in place until further notice:
Those members in possession of a night permit who are intending to fish during the hours of darkness must upon arrival at the water (and before starting to fish) notify the Association of the following:
- Members name and permit number
- The time of arrival
- The number of the peg to be fished
- Members must also notify the Association of the time that they leave the water
Notification will only be accepted by text message to 07856 846217 Please note this number is not available for any other purpose. Members may not pre-book pegs for others and any member found to to bee fishing in breach of the booking on system will be required to to leave the water immediately and will have his or her night permit withdrawn.
Use of day stages
Members in possession of a night permit may fish on a day stage at Big Billinge up to 22:00. Members without a night permit must vacate day stages 1 hour after sunset as per General Rule No. 4
Trent & Mersey Canal
The Association has joined a consortium of 7 angling clubs in order to secure the lease on the 3 mile stretch at Middlewich (bridge 163 - 167) which was formerly held by the Cheshire Anglers match group. The annual cost to ourselves is minimal and we hope this venture will mark the beginning of new relationships which will help to keep the management of fisheries in mid-Cheshire in the hands of the angling clubs based in this area and for the benefit of people who live here.
River Dane
The boundary of our fishery on the right hand bank at Rudheath has been significantly extended from the cemetery bend, upstream to the A556 road bridge. This part of the river will be shared with Davenham A.C.
Work Parties 2011
We have plans to develop and improve all our waters and some are now in need of substantial work. We have therefore created more work party dates than in previous years, and also decided on a range of incentives designed to encourage more members to get involved. The dates for this year's work parties are:
| Month | Date |
|---|---|
| March | Sun 20th, Sat 26th, Sun 27th |
| April | Sat 2nd, Sun 3rd, Sat 9th, Sun 10th Sat 16th Sun 17th Sat 30th |
| June | Sun 5th, Sun 12th |
| August | Sun 21st |
| September | Sun 18th |
The following benefits will be made available this year to those members who complete a minimum of four days work:
- Exclusive access to Big Billinge during May 2011.
- Exclusive night fishing on Vale Royal Pool during April and May 2011 (after which night fishing will be available to all members in possession of a night card).
- Exclusive access to the River Weaver (Old River and Navigation) from Hulse's Island during October 2011. Pre-booked, bona fide matches will not be affected.
Members who complete a minimum of six days work will be entitled to night fish Petty Pool during September 2011. The precise arrangements for this are still to be finalised.
If you wish to enlist for the work parties you will need to submit an application form showing which dates you are available. It is recommended that if you wish to do four dates you select six from the fourteen available and if you wish to do six dates you select eight. This will enable the maintenance officer to plan effectively and you will be advised as soon as possible of the dates on which you have been accepted.
Application forms are available from headquarters, or you can download the document from our website. Completed forms need to be returned as soon as possible to the maintenance officer.
Annual General Meeting 18th January 2012
The Annual General Meeting is always scheduled for the third Wednesday in January at 19:30. at Witton Albion Social Club, Wincham, Northwich, CW9 6DA. Admittance to the meeting and voting is upon production of your membership card. Please ensure you bring it.
Many thanks for your continued support during 2010 and we hope you have another enjoyable year fishing our waters,
Northwich A. A. Management Committee.
24th March 2011
Mini League 7th Round 5th March 2011
This match was fished over the Town Centre, Hunts Lock, Hulses Island and Arches of stretches of the River Weaver on the Saturday 5th March 2011.
1st Bob Meggs (Bobs Lot) 14lb 1oz Skimmers and Roach Town Centre
2nd Kev Simpson (Vale Royal Allstars) 13lb 7oz Town Centre
3rd Matthew Brown (Daves of Middlewich) 9lb 8oz Town Centre
Team of the day
1st Bobs Lot 15lb
2nd Vale Royal Allstars 13lb 15oz
3rd Daves Of Middlewich 10lb 12oz
Teams Overall
1st Bobs Lot 28 points
Joint 2nd Pig flingers & Vale Royal Allstars 33 points
Joint 4th Cheadle & Daton 34 points
10th March 2011
Mini League 5th Round Saturday 19th February 2011
This match was fished over the Town Centre, Hunts Lock, Hulses Island and Arches of stretches of the river weaver on the 5th of February 2011.
- 1st Keith Smith (Cheadle) 23lb 15oz
- 2nd Tony Morgan (Legends) 22lb 13oz
- 3rd Dave Williams (Pig Flingers) 22lb 11oz
Team of the day
- 1st Legends 28lb 11oz
- 2nd Pig Flingers 28lb 7oz
- 3rd Cheadle 26lb 2oz
Teams overall
- 1st Pig Flingers 17 points
- 2nd Cheadle 20 points
- 3rd Bobs Lot 22 points
19th February 2011
Big Billinge pike 'fish-in' & coaching session
Big Billinge has been booked for a pike fish-in by Cheshire Region of the Pike Anglers Club of Great Britain. The actual fishing will be restricted to PAC members on the day but I will also be running some coaching sessions for Northwich A.A. members. Details of the coaching sessions are as follows:
7.30 pm. Friday 25th February (NAA Headquarters)
- Trace making
- Popping up baits and fishing off the bottom (with Roy Garton)
10.00 am. Sunday 27th February (Big Billinge)
- Wobbling deadbaits
- Effective bite indication for both flaot fishing and ledgering
2.00 pm. Sunday 27th February (Big Billinge)
- Fishing with plugs and spinners (fixed spool outfit)
- Fishing with jerkbaits (multiplier outfit)
There is no cost for any of this coaching. All I would ask is that NAA members book in with me in advance so that I will know how many people I need to cater for. Also, junior members should be accompanied by an adult. Please contact me at
mleathwood@northwich-anglers.org.uk
You may bring your own fishing tackle to the fish-in at Big Billinge and, providing there are not too many anglers, I will be happy to supervise you fishing. With a bit of luck this will enable me also to coach you on the vital topic of handling and unhooking pike.
Future Plans
Kevin Rimmer and I are both currently engaged in training to become fully qualified and licensed angling coaches and we hope soon to be able to announce details of a full programme of coaching events for the months ahead. The sessions will be geared towards anyone and everyone wishing to improve their fishing skills and knowledge base - regardless of their age, gender or ability. We hope lots of you will come along and get involved.
We need volunteers with a good level of practical knowledge in match, pleasure and specimen angling, who can assist us in coaching. Sessions need to be properly planned and arranged in advance and 'helpers' will need to be CRB checked (you will not have to pay anything). Kevin and I are there to provide all the help and assistance we can, so no-one will be expected to turn up and help to coach other anglers without proper support.
Kevin and I are presently seeking tuitional material such as angling books, magazines and DVDs. Also we need items of tackle so anything that you no longer use would also be very much appreciated.
Have a think about how much angling has given to you and, if you feel you may be able to assist us in any way at all, to put something back, do please get in touch. There is a massive opportunity here to reach out into the local community and promote angling. To do so can only be good for the future of Northwich Anglers Association.
Many Thanks,
Mark Leathwood (NAA Chairman)
19th February 2011
Stapeley Angling Centre Open Night
On 23rd Feb Stapley Water Gardens are going to host an evening for our member offering additional discount, refreshments and Neil Smith from Fox International who will be doing some rig tying and basically there to answer any questions.
It would be a good social evening for club members and people interested in joining a club. The store will open late allowing you to shop late and additional discounts will be offered. The guest speaker will be talking about various methods of fishing and will allow a question and answer session at the end.
Starting at 6pm and running to 8pm possible later if warranted.
Members will receive a 20% discount at the till if the show their current NAA membership card.
19th February 2011
Mini League 4th Round Saturday 5th February 2011
This match was fished over the Town Centre, Hunts Lock, Hulses Island and Arches of stretches of the river weaver on the 5th of February 2011.- 1st KEITH SMITH ( Cheadle ) 36lb---Dredger length---12 bream--fishing a feeder
- 2nd ROD FRAZIER ( Daton ) 34lb 4oz--Town centre length
- 3rd REG EVANS ( Vale Royal Allstars ) 33lb 1oz--Town centre length
- 4th BOB MEGGS ( Bobs Lot ) 23lb--Town centre length
Team of the day
- 1st CHEADLE 56lb 15oz
- 2nd DATON 52lb 13oz
- 3rd VALE ROYAL ALLSTARS 39lb 4oz
Teams overall
- 1st PIG FLINGERS 15 points
- Joint 2nd BOBS LOT & CHEADLE with 17 points
- 3th VALE ROYAL ALLSTARS 19 points
5th February 2011
AGM Report (and other matters)
As Head Bailiff over the past couple of years I wrote periodic reports for the website and, having been elevated to the lofty heights of the Chairman, this is something I would like to continue. I think it's appropriate that this begins with a report on this years AGM, which took place on January 19th. Although this wasn't particularly well attended, all the important business which the Management Committee had brought to the meeting was passed by the members present.
Management Committee
We are presently very concerned about Nigel Aston who has sadly had to resign from the position of Treasurer due to illness, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery. Former Treasurer Hugh Arathoon has very kindly stepped into the breach and agreed to help us until we are able to appoint a new Treasurer. John Aston has decided to stand down from the role of Maintenance Officer after five years of sterling service. Our sincere thanks go to John, along with our very best wishes for the future. We have co-opted Kevin Rimmer and Tony Fallows onto the Management Committee during the last year and both appointments were confirmed at the AGM. Kevin has been doing a fantastic job of managing Dane Valley Fisheries and will already be familiar to many members. He has now taken on the additional role of head bailiff. More recently Paul Steele has also joined us, although his co-option to the Management Committee was too late to be included along with the full list of nominations for this year's AGM.
The only other change concerns the roles of Chairman and Vice Chairman, where Russ Moores and I have changed places. Russ is gradually stepping back after 20-odd years as Chairman, but I am glad that he is staying with us on the Management Committee a while longer as his experience and insight are quite invaluable. I have learned a great deal from Russ over the last few years and it is a great honour for me to be able to take the reins.
Apart from the vacancies I have mentioned, the Management Committee is really in need of more Members who can come on board and help to take the Association forward. We need people with ability, enthusiasm, drive and motivation and I would be delighted to hear from any Member who feels that they have something to offer. It can be demanding, and even frustrating at times, but taking a positive role can also be very rewarding.
I can be contacted at mleathwood@northwich-anglers.org.uk
Honorary Life Membership
Honorary life membership may be awarded to any member who has made a substantial contribution to the Association over a number of years, and this is usually awarded for long service on the Management Committee. I am pleased to announce that this honour has now been conferred upon Russ Moores for his distinguished tenure as Chairman, and also to Graham Stockton, who's name may be less familiar.
Graham is a senior citizen who has been a member of the Association all his life, and who continues to take an active part in work parties. It is only right that we recognize the fact that there are those who contribute a great deal to the life of the Association, without necessarily having served on the Management Committee. Graham is a prime example and our congratulations go to him and to Russ for their well deserved awards
Constitution
Over the last year I have been working on a significant update to our Constitution, which has now been approved at the AGM. Certain changes were recommended to us and the text for the revised Constitution was drawn from model constitutions supplied by our insurers, our solicitor, and the existing text of our original Constitution. The result, I hope, will be a Constitution which precisely reflects the way the Association is run, and is much easier to understand and less open to misinterpretation.
Subscriptions
There will be a small increase in subscriptions for all adult members this year (junior membership will remain the same at £10). During the last year membership has fallen slightly and, although we have taken full account of this in our planned expenditure, it has become abundantly clear that - if we wish to develop and improve the fishing in our waters and also important facilities such as pegs, access and car parking, - we have to generate a higher income.
I am optimistic that these increases will enable us to make improvements that will visibly benefit everyone in the Association, and that we will all feel that it has been worth paying just a little bit more.
The revised subscription rates for the 2011/12 season are as follows:
| 1 Year Membership | Cost |
|---|---|
| *Family Membership covers both parents/guardians & up to 4 juniors. | |
| Senior Member | £45 |
| Senior Citizen Member | £25 |
| Junior Membership | £10 |
| Family Membership* | £90 |
| Joining Fee | £30 |
| Night Fishing Card | £30 |
| Joining Fee | £30 |
Canal Pit
The Management Committee has tasked a small working group consisting of Paul Steele, Kevin Rimmer and myself with formulating a plan for the re-development and re-stocking of Canal Pit. The terrible loss of fish in December has, we believe, left us with a "blank canvas" upon which to work and we are keen to take account of the wishes of our members - many of whom have already contributed thoughts and ideas.
Unfortunately there is no "quick fix" which will reinstate the fishing at Canal Pit - as we knew it. The Environment Agency tested the water last week and found that the dissolved oxygen content in the water was at a mere 28%.
We want to ensure, as far as possible, and before any re-stocking takes place, that Canal Pit doesn't suffer a similar loss of fish at any time in the future. We therefore intend to look into the possibility of deepening the water, and also installing an aeration device to keep the surface free of ice. Of course we also have to consider what we should do about the weed; which supported the abundant aquatic life on which the specimen carp thrived for many years - until the gasses it produced beneath the ice killed them all!
As far as re-stocking goes, there seems to be a significant lobby from our carp angling members that Canal Pit should be reinstated as a specimen carp water. There is also an opportunity for us to develop a more mixed fishery which would hold greater appeal for the pleasure angler, so there is clearly some talking to do and before final decisions can be made by the Management Committee.
Website
Mike Sherman continues to develop and improve our website but we still have some way to go. It would really help Mike if Members could supply photographs, articles, or any other material to help generate more interest. Some time ago I had the idea of using the website as a means of recording the Association's history through the use old photographs, so, if you have any pictures or stories which could help towards this we would love to hear from you.
You can contact Mike directly at msherman@northwich-anglers.org.uk
Member's Forum
I have often wondered if members feel that the Management Committee is quite isolated from them and that they have no real opportunity to influence the way the Association is run. In recent years some have sought to use the AGM to raise particular issues. However, the AGM is strictly business meeting, and matters relating to how individual fisheries are run, venue-specific rules, working party arrangements etc. should be raised with the Management Committee during the course of the year.
I feel that we could be more accessible to the members and I have therefore proposed that we should hold a Member's Forum on a quarterly basis. This will be an informal meeting where members can meet representatives from the Management Committee and discuss any issues and bring forward any ideas they may have. I am hoping that the Member's Forum will therefore provide a real opportunity for members to have a greater degree of influence in the day to day running of the Association.
I hope to arrange the first meeting some time within the next few weeks, so please continue to check the website for updates.
Tight Lines,
Mark Leathwood
Chairman
26th January 2011
Mini League Saturday 22nd January 2011
The results from Saturdays mini league match are as follows:
- 1st Frank Slater (Gloworms) 28lb 11oz of Skimmers/Bream, Town Centre
- 2nd Bob Meggs (Bobs Lot) 28lb 1oz of Skimmers/Bream, Middle of Dredger
- 3rd Peter Cornes (Vale Royal Allstars) 19lb 10oz of Skimmers/Bream, Town Centre
- 4th Ernie Ayres (Young Boys) 16lb 8oz of Roach, Town Centre
This match was fished on the Town Centre, Hunts Lock, Hulses Island & Arches sections of the River Weaver.
The team on the day were "Bob's Lot" with 35lb 9oz, congratulations to the winners and thank you to all who entered.
22nd January 2011
Northwich Anglers Association annual general meeting 2011
The AGM will be held on the 19th January 2011, please see the below documents.
5th January 2011
Northwich Anglers Association Press Release
The recent spell of cold weather has left many rivers, lakes and ponds frozen over, and Northwich Anglers Association has expressed alarm at the discovery of both adults and children walking out onto the ice.
Particular problems have occurred at Dane Valley Fisheries, off Shipbrook Road in Rudheath, where site manager Kevin Rimmer encountered several teenagers playing on the ice. "They used the excuse that they were staying close to the edge of the pool", said Kevin, "but I explained to them that the ice is often thinner in the margins". "Worryingly one of them seemed to find it all very amusing and I had to spend quite some time trying to convince the group just how dangerous their actions were". Dane Valley Fisheries has three pools close to the River Dane and, although these are private, a public footpath crosses the site. "We are actively trying to encourage the community to benefit from the facilities we are able to offer" said Kevin, "but the last thing we want is to find a child drowned under the ice".
Quite incredibly adults have also been dicing with death by venturing out on to the ice. Association Vice Chairman Mark Leathwood said "On Christmas day I saw a family of two adults and a child standing on ice which was covering the margins of the River Dane in Northwich town centre. The fact that there was open water running just a few feet away down the centre of the river ought to have told them just how thin the ice might have been. Anybody falling into the river could quickly have been swept under the ice by the current and wouldn't have stood a chance".
Mark went on to say "There is a great deal of open water in the Northwich area and, with temperatures now beginning to rise, we are extremely concerned about the risks which people are taking. I would urge all parents and guardians to speak to their children and warn them in the strongest possible terms about the dangers of walking out onto frozen lakes and rivers".
December 29th 2010
Canal Pit Tragedy
It is my sad duty to inform members that the recent spell of severe cold weather has resulted in a fish-kill at Canal Pit which appears to have affected the entire stock of specimen carp as well as the smaller fish present.
Causes
Aquatic plants have two basic functions, these being photosynthesis and respiration. Both processes result in a natural exchange of gasses (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the plants and the water. During daylight photosynthesis takes place, and the plants absorb carbon dioxide from the water, whilst giving off oxygen. Respiration is the reverse process and has to do with the plant's absorption of food and nutrients. For this to occur the plants require oxygen and carbon dioxide is produced as a by-product. Unlike photosynthesis, which only occurs during daylight, respiration continues around the clock, which is why oxygen levels in the water are reduced at night. Normally the gasses in the water are free to exchange with the air at the water's surface; thus maintaining a balance which benefits all forms of aquatic life. However, when waters freeze over gaseous exchange cannot take place.
The problem at Canal Pit seems to have occurred because the present freeze has happened earlier than usual and the aquatic plants have not died back. Consequently there are still gasses being produced and, because these cannot exchange at the water's surface, there has been a fatal imbalance in the relative levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the water beneath the ice.
Plans
At the time of writing, many dead fish have floated to the surface but are now trapped beneath the ice. As soon as the ice melts a small work party will take a boat out onto the pit in order to collect up the dead fish so that they can be buried. Unfortunately the ground around Canal Pit is unsuitable for this, so we plan to use the boat to transport the fish by canal to our land at Big Billinge where they can be buried more easily.
I am sure the Management Committee will consider re-stocking Canal Pit but, there are no quick-fix solutions to restore this water to its former glory. A sensible and measured stocking policy will have to be agreed and it is too early for me to give any indications of what this might be.
We will, of course, keep you updated.
Mark Leathwood
Vice Chairman.
December 11th 2010.
New venue-specific rule applying to Big Billinge
Trial booking-on system
The Management Committee has now agreed the mechanism by which the trial booking-on system will work. Please note that this will take effect from when the fishery re-opens on Monday 6th December 2010 and will remain in force until further notice.
How to book on
Those members in possession of a night card, who are intending to fish during the hours of darkness must, upon arrival at the water (and before starting to fish) notify the Association of the following:
- His / her name and permit number
- The time of arrival
- The peg to be fished
Members must also notify the Association of the time that they leave the fishery.
Notification will only be accepted via text message to the following number 07586846217.
Please note that this number is not available for any other purpose and members wishing to report any incidents to the Association should continue to either speak to one of the bailiffs or contact the Secretary on 01606786787.
Any member found to be fishing in breach of this booking-on system will be required to leave the water immediately and will have his/her night card withdrawn.
The purpose of this system is to provide the Association with an automated record of the identity of members who are fishing the water. It is intended that the information produced will make it easier to identify and deal with the minority who have continued to abuse the rules of the Association.
It is not our intention to unnecessarily inconvenience members, or to place any further restriction upon legitimate angling activity at Big Billinge. However, it is hoped that the present closure of the fishery, together with the imposition of a trial booking-on system, will encourage all members to be more vigilant and negate the need for additional sanctions in the future.
The Management Committee
November 25th 2010
Association News summery (November 2010)
Behind the scenes admin work
It has been quite some time since my last head bailiff's report for the website and this is due to me having taken on a number of other tasks which were needed by the Association. The text for a revised handbook and improved constitution are now in hand, and we plan to publish this in the new year after after a number of changes have been approved at the AGM.
There is nothing contentious in the new handbook and my task has been more a case of improving the layout and the grammar and re-phrasing certain sections in a way that will make the content easier for members to understand. Some changes to the disciplinary system and the appeals mechanism have been recommended by our insurers and these have already been implemented. However, there are other minor changes to the constitution which will have to be approved by the members at the next AGM (Wednesday 19th January 2011) and so those in attendance will be asked to support a vote to accept these.
As far as I am aware there are no proposals in the pipeline for any changes to the General Rules. However, we are still issuing the old handbook to new members, together with separate sheets of paper containing the amendments made at the last two AGMs. This is less than ideal and so I am really looking forward to being able to pull all the various threads together in the new handbook.
Also I have been working on a new business plan. This is something I had never done before, but really is an essential document which the Management Committee will use to ensure that we continue to balance the books in these difficult economic times.
Dane Valley Fisheries
Regular visitors to DVF will already have met Kevin Rimmer, who joined the Management Committee earlier this year and has since taken on the role of Site Manager at DVF. As well as Kevin having put in a tremendous amount of work there, we have also enlisted the services of offenders on the Community Payback scheme to help us to improve and maintain the site.
We have a number of issues on this site, some of which are now under control, others less so. For example, the bailiffing situation is now far better than it has ever been and, thanks to Kevin, I have been able to write numerous letters to parents of local youngsters who were regularly poaching the pools or the River Dane, or were otherwise making a nuisance of themselves on the site. I am pleased to say that many have joined the Association, bought rod licences and are now fishing legally and showing a greater appreciation for the environment.
There is still work to be done in tackling anti-social behaviour but Kevin and I are now attending a newly formed "Dane Valley Task Group" in order to bring in the support and co-operation of other agencies including the police, community safety wardens, community conservation volunteers, Cheshire West & Chester Council, Weaver Vale Housing Trust etc. We are starting to build invaluable links with the community which will ultimately benefit the Association (as well as the town of Northwich) in all manner of ways. This is an exciting opportunity for us and Kevin and I will report on future progress via the website.
The other problem which is still not fully under control is the extent of the weed growth, which has seriously affected all 3 pools this year. During the summer we engaged the services of eminent fisheries scientist Dr. Bruno Broughton, who has supplied a comprehensive report which recommends a number of possible remedies. As a result we have been employing the use of manual clearance in combination with the limited application of herbicides. There is still some way to go in obtaining the balance we are looking for and, at the present time, there is still a substantial amount of weed in pools 2 and 3. Although this may adversely affect angling in the short term, it will help to protect the fish from cormorants over the winter and we are hopeful that the various measures now at our disposal will make for more comfortable fishing in all 3 pools next season.
You may have noticed that the water in the pools has taken on a bluish hue. This is due to the application of a dye which will inhibit further weed growth by restricting the passage of sunlight into the water. It is, of course, harmless to the fish.
Coaching
Kevin and I recently undertook the necessary training to become Level 1 Angling Coaches and are looking forward to a Level 2 training course early in the new year. Meanwhile Roy Garton (Association Secretary) is soon to commence training as a Level 1 coach. Having qualified personnel is vital for the Association, not just to ensure that we run our Junior Festival and look after young people and vulnerable adults according to current standards and guidelines, but also because the Association is working towards accredited Clubmark status. This is going to be extremely important in terms of future external funding.
As Junior Official, Christine will continue to manage the Junior Festival and to arrange sponsorship etc. However, we will have to have qualified Level 2 coaches present at junior matches and fishing events and will still need volunteer helpers who will need to CRB checked in advance (this is free of charge if you are an unpaid volunteer).
Kevin and I have also been looking at the possibility of using HQ for indoor coaching purposes and, hopefully, we will be in a position to commence with this during 2011. We will probably need some assistance from members with greater experience and expertise than we have in certain fields of angling. Maybe this is something you could help with ? If so we would be delighted to hear from you.
New website coming soon
It is quite some time since Simon Slater, who created and maintained our current website, stepped down from the Management Committee because of his work commitments, although we are very grateful to him for continuing to look after the site whilst we have sought a new website manager.
I am pleased to announce that Mike Sherman has now stepped into the breach and has really taken the bull by the horns. Mike is in the process of building a new website for the Association and this should be up and running fairly soon.
We are keen to promote much greater use of the website by members, and also to increase the number of visitors to the site. In order to do this we need to have more frequent updates so that there is always something fresh to look at and we would like to encourage members to have an input into this. Mike is looking for articles, photographs and any other material which may help in this regard. If you can contribute anything, or have any ideas which might help, Mike would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact him at:
msherman@northwich-anglers.org.uk
Bailiffing Issues
This has been a busy year and, since March we have issued approximately 55 verbal warnings, 29 yellow cards and 13 red cards. We have also dealt with 54 non members, and these figures represent an increase on those for the whole of last season - and we are still only in November!
A lot of problems could be avoided if members would simply read the rules and make sure their permit was correctly filled in and had their photo attached. However, it seems that many people consider our rules to be optional. They are not and, whilst I have encouraged the bailiffs to use their discretion, we could have had more than 80 yellow cards issued already this season.
The number of non members encountered by bailiffs is worrying. However, we get very few repeat offenders as I always write to poachers and tell them that it is our policy to prosecute them if caught a second time. I recently provided the police with an updated set of guidance notes on the appropriate legislation, which gives them the power to summons people who fish without lawful authority (i.e. anyone fishing Association waters without a permit).
I originally produced this document over two years ago at the request of the local Chief Superintendent, in response to a lack of specialized knowledge amongst front line police officers who we were calling upon to help us deal with poachers. The document has since been carried by Association bailiffs and the procedures contained therein, coupled with the very real threat of prosecution, have proved to be an effective deterrent in discouraging poachers from coming back.
'Guidance Notes For Police Officers' has recently been picked up on by the Environment Agency who have asked me for permission to use the content to produce a generic document for circulation within the Agency and to Police Forces nationally. The Pike Anglers Club of Great Britain has also asked me if it can place the information on its website and circulate the details to the press. After years of seeing anglers being wrongly advised by the angling press that nothing can be done about poachers (including Eastern European migrants who take coarse fish for the table), I will be delighted to see the correct information finally being acknowledged and acted upon more widely by the appropriate authorities.
Big Billinge
About this time last year it was brought to the attention of the Management Committee that members using this water were failing to dispose of toilet waste properly. We responded by altering the wording of the General Rule on litter - specifically to take account of this. The amendment was confirmed at the AGM earlier this year and the rule now reads:
Members must not deposit litter of any kind. This includes toilet waste which must be disposed of safely, either by burial or removal. Members are required to assist the Association in keeping our waters tidy by removing any litter they encounter on the bank before starting to fish.
Despite this the problems have continued, together with a number of incidents of members either found drunk in their bivvies or in possession of alcohol.
In September the Management Committee decided to restrict fishing at Big Billinge to 48 hours and published a warning that, if members continued to foul the site or to drink alcohol then further sanctions would follow. Since then another 6 members have been caught drinking and bailiffs continue to find human waste, litter and empty beer cans thrown in the undergrowth behind the fishing stages.
This is the background to the Management Committee's decision to close the water for a fortnight (Monday 22nd. November - Monday 6th December) and to then introduce a trial "booking-on" procedure for members wishing to fish at night. It is intended that this will give the Association a greater measure of control because we will know exactly who is on the water on any given night.
We are mindful of the inconvenience this will undoubtedly cause to the majority of well behaved and responsible anglers who enjoy fishing Big Billinge at night. However, we are determined to identify and get rid of those who are abusing the environment, and the rules of the Association.
As well as demonstrating to members that September"s threat of further sanctions was not an empty one, the two week closure will enable the Management Committee to devise and implement a "booking-on" system which will achieve the measure of control we are looking for, without making it unnecessarily difficult for members to go fishing at short notice.
We do not anticipate that this will be a popular decision, but those who fish regularly at Big Billinge know who is to blame and we hope that members will perhaps make more of an effort themselves to police the water when bailiffs are not present.
On a more positive note, members will be pleased to learn that Big Billinge was stocked on November 17th with 6 new mirror carp weighing between 8 and 9 lbs. These were purchased from Ben Gratwick, who stocked the same hardy and fast growing strain into Eyres Pit for us last winter. Those fish were stocked at weights of up to 4 lbs. and some have recently been caught at weights in excess of 9 lbs.
This is part of an ongoing stocking policy which will see more fish added to Dane Valley Fisheries and to Little Billinge this winter.
That's about all for now. Workload permitting I will try not to leave it so long until the next update.
Tight Lines,
Mark.
22 November 2010
Temporary closure of night fishing at Big Billinge
Due to the continued problems of anglers failing to dispose of their rubbish and consuming alcohol whilst fishing at Big Billinge; contrary to the rules of the Association, the management committee will be imposing a trial "booking on system" for night fishing at this water. The closure of night fishing at Big Billinge will allow the necessary arrangements for a "booking on system" to be put into place and advertised to the membership.
Therefore, from Monday 22nd November 2010 until Monday 6th December 2010 members are not allowed onto Big Billinge before 6.00AM and must vacate the fishery by 6.00PM. Any member found on the fishery outside of these hours will be expelled from the Association!
Further details will be posted in a head bailiff's report from Mark which will follow presently.
By order of the management committee.
17th November 2010
Winners of the Cheshire Junior Angling Championship 2010
Pictured from left to right: Alex Clegg, Kaythan Shillito, Kieran Alcock, Christine Jones, Kyle Williams, Andrew Brown and Tom Bunby.
A team of junior members from Northwich Anglers Association recently triumphed in the Cheshire Junior Angling Championship which was held at Border Fisheries near Crewe. This is a new event, and was only the second occasion on which the Northwich team had fished the venue.
Association Chairman Russ Moores described the unexpected victory as "a great achievement". The four hour match was contested by teams from some of the largest angling clubs in the region, and featured some very capable and experienced anglers.
The winning team had been selected by Northwich Anglers Associations Junior Official Christine Jones, from members who are currently taking part in the Association's Junior Festival match series. "I'm so proud," said Christine, "all the lads did really well. Notable performances were those of Kaythan Shillito (13 yrs) with a 15 lb catch and Tom Bunby with 11 lb section win.
August 2010
