Club Newsletter

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Spring 2008 newsletter

[Edited extracts from the Spring 2008 newsletter]

Lease - We have been continuing to negotiate the lease, allowing the club to fish the waters of the Keynes Country Park and Neighbidge, with the Cotswold Water Park Society. Owing to numerous management and personnel changes within the Cotswold Water Park, progress has been slow. However the club has been informed by the Cotswold Water Park Society, that although 'Watermark' will most likely have a large presence within the Water Park, especially at Top Pit, AKAC will be offered an ongoing agreement in keeping with the one that the club previously had. The Club will still be answerable to the Cotswold Water Park Society. All fish in the Keynes Park lakes, Cokes Pit and Neighbridge remain the property of AKAC.

Bailiffs - The Club is appealing for bailiffs, if you can spare a few hours to help out please contact the secretary. The question of recompense for bailiffs is a subject for discussion at the AGM.

Match reports - This year the club fished two matches at venues, other than club waters. Matches were fished at Claydon Pike and the Lock Cut at Buscot.

The Ernest Tomes Memorial trophy is presented annually to the person with the highest match weight during the season.

The Christmas match was again held at Thamesmead, with members enjoying food and drinks in the barn at Manor Farm afterwards.

GWR FM Christmas appeal - The Club supported the annual GWR FM Christmas Appeal and offered five half season 3 rod memberships, as prizes. Three memberships have so far been taken up.

Water reports
Neighbridge - Some excellent fish have been caught:-
24lb 7oz common and a 37lb 5oz mirror in April 2007, plus a specimen 39lb and fantasic mirror of 40lb 2oz in May 2007. June continued well with mirror carp of 28lb and 36lb. In August a 27lb leather carp was caught followed by another carp of 28lb 12oz. A pike of 19lb 11oz was reported in April.There have been reports of shoals of roach (some up to 1lb).
In 2008 the Club, with the assistance of the EA, hope to improve the natural habitat in the lake to allow the fish to spawn more easily.

Top Pit - There have been reports of good bags of roach, with some up to 2lbs. In June, 10 tench to 8lbs were caught in one night and a 34lb mirror carp was also caught during the month.

Large lake - Bream to 8lb have been caught, as well as a 24lb common carp. One member had a 10 fish bag of bream, all taken on triple red maggot one afternoon in July. Best bream was a 6lb 8oz.
In August some members, who had parked overnight in the Nature Reserve car park, had their cars vandalised. If you have any information, or see anything suspicious, please inform the secretary.

Cokes Pit - This lake has produced some excellent fishing. There are reports of 7 tench and 32 tench taken in separate sessions, with most fish between 4lb 8oz and 5lb, best 6lb 8oz and 7lb respectively. A club match produced 12 tench. Most of the fish were caught early in the season. In July one member caught 6 tench and a bream of 6lb 12oz. A bream of 7lb 40z and a roach of 2lb 1oz were caught in the same session.

Thamesmead 'A' - This lake produced 18lb, 20lb and a 21lb mirror carp in April 2007 plus another fish of 20lb 4oz. In June bream of 7lb 4oz and 10lb 8oz were caught. Tench were also prominent with a fish of 7lbs 8oz and there is a report of a tench in excess oh 8lbs. In September a 2lb 11oz roach was caught. Early season was good with a 7 tench bag in April, best 6lb 4oz. May brough quality bream of 4lb 8oz, 5lb 8oz, 7lb 8oz and 8lb. A perch of 1lb, was also reported.

Thamesmead 'B' - a 21lb common and 15lb mirror were caught in April. A 19lb carp was also reported. In January 2008 one member had a pike of 11lb 8oz.

Manorbrook - produced bream of 6lb in September but no carp have been reported. Several pike and some perch have been caught, but no details given.

Litter - at Thamesmead the owner reported litter being left behind the toilet in 'A' lake and near the mobile trailer next to 'B' lake. If this persists the Club is in danger of losing the water, so if members see any litter lying about, please remove it. Thank you.

Environment Agency licence - a new licence is required from 1 April 2008 [NB - if you fish 3 rods you will require two EA licences].

Acknowledgements - Mike Hatton and John Parker for their work in progressing the Keynes Park lease. Steve Drewett and Rod Leeson-Magry for their commitment in bailiffing. Anthony and Karen Nash for attending the 'Future of Keynes Park' meeting. Pete Young for help with organising and collating the club cards. Malcolm Openshaw for managing the day ticket station at Keynes Park. John Wagner/Hugh White for managing the match section. Ali Swainston, Keynes Park Head Ranger, for managing the work parties. The Committee members for attending the meetings and supporting the running of the club during the year. Finally the agents who support the Club by selling the membership cards.

Obituary - In August 2007 we were informed of the death of Mr Bert Peaple of Wootton Bassett, who for many years acted as the Club's Auditor. A donation was made to the British Heart Foundation.

Reminders

Tight lines

D J Whittle, Club Secretary

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October 2007 newsletter

[Edited extracts from the October 2007 newsletter]

The future of fishing at Keynes Country Park
I would like to dispel the rumours circulating, that Ashton Keynes Angling Club (AKAC) is about to lose the fishing rights for the Keynes Country Park lakes 31 & 32. This is simply not true as AKAC is currently in negotiation with the Cotswold Water Park Society (CWPS) to secure a long term lease to control the angling on the lakes 31,32, 34 and 56, covering the Keynes Park lakes (31 & 32) , Cokes Pit (34) and Neighbridge lake (56).

These rumours stem from the fact that the Cotswold Water Park Society is seeking a sub leaseholder to take on the running of the Keynes Country Park site. However this will NOT affect the right of the Ashton Keynes Angling Club to continue to control and allow fishing on the lakes by its members, holiday permit and day ticket holders. In fact all the fish in those waters belong to AKAC.

So please, carry on enjoying the wonderful fishing that we have and pay no attention to the rumours circulating.

Christmas match - Please refer to the fixture list for date and venue. There are prizes and refreshments provided as well as the opportunity to meet the Club officials. Any contribution of prizes will be greatly appreciated.

Work parties - In January 2007 we finally completed the installation of ten sets of bank steps at Top Pit. These will allow anglers safer access to the waters edge. We are grateful to Ali Swanston (Keynes Country Park Head Ranger) and the club's winter work parties for their efforts. Details of work parties this winter will be posted on the website, everybody is welcome.

Club rules - Please ensure that you are aware of the club rules BEFORE you start fishing. Ignorance of the rules is NOT an excuse if you are caught in breach of them by a bailiff.
[NB - there are vacancies for both committee members and club bailiffs. At the March 2008 AGM there is a proposal that club bailiffs be recompensed for their time spent attending to bailiffing duties. Interested? Got an opinion?]

Upgrading your membership from 2 rods to 3 rods - Full details can be found on this website.

Diary dates :-
Christmas match - 9 December
Pike match ( 2 legs) - 25 November and 2 December
Half season membership starts - 1 November
GWR FM Christmas appeal - The Radio auction is on Sunday 9 December 2007 and we will be supporting this function again and offering five 3 rod half season memberships.

Cotswold Angling - Sadly they have decided to close their doors at the end of October. We thank them for their support over the years and wish them all the best in the future.

Things a few members are not very good at
1) Be aware that the low level bar/gate between Waterlands and Keynes Park (Lake 32) is being left unlocked on a few occasions by some members. Please ensure this gate is LOCKED at all times
2) Some members were found to have set up in Keynes Park before the agreed 15 June mid day entry time [read rule 5]
3) Wrongful parking along the Poole Keynes road when fishing Neighbridge. Use the car park [read rule 13].
4) Members NOT displaying car park stickers [read rule 14]
5) Leaving rods unattended [read rule 2]



Water reports

Neighbridge (lake 56)
Some excellent fish have been caught. In April 2007 a 19lb 11oz pike plus a 24lb 7oz common carp and a 37lb 5oz mirror carp, followed in May with carp of 36lb 10oz, 39lb and finally a fantastic mirror carp of 40lb 2oz! August saw a 27lb leather and another carp of 28lb 12oz. There have been reports of shoals of small roach (some estimated to be up to 1lb) as well as shoals of perch. A solitary chub was also seen.
This year the club, with the support of the Environment Agency, has plans in progress to improve the fish stocks in the lake by improving the habitat.
A plug with line attached but NO WIRE TRACE was retrieved from the lake pathway in May. [members are reminded of rule 20 stipulating that a wire trace must be used at ALL times when pike fishing]

Keynes Country Park lakes - Large Lake (lake 32) - Top Pit (lake 31)
Top Pit has provided some nice roach (up to 1lb). 10 tench to 8lbs were caught one night and a 34lb mirror carp was landed in June. Large lake has produced bream to 8lb and news of a 24lb common carp.
Unfortunately some members had their cars, parked in the Nature Reserve car park, vandalised whilst fishing overnight in August. If anybody has any information about this please inform the Secretary.

Thamesmead lakes - Large Lake (lake 32) - Top Pit (lake 31)
In April, carp of 18lb, 20lb and 21lb were caught in'A' lake, as well as a 21lb mirror carp. June produced bream of 7lb 4oz and 10lb 8oz, as well as a tench of 7lb 8oz and another exceeding 8lbs. 'B' lake has produced a 21lb common and a 15lb mirror carp plus another specimen of 19lb.
Unfortunately members are still leaving their litter behind, despite signs being placed to remind members to take it home. The owner of the lakes is not very impressed by the amount of litter being left so if you want to keep the water take your litter home [read rule 1]

Rule 1 - No litter to be left on the Club fisheries, any member fishing a swim with litter, or used line present, will be expelled.

Tight Lines

D J Whittle
Club Secretary

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Spring 2007 newsletter

[Edited extracts from the Spring 2007 newsletter]

Top Pit (lake 31), Keynes Park - the park ranger staff under the supervision of the head ranger, Ali Swainston have altered the route of the path in the bay, as well as landscaping the area and planting additional vegetation. The club winter work parties, which commenced in november 2006, assisted in installing bank side steps along the road bank.

Neighbridge (lake 56) - The 'Brian England' memorial seat, which had become damaged and unsafe, was replaced by the Keynes Park ranger staff in its original position on the high bank at Neighbridge (Brian was a committee member of the club for a good many years). We are grateful to the Keynes Park rangers for providing the seat. The Club has replaced the brass plaque with a new one.
Signs, prohibiting swimming and the use of boats in the lake, have also been installed by the Keynes Park ranger staff.

A small working group, consisting of the Secretary, Vice President (John Parker), Chairman and Vice Chairman have continued to make good progress towards finalising the lease on the Keynes Park waters at Keynes Park (Lakes 31, 32, 34 and 56).

The Club has been enquiring, with the help of the Environment Agency and the Park Rangers, into the possibility of improving the fish stocks naturally, by installing fish spawning media in the lakes, for example, floating weed, planted islands, brush mats and weed planting.

The committee are continuing their efforts to find a small silver fish water for the Club.

The Rudd Cup is open to everyone to win, whether fishing in a match or not. Simply have the fish witnessed by two persons and forward your claim to the Secretary.

Club matches - This season as secretary, I have tried to remind members about the restrictions placed on fishing waters that are booked for fishing matches. Although there were no major problems, at the request of the committee I did have to write to one member about this.
This season the new match secretaries have brought about a number of changes, including the resurrection of the Winter League, the Pike Cup being fished over two matches, and using venues other than club waters. Although the matches have not been well supported, this season saw some exceptional catches.
An interesting idea operated was that of the 'Optional Golden Peg', which would have given a good cash pay out, but unfortunately no member was lucky enough to win from this peg. The Club would like to thank member, Don Lidbury, for the idea and the financial support for it.

This season the Club received reports, through the angling media, of some waters in the south having confirmed cases of the deadly virus KHV (Koi Herpes Virus) amongst carp. The E.A did not name these affected fisheries but they are controlling fish movements in the South and South East. No cases of this virus have been reported in the Waterpark. However, during June 2006 we suffered some fatalities on Large Lake (lake 32), one carp, one tench and one bream, all large fish. Apparently it is not uncommon at this time of the year and is usually down to the stress of spawning.

Bailiffs - the club continues to appeal for bailiffs, an occasional couple of hours is all that is required. This season the club was heavily criticised on the subject of bailiffing, particularly at Keynes Park, where litter, use of toilets and anglers not being asked to show membership cards regularly, were some of the criticisms raised. The club does have some bailiffs, mostly dedicated committee members, who give their time freely and without reward, but the club would benefit by having more members to help spread the work to bailiff the eight club lakes. If you want to help please contact me.

Water reports
Cokes Pit (Lake 34) - This water has again proved excellent for large bags of tench. The capture of two tench weighing 6lb 2oz & 6lb 8oz respectively was reported. Carp of 30lb 8oz and 31lb 8oz were caught during September. A match weight of 52lb 1oz of tench came out of this lake during a Summer league match. Perch of 2lb 15oz, bream of 8lb 12oz & 9lb 2oz were also caught.

Top Pit & Large lake (lake 31 & 32) - Some very good bream (up to 7lb 12oz) , a pike of 18lb 10oz and a common carp of 36lb were all caught in Large Lake.
There are three reports of carp being caught in Top Pit, plus numerous quality perch including a specimen of 2lb 8oz in November.
[Members are reminded to re-lock all gates/barriers when using the Waterlands exit on Large Lake. The secretary has been informed by the owner at Waterlands that on several occasions the low level bar gate (situated between the main entrance of Keynes Park and the Waterlands gate) has not been re-locked.]

Thamesmead and Manorbrook Lakes - August and September has seen a good number of quality perch plus jack pike from the 'A' and 'B' lakes. Perch between 2lb and 3lb, up to 4lb 1oz, were caught during the winter months from Thamesmead waters. At the turn of the year a dead perch was recovered from one of the lakes and weighed 4lb 8oz, an exceptional specimen considering the British Record stands at 5lb 15oz.
The Autumn roach fishing was hampered by an increase in the growth of weed, but in the clearer areas of 'A' lake there have been some wonderful catches of bream. Notably ten fish between two and five pounds gave the winner of one match a winning weight of 49lb 15oz. Some very good tench have also been taken from the 'A' lakes.
Pike fishing got off to a very successful start in the pike matches with many fish being taken on the 'A' lake. Best fish reported to date - 15lb 8oz during December and 18lb 7oz & 19lb 4oz last March, and a ten fish bag in one day on deadbaits for a total, approx 100lb, from the Manorbrook lake again in December.

Neighbridge (Lake 56) - Some excellent carp have been reported from this water, notably, a 36lb mirror carp during August, a fish of 34lb 10oz reported (in the Angling Times) during the summer, a fish of 33lb in September, a 35lb carp in November and also many common carp in the twenty pound size. Perch have also been showing in quality sizes. The star report was of a roach of 3lb 1oz. In September a 16lb 5oz pike was caught, as well as, an 18lb and 22lb pike in December.

Quality fish have been coming out from all lakes, but the reports of good catches of small fish seem to be missing, if anyone has caught well with small fish bags please e-mail the secretary. Although the roach shoals at Thamesmead 'A' Lake appear to be smaller there seems to be an abundance of skimmer bream.

Acknowledgements - I would like to thank all the Club Officers for their commitment to the club, individual thanks are given to Karen Nash for continuing in the position of Treasurer, although not an angler herself, Karen's support as Treasurer has been invaluable to the club. Mike Hatton, John Hicks and John Parker for their continuous involvement in the progress of the Keynes Park lease, ensuring that the future security for the club in the long term is paramount. Steve Drewett for his commitment and reporting whilst bailiffing our waters. Rod Leeson-Magry for attending so many of the work parties. Pete and Cynthia Young for helping with the organising, collating and distribution of club cards. Malcolm Openshaw for continuing the managing of the day ticket station at Keynes Park, David Riley for managing the website. Ali Swainston, Keynes Park Head Ranger for his support of our work parties, and courtesy towards the club during the lease meetings. To all the Committee members who have given so much of their time, attending many meetings and supporting the running of the club throughout the year. Finally, to you the members, for your caring attitude whilst on the waters and to those of you who have carried out bailifing duties or helped at the work parties. In conclusion may I wish you all continued success during 2007 with Ashton Keynes Angling Club.

Tight Lines

D J Whittle
Club Secretary

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October 2006 half-season newsletter

To all members, some club information on the season to-date.

Photo identity cards
A proposal for next years AGM will be to introduce an ID card containing a passport size photograph of the member as an additional item to the cards we have at present. Look out for this proposal when you receive the end of season newsletter. If you have an opinion about this idea please contact me.

Work parties
This winter we hope to progress with the installation of steps at pegs along the road bank at Top Pit. I have been given the following dates, 12 November, 10 December, 14 January 2007, 11 February. Please come along, start at 9.0am, meeting at the Rangers Hut, Keynes Country Park, and finish at about 12.30 lunchtime. All tools are provided. Please look for details of the work parties on the web site, or in your local paper. We would appreciate your help.

Christmas match
Please refer to the fixture list for the date and venue. We have prizes and refreshments after the match, where you have the opportunity to meet the club officers. Any contributions of prizes towards the match will be appreciated

.

Member expelled
For transgressing a number of club rules during a session in December 2005, a member was expelled from membership of this club for five seasons.

Reading Club rules prior to fishing
AGM's are places to vote on rules and rule changes. The committee and bailiffs give their time freely to ensure the rules are not broken, so please read them before starting to fish. If you disagree with any, forward your opinion to the secretary for discussion by the committee, or forward your proposals at the next AGM.

Strange visitors on the AKAC Lakes
Still I am having reports of fish being caught and having no sighting of the fish being returned. I know attempted fish thefts are happening on other waters. Let us keep our eyes open and prevent it happening on ours.

Unusual sighting
I have had a positive sighting from one of the committee members of an otter on the Cokes Pit water during July.

Barbless hooks
A large barbed hook, retrieved from a caught Tench, was shown at one of the committee meetings. Somebody therefore has a total disregard for the club rules, which has brought us to decide in having a 'Hook Inspection day' later in the season. We hope that all members will back us and comply with our request, when asked.

Environment Agency visit
I am informed that a Carp angler was visited by an EA bailiff. He booked the member for fishing with 3 rods but only one Environmental Agency licence.

Water reports
Cokes Pit (Lake 34) - This water has again proved excellent for large bags of Tench.A Carp of 30lb 8oz has been reported taken from this water during September.

Keynes Park - Some very good Bream have been coming out of the Large Lake and I have been informed that Top Pit has produced three reports of Carp taken so far, plus numerous quality Perch.
On a very serious note, anglers are reminded that toilet facilities exist at Keynes Park, and we have been advised to look out for persons that have ignored these facilities and mis-used the park.

Thamesmead and Manor Brook Lakes - The signs 'No vehicles pass this point' are here to stay, so to conform to the owner's wishes please adhere to them.
August and September has seen a good number of quality Perch plus jack Pike from the A and B lakes.The Autumn Roach fishing has been hampered by an increase in the growth of weed, but in the clearer areas of the 'A' lake we have seen some wonderful catches of Bream. Notably ten fish between two and five pounds gave the winner of one match a winning weight of 49lb 15oz. Some very good Tench have also been taken from the 'A' lake to date.

Neighbridge (Lake 56) - I have had reports of some excellent Carp from this water, notably a 36lb Mirror Carp, plus a fish of 33lb in September, plus many Common Carp in the twenty pound size. Perch have also been showing in quality sizes. The star report I have was of a Roach of 3lb 1oz.
One member reported the re-occurrence again of motor bike racing in the car park, if this happens report this to the Park Ranger, either phone or by the report form,or give me a call.

Generally some very good fish have been coming out from all lakes, but the reports of good catches of small fish seem to be missing, if anyone has caught well with small fish bags please e-mail me. Although the Roach shoals at Thamesmead A Lake seem to be smaller there seems to be an abundance of skimmer Bream.

Remember to tell your friends that our Half Season membership starts November 1st and runs to June 15th.

Remember, LEAVE NO LITTER. TAKE IT HOME AFTER FISHING. Thank you.

Tight lines

Derek Whittle
Secretary

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Spring 2006 newsletter

With the writing of another newsletter, it signifies another traditional season nears to an end. I hope that you have found success on the waters and if you are the type to retire for the winter then the warmer month of May will bring you back onto the bankside before we all need to renew our memberships for the June 16th start.

The main item for us this season has been the progression of the lease for Keynes Park and Neigh Bridge. I can report that negotiations are on going.

This season we are well supported on our committee with an invaluable knowledge of Carp angling. This has helped us make sensible decisions on the wellbeing of the many quality Carp in all our waters. Have you had the chance to review the sensible Carp rig that is available to view on our website? This came about due to a number of incidents regarding caught fish and failing tackle rigs. Incidentally the new Carp match which got off the ground this season has been suggested that it should be over 48 hours next time.

The Keynes Park did not have their May Day fete this year as in the past, so we where unable to provide our information stand. Incidentally did anyone have any problems with the Tri athlon event on the Large Lake this year? I only first new about it from the local paper advertising it, and was too late to bring it to any ones attention. As I had no word or complaint from any members I assume all went well. I did talk to some participants who said it was quite difficult on the swimming with the very low water level on this lake. I cannot remember seeing such low levels and so many emerging islands. I should like to hear from any member on their fishing experiences of this low level.

Last year the Keynes Park put in the pay per person charge, again I have had no complaints and can only say that there are many advantages to holding an AKAC Membership card.

If you have been on the Large Lake since September you will have seen the Anniversary seat installed on the south road bank of the lake. Solid Oak and robust it symbolises our existence on the waters for (now) over 50 years. Soon to be fitted with an engraved brass plate it provides a wonderful view over the lake. My thanks to John Hicks for providing the transport and trailer to enable us to get it into its resting place safely. With the Brian England memorial seat that has been in place on the high bank at Neighbridge suffering serious damage we have agreed to replace this seat with the same as the anniversary seat in the spring.

While at Neighbridge please continue to give adequate access for the public to pass as we had some incidents of bivvies obstructing the path especially at the wall end of the lake. Please continue to park only in the approved parking area as shown on your club card, our bailiffs found members parking along the Poole Keynes road, and I have had to answer phone calls of complaints over this practice.

It was necessary at Thamesmead during October to install 'No vehicles pass this point' signs to support the owner in the protection of the bank sides. I hope you all agree this was done in the best of interest and will prove beneficial in the long run. The 'A' lake has produced a number of fine Pike of 21lb 6oz, 20lb 2oz (previously caught at 19lb 10oz), 15lb 2oz and 14lb along with a number of under 10lb. Sadly we have not had the same reports of the Roach shoals that have been seen in past autumns. Lure fishing has produced many smaller pike from all the other lakes and the 'B' lake produced a 2lb 7oz Perch, and in October an 8lb 0oz Tench.

Our support to charity, notably the GWR FM Christmas appeal, was again provided with five Half Season, 3 rod memberships. These have been successful with last year all cards sold.

Many occasions this season we have challenged our club rules. Many have been in existence for many years created to serve particular causes or demands by others. Different practices and attitudes have led us to the creation of a 'Rules Review Group' a small group of the committee solely to make recommendations to be forwarded at this seasons AGM.

The work parties have been later starting this year, and we only begun on December 11th with a visit to the Large Lake. Although only four people attended, guided by Keynes Park Head Ranger Ali Swainston we made a good start on the east bank clearing excess Hawthorn, Ash and Willow. Further parties will be organised after Christmas to complete this bank stretch and any much appreciated extra help is going to make progress much quicker, check local paper or website for info Incidently this sixty acre lake, badly effected by lack of rainfall and local excavation work, had risen approx three inches by mid December in its water level, hopefully this will continue to rise through the winter.

E A Licence
Please remember that you will need to renew your Environmental Agency licence, which expires on March 31st 2006.

I've recently read a report in a January edition of the 'Angling Times', of an angler while fishing on the Keynes Park, Large Lake, incurring a £50 rod licence fine for fishing without a licence. So please remember we do get visits from the Environmental Agency bailiffs, and these are the fines that you get if you do not have a licence.

Acknowledgements
I would like to express special thanks to a number of members whose support to our club has been invaluable:-
Mike Hatton, John Hicks and John Parker for their time and commitment in progressing the Keynes Park lease.
Pete Young for continuing to support the Match Secretary over the season, Pete having stepped down from the position at the last AGM.
Hugh White for his enthusiasm in his first season as our Match Secretary, and to Karen Nash for her commitment and skill in fulfilling the challenging position of Treasurer.
Mike Mills for supporting the running of the matches on the day.
Malcolm Openshaw for his management of the Day Ticket station and David Riley for the management of our Website.
Ali Swainston, Keynes Park Head Ranger for his leadership and support at the work parties, which has led to us having many more accessible swims.
To all those who gave their time to baliffing the waters. (We will again be appealing for members to help with this task at the AGM).
Mike Hatton for attending many of the Lease Holders meetings with the Keynes Park management.
To everyone involved with the organisation of the Christmas fare in the Barn after the Xmas match at Thamesmead. There was again a good array of prizes of spirits and wines for the winners and it was a good way to meet the officers of your club at this time of the year. Finally we must again thank Nick Freeth, the owner, for allowing us the use of his Barn for this occasion.

Thanks to all our club agents for the support we have received from them over the season, and to extend this to the staff at the Keynes Country Park.

Can I also say thanks to all those who have provided photos for our website, please keep them coming as they are invaluable.

And finally to your Club Officers and all of the Committee without whose support we would not have the facilities we enjoy today.

Apology
To Ian Pearce, who on being accepted as a committee member at the last AGM, had his details omitted in error from the club card.

Obituary
It was with regret we where informed during November of the death of our former committee member Jim Simpson. Jim was elected as a committee member from as early as 18th March 1985 and I first met him during my early committee years. A very successful and knowledgeable angler. His wife informed me that Neighbridge was his most favourite venue.

Subscriptions and membership
It is my intention to have the Club Cards with your agent at about the middle of May.

Presentation of the trophies will follow after the AGM. Friends and Relatives will be welcome to attend the presentation of trophies.

In conclusion may I wish you all continued success during 2006 with Ashton Keynes Angling Club and hope to see many of you at our AGM.

Tight Lines

Derek Whittle
Club Secretary.

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October 2005 half-season newsletter

[Secretary's comment - unfortunately the printed version of this newsletter which has already been distributed to members and tackle dealers, etc., contains an error. The text referring to the carp rig (see below) incorrectly stated that the club allows barbed hooks. This is incorrect, as our rules clearly state barbless hooks only are to be used on all AKAC waters.]

This season our bailiffs have been kept exceptionally busy, as we seem to be having an increase in members breaking club rules and acting in an unacceptable manner, whilst on the waters.




Carp Anglers

The committee has had two incidents to deal with that you should be aware of.
Firstly, we were called to Thamesmead to relieve a swan of a carp rig that had terminal rig tackle attached to it. Thankfully we were able to catch the swan and remove the tackle. On this occasion the tackle was acceptable and did not break any club rules.

The second incident was more serious. This happened on the Large lake at Keynes Park and involved one of your committee members having to pick up the terminal tackle of a Carp rig with a large amount of main line still attached to it. This had been left on the bank with the bait still attached. The seriousness of the incident was that the rig contained a fully barbed hook, breaking our rule on the use of barbless hooks only [NB - the printed version of this newsletter incorrectly stated that barbed hooks were allowed] The outcome of an animal picking up the baited hook could have been catastrophic.

Unfortunately, this person's mindless stupidity and ignorance of club ruling, will now result in all other Carp anglers being asked to show the type of hook they have on their rigs when challenged by any of our bailiffs. Do remember they are acting on your behalf and have the full backing of the committee.

It has also been brought to our attention that a number of anglers are leaving their tackle unattended, this is not acceptable. You may find your tackle reeled in, if a bailiff feels that it is necessary. Remember this again is breaking club rules and offenders will be dealt with accordingly.




Rubbish

We have tried to accommodate members on this subject. Please keep your swim in a tidy manner, bag up all your rubbish, particularly if this has accumulated over a longer stay and take it all home with you. We have no problem with that.

However the sight I saw recently of a pile of rubbish discarded in bank side bushes on one of our lakes almost led this club to having to find another secretary. Why should I, or any other of our officers and committee bother, when the complete waste products of a session, cans, bottles, take-aways, fishing bait bags etc, were all discarded and thrown in a bush. With the help of your officers this was cleared up. You have been warned.




Keynes Park day ticket station

Do please remember to continue to cast an eye over at the Day Ticket station, as we still continue to attract persons breaking into this letter box. Please report any damage to either the Rangers or myself.




Water reports

Cokes Pit (Lake 34) - This water has again proved excellent for large bags of Tench.

Keynes Park - Those who have visited this water since September will have noticed the installation on the south road bank of the 50th year Anniversary seat (manufactured by Hayley Wood Sawmills, Coates near Cirencester), a symbol to remind others of our existence on the water over this period of time. All it now requires is the brass commemorative plaque, which will soon be put in place.
Perch have again been showing in large numbers through September from the Top pit.

Thamesmead and Manorbrook Lakes - You will notice that we have erected 'No vehicles pass this point' signs to assist the owner, who has dug trenches on the A, B and Manorbrook lakes to prevent vehicles becoming stuck in the softer sections of the bank sides and damaging them.
The Autumn Roach fishing has proved to be slow this year, with many fish topping but smaller catch reports. Numbers of Pike are being reported taken recently from all lakes. People wishing to fish Thamesmead C Lake are reminded that we can park inside the gate of the C Lake, but no vehicles are to be driven either way along the bridleway that borders this lake, not even for the unloading of your tackle.

Neighbridge (Lake 56) - Some members are still parking along the Poole Keynes road either blocking the gateway to the lake, or the gateway directly opposite of our neighbouring owner. Both are totally unacceptable. When fishing this water please use the official car park and remember, car park stickers must be displayed at all times.




Christmas Match

Please refer to the match fixture list for date and venue. We have prizes and refreshments after the match, when you will also have the opportunity to meet the Club Officers. Any contributions of prizes will be greatly appreciated.




Adult Half season membership

Remember to tell your friends that our half season membership starts November 1st and runs to June 15th.




GWR FM Christmas appeal

We will be supporting this function again this year, with five adult 3 rod half season memberships. The radio auction date is on Sunday, 4 December.




Work parties

Please look for details of our winter work parties either on the website or in your local newspaper. We would really appreciate your help.

Tight Lines

Derek J Whittle, Club Secretary

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October 2004 half-season newsletter

(An extract from the October 2004 newsletter)

Keynes Country Park, entry & exit procedure
The new Keynes Country Park, entry and exit procedure is covered, in detail, on the web pages for, Cokes Pit, Top Pit and Large Lake on this web site and has therefore not been reproduced here.

Vandalism at Keynes Country Park
Are you aware that since May this year the Day ticket station at Keynes Country Park has been vandalised four times, with the lock broken off on three occasions? This causes untold time and effort to correct, distracting us from other progressive issues. Please help your club by being aware this is happening and report any suspicious incidents to myself, a committee member, or to a member of the Keynes Park staff.

Agents
We have a new agent this season for the sale of club memberships in Cheltenham - Cheltenham Angling Centre, High Street, Cheltenham, Glos.

Fish reports
Large Lake (Lake 32) - Mirror Carp 31 lb 12 oz at end of July.

Cokes Pit (Lake 34)- This water is proving excellent for quality Tench, 6 lb and many in the 5 lb size, and also produced a Bream of 9 lb 2 oz.

Top Pit (Lake 31) - Another specimen Perch has come from this water of 2 lb, plus a number around a pound, best 1 lb 6 oz during September.

Thamesmead (Lakes 78a, 78b)- The A lake has again got off to some cracking autumn Roach fishing, with many small Bream showing up in the catches.

Work parties
Please check your local paper, or the web site, for times. All help greatly appreciated with the work generally finishing at midday. Dates so far are: 28 November, 5 December, 30 January 2005 and 20 February. Meet at the Keynes Park Rangers hut at 9 am.

Christmas Match (17 December )
Please refer to your fixture list for date and venue - we have prizes and refreshments after the match, and you have the opportunity to meet your Club Officers. Any contributions of prizes towards the match would be greatly appreciated.

Half Season Membership
Please remember to tell your friends that our Half Season membership starts on 1 November and runs through to 15 June 2005.

Remember also that the fishing on Manor Brook (Lake 59) and Thamesmead 'C' (Lake 72) runs until 31 March 2005.

Keynes Country Park
We continue to be part of a multi-use facility on these waters, please remember, if you have any grievances then report them either to me or the Park Rangers by filling in your incident report form.

50 th Anniversary
We have had several ideas forwarded for this, but it seems that a lakeside seat, with an engraved plate, is the most favourite. A decision on its siting has yet to be agreed, but by the Large lake appears to be the favourite.

Club Match Rules
Will all members please check the Match Rules regarding the fishing of waters on which Club matches are due to be fished. (match dates are given in your club cards)
To remind you, the rules are:-

Match Rule 1. The Committee are empowered to close any portion of water for fishing competitions.
Match Rule 3. No members allowed to fish any water booked for Club Fixture., on date agreed water is closed at 12 midnight prior to match.

Club Vacancies
Peter Young is stepping down as Match Secretary and we will be looking for a person to fill his position at the next AGM.

We also require a member to take over the supervision of the bonfire, on our winter work parties, as Ted Horton is standing down.

Both members have worked hard in their respective roles and will be missed. We are always looking for members to help with the running of the Club, so if you are interested, please contact the Secretary or any committee member.

Tight Lines

Derek J Whittle
Secretary
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Spring 2004

Hopefully by the time you read this season's newsletter you will have experienced some very good sessions on our waters. The theme for this newsletter is to give you as much information of what the club has being doing throughout the season, which as I hope you know, saw us achieve 50 years in existence, a major and most notable achievement. The number of Officers and members of the Committee at the time of writing stands at twelve persons. During the season we have been strengthened on the committee by the addition of new committee members, Dave Drewett, Mike Lucas and David Riley. Although not every item on the committee meeting agenda is interesting, to have such a good depth and variation of fishing knowledge has been extremely valuable for us through this season.

My good news to you to begin with has been the progress we have made with the renewal of our lease for fishing on Keynes Park. The renewal for these waters was due in 2003, but due to unforeseen circumstances it has taken longer than expected, but I am pleased to say that at a meeting held at the Keynes Park, Millennium Centre in October we have been offered a further ten year lease to bring us in line with the length of lease left to run on Neigh Bridge. Our increase in rent is very much comparable to the cost of living and our position is much improved and clearer, as we are in the position of negotiating with a member of the Keynes Park staff, who has a very knowledgeable and considerate view of the requirements of our angling club, as well as of course the requirements of the Water Park itself. A rapport I hope continues for many many more years.

This season we have again supported the GWR Christmas Appeal, by donating five three-rod memberships, which went to the highest bidders. This Christmas I had three people take up the opportunity and obtain membership through this worthwhile activity. We are continuing to be members of the ACA (Anglers Conservation Association), and support the association by purchasing the raffle tickets that we receive from them, unfortunately we have yet to be a winner. In our half season newsletter you will have learnt of our newest agent, Veals Fishing Tackle in Bristol. Many people from this area use postal means for membership, so I hope that this local outlet will help. I have spoken to the shop staff and although business has been slow, word is getting around, which is sure to help increase our membership.

Back in May we where again invited by the Cotswold Water Park to present a stand at the May Day Keynes Park Fete, it was an enjoyable day and as always we where able to give out plenty of advice and information leaflets to interested persons. My thanks, to Caroline Smith, at Keynes Park for making our presence possible.

During July we had one of the worst incidents in the club for some time, when as reported in the Half Season newsletter we lost, through negligence, a very good specimen Common Carp of over twenty pounds from Neigh Bridge. This was through the use of a carp sack that was displaced from the bank side with the Carp still captive. Much searching was carried out and only after a week was the sack and Carp found, still captive, but unfortunately not alive. Your committee debated this at length, taking a further month to obtain members feedback, before coming to the decision, that Carp Sacks are banned till the next AGM. Please note this will be on the agenda.

In August, we were present at the Cokes Pit Open Day, organised by the Cotswold Water ParK. It was chiefly aimed at local persons to give information about the water becoming a local nature reserve. We provided a presence, that allowed those attending to learn of our views and the work that the club has and is doing on the water. A management plan has been drawn up for the water, and the committee were involved in giving their views on the draft plans. Those views were raised at the management meetings, where we have representation. Changes will be made on the lake, centring on environmental issues and the protection of wildlife. Rest assured angling is very much part of the plans, with no loss of our existing rights. Some things to evolve will be better pathways on the south bank, a dip pond for educational use, probably in the S.E corner, bat boxes and management of the number of trees.

During September we went 'live' with our web site, which gives useful information about the Club and its waters. I have spoken to many people from all over the country who have been very pleased with the information available. It is a valuable tool that will I am sure encourage more members to join. Our thanks go to David Riley, a member from Cheltenham for creating and managing the website. Please take an opportunity if possible to visit this site at, http://www:ashtonkeynesanglingclub.info .

Many members bailiff the Club waters, all your officers and committee members carry bailiff cards and official bailiffs of the club from the membership are Steve Drewett and new this season, Paul Birt. I am sure you will be helpful to these persons in the course of their duties and at times difficult decision-making, which after all, are taken to benefit you, the members and safeguard the fishing you enjoy.

When the new 2004/05 Cotswold Water Park Leisure Guide comes out, you will notice that we have gone for a much larger advert, complete with a colour photograph to give us a higher profile. This guide has a print level of about one hundred and forty thousand, so it is very valuable to us as far as advertising is concerned.

E A Licence
Please remember that you will need to renew your Environmental Agency licence which expires on 31 March 2004, this will cost £22. If you are using a third rod, a second licence is also required. Junior members require them from the age of 12, and a Concessionary licece will cost £11.

Again this year we have been active on the bank with our work parties, clearing bushes and trees to make more swims accessible. On Neigh Bridge we should have completed the new steps. A number of initiatives have been implemented by the Water Park to improve the situation with dogs and boat. These are, a trial introduction of a dog swimming area in the Large Lake and the positioning of a boat boom on the Top pit (North lake) to restrict the amount of water that people can sail on. Please remember that in the case of incidents with dogs, it's not the necessarily the dogs fault, but more the case of the owner being the cause of any problems.

Club website - http://www.ashtonkeynesanglingclub.info
The Club is keen to develop the web site into a useful and up to date source of information for anglers fishing, or wishing to fish, Ashton Keynes Angling Club waters.

If the club is to continue to be able to offer the range and quality of fishing available it is essential that we maintain our membership numbers by attracting new members and retaining existing ones. To do this we have to promote ourselves by publicising what we have.We need your help to do this.

We require catch reports information, photographs of catches, perhaps a photograph of your personal best caught on a club water, in fact any snippet of information about the fish and fishing on the club lakes. It would also be helpful if you are able to give any hints or tips on how to fish a particular lake. We do NOT expect you to divulge all your secrets but it is important that some information is made available otherwise how else are we going to be able to promote our club. We will be discreet and respect your confidentiality whenever requested.

At the moment there is an 'Information on Waters' section which gives a brief run down on all the lakes. The aim is to expand this into an individual web page for each lake and, providing the information is forthcoming, details of catches, photographs and even rumours (unsubstantiated reports) of fish caught will be added. For those of you with literary aspirations if you want to write an article about a fishing experience on a club water for the web site, we will publish it.

Please send any catch report information, photographs, articles, etc., to David Riley, who manages the web site.

Contact details are:-

Postal address:
David Riley
12 Bafford Approach
Charlton Kings
Cheltenham
GL53 9HP

ALL photographic material sent WILL be returned ( Please Note, photographs of Juniors will only be accepted for publication on the web site, if accompanied by written consent from a parent/guardian - NO names of juniors or details of their address will be quoted - sorry about that but that is down to the times we live in!)

Good publicity will encourage enough people to maintain our membership numbers and I stress to you all that this is vital to ensure the Club's existence and future aspirations.

We would like to receive more information from members about what they would like from their club, both in the short term or long term. It's your club we will continue to progress as best we can with the information that we receive and the means available. Please e-mail suggestions or write to me.

This season I have had many good fish catch reports given to me, I appeal to you all to spread the word of your best catches, what you enjoy most about our waters etc to help drum up more members. It is in all our interests to help in increasing our membership, and to ensure we cover our operating costs.

Water and Fish Reports

Neigh Bridge
I have reports that a member fishing this water with dead baits during November had six pike in one morning session, biggest was 19 lb, catching a pike of 15 lb on another day.

This lake produced a wonderful Common Carp of 33lb 1oz during the month of May to a Junior member and I have had reports of tench taken in June. Unfortunately the weed growth has been excessive during the late summer once again. In September a Common Carp of 26lb 12oz was reported, along with Mirrors of 23lb and 10lb. These fish where taken during a session that also saw twelve Bream in the 4-5lb mark plus a further nine Tench caught.

Cokes Pit
Tench have been showing well on this lake, reports have been of fish taken in July, best catch report is of 24 fish for 116lb and 21 fish for 105lb. Bream were also taken at the end of July. This lake has been designated as a Local Nature Reserve by the Gloucester County Council, which will mean that the area will be managed with the interest of wildlife and the safe keeping and protection of the environment. We have been advised there will be a management group to which we have been invited to provide a representative.

Top Pit
Best report from this lake so far is of a Carp of 20lb taken in July. During December I have it reported that a superb Pike of 31lb 4oz was caught from this water, the largest I have heard of in years.

The toilets on this lake have been found to be closed by some anglers, I am informed this was because of the soak away being lost due to the nearby gravel extraction being done, but plans by the Water Park are in progress to reinstate this.

Large Lake
Lots of good quality Bream have been reported taken in June plus two Carp of 17lb and 18lb. In July many large Carp have been showing and I have witnessed these fish again in front of the Millennium Centre along with very large shoals of small Perch. From one of our agents I received a report that a Common Carp of 35lbs had been taken.

Have you noticed the exceptional low water level on this lake this winter? I have been informed that it is simply through lack of rain, however it has made it very easy to map the many gravel bars for future reference.

Thamesmead
The 'A' lake produced both Tench and Bream during June and July, with a marked showing of Roach plus Perch in late August. During July a large pike was found by one of our bailiffs, which had been left on the bank side to die. Such a practice contravenes club rules and anyone found handling a fish in such an unacceptable manner will be severely dealt with by the committee. I had reports of Carp of 19lb and 16lb being taken in the month of December.

ManorBrook
Please study your maps for access and parking. We have again had an incident with some anglers, with their car,fishing on one of the banks at ManorBrook where fishing is not permitted.

Nice size Roach were caught during September. Whilst visiting this water at the end of December I witnessed no less than twenty seven Cormorants taking off, food for thought, eh!.

Review of the Seasons Match calendar

Matches started in June with a 3lb 8oz Tench coming out in the Officials match on Thamesmead 'A' lake. June also saw some good Tench in the 3lb bracket show, but it was Bream in the 4lb-6lb size that gave M Openshaw a success in the Summer League on the Large Lake with 15lb 0oz. Still this month produced many Tench, on the Top Pit in the Tench Cup, two fish both 4lb 6oz where caught. As always this match was the best attended with fifteen fishing.

July and the Summer League brought a specimen Tench from the Thamesmead 'A' lake of 5lb 12oz., while on NeighBridge weights where very low at a well attended ACA Trophy. The middle of the month and the Summer League again came up trumps with Tench, best 5lb 9oz showing up, to provide a match win of 9lb 3oz on the Top Pit. The end of July fished well with all Tench making the weights, the Presidents Cup on Large Lake, best 4lb 14oz in a match winning weight of 8lb 5oz to the clubs Match Secretary Pete Young, while two days later two lovely Tench in the 5lb bracket contributing to a match weight of 14lb 3oz was not quite good enough to beat an all Tench catch of 16lb 2oz to Mick Mills held on the members only Cokes Pit. The end of the month ended a purple patch for our Match Secretary who took the honours in the Summer League match at Neigh Bridge.

August and again the Tench showed on Cokes Pit in the Cadman Pairs, with club member G Davies taking five Tench, best 4lb 14oz in a match winning 14lb 9oz. Incidently take a good look at this trophy, it was made and presented to the club by a Mr Wally Cadman and was first won in the season 64/65. The middle of the month and the Summer League again brought sight of Bream, best 4lb 10oz, from the Large Lake and along with Tench in the 3lb-4lb stamp, gave a match winning weight of 17lb 2oz. The Senior Citizens Trophy on the same lake brought a trio of Tench in the 3lb size giving winning success.

Back on the Thamesmead waters on the 'A' Lake, we saw Tench in the 3lb bracket show, to give John Wagner a win with 11lb 8oz, closely followed by a mainly Tench catch of 10lb 7oz. Ten fished this match, all weighing in, with over 47lb of fish being caught. The end of the August and Cokes Pit showed some larger Tench with fish of the 4lb stamp.

Autumn and September, the Thamesmead 'A' Lake shone with all eleven fishing the Roach Cup weighing in , a total of over 34lb caught, with an eventual winner with 8lb 4oz. This month was exceptionally good for Roach on this water. Those successful Summer League matches continued on the Top Pit with three Tench, the best a specimen of 5lb. While at the end of the month, a quality Perch of just over 1lb came from the Top Pit, a water where I have had a number of reports of much larger quality Perch being taken.

October saw the match calendar back on Manor Brook, this water has seen some quality Roach of over 1lb and the days winning weight, mainly Roach, totalled just over 7lb in the Purton Cup. This is one of the oldest trophies presented by R W Crouch Esq and first won in 1957.

This seasons Pike match again fished on Manor Brook did not bring the specimens we know exist in the water, just two small jacks taken on a lure, providing success.

The calendar wound up with the Christmas match, the Arkell Trophy fished on Thamesmead/Manor Brook as a rover, but with at least over thirty centimetres of cold water on the lakes and sudden temperature drops, the quality bags of Roach did not show.

Matches are not well attended, but are fished in a friendly and social able atmosphere. And it's a good way to learn a little more of the individual waters. You will find some experienced anglers participating, willing I am sure, to pass on any advice, especially if you are struggling to catch.

Don't forget to keep your fish reports coming in, and any photographs that you think will be suitable for our website. Some photo's are on show at the Ticket office, Keynes Park.

Acknowledgements

I would like to express special thanks to a number of members, whose support to myself and to the club, has been invaluable.

Pete Young, who has again well managed the match calendar and helped in collating the club membership cards, also to Malcolm Openshaw for his management of the day tickets and Mick Mills for supporting the managing of the matches on the day. To both Ted Horton, whose co-ordination on the Work Parties has led to us having many more accessible swims, and to Ali Swainston, Keynes Park Ranger, for his leadership and support at the work parties. All of the Committee and those members who helped with the Bailiffing Rota, namely Steve Drewett. We will again be appealing for members to help with this task. All that is required is a few hours of your time, on date(s) agreed with me.
To both Pete and Cynthia Young for the organisation of the Christmas fare in the Barn ,after the Xmas match at Thamesmead. There is always a good array of prizes of Spirits and Wines for the winners and it's a good way to meet the officers of your club this time of the year. Finally we must also thank Nick Freeth, for allowing us the use of his Barn for this occasion.

We have vacancies on our Committee, if you would like to be more involved with your club please contact me, I can assure you it can be a very satisfying and enjoyable way to further your angling interest. Meetings are held in ten of the months of the year for about a couple of hours at the Club's headquarters.
I can also recommend the Horse and Jockey Inn where you can be assured of a warm welcome, good beer and an excellent restaurant. Our thanks to Darren Ward at the Inn for continuing to give us the opportunity to hold our meetings there.

Apologies: - In last seasons Spring Newsletter reference to Sharon Dobson should have read, Sharon Selby.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & PRIZE PRESENTATION

This years meeting will be held at the Village Hall, Ashton Keynes on Sunday 28th March 04, starting at 10.0 am, and Coffee and Biscuits will be served. Please can I ask that you be in your seats by this time.

The agenda will include:
1) Review of Club rule No.9 - Retainment of Carp
2) Acceptance of the 2004-2005 Match Calendar
3) Members to be allowed to fish from date of purchase of new membership card at start of season, i.e. not waiting till 16 June.

Proposals from members - Please note Club Rule 21, "Any amendments to Club Rules to be forwarded 14 days prior to the AGM." It is also recorded that any proposals will not be accepted unless the Proposer is present at the AGM.

Only Club members will be admitted and Club rules state that, all votes will be by a show of Cards only.

Subscriptions and membership - Should there be any changes in Club subscriptions at your AGM and you are not able to attend, please phone me on 01793 693461, or visit the club website, or ask at your local agent. It is my intention to have the Club Cards with your agent at the beginning of May.

All trophy winners are asked to attend the AGM, if possible. Presentations will follow after the AGM.

In conclusion, may I wish you all continued success during 2004 with Ashton Keynes Angling Club and I hope to see many of you at our AGM.

Derek J Whittle
Secretary
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October 2003 half-season newsletter

I must start this newsletter by informing you of a very sad incident that happened at Neighbridge during July, in which a member brought to the club's attention that he had found a large Mirror Carp of almost thirty pounds dead and still captive in the Carp sack it had been put in. This matter was discussed at great length by your committee, who also took time to obtain feedback from members, before coming to the following decision, that as from 18.08.03 the use of Carp/Pike sacks are banned until the date of the AGM next year, when the Club General rule 9, will be reviewed. I appeal to all members to support this decision.

I have also had a report of a carp caught at Neighbridge with a broken hook length still attached to the fish, the hook was a barbed type and contravenes rule 26. Bailiffs are aware of this and may question you on your type of hooks that you use, please respect their reasons for enquiring and help us to eradicate this unacceptable practice.

During July a large pike was found by one of our bailiffs, which had been left on the bank side to die, such practice contravenes our club rules and anyone found acting in such a manner to cause unacceptable handling of a fish, or showing a disregard in the future, to any other of our rules will be severely dealt with by the committee.

Agents
We have a new agent this season for the sale of club memberships, Veals Fishing Tackle, 61 Old Market Street, Bristol.

NeighBridge (Lake 56)
This lake has produced a wonderful Common Carp of 33 lb 1 oz during the month of May by a junior member and I have had reports of Tench taken in June. Unfortunately the weed growth has been excessive during the late summer once again.

Large Lake (Lake 32)
Lots of good quality Bream have been reported taken in June plus two Carp of 17 lb and 18 lb. In July many large Carp have been showing and I have witnessed these fish again in front of the Millennium centre along with very large shoals of small Perch. From one of our agents I received a report that a Common Carp of 35 lb had been taken and that a large number of doubles had come from the windsurfing club, Waterlands point. (I must stress however that the bank side of water within the Waterlands area is not within our lease details).

Cokes Pit (Lake 34)
Tench have been showing well on this lake, reports have been of fish taken in July, best catch report is of a 24 fish for 116 lb and 21 fish for 105 lb in the same session. Bream have also been taken at the end of July. This lake has been designated as a Local Nature Reserve by the Gloucester County Council, which will mean that the area will be managed with the interest of wildlife and the safe keeping and protection of the environment. We have been advised there will be a management group of which we have been tentatively invited to provide a representative.

Top Pit (Lake 31)
Best report from this lake so far is of a Carp of 20 lb taken in July. This season a boom has been erected across the lake to confine the boats to an area where they can be readily seen; this boom will be taken out by October and not be put back till the following spring. We were consulted on the best anchoring points and will review the practice after its first year of being in place. The toilets on this lake have been found to be closed by some anglers, I am informed this was because of the soak away being lost due to the nearby gravel extraction being done, but plans by the Water Park are in progress to reinstate this.

Thamesmead (Lakes 78a, 78b)
The 'A' lake produced both Tench and Bream during June and July, with a marked showing of Roach plus Perch in late August and September.

Club Web site
I am pleased to inform you that the club has now its own web site. Our grateful thanks go to David Riley of Cheltenham for his considerable time and effort in creating and managing the site. For those able to access the site it can be found at,
www.ashtonkeynesanglingclub.info
and will be a valuable source of information

Please continue to update me with any reports of fish catches and photographs.
Photographs of junior members that are sent in to appear on the Club's web site will require a short note of consent from parents before inclusion. Names and addresses of junior members will NOT be given on the web site.

Club Matches
I have been instructed to inform you that due to lack of support, the Winter League matches have been cancelled for this season.

Work parties
We will again be having a number of work party dates, these have been given to me as 28.09.03, 19.10.03, 23.11.03, 7.12.03, 11.01.04 and 8.02.04. Please check your local paper or the club web site, for times , confirmation and venue. All help is greatly appreciated, the more people the easier the tasks all round. The work generally finishes at midday.

Christmas Match
Please refer to your fixture list for date and venue. We have prizes and refreshments after the match, and you have the opportunity to meet your Club Officers. Any gifts would be very welcome as prizes.

Half Season
Please remember to tell your friends that our Half Season membership starts 1 November and runs through to 15 June 2004.
Remember also the extended dates for fishing on Manor Brook (Lake 59) and Thamemead 'C' (Lake 72) will run to 31 March 2004.

Keynes Park
We are continuing to be part of a multi-use facility on our waters, please remember if you have any grievances report these to, either myself or the Park Rangers, by filling in your incident report form.

50th Anniversary
We have had several ideas forwarded for this, but it seems most likely that a lakeside seat with an engraved plate is the most favourite; a decision on a suitable site has yet to be agreed.

Tight Lines

Derek Whittle
Secretary
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Spring 2003

This season saw us go forward, with new officers in position, this was due to our past Secretary and Treasurer John Parker retiring from this position after over 42 years as an officer and member of our club.

Well, we have taken on the tasks and I must pass thanks on to John from both Bob New and myself for the way John managed the transfer over, of all the work that these positions entail. During September a party was held at the Keynes Country Park's Millenium Centre to honour John's retirement. Past and present members and family enjoyed an evening with John and were entertained to a 'down memory lane' evening. Your club Chairman presented John with an engraved Barometer for services to the club, and our President presented a bouquet of Flowers to John's wife, Jean. A bar and buffet was laid on, all contributing to a successful evening.

During September we have a mid-season newsletter, giving useful information on catches, diary dates, map updates, etc. These can be obtained from our club agents, (tackle shops or Keynes Park shop). If you are not able to get to one of the shops they can be obtained through myself. (s.a.e please.)

When you read this letter do not forget that your membership extends on to June 15th on some of the lakes, giving you hopefully many more warm and sunny days to continue on the lakes.

EA Licence
Please remember that you will of course need to renew your Environmental Agency licence which expires on March 31 st 2003 which will cost £22. If you are using a third rod, a second licence is also required. Junior members ( require them from the age of 12), and Concession will cost £11.

Next season we will be celebrating our 50th anniversary, I am told this is in October and your committee have been putting forward ideas to celebrate this occasion.

Again this year we have been active on the bank sides at our work parties, clearing bushes and trees to make more swims accessible, evidence of this can be seen on the Large lake on the East bank. Still on this lake have you noticed in the bottom South East corner considerable work being undertaken by the Water Park staff to strengthen the pathway that has been steadily eroded. Vegetation has been planted to knit the soil together and bank side strengthening and back filling will complete the job.

On Neighbridge, we continue to help in improvements to the new steps, and this work will be ongoing.

A number of initiatives are being proposed by the Water Park to improve situations with dogs and boats, and your committee has been briefed on these matters and is following this closely. Have you had your session spoilt by any 'situations'? please remember your report forms and fill them in.

It has been reported to your committee that on a number of occasions groups of persons at Neighbridge have spoilt the pleasure of anglers on the lake by loud music, intimidating behaviour and car racing. This has been reported to our owners and also made known by letter, to the area Police. We have been informed that this car park has a high profile for public misuse and that matters are being made to control the problems.

Also were you effected by the series of Swim Run events organised by the Cotswold Water Park, and held on lakes 31 & 32, notably the first event on June 16th. I have had no complaints on this, from either side, so I presume your enjoyment was not effected by not using the waters on the respective dates. I thank all those who made alternative arrangements and should any further events be held I shall inform you all of the dates, as soon as available. However we shall discuss any events with the interest of our members foremost.

This season I have had many good fish catch reports given to me, I appeal to you all to spread the word of your best catches. what you enjoy most about our waters, etc. to help drum up more members. It is in all our interests to help in increasing our membership. and to ensure we cover our operating costs.

This season we applied for membership of the Cirencester & South Cotswold Sports Council, a body of people who meet in Cirencester about every 3 months. It is a possible forum for gaining approval of grant funding towards equipment, etc. We receive regular minutes of meetings, but at present do not have a delegate to attend meetings. Does someone live locally and have the time to attend to represent our club? Please give me a call if you are able to help.

Water and Fish Reports

Neigh Bridge
Highlight this season was a report of a magnificent 32 lb 4 oz Mirror Carp taken during September. I have been able to speak to Stuart. the captor, and he tells me the fish was taken on Tiger Nut bait fished over a bed of Tiger Nuts, presented using a bait boat to a position well out in the lake.

Please be aware of all your club rules while on this water, a letter was passed to me from our owners to comment on, from a member of the public who sent a damning report of persons at the lake. Although the facts of the letter were confusing no further action has been taken, but we should all be aware that some members of the public will waste no time in making an issue should anyone transgress any of our rules.

Cokes Pit
This Lake has produced some wonderful Tench catches to club anglers Sharon Selby and Hugh White, who reported taking twenty one specimens, some in the 6 lb mark during a five hour session while using corn. Committee member Mick Mills reported a bag of nine Tench for 38 lb in one session, ranging between 3 lb 8 ozs to 6 lb, during July, on Maggot and Castor. Its also been reported to me that Pike have been taken up to 22 1bs.

Top Pit
Again the Tench showed here in numbers with reports of sixteen and eighteen bag sessions to both Sharon Selby and Hugh White, who also found Perch to 2 lb 3 oz. This water has again produced Roach over 2 lb (I can personally confirm this). Pike up to 22 lbs have also been reported, along with some good Carp.

Large Lake
As many of you will have noticed the south car park has been reduced in size and if you have problems in parking then we have been allowed to park inside the Waterlands Wind Surfing Club's car park ( directly to your right on entry and along by the hedge ). Mr Pete Pendlebury has kindly agreed this arrangement and his gate shares the same lock number as in our cards. Please respect this privilege.

Have you seen some of the quality Carp from the balcony of the Millennium Centre opposite the rangers hut yet? I have spotted both Carp and Bream feeding over the gravel bars when the water has been clear.

Thamesmead
Please study your maps for access and parking. We had an incident where an angler with his car at the same spot was fishing on the non-allowed bank of Manor Brook.

The 'B' Lake has been producing some top quality Roach with no fewer than twelve reported in one session to club member Wendy Marner using double caster , while on the 'C' Lake, a specimen of 2lb 13 oz on maggot and caster fell to the same angler. On the 'A' lake during May, a ten fish bag of Bream and Tench totalling 60 lb, with the Tench going to 6 lb and the Bream to 11 lb. During July, the 'B' Lake was reported to have produced, during a session, nine Carp between 1O lb - 2O lb, plus a brace of 21 lb Mirrors. Common of 23 lb and 26 lb plus a number of Tench up to IO lb, all on Tiger Nuts . A further angler reported taking forty Carp during the close season, but he told me the large numbers of Crayfish in the water where a nuisance.

Manorbrook
This lake provided a junior member, 12 year old Luke May of Chippenham with an excellent Pike of 2O lb l oz, falling to free lined half Mackerel, and was covered in January's edition of Anglers Mail. Finally, I have heard that a lot of small silver fish have turned up in match results on Manorbrook, ideal if you are a beginner and like to target these fish.

On the topic of Carp, I am phoned from time to time by members and non-members enquiring for details of information on how our lakes are Fishing, tactics best at the time, reports on catches, etc. As I am no expert on this specialist area, would someone like to act on the clubs behalf and be a contact for this type of information and most importantly help in promoting our Club.

Do not forget to keep your fish reports coming in, and any photographs that could be supplied would be ideal for our club promotional material. Some photo's are on show at the Ticket office, Keynes Park.

Acknowledgements
I would like to express special thanks to a number of members whose support to myself in my first year as secretary and to our club has been invaluable. Pete Young who has again well managed the match calendar and helping in collating the club membership cards, also to Malcolm Openshaw for his management of the day tickets. To both Ted Horton whose co-ordination on the Work Parties has led to us having many more accessible swims, and to Ali Swainston, Keynes Park ranger for his leadership and support at the work parties. All of the Committee and those members who helped with the Bailiffing Rota, to Darren Howell and Steve and Dave Drewett who became Official Club Bailiffs. We will again be appealing for members to help with this task, all that is required is a few hours of your time on date(s) agreed with me. T o both Pete and Cynthia Young for the organisation of the Christmas fare in the Barn after the Xmas match at Thamesmead. There was as always a good array of prizes of Spirits and Wines for the winners and it is a good way to meet the officers of your club this time of the year. Finally we must also thank Mr Nick Freeth for allowing us the use of his Barn for this occasion.

We have vacancies on our Committee, if you would like to be more involved with your club please contact me, I can assure you it can be a very satisfying and enjoyable way to further your angling interest. Meetings are held in ten of the months of the year for about a couple of hours at the club's headquarters. I can also recommend the Horse and Jockey Inn where you can be sure of a warm welcome, they have a much improved atmosphere, good beer and excellent restaurant.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & PRIZE PRESENTATION

This year's meeting will be held at the Village Hall, Ashton Keynes on Sunday 23rd March 03, starting at 10.0 am, Coffee and Biscuits will be served. Please can I ask that you are in your seats by this time.

The agenda will include:
1) Clarification of Match Rule I: Closure of waters for club matches.
2)Acceptance of the 2003-2004 Match Calendar, (Fixture List attached).

Proposals from members, please note Club Rule 21- "Any amendments to Club Rules to be forwarded to the Secretary 14 days prior to the A.G.M.". It is also recorded that any proposals will not be accepted unless the proposer is present at the A.G.M.

Please note only Club members will be admitted and Club rule states that all votes will be by a show of Cards only.

Subscriptions and membership
Should there be any changes in Club subscriptions at your A.G.M. and you are not able to attend, please phone me on 01793 693461, or ask at your local agent. It is my intention to have the Club Cards with your agent at the beginning of May. All trophy winners are asked to attend if possible. Presentations will follow after the A.G.M.

May I wish you all continued success during 2002/03 with Ashton Keynes Angling Club and hope to see many of you at our A.G.M.

Tight Lines

Derek Whittle
Secretary.
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