Shipston Angling Club Chairman’s Report 2020 2020 has been the most disruptive year I have ever known. The Covid epidemic hit us in the spring and has caused problems in fishing throughout the year. We have had flooding several times this year and heat waves in the summer when it was too hot to fish.
The good news is that the club membership has increased by 25 this year. This may be due to Covid as other local clubs have also increased their numbers.
Work has been done on all our river venues, with bank clearing and constructing platforms. Aston Magna lakes have had pegs repaired and a leak on the bottom lake has been stopped. All this work has been done by members. All matches at Aston Magna have been won with bream. The large carp have not fed so we have restocked the bottom pool with small carp.
The Peter Jackson trophy for pensioners over 65 was fished at Aston Magna on Thursdays during the spring and summer. The trophy was won this year by Alan Watkins, second was Les Haines.
The Duck Race, live bands and entertainment at Fish n Frolics had to be cancelled this year because of the Covid restrictions at the time. The Fish n Frolics matches went ahead following the necessary safety guidelines. The winner of the 3 day fishing event was Andy Bruce.
The Cotswold Cup was held at Clanfield on the River Thames this year. Shipston’s 10 man team won this match comfortably.
Shipston matches were well represented by members, with weights well over 100lbs winning at Boddington Reservoir and Meadowlands.
It has been a difficult year running matches because of the Covid rules. Match officials have done a great job with drawing pegs the night before and keeping the correct distance when weighing in.
Committee members have continued meeting monthly using the Zoom system on computers at home.
I hope we will soon be back to normal, enjoying matches without all these restrictions.
The AGM will be in June when club cards will be issued. Matches from April to June will show on the website.
The Committee would like to wish all its members and friends a safe and enjoyable Christmas and a much happier New Year!