Stowe angling club annual general meeting 2018
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 8th May 2018 at Buckingham School
There were 23 members present
Apologies for any committee absences:
Dennis Purr
Matters arising from 2017 minutes:
None
Minutes of 2017 Approval:
Were accepted as true record of the meeting:
Proposed: Mick Taylor
Seconded: Steve Cory
Club Secretary’s report 2018
Firstly, I would like to thank Samantha Gilman for all the years she has supported the club and taken the role of Club Secretary. I would also like to take a moment to thank Dave Gilman too for being the membership secretary for a further year.
Whilst I have had the fortune to hold this additional role for the last year, the position of club secretary and membership secretary are still open and I would respectfully request that our members consider joining the committee and take on one of these roles. This is open to all members young and old.
I would like to thank Dennis Purr and his patient wife for continuing to allow us to use the Silverstone football club monthly for our committee meetings. It goes without saying that this is really appreciated and allows the club to keep running costs to a minimum. It is very much appreciated and again I would like to say a big thank you on behalf of the members and committee.
Now onto our waters;
Radclive
As most of you will remember I am a keen advocate of running water and I had hoped that in joint collaboration with the Environment Agency we would be stocking Barbel into the Radclive stretch this last year.
However, after the Barbel specialists from the EA surveyed our stretch it became apparent the lack of flow and fish holding areas that Barbel prefer meant it would not be viable to stock Barbel in our stretch. They would simply migrate within weeks to other areas more suitable. Full report available on our website.
Whilst I among many was deeply disappointed at the time, in retrospect I was glad as the river has been heavily predated by Otters and sadly our existing fish populations have been reduced considerably and will take several years to recover. On a brighter note it also seemed to eradicate the crayfish issues.
It is however with that sad note that tonight the committee will respectfully action an item to cancel leasing the river, as the monies can be better spent on other waters.
Oxford Water
I am glad to say that the committee has managed to secure Oxford water for a further three-years. A special thank you to our Chairman Graham and Phil Rose for all their patience and effort in securing this extension.
With regard to the Oxford water itself we still had a weed problem last year and we are still beholden to the National Trust who are still investigating a weed eradicating solution that is agreeable to all parties involved. The club has provided several options, which are under consideration.
There was a working party in early May in which the swims were cleared by the committee again, but suspect it will still be down to members of the committee and individual members clearing swims again during the height of summer. On a more positive note there are good catches of fish being reported from the lake over the Winter and Spring.
Jubilee Lake
Since taking on the Lake it has improved year on year. Whilst we have had concerns, regarding predation from Mink and Cormorants in particular, over the last couple of years. The committee has been swift to remove the Mink and the roping of the lake during the winter season has stopped the Cormorant predation that is so evidently affecting so many other lakes in the area around us.
The ropes whilst unsightly did not stop some excellent fishing being had this spring and fishing reports received back say the fish are really healthy and packing on weight. Could I respectfully ask Members to send in Photo’s of their catches to help promote the club via its website.
The ropes were removed from Jubilee on the 29th April during the working party event on the lake.
As some members may remember, last year we were in discussions with the EA and looking to stock an additional 1000 + crucians and Tench.
However, after close monitoring during the hot spells in the summer where oxygen levels dropped considerably, it was decided by the committee that we would not proceed with stocking any more fish in the lake at this time. This is due to the fact that the fish we have already stocked, have breed very successfully, with a large number of catches picking up yearling tench and crucians and last year there was considerable evidence of a 2nd year of successful breeding and it was felt the additional EA stocks might actually be to much for our water at this time.
We did discuss the use of the small pool above our Jubilee Lake as a stock lake. However the farmer is keen to dig this out this year and extend it into a fishing Lake. We would obviously have 1st choice to then lease this water as a club.
As in previous years the club continues its membership of the Angling Trust and is insured for liability through them and we also have access to Fish Legal via our membership.
I look forward to seeing more of our members on the lake this year.
Feedback from members at the AGM.
Chairman’s report
Match Secretary’s report
Last Season saw the return of match fishing, which was a mixture of matches on Oxford Water and Jubilee, two on each lake. The first was held on Jubilee and had a turn out of five members but the second was down to two. This match was won with an impressive 5lb 15oz Bream plus some small roach, which was caught by Mr Brian Boczko. The first match on Oxford Water had four members fishing but like Jubilee the second was again down to two, which I cancelled.
I will again this season, will be holding matches on both lakes and hope they will be better attended. This again will be two matches on both lakes.
Feedback from members at the AGM.
Treasurer’s report
Income was down to £2005 this year with a fall in paying members, however, after all costs the club still has a healthy balance.
Income £2005
Expenses
Rent for Jubilee £1000
Angling Trust x 2 payments £780
Crayfish Traps £96.46
Permits £193
Feed for fish in Jubilee £367.50
Gate Lock £20
Postage £13.92
Portable toilet £50.99
Tools for Trimming £25
Sundries
Including crayfish bait, fuel for mower, signs,
flowers hall rental, water testing kit £210.93
Total Spend £2754.80
Balance at 09/05/17 £2719.79
Income 2017/2018 £2005.00
Grand Total £4724.79
Expenses £2754.80
Balance at 30/04/18 £1969.99
Feedback from members at the AGM.
Membership Secretary’s report
Current membership stands at 55 Adults, 0 Juniors, 2 Children, 5 complimentary, 6 Honorary. Membership remains open.
Membership was down on last year by a disappointing 24 members.
We had 21 people take advantage of the Winslow ticket although I have had no feedback as to how successful it has been.
Winslow had 15 members who took advantage of our ticket last year. Both deals are in place again this year.
Membership fees remain the same with the exception of a new Seniors ticket for the over 65’s set at £30.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) EU law comes into force on the 25th May. Basically it is a data protection law for all individuals within the EU.
It gives citizens and residents control over their personal data and how and who it is used by.
We as a club only use your details for club records and communications. We will not forward or give your email or personal details to any third party. Should we wish to use your personal details for any reason we will email or write to ask permission to do so.
Jubilee Lake has been prepared ready for the season with the ropes having been removed and we have already had reports of Bream up to 5lb showing along with a few tench and odd crucian. The ropes have worked well and we have not seen any evidence of Cormorant predation.
The water temperature has now reached the magical 10 degrees so we will be starting our feeding programme for this season. All our original stock fish showing good weight gains over the last two years.
Hope you have a great year.
Tight Lines
David Gillman
Membership Secretary.
Election of Officers
Graham stood down and Matt Mallett as Vice Chairman asked whether there was, any contenders for Chairman’s role.
Matt then asked the members for a proposer for Graham to stand for a further year.
Graham was proposed by Mick Taylor and Seconded by Steve Cory.
Matt then asked for whether there was any challenges, to the rest of the committee standing again, which there was none.
Tim Grieveson proposed the committee be voted in enblock and Harry Geary Seconded
The committee was then voted back in by all its members.
Committee officers for 2018/19
Chairman Graham Brigginshaw
Vice Chairman Matt Mallett
Treasurer David Ridgeway
Membership Secretary David Gillman
Club Secretary Matt Mallett
Match Secretary Steve Horwood
Committee Members Mick Taylor
Dennis Purr
Phil Rose
Steve Cory
General Propositions
Graham started with what to do with the river.
One member mentioned that he liked the river and it’s why he joined the club as so many are moving to still water only. A good debate was had, but with the predation by Otters and lack of water, it was felt the monies and effort should be focused on Jubilee.
Formal proposal to cancel the river lease was put forward by Mick Taylor and seconded by the chap Phil was talking to but we didn’t know his name.
21 members voted for cancelling the renewal / 2 against
Any other Business
Date of next year’s AGM will be on Tuesday 7th May 2019 at 8.00pm
There was no other business.
AGM closed at 9pm
There were 23 members present
Apologies for any committee absences:
Dennis Purr
Matters arising from 2017 minutes:
None
Minutes of 2017 Approval:
Were accepted as true record of the meeting:
Proposed: Mick Taylor
Seconded: Steve Cory
Club Secretary’s report 2018
Firstly, I would like to thank Samantha Gilman for all the years she has supported the club and taken the role of Club Secretary. I would also like to take a moment to thank Dave Gilman too for being the membership secretary for a further year.
Whilst I have had the fortune to hold this additional role for the last year, the position of club secretary and membership secretary are still open and I would respectfully request that our members consider joining the committee and take on one of these roles. This is open to all members young and old.
I would like to thank Dennis Purr and his patient wife for continuing to allow us to use the Silverstone football club monthly for our committee meetings. It goes without saying that this is really appreciated and allows the club to keep running costs to a minimum. It is very much appreciated and again I would like to say a big thank you on behalf of the members and committee.
Now onto our waters;
Radclive
As most of you will remember I am a keen advocate of running water and I had hoped that in joint collaboration with the Environment Agency we would be stocking Barbel into the Radclive stretch this last year.
However, after the Barbel specialists from the EA surveyed our stretch it became apparent the lack of flow and fish holding areas that Barbel prefer meant it would not be viable to stock Barbel in our stretch. They would simply migrate within weeks to other areas more suitable. Full report available on our website.
Whilst I among many was deeply disappointed at the time, in retrospect I was glad as the river has been heavily predated by Otters and sadly our existing fish populations have been reduced considerably and will take several years to recover. On a brighter note it also seemed to eradicate the crayfish issues.
It is however with that sad note that tonight the committee will respectfully action an item to cancel leasing the river, as the monies can be better spent on other waters.
Oxford Water
I am glad to say that the committee has managed to secure Oxford water for a further three-years. A special thank you to our Chairman Graham and Phil Rose for all their patience and effort in securing this extension.
With regard to the Oxford water itself we still had a weed problem last year and we are still beholden to the National Trust who are still investigating a weed eradicating solution that is agreeable to all parties involved. The club has provided several options, which are under consideration.
There was a working party in early May in which the swims were cleared by the committee again, but suspect it will still be down to members of the committee and individual members clearing swims again during the height of summer. On a more positive note there are good catches of fish being reported from the lake over the Winter and Spring.
Jubilee Lake
Since taking on the Lake it has improved year on year. Whilst we have had concerns, regarding predation from Mink and Cormorants in particular, over the last couple of years. The committee has been swift to remove the Mink and the roping of the lake during the winter season has stopped the Cormorant predation that is so evidently affecting so many other lakes in the area around us.
The ropes whilst unsightly did not stop some excellent fishing being had this spring and fishing reports received back say the fish are really healthy and packing on weight. Could I respectfully ask Members to send in Photo’s of their catches to help promote the club via its website.
The ropes were removed from Jubilee on the 29th April during the working party event on the lake.
As some members may remember, last year we were in discussions with the EA and looking to stock an additional 1000 + crucians and Tench.
However, after close monitoring during the hot spells in the summer where oxygen levels dropped considerably, it was decided by the committee that we would not proceed with stocking any more fish in the lake at this time. This is due to the fact that the fish we have already stocked, have breed very successfully, with a large number of catches picking up yearling tench and crucians and last year there was considerable evidence of a 2nd year of successful breeding and it was felt the additional EA stocks might actually be to much for our water at this time.
We did discuss the use of the small pool above our Jubilee Lake as a stock lake. However the farmer is keen to dig this out this year and extend it into a fishing Lake. We would obviously have 1st choice to then lease this water as a club.
As in previous years the club continues its membership of the Angling Trust and is insured for liability through them and we also have access to Fish Legal via our membership.
I look forward to seeing more of our members on the lake this year.
Feedback from members at the AGM.
- Steve Cory – Said National Trust will mow around the swims soon.
- Graham Brigginshaw noted that someone had got stuck in Oxford water car park and queried Steve Cory on when further gravel being added to the car park and the swims. Steve Cory confirmed this will be soon.
- Allan Hawkins said he has been down Oxford water and used the car park with no issue.
Chairman’s report
- It does not seem possible that another year has passed and we are fast approaching the 2018/19 season. Well what's new or on the horizon for the club?
- I am pleased to announce that we have secured another 3-year lease on Oxford Water which is clearly good news as we were unsure of our future on the water with changes that were occurring within the National Trust.
- During our talks with NT discussions were held regarding the weed problems being experienced on all their waters at Stowe. The NT confirmed that they were investigating the possibility of adding dye to their waters to prevent weed growth throughout the summer. I have asked that should trials go ahead we would like Oxford Water be used as the test subject, it would certainly benefit us. We will just have to wait and see just what happens over the coming months.
- Jubilee Lake continues to thrive and we hope that our feeding programme continues to improve the quality and health of our fish stock and they continue to grow and spawn year on year.
- Our feeding programme will continue throughout the summer months as we have certainly seen the benefits over the last two years, good growth rates, good reproduction and healthy hard fighting fish.
- PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE CODE FOR THE GATE WILL BE CHANGED AS OF THE 1ST JUNE 2018.
- The new number will be printed inside the front cover of your new membership books.
- The ropes are currently still in place but will come off on 29th April at the working party that will begin at 9.00am
- I ask every year for volunteers to attend and make the work easier for everyone concerned, so if you have a spare few hours just to help get our lake looking its best for the new season we would be very pleased to see you. We also have a working party planned for Oxford Water on 6th May which will begin at 9.00am.
- We are currently making enquiries into purchasing otter proof fencing for Jubilee to protect our stock. If we decide to go ahead, then we will certainly be looking for volunteers to help us put this in place.
- Further information will be sent to out to members and posted on our website when available.
- We have also agreed another year’s affiliation with Winslow Fishing Club, where for an extra £5 members can fish Winslow's water at Mursley. For those who don't know the lake it is a picturesque estate type lake set in a quiet valley, the lake is full of lilies and is stocked with some large Tench, Perch, Roach, Rudd, Carp & Pike.
- The fishing is not easy and it can be very frustrating watching the Tench bubbling in your swim and not being able to get a bite, but when it all goes right you can be rewarded with some excellent catches.
- Our two stretches of river at Radclive and Brackley Road continue to disappoint and the committee have taken the view that we should ask members if it is worth continuing to lease these waters and have put a proposal forward for the AGM that "We give up the fishing on the River"
- The reasoning behind this are as follows: -
- The river costs us £300 per year.
- Predation by Cormorants, Otters and the large population of Brown Trout
- Withdrawal of stocking programme as promised by the NRA.
- Lack of members fishing the River
- No feedback on catches.
- Uncertainty about a housing project being proposed at Brackley Road.
- We need your comments regarding this important decision and I would ask that you take a few moments to email me
- at [email protected] and let me know your views or alternatively come to the AGM where this will be put to the vote. This way I can make sure members voices can be heard before the vote is taken.
- Membership fees for this year will stay the same, with the only exception being that Senior's over 65 have a reduced fee down to £30 per year. We had looked at this a couple of years ago, but while we worked to build up Jubilee it was felt that we could not make this change until we knew just how much we needed to get us a fully functioning water.
- Please find attached new 2018/2019 Membership application form.
- Finally just a reminder that our annual AGM will be held at The Buckingham Secondary School at 8pm on Tuesday 8th May. Please come along to hear how we have managed your waters this year, and to express your views on the river issue
- In the meantime, here's to you all having some great catches during the upcoming season
- Tight Lines,
- Graham.
- Graham discussed the River and mentioned that we will be looking to vote tonight whether to keep the River or let it go.
- Mick Taylor confirmed that they will start feeding the fish in Jubilee Lake this Friday 11th May as the waters have now reached 10 degrees.
- Graham mentioned he is meeting the public footpaths lady so we can confirm where it goes around Jubilee Lake.
- Senior Citizens ticket has been agreed to be available at a concessionary rate.
- We have quotes for Otter fencing its going to cost £3500+ for us to do it or £5000+ if the provider does it.
- Some good debate from the members regarding how and why we need it and what ways we are looking to fund the erection of the fence.
- Member asked: Can we ask the Angling Trust will fund us because we would loose the club if Jubilee was predated.
- Mat Mallett agreed to discuss this with Angling Trust.
- It was also mentioned that we will look at support or subsidy from the landowner / farmer.
Match Secretary’s report
Last Season saw the return of match fishing, which was a mixture of matches on Oxford Water and Jubilee, two on each lake. The first was held on Jubilee and had a turn out of five members but the second was down to two. This match was won with an impressive 5lb 15oz Bream plus some small roach, which was caught by Mr Brian Boczko. The first match on Oxford Water had four members fishing but like Jubilee the second was again down to two, which I cancelled.
I will again this season, will be holding matches on both lakes and hope they will be better attended. This again will be two matches on both lakes.
Feedback from members at the AGM.
- Dave Gilman also mentioned that any member can fish the Winslow Matches and any Winslow members can fish our matches.
Treasurer’s report
Income was down to £2005 this year with a fall in paying members, however, after all costs the club still has a healthy balance.
Income £2005
Expenses
Rent for Jubilee £1000
Angling Trust x 2 payments £780
Crayfish Traps £96.46
Permits £193
Feed for fish in Jubilee £367.50
Gate Lock £20
Postage £13.92
Portable toilet £50.99
Tools for Trimming £25
Sundries
Including crayfish bait, fuel for mower, signs,
flowers hall rental, water testing kit £210.93
Total Spend £2754.80
Balance at 09/05/17 £2719.79
Income 2017/2018 £2005.00
Grand Total £4724.79
Expenses £2754.80
Balance at 30/04/18 £1969.99
Feedback from members at the AGM.
- Phil Rose queried why Angling Trust costs have gone up and what it covers. Dave Ridgeway clarified what is covered and the number of members is 51-200 range.
- Query whether we have to pay the fish legal part of our insurance, as Buckingham pay for Angling Trust but don’t pay fish legal. Committee agreed to investigate as that will reduce costs further.
Membership Secretary’s report
Current membership stands at 55 Adults, 0 Juniors, 2 Children, 5 complimentary, 6 Honorary. Membership remains open.
Membership was down on last year by a disappointing 24 members.
We had 21 people take advantage of the Winslow ticket although I have had no feedback as to how successful it has been.
Winslow had 15 members who took advantage of our ticket last year. Both deals are in place again this year.
Membership fees remain the same with the exception of a new Seniors ticket for the over 65’s set at £30.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) EU law comes into force on the 25th May. Basically it is a data protection law for all individuals within the EU.
It gives citizens and residents control over their personal data and how and who it is used by.
We as a club only use your details for club records and communications. We will not forward or give your email or personal details to any third party. Should we wish to use your personal details for any reason we will email or write to ask permission to do so.
Jubilee Lake has been prepared ready for the season with the ropes having been removed and we have already had reports of Bream up to 5lb showing along with a few tench and odd crucian. The ropes have worked well and we have not seen any evidence of Cormorant predation.
The water temperature has now reached the magical 10 degrees so we will be starting our feeding programme for this season. All our original stock fish showing good weight gains over the last two years.
Hope you have a great year.
Tight Lines
David Gillman
Membership Secretary.
- Member asked: Have we put up the GDPR statement on the website.
- Graham confirmed that it will be going on the website tonight.
Election of Officers
Graham stood down and Matt Mallett as Vice Chairman asked whether there was, any contenders for Chairman’s role.
Matt then asked the members for a proposer for Graham to stand for a further year.
Graham was proposed by Mick Taylor and Seconded by Steve Cory.
Matt then asked for whether there was any challenges, to the rest of the committee standing again, which there was none.
Tim Grieveson proposed the committee be voted in enblock and Harry Geary Seconded
The committee was then voted back in by all its members.
Committee officers for 2018/19
Chairman Graham Brigginshaw
Vice Chairman Matt Mallett
Treasurer David Ridgeway
Membership Secretary David Gillman
Club Secretary Matt Mallett
Match Secretary Steve Horwood
Committee Members Mick Taylor
Dennis Purr
Phil Rose
Steve Cory
General Propositions
Graham started with what to do with the river.
One member mentioned that he liked the river and it’s why he joined the club as so many are moving to still water only. A good debate was had, but with the predation by Otters and lack of water, it was felt the monies and effort should be focused on Jubilee.
Formal proposal to cancel the river lease was put forward by Mick Taylor and seconded by the chap Phil was talking to but we didn’t know his name.
21 members voted for cancelling the renewal / 2 against
Any other Business
Date of next year’s AGM will be on Tuesday 7th May 2019 at 8.00pm
There was no other business.
AGM closed at 9pm