The Match series is underway and excess weed has been tackled in work parties but what happened to the goose?

The Match series started in September

The first of the two matches in the Match series began in September with an early draw at 7am. The first match was fished by three anglers, one of whom is our regular Associate member Chris Shepherd. The amount of weed currently in the South Pond stops anglers from presenting their bait correctly on the north bank, unless a clear patch of water is found. As a result, all matches are currently being fished on the south side only. The swims on Station Road pegs 13 to 19 went into the hat and after the draw the anglers were well spread out, with Chris on peg 13, Roger Pilling on peg 16 and Andy Weavil on peg 18.

After feeder fishing during the match with either pellet or bread on the hook it was time for the weigh-in. Chris weighed in 7 lb 71/2 oz, Roger weighed in 31 lb 2oz of carp and Andy weighed in 2 lb 2oz. Points were awarded according to place. The winners, Chris, picked up 10 points for the Associate Cup and Roger 10 points for the Club Cup. Andy collected 7 points towards his Club Cup total.

Roger Pilling	Peg 16	31 lb 2oz	10 Points
Andy Weavil	Peg 18	2 lb 2oz	8 Points
Chris Shepherd (A)	Peg 13	7 lb 7.5oz	10 Points

Everyone caught at least one carp in Match 2

The second match in the series was better attended with six anglers turning out for the early draw and the same pegs went into the hat. Roger drew his favourite peg 13, Steve Edge, the club secretary, drew peg 14, with Chris on 15. Rod Langthorne, our other regular associate, drew peg 16, Andy on peg 17 and Paul Collins on peg 18. As always the methods fished were a feeder towards the centre of the pond or a waggler for the smaller fish. The weather remained dry and warm (at least for those in the sunshine). For those anglers who sat in the shade for five hours it remained quite chilly. At the weigh-in all anglers caught at least one carp and the final weights were:

Paul Collins	Peg 18	13 lb 3oz	10 Points
Steve Edge	Peg 14	10 lb 1oz	8 Points
Roger Pilling	Peg 13	9 lb 3oz	7 Points
Andy Weavil	Peg 17	2 lb 4oz	6 Points
Rod Langthorne (A)	Peg 16	9 lb 10oz	10 Points
Chris Shepherd (A)	Peg 15	7 lb 7.5oz	8 Points

Work parties have now cleared excess weed

South Pond clear of weed

Between matches during September two work parties took place with the intention of trying to remove some of the red milfoil that has taken over the South Pond over the past two years. The Parish Fishing Club purchased a weed razor which has an 11ft handle to reach out from the bank or to the depths if used within the boat. The idea of the razor is to push and pull it along the base of the weed and the cut weed floats to the surface. The other purchase was for a large 36 inch rake that can be made to float so the cut weed can be collected. Both were used to good effect by wading in front of the swims and the majority of all the swims were cleared out to 11ft. The South Pond is very silty and although the depth of the pond is shallow the silt is very deep so wading out to cut weed has to be done with caution.

The boat purchased with funds from the Parish Council was also put to good use, and Roger and Steve were seen recently rowing around collecting weed whilst Paul remained weed cutting in the margins.

Some of the weed appears to be dying off and large clumps have been seen floating in the margins and other areas. All this weed has now been collected by Steve and Paul so that it does not break down, sink and starve the water of oxygen. After many hours of raking a large pile was pulled up the bank to dry off and rot down.

Pile of collected weed

What happened to the other goose?

Tragedy struck during the summer with the death of one of the pair of white geese which had adopted the South Pond and roundabout. Nicknamed Dave and Davina, they were in fact both female geese who looked out for each other when grazing or crossing the road. One of the geese was reportedly attacked and killed by a dog which was not on a lead. The body was taken to the vets but nothing could be done for it. Since then the survivor has looked rather lonely, still crossing the road to graze on the fresh grass on the roundabout. The pair of geese had become quite a feature and talking point in Bishop's Waltham. Since the death it has become one of the most frequently asked questions, with concern about the loneliness of the survivor and whether it will get another companion.

Dave and Davina in happier times

November and December activities

The Match Series continues through the autumn and winter, with the Silver Fish match in December and the Hangover match at year end.

The full set of competitions is in the latest version of the Match Calendar which can be downloaded from the website.

Joining the Club

If you are interested in joining the club please contact our membership secretary Cathy Naylor on 07934-895513, or contact our chairman Roland Palmer (after 6pm) on 01489-894063 for an application form, or download one from our website. The membership year runs from mid-June. Membership is open for renewals and new members. Applications can be done by downloading a 2015-16 form from the website and sending, with an SAE, to our membership secretary (details above and on the web site).

Membership is open to anyone who lives in Bishops Waltham, plus a number of Associate membership places (for those living outside the Parish). Priority is given to Parish membership (especially juniors), but anyone living outside of the Parish wishing to join should contact Cathy for an Associate Membership space for the 2015/16 season.

It is rare for anglers not to catch fish at the pond, which makes it ideal both for more experienced anglers and for youngsters starting out. As a mixed fishery, with fish like carp, roach, rudd, bream, perch and the odd eel - there is something for everyone. There are carp to 10lb plus, many between 6lb and 8lb, lots of roach, bream and also perch over 1lb. If you love your fishing and don’t want to travel far then join us - your local club. Its always nice to see new anglers on the bank and hopefully we will also see you at the matches.

Club web site

For more information about the club and its activities, the club's web site can be found at:

www.bwpfc.org.uk

Paul Collins and Barry Jerome