A new season and seven matches fished to date, poor weather impacted the "summer" matches

Evening Match Series completed despite difficult conditions for two matches

Despite a ‘non-summer’, the Evening Match Series was completed. This competition is fished for a combined weight per competitor. Matches 1 and 4 were fished in good weather. Matches 2 and 3 suffered from heavy rain resulting in poor catches and even fewer members electing to compete. The winner was Joey Sylvester, who fished every match; landing a total of 36 lb-13oz. Second was Steve Edge with 28 lb-10oz, only fishing matches 1 and 4. He landed over 23oz in the final match using luncheon meat and curry powder hook bait, with a ground bait feeder. Third place was Associate Chris Shepherd with 24 lb-3.5oz total over the four matches but he landed a mere 3 ounces for match 4. The total combined weights came to 117 lb-3.5oz. About 10 years ago that would have been a single angler’s catch in one match! The feeder dominated. Andy Weavil caught a nice perch at 16.5 oz during match 4.

Mid-Summer match

The new Mid Summer Match also suffered from poor weather and an early start, with only Andy Weavil and Chris Shepherd competing with low weights resulting. Considering Chris travels from Alton for each match, he deserves a medal for turning up and puts local anglers to shame! Andy does live locally, always fishes, and has assumed the mantle of ‘Match Steward’, managing draws and overseeing the weighing in and recording of catches. Thanks Andy.

Junior & Adult Match

Another new event was the Junior and Adult Match. The concept being an adult would assist a junior in fishing - or vice versa. EA licences would be applicable and one or the other would have to be a club member. Juniors would be awarded a prize irrespective of results. Chris Shepherd and his 2 grandsons Hayden and Luke Merritt fished as well as Hayden Bucket, grandson of Andy Weavil. Thanks to all and also to ‘Prof’ Moriarty and Steve Edge, who both assisted with the event. A pity there were not more takers but the youngsters enjoyed themselves.

Carp Only match

More recently, the annual Carp Only Match was completed. Any other species that were hooked were not weighed in. The draw at 6:30am meant numbers were low. However, it was dry with a warm start, becoming very warm (except swim 19 'The Fridge'). Six members drew pegs for the match. All favoured feeder tactics and just over 124 lbs of fish were weighed in at the end. Most angler's weights were in double figures. Joey Sylvester (swim 15) weighed in 17 lb-9 oz., Chris Shepherd (13) came third with 19 lb-5oz, second Steve Edge with 30 lb-5oz (un-fancied swim 19 - and it was cold) but Roger Pilling (17) stole the competition with a formidable 46 lb-9oz. Roger acknowledged using Steve’s luncheon meat and curry powder feeder tactic at distance. Half a tin on the hook is a little OTT though! We don’t have Barbel! Congratulations to Roger.

Martin Eustace Memorial Match.

Pleasant weather for 2 or 3 days preceded this match. Nights were not cold either. Unfortunately the fishing proved disappointing during the four hour match. Feeder tactics were preferred although Chris Shepherd also fished with a distance waggler. He must have eyesight like a hawk.

First was Roland Palmer with 17 lb-5 oz from swim 14. Second was Joey Sylvester on swim 18 with 9 lb-3 oz which included a Carp to 8 lb-3 oz (this could be a contender for the Tom Duke trophy). Andy Weavil, acting Match Secretary landed 7 lb-5 oz from swim 13 to finish third. On what is regarded as a good swim (17) was Chris Shepherd. This season, however, 17 has fished erratically and Chris weighed in 2 lb-6 oz for fourth position.

New Notice Boards Installed

We now have new notice boards in place around the South Pond with information about club activities. The previous notice boards were vandalised and the club is grateful to the Parish Council for a grant for replacements.

October & November activities

The Match Series started in September and there are two matches in October and two more in November. The winner of the Match Series is the angler with the most points at the end of the season choosing their six best results from eight possible matches. This approach allows for the possibility of missing a match or two due to holidays or other commitments.

Joining the Club

If you are interested in joining the club please contact our membership secretary Cathy Naylor on 07934-895513 for an application form. Alternatively, applications can be made by downloading a membership form from the website and sending, with an SAE, to our membership secretary (details above and on the web site). The membership year runs from mid-June.

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.

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

Steve Edge and Barry Jerome