Applications to join for the new membership year are now open

Work parties have raised some of the fishing swims, more work to do

Fishing swim/peg numbers 1, 3 and 6 have been raised, repaired and infilled with rubble. They now await covering with wood chip to make a more pleasant (and environmentally friendly) surface for fishing from. On Station Road, swim numbers 13, 14, 15 have also been infilled with rubble and are awaiting wood chippings. Swim number 18 which was raised from work parties last year also needs infilling with wood chip.

The remaining fishing swims and the pathway on Winchester Road bank still need addressing. This will be at future work parties planned for April, May and June.

Work has started on building the eel pass

The trees and undergrowth adjacent to fishing swim 19 on Station Road have been felled and partially cleared by the building contractors. This is in preparation for the new culvert and eel pass from the South Pond to the drainage channel in the Beechcroft development. The route has been marked across Station Road.

The eel pass has been evaluated by the Environment Agency (EA) to be at a gradient which eels can manage but will not allow migratory fish to ascend.

Some good roach and carp caught

Good roach and carp have been reported by individuals fishing. Competition fishing has continued to be suspended, because since October many fishing swims have been flooded and swims could not be fairly allocated. Once the remedial work on raising the height of the fishing swims has been completed this will be overcome and match fishing can start again for the new season (new membership year starts in June).

May and June activities

Work parties will continue during May and June to complete the remedial work on raising the height of the fishing swims. This work was agreed with the EA to gain grant funding towards the total cost. With enough volunteers this should be completed ready for the new membership year.

Joining the Club

Membership applications for the new year (2023-24 season) are now open. The membership year runs from mid-June. If you are interested in joining the club applications can be made by downloading a membership form from the website and contacting Roland Palmer, who is also acting temporarily as membership secretary, at membsec@bwpfc.org.uk. Further details are on the website http://www.bwpfc.org.uk.

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 can request an Associate Membership place if spaces are available.

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