Dear Members
I hope you have had a great season so far and enjoyed your fishing across our waters.
This season has been a real success.
We started out with a clear 5-point plan.
- Fill our Committee vacancies. 2. Control costs and invest sensibly. 3. Increase our Membership. 4. Maintain our key waters 5. Replenish fish stocks.
We have seen our membership numbers recover and welcomed over 30 new members this season.
We listened to members feedback from our listening groups and responded to all requests.
The Club introduced bait boat licences and have now over 30 members using them on our 2 main waters.
We worked with the Angling Trust following the sightings of an otter on Little Budworth.
Due to safety concerns, we have introduced “No Fishing” from the wall at Oulton Mill.
Work parties on Little Mill have installed electric fences and gates that have helped improve water quality and stopped bank erosion caused by the cattle, tree branches have also been cleared improving swim access.
Work parties on Little Budworth have changed the access to the water, built new style pegs and cleared reed beds.
We have spent a significant amount of money on fish stocks this year for the Dell, Kelsall Pit, Little Mill and Little Budworth. Some amazing carp have been introduced into Little Budworth which the Committee are really excited about.
We have Environment Agency nettings planned for Little Budworth, this will help restocking and movement of fish into Little Mill. Our plan next season is to focus on investing time and money into Little Mill so we can develop the water we own.
Our relationship with Hampton Springs has gone from strength to strength in just 1 season, and we now have access to 2 waters, Oasis and Poplar. A brilliant addition to our membership and offers our members a fantastic match water. Please see here for Match Dates.
Finally, we have bought a bench for the Parish Council in Little Budworth for allowing us to install a container to store our equipment.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NOTES
INTRODUCTIONS – Committee & Bailiffs were introduced to members.
Apologies from Dave Kennerley, Niel Boaz, Chris Atkin, Phil Gresty, Martin Murrell, Phil Hales, John Goulding Steve Andrews.
- Chairman’s Report – Brian Meesham welcomed everyone to this year’s AGM and thanked everyone for attending.
Brian explained we have had a very calm and successful season settling the new Committee in place and building a new team.
He described that the primary reason for bringing forward today’s meeting was the need to advance the Membership Renewal Process giving us more time due to postal issues experienced last year, reduce costs and agree on membership renewal prices for the coming season. - Secretary & Treasurer’s Report – Jonathan updated the members with the expenses this year, and the fact we are in a strong financial position.
We have been very successful promoting and recruiting new members, controlling spend and thanks to Mike Potts, we have trained and rolled out 32 new bait boats licences.
We have also built our relationship with Hampton Springs and now have the shared access to both Poplars and Oasis Pools from 2nd Feb 2025.
Otter sighting investigated and dealt with early in the season.
Gratitude acknowledgement to: –
Richard Heath and Titch – for their work party support on Little Budworth.
Bryan Perks for his patience whilst we transition.
David Kennerley for producing our previous Membership Books.
The new Social Media Policy update introduced last season has been a great success. Culturally we have had no complaints or causes for concern.
Committee WhatsApp Group – We have effectively launched and used this media to communicate quickly to resolve issues without having to call expensive meetings.
Membership Update – Dan Costello – Brilliant job done last year, and we have actively promoted and recruited new members making up last year’s deficit.
We now have 373 Members.
Bait Boats Licences issued 32.
We will start a trial for Membership Renewal Process from March, this is to avoid Easter and May Bank Holiday delays. This was a major irritant to Members last season, and a significant cost to the Club re-issuing Memberships lost in the post.
New Style Membership – Mark Finley
Due to the rising costs of processing Memberships Renewals and member updates (£360 for Books and £500+ Postage) this likely to increase year on year, we have voted to change from an annual Book to a permanent Card.
Our Membership Book is treasured and collectable memorabilia, so this change has not been taken likely, but in order to keep this affordable, Mark Finley has sourced and designed a replacement for us. Click here for instructions on how to complete your new card.
This change will pay for itself within 1 Season. Saving the Club £1000 a year ongoing.
All updates going forward will be via our website and email. - Fish Update – Chris Butters explained the investment in restocking our waters this year has again been significant, in the region of £10k.
We have committed to restocking the Dell, Kelsall Pit, Little Mill and Little Budworth.
We have purchased, Carp, Tench, Crucian Carp, Roach and Grass Carp. £4000 of carp alone.
Next season we will be netting Little Budworth and moving stock to Little Mill. - Bailiffs – Head Bailiff Dave White (Season update)
Mike Potts B3 / Dan Costello B3/ John Booth – B3/ Chris Butters- D/ Nigel Ball / Brian Messham. - Trustees – Andy Lenihan / Nigel Ball / Bryan Perks.
- Work Parties – Co-ordinator Steve Andrews
Latest works on Little Mill – Electric Fence / Little Budworth Stage Work. Future dates to be provided on website and email. - Club Waters – Confirmed, Little Mill/ Oulton Mill / Little Budworth / Llangollen Canal/ Poplars Pool & Oasis – Hampton Springs / Kelsall Pit / SU Canal / The Dell / Farm Pit.
- Day Tickets – Prices Held This year.
Day Tickets £10 / Night Fishing 1 = £20 2 = £30
Must Have Toilet Facilities to night fish.
Tickets available from Brian Messham / Nigel Ball / Chris Butters. - Membership Renewals and Joining Fee
Full Member £80 / Senior Member £45 / Joining Fee £40
Total Joining Fee for a New Member £40 +£80 = £120
Bait Boat Licence £30
Match Fishing – Simon Woodfine / J Woodfine.
Entry fee 5hrs Match = £7 / 2.5hrs Match £4.50
Now Held at Hampton Springs.
- Election of Officers
President – Mick Clays
Vice President – Paul Roden
Chairman – Brian Messham
Vice Chairman – John Booth
Secretary – Jonathan Carrington
Treasurer – Paul Costello
Membership Co-ordinator – Dan Costello
Safety Officer – John Booth
IT Manager / Club Welfare Officer – mark Finley
Match Secretary – Simon Woodfine James Woodfine
Committee Members – Dave Stubbs / Dave Blackwell
Suggested – 2 Open Members places – (Non-Voting – Just attending)
All positions voted for with 100% voted carried until January 2026.
AOB
Audit – Julian Tatton – Agreed
Match Dates click here
Work Parties TBC
Updates to Rules of Fishing
Rule 15 Membership Card Must be carried at all times.
No.27. No fishing off the wall at Oulton Mill
No. 28. No swimming or use of watercraft on any club water
Updates to Constitution
Face to Face New Member Interviews now allowed.
Tarporley & District Angling Club 