Branch News 2014

We now have a new meeting venue as from 12th October we will meet at Ilkley Bowling Club, albeit the room is slightly smaller it is warm and the beer is cheap.

2014/2015 Branch Meetings at Ilkley Bowling Club

Behind Nidd Vale Motors on the junction of Skipton Road and Church Street, Ilkley, LS29 9EW, 01943 605002

Click here to find the new venue

Dear All.

Writing this in mid August 2014, I am well aware that there is a lot of fishing to be had before the end of the season but also very aware that the start of the Branch winter programme is coming up fast.

In past years, I have used this opportunity to pass on general Branch news but now we are getting our web site functioning properly, members will be able to catch up with news of Branch events there so keep checking; all will be in place soon.  (Even I can find the Branch web site at www.sta-westyorks.org.uk !!)  We are grateful to Stephen Cheetham for pushing the web site development forward and to Phil Sheridan for his brilliant work on the design, the photography, and keeping the site fresh and up to date.

Our shows programme has been encouragingly successful.  At Burnsall we had a good attendance in view of the wet weather and our stand at the Great Yorkshire was arguably one of the best efforts ever and drew much praise from the show organisers.  We were also at Bingley Show where we could demonstrate solidarity with members who fish the Aire and with clubs, mainly course fishing clubs who hold waters on the Aire and adjacent still waters.

I must also mention the Riverfly sampling project now in the capable hands of Kathleen Roberts.  We were disappointed in not attracting funding to run further training courses for sampling teams and major changes in the organisation at national level frustrated our plans to extend sampling on the Wharfe and establish sites on the Aire.  However, Kathleen is not easily discouraged and is now keeping all existing and potential sampling teams informed and up to date with developments.  Anyone (member or not) who is interested in joining a sampling team should contact Kathleen direct on kathleen.roberts1@btinternet.com

Sadly, the coming AGM on 10^th March 2015 will see a number of long serving Committee members standing down and we urgently need to identify candidates to take on the role of Training Officer, Secretary, Treasurer or Speaker Secretary.  This is your chance to help the Branch continue its good work so if you are interested please have a word with Stephen Cheetham or myself for more information.  Stephen Cheetham has now exceeded the time in office allowed by the Constitution and whilst willing to continue in office is prepared to stand down if the AGM so wishes.

Andrew Lawson, our Speaker Secretary, has engaged a very attractive range of speakers for our winter season.  Details are as follows:-

All meetings are open and anyone interested is welcome as a guest.  The entrance fee remains at £7.00 which includes a supper of pie and peas or sandwiches if ordered 7 days in advance.  Orders to be sent to me as indicated on the attached form.  We normally convene at 7.30pm for half an hour of social chitchat and the speaker takes the floor at 8.00pm; the exception is the AGM meeting as above.

And finally, a special note to members.  Due to spiralling postal and printing costs I will be sending this letter to all Branch members by email if they have registered an email address with head office.  Only those without email will receive a hard copy.  Member should also note that this letter constitutes the required formal notice of the Branch AGM to take place on Tuesday 10^th March 2015 at 7.30pm in the Ilkley Bowling Club rooms.  An agenda will be available from 1^st February 2015 on request.

Your Committee has worked hard to make the Branch activities interesting and relevant and we hope you all enjoy the remaining weeks of the season be your quarry trout, grayling or salmon and we look forward to welcoming your strong support for the winter meetings.

David Bryan.

Honoury Secretary.