Dear members,
As mentioned at various times this year in correspondence to you the members, we had put together a Fisheries Improvement Plan for Combe Pond.
Shaun Ireland was instrumental of both drawing up the plan after committee consultation, getting together all the costings and applying successfully with the Environment Agency to receive a Fishery Improvement Project grant, this along with a contribution from the pond's owner has enabled the club to carry out some vital improvements.
All monies for Fisheries Improvement Projects, are funded by the Environment Agency and comes directly from sales of coarse and trout fishing licences and therefore is ring-fenced for use on coarse and trout fisheries.
The essence of our Improvement Plan was to provide better access to the private bank of the pond, upgrading the pathway, making swims safer, and providing far easier access to the boathouse swim to enable disabled anglers to fish the pond.
The works started on Monday 2nd September, although the weather had not helped, 95% of the works has now been completed with just a few finishing touches required.
A huge thanks to Shaun Ireland and Steve Elliott, who both had spent 10 days working on this project voluntarily, to Steve Chapman, Andy Reed, Sean Crowley, Rob Grant, who also had volunteered their time; and the support from Pete Lemon & Alex Munday who had arranged the plant hire and materials to ensure the project was completed.
We must also thank the Fyning Hill Estate withe their contribution and security throughout and not forgetting a huge thank you to the Environment Agency
You will all see by the photos that accompany this statement the transformation and improvements made to the ponds access for the benefit of you the membership.
All swims shall be available for use from 10:00am Saturday 21st September.
Steve Chapman
PDAC Chairman
Excellent photos of excellent work! Many thanks to all involved.