| Bothwell and Blantyre Angling Club |
|
Latest COVID-19 News - Updated 2 June 2020
I'm sure that we are all aware of the latest advice from the Scottish Govt as we prepare for a return to angling. It is here.
The club council is considering how we move forward in light of the travel advice. Alastair has written to members, and the letter is here.
Outings are unlikely to commence until we enter Phase 3 of the Scottish govt's route map out of lockdown.
In the meantime, my own thoughts are:
Scottish Govt is set to move to Phase 1 following an end-of-cycle review due on 28 May 2020
Note: This move may not happen on 28 May and may be later.
Travel when we move to Phase 1:
You will be permitted to travel short distances for outdoor leisure and exercise but advised to stay within a short distance of your local community and travel by walk, wheel and cycle where possible.
This advice is amplified as meaning ‘broadly within 5 miles’ in the route map, but on Friday 22 May the First Minister noted that this guidance would not be enforced rigidly.
Summary:
Please re-start angling responsibly following any announcement on 28 May or thereafter.
Follow Scottish Govt advice as explained above and as you understand it.
Follow advice from any commercial fishery you chose to use
Reflect well on the B&BAC and the wider angling community in everything you do.
If in any doubt at all, stay at home.
The club council is considering how we move forward in light of the travel advice. Alastair has written to members, and the letter is here.
Outings are unlikely to commence until we enter Phase 3 of the Scottish govt's route map out of lockdown.
In the meantime, my own thoughts are:
Scottish Govt is set to move to Phase 1 following an end-of-cycle review due on 28 May 2020
Note: This move may not happen on 28 May and may be later.
Travel when we move to Phase 1:
You will be permitted to travel short distances for outdoor leisure and exercise but advised to stay within a short distance of your local community and travel by walk, wheel and cycle where possible.
This advice is amplified as meaning ‘broadly within 5 miles’ in the route map, but on Friday 22 May the First Minister noted that this guidance would not be enforced rigidly.
Summary:
Please re-start angling responsibly following any announcement on 28 May or thereafter.
Follow Scottish Govt advice as explained above and as you understand it.
Follow advice from any commercial fishery you chose to use
Reflect well on the B&BAC and the wider angling community in everything you do.
If in any doubt at all, stay at home.
National Update - 2015
Many congratulations to Laurie T and Ian G who competed in the National Heat at the Lake today (12 May). Laurie caught 6 fish and Ian 5 to finish 5th and 9th respectively. Both anglers qualified comfortably for the semi finals. Jackie N is also in the semis, fishing under the Sharp Gentles banner. Willie E (for Fish Hawks), Paul W and Jimmy K (both for Sharp Gentles) didn't make the semi final cut, but congratulations to all and good luck to all our members and friends for the rest of the heats and into the semi finals. Full details here.
Barrie fished his heat on 21 May, but didn't make it thru'. Next time, Barrie.
Barrie fished his heat on 21 May, but didn't make it thru'. Next time, Barrie.
New Club Hat!
The new hat is now available from David O or Tom B
Competition Time
Name the Bothwell and Blantyre angler on holiday this winter, and win a new club hat!
Answer - Keith J
Answer - Keith J
Council Meeting News - AGM and Dinner will be on 10 Dec 14
The Annual Dinner will be held on 10 December 2014 at Hamilton Golf Club at 6.45 for 7pm. The Dinner will be preceded by the AGM, which will start at 6pm. The council agreed to hold annual subs at £20, with the entry fee remaining at £30. Audited balance sheet will be presented to the AGM. Provisional bookings have been made as follows for 2015:
Carron Reservoir 6th June and 18th July
Loch Leven 29th August
Frandy Reservoir 18th April and possibly 16th May
Linlithgow Loch 4th July and possibly 19th September
Black Loch 25th April and possibly 24th May
Lake of Menteith 28th March, 7th May, 25th June and 13th August
NOTE - Actual dates now on the 2015 Competitions page
The council will propose that David O be elected President for a 2 year term and that Willie E is elected VP for a 2 year term. Keith J will lose his position on Council as Past President, Alastair S taking that place. Keith has indicated he is not unwilling to remain on Council as an elected member if that is the wish of Club members at the AGM. Notification of any other matters to be discussed at the AGM should be forwarded to the Secretary as soon as possible.
Members will receive notice of the AGM and Annual Dinner in the usual manner. However, members may wish to be aware that the cost of the Annual Dinner will this year be £30, and will note that this is more than in the last 2 years. Members who attended recent AGMs will know that the Council decided to subsidise the cost of the Annual Dinner in each of the last 2 years. This was in support of a decision made by the Club Council to reduce the working cash balance available to Treasurer. Subsidising the cost of the dinner was seen as an equitable way of doing this. The Council has been successful in this in that the working balance has been reduced by some £400 in the last 2 years. Hence the Annual Dinner in Dec 2014 will be run on a cost neutral basis. The cost of the dinner charged by Hamilton Golf Club to the Club is £24.95 per head. The Club has allowed £1.50 per head in the form of a tip to Golf Club staff and the remaining £3.50 will allow wine to be placed on the table for members. The cost of the dinner to members is therefore £30. Please also note this pricing includes the standard Hamilton Golf Club 2014 festive menu of 4 courses, rather than the 3 we have had in previous years. The Council hopes you will support our Annual Dinner on this basis and with a full understanding of the costs involved.
Carron Reservoir 6th June and 18th July
Loch Leven 29th August
Frandy Reservoir 18th April and possibly 16th May
Linlithgow Loch 4th July and possibly 19th September
Black Loch 25th April and possibly 24th May
Lake of Menteith 28th March, 7th May, 25th June and 13th August
NOTE - Actual dates now on the 2015 Competitions page
The council will propose that David O be elected President for a 2 year term and that Willie E is elected VP for a 2 year term. Keith J will lose his position on Council as Past President, Alastair S taking that place. Keith has indicated he is not unwilling to remain on Council as an elected member if that is the wish of Club members at the AGM. Notification of any other matters to be discussed at the AGM should be forwarded to the Secretary as soon as possible.
Members will receive notice of the AGM and Annual Dinner in the usual manner. However, members may wish to be aware that the cost of the Annual Dinner will this year be £30, and will note that this is more than in the last 2 years. Members who attended recent AGMs will know that the Council decided to subsidise the cost of the Annual Dinner in each of the last 2 years. This was in support of a decision made by the Club Council to reduce the working cash balance available to Treasurer. Subsidising the cost of the dinner was seen as an equitable way of doing this. The Council has been successful in this in that the working balance has been reduced by some £400 in the last 2 years. Hence the Annual Dinner in Dec 2014 will be run on a cost neutral basis. The cost of the dinner charged by Hamilton Golf Club to the Club is £24.95 per head. The Club has allowed £1.50 per head in the form of a tip to Golf Club staff and the remaining £3.50 will allow wine to be placed on the table for members. The cost of the dinner to members is therefore £30. Please also note this pricing includes the standard Hamilton Golf Club 2014 festive menu of 4 courses, rather than the 3 we have had in previous years. The Council hopes you will support our Annual Dinner on this basis and with a full understanding of the costs involved.
New - A Competition!
Easy as pie. Have look at the photo on the left. It shows a large stretch of free beach, a club President and a club Past President (who is driving, but for LEGAL reasons can't be named, although his initials are KJ). For the avoidance of doubt, the President and Past President (both standing) are in the boat which is out on the water, and please note that the boat has not one, but 2 engines fitted. Considering the driver's experience and the fact that he has 2 motors to assist him to guide the boat, please mark on the photo where he chose to park the boat. Answers will be revealed after the Frandy outing.
Answer: He smacked it hard into one of the boats on the beach. I kid you not.
Answer: He smacked it hard into one of the boats on the beach. I kid you not.
AGM and Annual Dinner - 5 Dec 2013
The AGM and Dinner will be held at Hamilton Golf Club on Thursday, 5 December 2013. At the AGM, the council will propose adoption of a new version of the Club constitution. The proposed constitution may be downloaded here:
Proposed Amended Constitution
This is effectively a tidying up exercise, deleting a few paras now not relevant to the club, recognising that we fish exclusively from boats and that we fish 2 rather than 3 to a boat.
The minutes from the 2012 AGM may be found on the meetings and documents page, which is password protected. If you need a reminder of the password please email or call me. David.
Proposed Amended Constitution
This is effectively a tidying up exercise, deleting a few paras now not relevant to the club, recognising that we fish exclusively from boats and that we fish 2 rather than 3 to a boat.
The minutes from the 2012 AGM may be found on the meetings and documents page, which is password protected. If you need a reminder of the password please email or call me. David.
News in Brief
The Club failed to gain a place in the semi final of the Scottish Clubs competition. Ian G, Paul W and Willie E were just one fish short - great effort, lads. Details are here (Heat 7). Many congratulations to Ian G on making it through to the Champion of Champions competition to be held later in the year.
Paul W endured a hard day in the Scottish National Semi Final at carron, but in the end had to bow out gracefully. Well done on getting that far, Paul and good luck next year - the stats suggest you will qualify! Details are here.
Butterstone seems to be rising Phoenix-like from the ashes. Some details are here, but a statement on the Butterstone Facebook page goes as follows:
We are happy to announce that Butterstone Loch Fishing will be reopening as of the 1st July 2013. There will be 10 boats available to fish along with one wheelyboat. Day sessions will be from 10.00 AM - 5.00 PM (Tues-Sun) with fishing available in the evening from 6.00 PM to dusk (Thurs-Sat) The fishing lodge will now become home to Land Rover Experience Scotland with meeting and conferencing facilities available. For more information on the fishing please contact us on 07803 378070 (available from Monday) or email butterstonefishing@gmail.com. For more information on the Land Rover Experience please contact us on 01350 727720, or email info@landroverexperiencescotland.co.uk.
Make of that what you will, but it is a pity they messed so many clubs about early in the season.
Paul W endured a hard day in the Scottish National Semi Final at carron, but in the end had to bow out gracefully. Well done on getting that far, Paul and good luck next year - the stats suggest you will qualify! Details are here.
Butterstone seems to be rising Phoenix-like from the ashes. Some details are here, but a statement on the Butterstone Facebook page goes as follows:
We are happy to announce that Butterstone Loch Fishing will be reopening as of the 1st July 2013. There will be 10 boats available to fish along with one wheelyboat. Day sessions will be from 10.00 AM - 5.00 PM (Tues-Sun) with fishing available in the evening from 6.00 PM to dusk (Thurs-Sat) The fishing lodge will now become home to Land Rover Experience Scotland with meeting and conferencing facilities available. For more information on the fishing please contact us on 07803 378070 (available from Monday) or email butterstonefishing@gmail.com. For more information on the Land Rover Experience please contact us on 01350 727720, or email info@landroverexperiencescotland.co.uk.
Make of that what you will, but it is a pity they messed so many clubs about early in the season.
Dr Sandy Wilson
The Club was saddened to hear of the death of Sandy Wilson on the evening of 17 Feb 2013. Our thoughts remain with Sandy's family. Sandy's funeral will be held on Monday 25 Feb at 11.30 at Hamilton Old Parish Church and thereafter at South Lanarkshire Crematorium.
Sandy was our longest surviving active member, having first fished with the Club in the mid 1950s. An Honorary Member of the Club, Sandy was a fierce competitor, finishing 2nd in the Club Championship in 1993 and 3rd on 3 occasions in the 1980s. President Alastair notes that Sandy was a lifelong friend and fellow supporter of the Gaelic language. He was a remarkable character and one of the last of a disappearing generation. Sandy was also the Hon Life President of Hamilton Accies FC, having served as the Football Club doctor for some 30 years. RIP, Sandy.
Sandy was our longest surviving active member, having first fished with the Club in the mid 1950s. An Honorary Member of the Club, Sandy was a fierce competitor, finishing 2nd in the Club Championship in 1993 and 3rd on 3 occasions in the 1980s. President Alastair notes that Sandy was a lifelong friend and fellow supporter of the Gaelic language. He was a remarkable character and one of the last of a disappearing generation. Sandy was also the Hon Life President of Hamilton Accies FC, having served as the Football Club doctor for some 30 years. RIP, Sandy.
AGM - December 2012
The AGM and dinner were held in early December 2012 and were very successful. The AGM ran remarkably smoothly, with the major news being the election of Alastair Struthers as President for a nominal 2 year term and the adoption of the constitution amendment noted below which changes the scoring system used by the club. Hamilton Golf Club provided an excellent dinner, which seems to have been enjoyed by all.
Proposal to amend the Constitution and Rules of the Bothwell and Blantyre Angling Club
The Council proposes the following amendment to the Constitution and Rules:
Delete the current Para 20 in total.
Insert the following new Para 20.
20a. Points will be awarded to competitors in Club competitions as follows: 10 points to the angler who wins the competition, 9 points to the angler who finishes in 2nd place, 8 points to the angler who finishes in 3rd place, etc, until 1 point is awarded to the angler who finishes in 10th place. In the event of a tie for a place or places the total place points available to the anglers in the tie will be divided equally between these anglers.
20b. Place points allocated to anglers will decide the Club Championship. Anglers will be permitted to count their best 8 scores in the calculation of the Club Championship table, assuming that 12 competitions are fished each year. Should this figure vary, the Club Council will decide, prior to the first competition of the season, the maximum number of scores to be counted towards the Club Championship. This figure should be not less than a minimum of two-thirds of the total number of competitions. (eg 8 from 12). The member having the highest number of permissible points in any season will be the Club Champion until the end of the following season.
This amendment will be presented to the AGM on 3 Dec 2012.
Delete the current Para 20 in total.
Insert the following new Para 20.
20a. Points will be awarded to competitors in Club competitions as follows: 10 points to the angler who wins the competition, 9 points to the angler who finishes in 2nd place, 8 points to the angler who finishes in 3rd place, etc, until 1 point is awarded to the angler who finishes in 10th place. In the event of a tie for a place or places the total place points available to the anglers in the tie will be divided equally between these anglers.
20b. Place points allocated to anglers will decide the Club Championship. Anglers will be permitted to count their best 8 scores in the calculation of the Club Championship table, assuming that 12 competitions are fished each year. Should this figure vary, the Club Council will decide, prior to the first competition of the season, the maximum number of scores to be counted towards the Club Championship. This figure should be not less than a minimum of two-thirds of the total number of competitions. (eg 8 from 12). The member having the highest number of permissible points in any season will be the Club Champion until the end of the following season.
This amendment will be presented to the AGM on 3 Dec 2012.
A few snippets - Fishing, Council Meeting, 2012 Provisional Dates and AGM/Dinner
David O will represent the Club at the (modestly entitled) Champion of Champions Competition at the Lake on Friday 14 Oct. Willie E will also be there representing the RAF Fish Hawks
The Council met on 4 Oct 2011 and, among other things, agreed to close the membership list for the time being. We have a good number of active members at the moment and any more is likely to strain the boat booking system for the waters we fish.
The Council agreed that the Club would fish to fishery session times in 2012
The Council agreed that the subject of Catch and Release would be discussed at the AGM.
The AGM will be held on Wed 7 December 2011 in the Hamilton Golf Club Clubhouse. The Annual Dinner will follow at 7pm for 7.30.
Provisional dates for 2012 are as follows:
31 Mar - LoM
14 Apr - Frandy
28 Apr - Butterstone
Change -Thurs 10 May - LoM - Change
26 May - Frandy
9 Jun - Carron (7 Boats)
Thurs 21 Jun - LoM
7 Jul - Butterstone
21 Jul - Carron (7 Boats)
Thurs 16 Aug - LoM
25 Aug - Leven (5 boats) (Does not count to Club Championship)
Council Outing Thurs 7 Jun - Dunwhan (3 boats)
* All dates Saturday unless stated
** 10 boats booked unless stated
2011 fishery session times were:
LoM - 9.30 - 5.30pm
Frandy - 9 - 5 pm
Butterstone - 9 - 4.30pm
Carron 9 - 5pm
Please note - all still provisional.
The Council met on 4 Oct 2011 and, among other things, agreed to close the membership list for the time being. We have a good number of active members at the moment and any more is likely to strain the boat booking system for the waters we fish.
The Council agreed that the Club would fish to fishery session times in 2012
The Council agreed that the subject of Catch and Release would be discussed at the AGM.
The AGM will be held on Wed 7 December 2011 in the Hamilton Golf Club Clubhouse. The Annual Dinner will follow at 7pm for 7.30.
Provisional dates for 2012 are as follows:
31 Mar - LoM
14 Apr - Frandy
28 Apr - Butterstone
Change -Thurs 10 May - LoM - Change
26 May - Frandy
9 Jun - Carron (7 Boats)
Thurs 21 Jun - LoM
7 Jul - Butterstone
21 Jul - Carron (7 Boats)
Thurs 16 Aug - LoM
25 Aug - Leven (5 boats) (Does not count to Club Championship)
Council Outing Thurs 7 Jun - Dunwhan (3 boats)
* All dates Saturday unless stated
** 10 boats booked unless stated
2011 fishery session times were:
LoM - 9.30 - 5.30pm
Frandy - 9 - 5 pm
Butterstone - 9 - 4.30pm
Carron 9 - 5pm
Please note - all still provisional.
The Midland Reservoirs Trip 2011 - 22 - 24 August 2011
The Archbishop of Canterbury
Tom B and David O are going to fish the Midland Reservoirs on 22 - 24 August 2011, travelling down on 21st, returning on 25 August. We have booked rooms at the Premier Inn at Norman Cross, on the A1 near Peterborough and equidistant between Rutland and Grafham - £29 per person per night. The plan is to to fish Rutland, Grafham and Pitsford on the Anglian Waters 3 day discount ticket, but final fishing choices will be made when we know where is fishing best - might even have a day on Ravensthorpe if necessary and the others are fishing hard. This is by way of an open invitation to B&B members to join us - book your accom and come along - the more the merrier.
Council Outing - Dunwan, 9 June 2011
Five Council members braved the winds of Eaglesham Moor to enjoy a fine days angling , courtesy of the Dunwan syndicate. We had a relaxed start, with scones to start the day rather than being fought over after dinner! It was pretty breezy, but perfectly fishable given a decent drogue. Eric was into fish early, capturing a superb overwintered rainbow of over 3lb early on, and following this up with another 3 fish before lunch. Keith was enjoying his own fine conversation while catching and releasing lots of hard fighting brownies. Gilbert and Tom were struggling a wee bit in comparison, but still boated a few fish. The action was all top of the water with floaters and midge tips being favoured, coupled with such traditionals as clan chiefs and muddlers. After a very relaxing lunch David tried a claret sedgehog and set about eating into the lead Eric had established in that boat. Keith continued to add to his tally and Gilbert and Tom took another couple. The final tally was 29, with Keith having released 10 fish, Eric taking 3 and releasing 5, David releasing 8 and Gilbert and Tom taking a few. Eric's bag of 2 overwintered rainbows and a lovely brown of 1 and a half pounds secured the President's Prize for the best basket of the day. Our thanks to the Dunwan boys for their hospitality and to The Swan at Eaglesham for a lovely meal.
Home International - Orkney 10 June 2011
Details of the Orkney International Team are here.
The SANACC report will follow, but an excellent report from the OTFA with pictures is here.
The SANACC report will follow, but an excellent report from the OTFA with pictures is here.
Scottish Club Championship - Eight and a Half Ounces
The Bothwell and Blantyre AC was knocked out of the Scottish Clubs Competition on Saturday night by a very narrow margin. In a strong heat of 14 clubs, Ian, Keith and David acquitted themselves well in coming 4th but only the top 3 clubs qualified for the semi finals. We knew there were likely to be fish holding in Gateside Bay and towards the Rockery, and that there were fish in lots of other areas if the could be tempted to take a fly. The cold easterly wind was not very encouraging, but discussion in the car park seemed to suggest good numbers of fish caught during the day. The boat draw was favourable, with David on the engine with Chris Rock, a former Scotland youth team angler, Ian with James Fairlie, a current Scotland youth team member and Keith with Alan Daisley. David took Chris to 'off' Rookery Point and drifted towards Stable point, taking 6 fish shared equally in the first drift. Ian was into fish at Kate's Brae early on and Keith similarly in Hotel Bay. It then got a lot harder! Ian ended up with 3 fish, with BP James bagging up on shuttlecock yellow owls, while David and Keith each finished off just after 10.30 with late fish in the Hotel Bay area - both took some time to get that last fish, with David losing the 'fifth fish' twice! Cat boobies, buzzers and blobs all featured in the flies used column, and as we weighed in there was to be a nervous wait until results time.
In the end it was not to be, and David also missed out on the heaviest fish by 2 oz, his 3 lb 8 oz full-tailed rainbow not being quite good enough. There was however the consolation of a Champion of Champions place for finishing as 4th individual on the night.
Full details are here.
In the end it was not to be, and David also missed out on the heaviest fish by 2 oz, his 3 lb 8 oz full-tailed rainbow not being quite good enough. There was however the consolation of a Champion of Champions place for finishing as 4th individual on the night.
Full details are here.
Dancer update
Here's one for all you YD fans! (Shakes head sadly!) Larger version in the 2011 Photos page.
Scottish National Report
There is a report on the Preliminary Round of the Scottish National in the Blog Section
Lake of Menteith Sustainability - Catch and Release
I have copied the text below from the Lake of Menteith website. Perhaps this will provide food for thought for Bothwell and Blantyre anglers
You will see from our tariff page that our keep limit is usually 5 fish per individual. The world’s wild marine fish stocks are facing increasing pressure from over exploitation, with a consequent associated and steep rise in the price of fishmeal and more specifically fish oil, the major components in the diet of our pond and pen reared trout. In the interest of our sport, the fishery hopes that a reduced limit of 2 or 3 (or less) fish per individual should be considered as a sufficient maximum “unofficial bag limit”, with catch and release thereafter. Our is to maintain stocking rate but boost catches by returning more fish. Catch cards will be provided for competitions. We should only keep fish when appropriate, so that their food worth is correctly appreciated. Few people care more about fish than anglers. I appeal to you to help to pressure your MP and MSP in matters concerning fish conservation, with particular reference to the potential role in conservation and angling tourism, that Marine Protected Areas (no commercial fishing) could play along our coast and in the oceans. The fishery works closely with government bodies to safeguard the sustainability of the Lake’s recreational and nutritional resource, and continues to apply pressure to the legislative process to ensure that all fish feed is sourced from sustainably managed resources.
Quint Glen (mgr)
The fishery recommends that in the interest of our sport, 2 or 3 fish should be considered as a sufficient maximum “unofficial bag limit” with catch and release thereafter. Anglers (e.g. SANACC - 3 fish limit, SANA - 0 fish limit but if anglers want the fish they can take some for the pot but they do not count for the comp), have been leading the way in this respect and all the major competitions now plan to fish to a reduced limit in 2011. The fishery will provide catch and release cards.
The relevant page on the Lake of Menteith website is here
Please use the blog page on the Bothwell and Blantyre website to comment on this matter as you see fit. Any debate is useful.
You will see from our tariff page that our keep limit is usually 5 fish per individual. The world’s wild marine fish stocks are facing increasing pressure from over exploitation, with a consequent associated and steep rise in the price of fishmeal and more specifically fish oil, the major components in the diet of our pond and pen reared trout. In the interest of our sport, the fishery hopes that a reduced limit of 2 or 3 (or less) fish per individual should be considered as a sufficient maximum “unofficial bag limit”, with catch and release thereafter. Our is to maintain stocking rate but boost catches by returning more fish. Catch cards will be provided for competitions. We should only keep fish when appropriate, so that their food worth is correctly appreciated. Few people care more about fish than anglers. I appeal to you to help to pressure your MP and MSP in matters concerning fish conservation, with particular reference to the potential role in conservation and angling tourism, that Marine Protected Areas (no commercial fishing) could play along our coast and in the oceans. The fishery works closely with government bodies to safeguard the sustainability of the Lake’s recreational and nutritional resource, and continues to apply pressure to the legislative process to ensure that all fish feed is sourced from sustainably managed resources.
Quint Glen (mgr)
The fishery recommends that in the interest of our sport, 2 or 3 fish should be considered as a sufficient maximum “unofficial bag limit” with catch and release thereafter. Anglers (e.g. SANACC - 3 fish limit, SANA - 0 fish limit but if anglers want the fish they can take some for the pot but they do not count for the comp), have been leading the way in this respect and all the major competitions now plan to fish to a reduced limit in 2011. The fishery will provide catch and release cards.
The relevant page on the Lake of Menteith website is here
Please use the blog page on the Bothwell and Blantyre website to comment on this matter as you see fit. Any debate is useful.
AGM and Dinner - Take 2
The AGM and Dinner were held successfully at the 2nd attempt at Hamilton Golf Club on the evening of 15 December 2010. The AGM elected Keith Jackson as President for a 2 year term with Adam Park taking over as Vice President. Gilbert will remain as Secretary, but will be shadowed by Tom Boseman who will take over from Gilbert in due course.
21 Club members enjoyed an excellent Dinner, with a fine speech by the President who toasted the Club. Paul Wilson was presented with the Club Championship trophy and a raft of other medals and cups. Adam closed the evening with a well presented and comprehensive vote of thanks.
Pictures and minutes to follow.
21 Club members enjoyed an excellent Dinner, with a fine speech by the President who toasted the Club. Paul Wilson was presented with the Club Championship trophy and a raft of other medals and cups. Adam closed the evening with a well presented and comprehensive vote of thanks.
Pictures and minutes to follow.
AGM, Dinner and Next Season
The AGM and Annual Dinner and Prize Giving will held on Wednesday 8 December at Hamilton Golf Club in Ferniegair. The AGM will start at 6pm, with the dinner to follow at 7pm for 7.30pm. Vice-President (and President-elect) Keith will propose the toast to the Club at the dinner and Adam will propose a vote of thanks.
The AGM will see Vice-President Keith proposed as President for the usual 2 year term and Adam will be proposed as Vice-President for a similar 2 year term. A vacancy will arise on the Council of Management and the Council will propose that Tom is elected to that vacancy. Other nominations for that post will be welcomed at the AGM.
Our hardworking Secretary and Treasurer has announced his intention to retire from that post soon after the AGM, but has made many of the necessary preparations for the smooth running of the Club for the next season. David agreed to take on the role of the Secretary and Treasurer in the absence of any other nomination. However, that appointment is not without some difficulties (in that David does not know where he will be living from Nov 11 (for the avoidance of doubt, that means November 2011 - sorry if I confused certain people!)) and any other member who would consider assuming the responsibility of Secretary and Treasurer is urged to contact Gilbert or David to discuss the matter in the first instance.
Planned Competitions - 2011 Season - Provisional
Sat 2 Apr 11 - Lake of Menteith
Sat 16 Apr 11 - Frandy
Sat 30 Apr 11 - Butterstone
Tues 10 May 11 - Lake of Menteith
Sat 28 May 11 - Frandy
Sat 11 Jun 11 - Carron
Thurs 23 Jun 11 - Lake of Menteith
Sat 9 Jul 11 - Butterstone
Sat 23 Jul 11 - Carron
Thurs 18 Aug 11 - Lake of Menteith
Additional Loch Leven outing (not part of Club Championship)
Possibly Sat 27 Aug 11- Loch Leven - but may be September
Please note that these dates remain provisional
The AGM will see Vice-President Keith proposed as President for the usual 2 year term and Adam will be proposed as Vice-President for a similar 2 year term. A vacancy will arise on the Council of Management and the Council will propose that Tom is elected to that vacancy. Other nominations for that post will be welcomed at the AGM.
Our hardworking Secretary and Treasurer has announced his intention to retire from that post soon after the AGM, but has made many of the necessary preparations for the smooth running of the Club for the next season. David agreed to take on the role of the Secretary and Treasurer in the absence of any other nomination. However, that appointment is not without some difficulties (in that David does not know where he will be living from Nov 11 (for the avoidance of doubt, that means November 2011 - sorry if I confused certain people!)) and any other member who would consider assuming the responsibility of Secretary and Treasurer is urged to contact Gilbert or David to discuss the matter in the first instance.
Planned Competitions - 2011 Season - Provisional
Sat 2 Apr 11 - Lake of Menteith
Sat 16 Apr 11 - Frandy
Sat 30 Apr 11 - Butterstone
Tues 10 May 11 - Lake of Menteith
Sat 28 May 11 - Frandy
Sat 11 Jun 11 - Carron
Thurs 23 Jun 11 - Lake of Menteith
Sat 9 Jul 11 - Butterstone
Sat 23 Jul 11 - Carron
Thurs 18 Aug 11 - Lake of Menteith
Additional Loch Leven outing (not part of Club Championship)
Possibly Sat 27 Aug 11- Loch Leven - but may be September
Please note that these dates remain provisional
Rutland, Grafham and Help for Heroes
Tom and David travelled south last week to fish Grafham and Rutland Waters, and represent the B&BAC at the Help for Heroes Charity Pairs competition held at Rutland Water on Sat 14 August 2010. A full report of the trip will appear in the Blog section, but suffice to say we caught 27 fish between us over 3 days in less than ideal conditions. The H4H match was a great success, with some £12,000 being raised for that charity. We finished 22nd out of 40 pairs, beating some illustrious opposition and weighing in the same number of fish on the day of the match as did World Champion Iain Barr and his boat partner, Simon Kidd. Ask Tom how many more fish he caught than John Wilson and Charles Jardine added together! There are some match pics here, on Cliff Waters Fishypics website.
Pat Soutter
It is with great sadness that I have to report the passing of Pat Soutter at the grand old age of 94. Pat was one of a very few honorary members of the Club, an honour not given lightly. While Pat has not fished with us recently he was an 'ever present' at the AGM and Dinner, and until fairly recently was the Club Minutes Secretary. His wise counsel and gentle humour will be sadly missed. I have written to Mrs Soutter expressing the sadness that I'm sure is felt by all of us who knew Pat.
David
David
Fundraising for the Macmillan Cancer Support - Loch Carron - 12 June 2010
Latest - cheques sent to Macmillan and now acknowledged - the letter of thanks is here
12 June 2010 saw the Macmillan Cancer Support Charity 'Big Fish' event. Details are here:
Macmillan Cancer Support Big Fish
I am delighted to report that Bothwell and Blantyre Angling Club members have raised over £160 towards the charity. We agreed to have sweep and a raffle for prizes donated by Club members, who were exceptionally generous in their support of the event. A raffle was held prior to fishing and prizes of wine, whisky, book, flies and many other items raised over £100, including a few donations from some members who couldn't be present on the day. The sweep for a variety of prizes raised an additional £60. Sweep winners were:
Biggest fish prize went to Alistair with a fine rainbow of 4lb.
David P and Jimmy K won the prizes for the best boat with a total of 9 fish for 18lb exactly.
The prize for the smallest legal fish weighed in went to Billy G with a brown trout. Nuff said!
Gilbert and Sam took the other prizes for the most relaxed boat of the day.
Well done to everyone. I will report the final total in due course. Thanks again for your support.
12 June 2010 saw the Macmillan Cancer Support Charity 'Big Fish' event. Details are here:
Macmillan Cancer Support Big Fish
I am delighted to report that Bothwell and Blantyre Angling Club members have raised over £160 towards the charity. We agreed to have sweep and a raffle for prizes donated by Club members, who were exceptionally generous in their support of the event. A raffle was held prior to fishing and prizes of wine, whisky, book, flies and many other items raised over £100, including a few donations from some members who couldn't be present on the day. The sweep for a variety of prizes raised an additional £60. Sweep winners were:
Biggest fish prize went to Alistair with a fine rainbow of 4lb.
David P and Jimmy K won the prizes for the best boat with a total of 9 fish for 18lb exactly.
The prize for the smallest legal fish weighed in went to Billy G with a brown trout. Nuff said!
Gilbert and Sam took the other prizes for the most relaxed boat of the day.
Well done to everyone. I will report the final total in due course. Thanks again for your support.
Macmillan Cancer Support
The Macmillan Big Fish event (see here) takes place on 12 Jun 10. The Bothwell and Blantyre AC is on Carron that day and Carron is one of the participating venues. Quite what this means for us, I'm not sure. However, I'm sure we might be able to do something to raise a bit of cash for the charity.
Gents
Some of us discussed at the last competition having a wee fundraiser in support of the Macmillan Big Fish event. The Big Fish is 12 June, which ties in with our Carron outing. So, if you would like to particate, and you are going to Carron, please bring along some a Prize to add to the pool and some spare cash. We will have a sweep, with prizes as follows:
Heaviest Bag
Biggest Fish
Smallest Fish
Lowest weight Bab - NB - not a blank!
(Any other suggestions?)
I suggest at least a pound to enter this sweep, but a fiver would be better!
The rest of the prizes can then be raffled. I will bring some raffle tickets. £1 per strip.
If you are not going to the Carron outing, but would like to donate, please let me know.
Regards,
David
Gents
Some of us discussed at the last competition having a wee fundraiser in support of the Macmillan Big Fish event. The Big Fish is 12 June, which ties in with our Carron outing. So, if you would like to particate, and you are going to Carron, please bring along some a Prize to add to the pool and some spare cash. We will have a sweep, with prizes as follows:
Heaviest Bag
Biggest Fish
Smallest Fish
Lowest weight Bab - NB - not a blank!
(Any other suggestions?)
I suggest at least a pound to enter this sweep, but a fiver would be better!
The rest of the prizes can then be raffled. I will bring some raffle tickets. £1 per strip.
If you are not going to the Carron outing, but would like to donate, please let me know.
Regards,
David
Sad News
Sir Donald Maclean, immediate past President of the Bothwell and Blantyre Angling Club, passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning, 1 May 2010. Donald had been suffering from a number of underlying health problems which had built up over the last few years, but it was a gall bladder complication that got him in the end. While he hadn't fished with us for a couple of years, Donald attended the recent 125th Anniversary dinner and the Civic Reception. He will be sadly missed by many, not least me. As President, Donald guided the club in a gentle and caring manner, was always prepared to listen carefully to ideas and suggestions before invariably choosing the right course of action or inaction. Donald's wife Margaret remains in our thoughts. The Herald obituary is here.
Meetings and Documents Page Added
I have added a meetings and documents page to the website (15 Nov 09). Minutes of the last 2 AGMs are currently available to download in Microsoft Word format. I will add further documents over the next few days. The documents page is password protected. If you need a reminder of the password please let me know. David.
Bothwell and Blantyre Angling Club Hats - now available
The decision was taken at the last council meeting to go ahead with the production of a commemorative hat (or cap, if you prefer) to mark the 125th anniversary of the Club. There are self explanatory pictures of the hat below. The official description of the colour of the hat is burgundy and dark green, but the President's wife reckons the main colour is raspberry rather than burgundy! The Club Council would like to express thanks to Past President Donald for his assistance in the production of the logos for the caps.
Hats available from David or Gilbert, price £8 each or £15 for 2.
(No clubbing together to buy 2 between two of you!)
Hats will be available at the AGM/Dinner
Hats available from David or Gilbert, price £8 each or £15 for 2.
(No clubbing together to buy 2 between two of you!)
Hats will be available at the AGM/Dinner
Overall view of the new BBAC hat
Badge detail - please note that the hat colour in this picture is not accurate!
Rear buckle and detail
News Update - 21 Sep 09
Quite a lot has happened in the last month, so here's a round-up of the things I can remember. If I miss anything, please feel free to let me know!
26 August 2009 - Glasgow and District Inter Club Competition. The B&BAC was represented by Paul and Ian at this competition, with David being in attendance to help the Glasgow and District Secretary. The day started very wet, but did improve a bit. Good numbers of fish were caught, with Paul's 6 and Ian's 4 placing the Bothwell and Blantyre in the top half of the 12 Clubs represented at the competition. Dries accounted for a good number of fish, and the usual Menteith nymphs, including the fully dressed orange one, took fish. The day was rounded of with a fine meal at the Lake Hotel. (Yes, you did read that correctly!)
5 Sep 09 - Take 1
The Club fished Loch Leven on 5 Sep 09. It was a pretty windy day on the big Loch, and those of who ventured down towards St Serfs had a pretty hairy return journey. 8 anglers managed to catch nothing in the course of the day, but we didn't do too badly - one other group of 9 anglers failed to catch! The Loch didn't live up to recent hype and tales of sizable brownies were unproven. However, all was not lost and a good meal was enjoyed at the Green Hotel, with plenty of post fishing banter.
5 Sep 09 - Take 2
Ian represented the B&BAC at the Scottish National Final on 5 Sep 09. Paul was his boatman on the day. Ian fished hard in the company of his Orkney friend Sandy, but his 4 fish were not quite good enough to finish in the top 20 and win a cap in next year's international season. However, it was a great achievement to reach the final 48 anglers in Scotland and our best wishes go with Ian as he tries to go 1 better next year.
11 Sep 09
Friday 11 Sep 09 saw 56 Anglers from Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales take to the water on the Lake for the 2009 Autumn International. The Scottish team had prepared well and were raring to go. Your intrepid correspondent was there as a boatman and was fortunate to draw Andy MacKay (Scotland) and Liam Buckley of Ireland in his boat. Andy took the helm and immediately made for the seedy sex shop that is Reedy Bay (ask Adam!). This plan was fruitful as the Scottish angler took 3 fish in the first 45 minutes, including a double shooter of which 1 was landed. A move closer to hotel bay saw more fish taken around lunchtime, including 1 for Liam who looked at one point as if he might be facing a whitewash. Andy then directed the boat between Hotel Bay and the north end of the Butts where both anglers caught fish consistently, mainly on dries. By the appointed finish time time of 6pm Andy had accumulated 11 fish and Liam 4. Andy contributed to a fine Scottish win by over 30 fish and some 69 lbs weight, showing that there is no substitute for local knowledge. I was delighted to hear that Andy also won the Brown Bowl for the top individual angler on the day, ahead of a number of anglers catching 10 fish. It was a great way to spend a day and see how the real anglers do it.
15 Sep 09
David is pleased to report that the RAF won the Annual Inter Service competition. He contributed 4 trout to the RAF total of 80, beating the Army's 74 fish into 2nd place. The Royal Navy took part too!
18 Sep 09
Paul fished the Scottish Clubs semi final with Kingglassie, but, I understand, didn't quite do enough to get through. The opposition was very strong on that day.
26 August 2009 - Glasgow and District Inter Club Competition. The B&BAC was represented by Paul and Ian at this competition, with David being in attendance to help the Glasgow and District Secretary. The day started very wet, but did improve a bit. Good numbers of fish were caught, with Paul's 6 and Ian's 4 placing the Bothwell and Blantyre in the top half of the 12 Clubs represented at the competition. Dries accounted for a good number of fish, and the usual Menteith nymphs, including the fully dressed orange one, took fish. The day was rounded of with a fine meal at the Lake Hotel. (Yes, you did read that correctly!)
5 Sep 09 - Take 1
The Club fished Loch Leven on 5 Sep 09. It was a pretty windy day on the big Loch, and those of who ventured down towards St Serfs had a pretty hairy return journey. 8 anglers managed to catch nothing in the course of the day, but we didn't do too badly - one other group of 9 anglers failed to catch! The Loch didn't live up to recent hype and tales of sizable brownies were unproven. However, all was not lost and a good meal was enjoyed at the Green Hotel, with plenty of post fishing banter.
5 Sep 09 - Take 2
Ian represented the B&BAC at the Scottish National Final on 5 Sep 09. Paul was his boatman on the day. Ian fished hard in the company of his Orkney friend Sandy, but his 4 fish were not quite good enough to finish in the top 20 and win a cap in next year's international season. However, it was a great achievement to reach the final 48 anglers in Scotland and our best wishes go with Ian as he tries to go 1 better next year.
11 Sep 09
Friday 11 Sep 09 saw 56 Anglers from Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales take to the water on the Lake for the 2009 Autumn International. The Scottish team had prepared well and were raring to go. Your intrepid correspondent was there as a boatman and was fortunate to draw Andy MacKay (Scotland) and Liam Buckley of Ireland in his boat. Andy took the helm and immediately made for the seedy sex shop that is Reedy Bay (ask Adam!). This plan was fruitful as the Scottish angler took 3 fish in the first 45 minutes, including a double shooter of which 1 was landed. A move closer to hotel bay saw more fish taken around lunchtime, including 1 for Liam who looked at one point as if he might be facing a whitewash. Andy then directed the boat between Hotel Bay and the north end of the Butts where both anglers caught fish consistently, mainly on dries. By the appointed finish time time of 6pm Andy had accumulated 11 fish and Liam 4. Andy contributed to a fine Scottish win by over 30 fish and some 69 lbs weight, showing that there is no substitute for local knowledge. I was delighted to hear that Andy also won the Brown Bowl for the top individual angler on the day, ahead of a number of anglers catching 10 fish. It was a great way to spend a day and see how the real anglers do it.
15 Sep 09
David is pleased to report that the RAF won the Annual Inter Service competition. He contributed 4 trout to the RAF total of 80, beating the Army's 74 fish into 2nd place. The Royal Navy took part too!
18 Sep 09
Paul fished the Scottish Clubs semi final with Kingglassie, but, I understand, didn't quite do enough to get through. The opposition was very strong on that day.
Club Championship - Tight as a Tight thing
The Club Championship is roaring to an exciting conclusion - see the Current Standings page for the latest situation as we go into the final competition of the season at the Lake on 20 August. Adam needs one point to overtake Ian, but Paul is only 2 behind Ian. Keith is 4 points behind, looking for a win to tie with Ian, but that needs Adam not to gain a point, or Paul to finish no better than 4th. Ian will not be fishing the Lake on 20 August so his race is run (poorly planned holidays, I say!) There will be a few club members hoping to spoil the party and take a few points on the day, including David (it's the LWH trophy) and the in form Tom. So, who's your money on? I reckon the Lake expert Keith could yet have a part to play, and with Adam's favourite Reedy Bay not doing so well at the moment the door could be open for Paul to sneak through. Willie knows the Lake well and could add to his points total. Who will be out practicing? Can Sidney repeat his early season Lake triumph? What will the pairings be? Is the Secretary open to bribes? Will Paul and Adam be head to head? Will they need a referee? Will the Lake rules be applied in respect of the Yellow Dancer? These and many other questions can only be answered on 20 August - be there, be square, or be in Orkney. You know it makes sense.
Ian Qualifies for National Final
Ian has qualified for the Scottish National Final after taking 5 rainbows at Carron Valley Reservoir in very wet conditions last Wednesday (17th June). Ian concentrated on the areas east of gull island, catching on cormorants and a booby. Many congratulations, Ian, and we'll all have our fingers crossed for you on 5 Sep 09, when you fish the Final at the Lake. It would be really fitting to have a Club Member qualify to fish for Scotland in our 125th anniversary year.
Ian has promised a full report in due course.
Ian has promised a full report in due course.
2009 Annual and 125th Anniversary Dinner - 9 December 2009 - Stan Headley
The Dinner is provisionally booked for 9 Dec 2009 at Hamilton Golf Club - Please put the date in your diary. Stan Headley, Scottish International Angler, Trout and Salmon magazine contributer, Excellent Fly Tyer and Angling Author will be our guest speaker at the dinner.
Scottish National Championship
Ian has qualified for the semi final of the Scottish National Championship, run by SANACC, catching a total of 9 fish and qualifying very comfortably. On a good day at the Lake, Ian chose to fish in Heronry/Sandy Bay initially, where he took a couple of fish, before a crucial decision to move to Malling shore and nearby reeds brought a total of 17 fish to the boat. Ian was ghillied by Jim Law, a former Scottish international, who claimed all the credit for this fine result. Ian will divulge his tactics and flies in due course (when I have emailed him to ask him!)
The club was also represented by David, who stuck to the Heronry and Sandy Bay area, but managed only 5 fish, all on a floating line on green DB, Cat booby and cruncher. David missed qualification by 2lbs, or one fish. Paul and former B&B member Robin also fished this heat, representing the Kinglassie AC, but managed 3 fish each despite very promising practice.
The club was also represented by David, who stuck to the Heronry and Sandy Bay area, but managed only 5 fish, all on a floating line on green DB, Cat booby and cruncher. David missed qualification by 2lbs, or one fish. Paul and former B&B member Robin also fished this heat, representing the Kinglassie AC, but managed 3 fish each despite very promising practice.
Ian G - Record Breaker - Butterstone, 30 July 2011
Ian G continues his highly successful season (he fishes in the Scottish National Final on 10 September) with a record breaking performance at Butterstone today. Ian smashed the Butterstone water record by landing this fish of 22lb (Twenty Two Pounds!) while fishing in a Kinglassie competition today. Very well done, Ian and congratulations from all of us at the B&B.
A larger version of the picture can be found on the 2011 Photos page.
A larger version of the picture can be found on the 2011 Photos page.
Ian's Fame Spreads and the Lake is fishing its socks off!
Ian has added yet more internet fame to his profile!! See here:
http://blog.fishingmegastore.com/2011/08/fish-of-month-august-entry-butterstone.html
Also, the Lake is fishing its socks off in time for our visit next Thursday:
http://www.menteith-fisheries.co.uk/menteith-fisheries.co.uk/weeklyreports/weeklyreport2011/report090811.html
I was on the Lake for 3 days over the weekend and had a total of 21 fish over the 3 days. None was on a line heavier than a fast glass and most were on the mid glass, but a few on the midge tip. The fish were well spread out, with Gateside bay, Stable Point to Inch Talla area, the area south of the buoys, Sandy Bay and Hotel Bay (intermittently) all fishing well. The fish were of exceptional quality, so don't mess about with fine nylon. My BP on Monday (Al) had a treble hook-up but managed to get one of them in. There are a good few blues of around 3lb making an appearance - they will test you and your tackle to the limit. Best flies are cat booby - white or orange eyes, mirage cormorant, cruncher or black DB. Dries are working, too - one of our group had 5 on dries in gateside bay - sedgehog with black and red or just black seal's fur body. The heather flies are on the water, too. So, no excuses - you now know as much as I do! See you next week. Having posted this I'm guaranteed to blank!
http://blog.fishingmegastore.com/2011/08/fish-of-month-august-entry-butterstone.html
Also, the Lake is fishing its socks off in time for our visit next Thursday:
http://www.menteith-fisheries.co.uk/menteith-fisheries.co.uk/weeklyreports/weeklyreport2011/report090811.html
I was on the Lake for 3 days over the weekend and had a total of 21 fish over the 3 days. None was on a line heavier than a fast glass and most were on the mid glass, but a few on the midge tip. The fish were well spread out, with Gateside bay, Stable Point to Inch Talla area, the area south of the buoys, Sandy Bay and Hotel Bay (intermittently) all fishing well. The fish were of exceptional quality, so don't mess about with fine nylon. My BP on Monday (Al) had a treble hook-up but managed to get one of them in. There are a good few blues of around 3lb making an appearance - they will test you and your tackle to the limit. Best flies are cat booby - white or orange eyes, mirage cormorant, cruncher or black DB. Dries are working, too - one of our group had 5 on dries in gateside bay - sedgehog with black and red or just black seal's fur body. The heather flies are on the water, too. So, no excuses - you now know as much as I do! See you next week. Having posted this I'm guaranteed to blank!
International News and Huge Brownie
Wales win the Spring Home international at Chew Valley Reservoir. England 2nd with Scotland 3rd. That bandwagon moves on to Menteith on 11 Sep 09. More details when available.
Craig Barr, the England Team Manager, took a brownie of 15lb and 12 oz in the officials match. Follow the link below to see the picture:
Craig's Brownie
Still not as big as Adam's trout - did he mention it to you......
Craig Barr, the England Team Manager, took a brownie of 15lb and 12 oz in the officials match. Follow the link below to see the picture:
Craig's Brownie
Still not as big as Adam's trout - did he mention it to you......