September Chairman Chat

This month has been hectic for everyone involved with the PDAC. We kicked off with the Southdown Show, where we spent the weekend promoting the club and engaging the public with our casting challenge, the world's largest magnetic fishing game, and this year's new addition, "batter the cod." My thanks to all the volunteers who dedicated their time to assist and to Chef Dom for his evening pizza surprise.

Following that, we hosted the next round of the PDAC junior league. Each junior participant caught a good number of silvers and a few Tench, making it a fantastic day with many happy children by the end.

 

Next, we had a very productive work party at Bopeep, with 16 members, including some juniors, participating. The main task was weed removal, and while over two-thirds of the pond was cleared, there's still more to do. The pond also received a thorough strimming, grass mowing, and trimming of trees and bushes around the swim areas. We remind members that Bopeep remains closed until further notice.

The upcoming work party will be at Coombe on October 17th. If we have enough member interest, we might split the effort to also finish up at Bo Peep.

Finally, the Junior Open was held at both Ponds at Nyewood. With a great turnout, it was a successful event, and congratulations to Spike Williams, the overall winner.

 

Looking ahead to September, we have one more Junior League match and the final Get Fishing Event of the year. If you can assist, please reach out to Andy, Dom, or me. We're always eager for new volunteers. We have a change in personnel within the Development Team, Dom Davies will be the main contact regarding all matters Junior event and Get Fishing. He can be contacted at thepdacfishing@gmail.com .

 

Waters.

Coombe continues to perform well, with Tench, Bream, and Carp being caught by anglers.

Nyewood's water levels are low, but fishing remains decent. The top pond shows a good number of silvers, including young Tench stocked last year. The bottom pond has been productive, with two members catching 18 carp between them last week at the dam end pegs.

Despite some rain, we need more to replenish the ponds, so Bopeep will stay closed for now.

I kindly ask members to monitor our waters while fishing, as changing weather can cause issues. If you notice any problems, please contact a committee member.

 

Please also check out the reports below from our Wardens and the clubs designated Welfare Officer.

 

Tight Lines until next month

Steve Chapman PDAC Chairman

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Welfare & Safeguarding

Got your attention, good. Let me introduce myself and my role.

I’m Roger Pulley, Vice-Chairman of the club and designated Welfare & Safeguarding Officer.

That’s the boring stuff, what I can offer……as the named Welfare & Safeguarding Officer for the club I’m here to help create and maintain a safe environment for everyone.

We want all club members to feel safe and valued whilst fishing on PDAC waters so safeguarding is important. 

It is vital that any concerns about the safety of junior or vulnerable adult members be reported through the Welfare Officer so that steps can be taken to resolve any issues.

If you witness an incident of bullying, abuse, violence, or if you are approached by a young person or adult with an allegation of abuse, report it. Doing NOTHING is NOT an option.

I should be your first point of contact if you have welfare/safeguarding concerns, poor practice, or allegations. To support me in this role I have had training from The Angling Trust and have their support with any issues.

My aim is to promote best-practice across the club for members and volunteers.

In my role I can assure you of appropriate confidentiality and promote inclusive, anti-discriminatory practice.

If you have any concerns, you may contact me via WhatsApp @Roger2243 or via email at welfare.pdac@gmail.com

 

Roger Pulley

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East Pond Update:

East Pond, which is currently delivering some excellent sport for our members. The pond is looking very photogenic in its beautiful, serene location, and the fish are feeding confidently right now. Whether you are aiming for a relaxed afternoon session or targeting a specific species, the water is fishing incredibly well at the moment.

Before you head down for your next session, please note a temporary change to swim availability.

🏗️ Important Notice: Swims 1 and 2 Closed

Swims one and two are temporarily closed.

* Reason for closure: Essential maintenance and structural repairs.

* Work being undertaken: We are replacing the worn wooden posts and ropes, as well as rebuilding the access steps to ensure a safe descent to the water.

* Reopening: These swims will remain closed pending completion of the repairs. We appreciate your patience and cooperation while we carry out these vital improvements.

🎣 Alternative Pegs & Angling Outlook

With the fish in prime feeding condition, the rest of the pond remains fully open and highly productive.

* Where to fish: Excellent catch reports are coming in with Carp, Tench and specimen Perch showing.

* Tips: Standard tactics are working well. Feeder and Slider float.

Please remember that East Pond is a Book to fish venue. Log in to the members area for bookings.

 

Tight lines

Aaron Vidler – Pond Warden