Chairmans Chat March 2026.

 

I want to begin this month by expressing my gratitude to those who attended the AGM last month. During the evening, we highlighted the club's achievements in 2025 and discussed the challenges we face in 2026. I also extend my thanks to all committee members and bailiffs who dedicated their time to run the club and maintain our waters throughout 2025. It has been a particularly challenging period, with a small committee having to assume multiple roles to keep the PDAC moving forward. Despite these challenges, we have seen membership grow, and the club's finances are in good shape as we enter 2026. 

The club held its usual raffle, with many prizes donated by members, raising £165 for the PDAC development fund. The free membership raffle was won by Stephen Whitbread. Congratulations, Stephen!

For those who did not attend the AGM, the meeting minutes will be available in the members area within the next 10 days.

 

Committee Vacancies.

Several Committee seats remain vacant within our club, and we strongly encourage all members who are considering filling these important positions to reach out to the committee for more information. These vacancies present a unique opportunity for members to actively engage in the governance and decision-making processes of the club. The committee would like to emphasise that all members are invited to attend meetings, where they can observe first-hand how the club is currently operating, as well as identify and discuss various opportunities to express their thoughts, share innovative ideas, and contribute to the club's future direction.

To ensure a focused and productive environment during these meetings, invitations will be limited to one member per meeting. This approach allows for a more intimate setting where individual voices can be heard clearly. Meetings are scheduled to take place on the first Tuesday of every month, providing a consistent opportunity for interested members to participate in the dialogue surrounding the club's activities and initiatives. We believe that the involvement of diverse perspectives is crucial for the growth and development of our club, and we welcome all members to take part in this collaborative effort.

If you are interested in stepping into a committee role or simply wish to attend a meeting to learn more about the committee's functions and ongoing projects, please do not hesitate to reach out. Your participation is not only valuable but also essential in fostering a vibrant community within our club. Together, we can work towards achieving our collective goals and enhancing the overall experience for all members.

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​Bailiff Vacancies.

We are currently looking for additional members to join our Bailiff team. Members that have held a full membership for 12 months or more are eligible to apply, this role is most likely to be suited to those with free time on their hands. Those interested may apply via the website. www.thepdac.co.uk/bailiff-pdac  Ideal candidates must have good interpersonal skills.

The club is also urgently seeking a volunteer, preferably with a passion for river fishing, although this is not essential, to take on the wardenship at the Iping & Chithurst stretch of the River Rother. This role involves collaborating with the committee, monitoring, and reporting any issues that need addressing. There is also an opportunity to work with the Western Sussex Rivers Trust as a "River Guardian," involving sampling and testing with water quality monitoring; kits will be provided by the trust. Anyone interested, please notify the committee.

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Work Parties.

In response to the constructive feedback gathered during the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), the club has decided to explore the possibility of organising a series of small work parties that would take place during the week. This initiative aims to create a more balanced approach to our volunteer efforts, allowing members to contribute their time and skills in a less hectic environment. By scheduling these work parties mid-week, we hope to alleviate some of the pressure that our dedicated volunteers often experience on weekends, which are typically filled with numerous club activities and events.

These mid-week sessions will not only provide an opportunity for members to engage in meaningful work but will also enable them to focus their efforts on other important initiatives, such as the Development Programme.

The implementation of mid-week work parties will also encourage greater participation from those who may have prior commitments on weekends. By offering flexibility in scheduling, we aim to attract a broader range of volunteers, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility within the club.

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Overall, the introduction of mid-week work parties represents a strategic move towards enhancing our club's operational efficiency while simultaneously enriching the volunteer experience.

We advise members to follow the Blog page on the website and the Facebook page regularly, where dates and times of work parties will be listed. Please come and support those that have dedicated so much of their free time.

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Fish Stocking. 

We have followed up on the stocking of Tench and Chub into Nyewood top pond last month, by stock a few selected VS Carp into Combe, these will enhance the existing stock and we will continue to monitor and add stock to develop this fishery further as required.

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Venues.

This year, our objectives include redeveloping BoPeep to improve access for everyone by upgrading the car park and swims. We have secured some funding but will require assistance from the members to complete the project.

We also need to continue efforts at Nyewood as we aim to clear the pond boundaries and then implement necessary measures for long-term Otter deterrence. This work will continue throughout the year, so please watch for notices about work parties, as we truly need all the help we can get, at any level. 

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Junior Events.

As we look forward to 2026, we are excited to announce the continuation of the JCC Junior League, a vital platform for nurturing young talent and fostering a love for the sport among our junior members. This year, we are particularly pleased to share that JCC Lighting has generously agreed to provide much needed sponsorship for our Junior League activities. Their support will not only enhance the experience for our young participants but also help in covering essential costs associated with organizing events, securing venues, and providing necessary equipment.

The planning phase for the upcoming season is currently underway, and while the specific details regarding events, venues, and formats have yet to be finalised, our dedicated Development team is actively working to create an engaging and enjoyable schedule for all involved. They are focused on encouraging participation from other local clubs, aiming to foster a spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition among junior members. By collaborating with these clubs, we hope to expand the reach of Inter-Club events, allowing more young anglers to showcase their skills and passion for the sport.

In addition to traditional competitions, we are exploring the possibility of incorporating various formats that could include workshops, skill-building clinics, and friendly matches, which would provide our junior members with diverse opportunities to learn and grow. We believe that by offering a range of activities, we can cater to different skill levels and interests, ensuring that every participant feels included and valued.

As we move closer to the start of the season, we will keep our members and their families updated with the latest news regarding event schedules and registration details. We encourage all junior members to stay engaged and participate fully in the upcoming events, as this is an excellent opportunity to develop their abilities, make new friends, and enjoy the thrill of competition. Together, with the support of JCC Lighting and the commitment of our Development team, we are confident that the 2026 JCC Junior League will be a memorable and impactful experience for all involved.

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Membership renewals.

Last year, many members encountered significant delays in obtaining their permits due to an inefficient postal service. This inefficiency led to numerous permits being misplaced or lost entirely, causing considerable inconvenience for our members. As a result, the club had to absorb the financial burden of replacing these lost permits, which not only strained our resources but also frustrated our members who relied on timely access to their permits for their activities.

To address these challenges and improve our service for the upcoming season, we have implemented a more structured timeline for permit renewals and new applications. We will begin accepting renewals on Monday, March 16th. This early start will allow our members ample time to submit their applications without the last-minute rush that often contributes to processing delays. Following this, we will open the window for new applications starting Monday, March 23rd.

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Geoff Grimes.

Geoff has been a fixture within the angling club for more years than I can remember, from supporting juniors in the 80s and 90s and in the clubs match scene to dedicating so many years of service to the committee and the membership secretary's role, turning this in to the well-oiled machine that helped get our members on the bank.

Last year Geoff stepped back from his role as membership secretary and this year has decided to step down from the committee so hopefully, he can get to fish and enjoy his free time now.  

On behalf of all the committees and all the members over so many years of service to the PDAC our heartfelt gratitude and thank you for everything you did for the PDAC.

 

That’s it for this month.

Tight Lines

 

Steve Chapman

PDAC