29th February 2024

Chairman's Chat 

As we move towards another new season, it is time to thank those out there who do so much for the PDAC each year.

To all the bailiffs that carry out the checks on our waters come rain or shine, to the committee members who give up their time to keep this club running. To the volunteers who turn up and help at the events and at the work parties, my thanks to all of you as this club would not run or exist without your help.

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I wish to take this opportunity to introduce four new members to the committee team, Steve Rayson, Sean Crowley, Rob Grant & Dom Davies. We are looking forward to working with them in keeping the club moving forward.

The club still has vacancies for a treasurer and for someone to take over from Andy Reed as match secretary from April 2025, the ideal candidate would suit those that has a passion for match angling, great communication skills, good with organisation, booking events, submitting monthly match reports, releasing match results and the arrangement and organisation of the end of year presentation evening. The committee are seeking a successor to with work with Andy as his wing-man in his final year 2024/5 to ensure a smooth transition for a complete takeover from April 2025 and the role also chairs a small match sub-committee group, consisting of committee members and club members to assist and support of the club’s match scene.

If any member wishing to consider applying for either role, then please inform the secretary by email.

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As we have just had the AGM, I would like to remind you all to make sure you read through your new handbook once you get it, as the general water & venue rules have now received its annual review with some amendments. The minutes of the meeting are available to download from this newsletter (listed below).

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Reminding members of the temporary rule of one (1) rod only for Nyewood ponds will remain in place for the remainder of the season and as of 1st April 2024, only one (1) rod will be permitted all year round.

Keep-nets will also be banned on all PDAC water unless in bona fide matches with immediate effect.

Bait allowance for Harting Combe will increase to 2kg per 24-hour session as from 1st April 2024.

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Guest Permits will be reintroduced in 2024/5 for Nyewood Ponds only, please see your hand book for details.

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There are also changes to the half year membership which will now be available from 1st September this year at 60% of the full fees.

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There will be changes to the membership fees for the 2024/5 season.

Fees will be introduced for new junior members at £5 and Senior citizen's age band will rise to 67 in line with government policy, although existing members aged 65+ will remain eligible to the concessionary rate.

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Car park permits will also be abolished at the end of this current season, as no longer required at Nyewood, and we keep a data base for access as and when required.

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Just an advanced notice that Nyewood Ponds will be shut from Friday 5th April until Sat 13th April for essential maintenance, we thank you in advance for your patience whilst we carry out works on the waters and we aim to notify members of any changes to this.

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I am also notifying members with personal accounts to the websites members area, accounts will be suspended from 31st March and shall reopen once your membership renewal has been confirmed.

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Finally catch reports, I know I have asked this before but these are so important for us to see how the waters are fishing and how the stocks health and well being are, please send any reports in we are always glad to receive them.

Tight Lines

Steve Chapman   PDAC Chairman