Chairmans chat – Dec 2025

Dear members,

As we enter the winter months, the efforts to keep the club operational continue unabated. In the coming weeks and months, significant work will be underway to enhance the fisheries for future years.

Next weekend, we will be closing the bottom pond at Nyewood until further notice, as we are lowering the water levels to conduct netting and assess the fish stocks. The top pond will remain accessible to members during this period. In early January, we will net the top pond for a similar survey, and the bottom pond will reopen to members during this time. Afterward, in January, new stock will be introduced to both ponds to rebuild the stocks according to biomass recommendations. Last winter, we netted the bottom pond for the first time in many years, giving us a good indication of stock levels. Next month's netting will evaluate the stock introduced last winter. January's netting of the top pond will be its first, possibly ever. Once completed, we will add species to enhance the fishery's balance. The nettings will occur on a specific date, weather permitting, and may change. We have a licensed window until the end of January, so please check the website and Facebook for updates.

In recent months, we have held work parties at Coombe, Nyewood, and BoPeep for general clearance and tidying of the bank sides for winter; more works are scheduled soon. I am concerned about the lack of support from the general membership, as it is mostly committee members and a few regulars who participate. This cannot continue. We do this because we love the club and want it to thrive, but it cannot succeed without your support. I urge members to help and join the work parties that maintain the waters you fish.

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Donations.

Another area where members can offer their support, is by way of donating any spare materials for planned works as the committee are committed to make improvements swiftly, The club are limited to implement improvements quickly due to the lack of available funds, the committee will continue to apply for grants where available, but in the meantime we are looking for donations to help to progress with our commitment.

We are seeking for the following items to help with completion of various projects.

 

1. Pallet Box (to store protect our 100m Seine net)

2. Trolley Cart (to transport various tools and seine net on site)

3. 4" (110mm) Soil pipe (1m plus) and elbow fittings (to complete construction of floating islands)

4. ​Scaffold poles (any length), Fittings (clamps, sleeves etc)

5. ​Scaffold boards (lengths over 5ft, preferably 9-12ft)

 

 

 

 

 

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If any of our members are in possession of a mini digger and mini dumper, your services and your equipment would be useful to the club in the coming months. Please reach out to Shaun if you have any of these items and wishing to donate. thepdac@gmail.com

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Good news regarding our waters: the current weather conditions have raised water levels enough at BoPeep to reopen for fishing. Please note that the car park area is currently soft.

Be cautious, as the weather has made some paths and swims muddy and slippery.

Remember that during the winter months, members must vacate Nyewood ponds by 4 pm, as stipulated in our lease terms.

We encourage members to submit catch reports from any of the waters, as it's beneficial for others to see how they are fishing, especially during winter.

While on our waters, please assist us by recording and reporting any cormorant sightings to the club. We are participating in Cormorant Watch, an Angling Trust initiative advocating for stronger management and enforcement regarding these birds, as they are now protected by the Wildlife Act.

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On site toilets 

After changing our toilet cleaning contractor last year due to poor service, it is clear the current contractor is also inadequate. We are aware that members are not satisfied and experiencing unpleasant sights and ardours.  The committee apologise for this inconvenience and is working hard to resolve this in the coming weeks. 

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Committee Vacancies

We urgently need additional help on the committee, with several vacancies, including the treasurer position. If you are willing to get involved to offer your services, please review the vacancies listed below my report.

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PDAC Development Programme

As reported in last months newsletter, i wish to reiterate that this year, we've welcomed a significant number of Junior & Juvenile members, totalling 106 so far. Most have joined through the Development Programme's GET FISHING events, with many trying angling for the first time. Following this introduction, the Programme continues to support families by providing further instruction and offering free, suitable equipment, generously donated by our members. Our supplies need replenishing, and additional donations of second-hand tackle are necessary to maintain the support the Development Programme provides. If you have any unused or extra tackle, we would be grateful to receive it and pass it on. We accept all types of tackle, including coarse, fly, and sea. Items we don't pass on are sold at car boot sales to raise funds for the programme. Please contact Shaun at thepdac@gmial.com

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Sponsorship.

Following a successful summer of Junior events and activities, made possible with the support of JCC Lighting, whose contribution we greatly appreciate, we are now looking for new sponsors to back our program for 2026/7. Please review the sponsorship packages listed below my report. Your support can inspire the next generation of anglers.

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AGM

Please note that the AGM will be held in February at the Petersfield Community Centre. Any questions or requests for rule changes must be submitted in writing to the committee at least 21 days before the AGM.

Happy Christmas to you all.

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Keep up to date with the latest information via our website and Facebook page. 

Tight Lines for now
Steve Chapman  PDAC Chairman 

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