I have been informed that some members are driving round Cressage Meadow whilst it is obviously very muddy. Our Riparian Owner, Malcolm Corrie, gets fined by the Environment Agency for driving over the 14m grass strip from the edge of the crop to the river. This strip acts as a filter that stops any chemicals used on the crop from leaching back into the river when any flood water runs off. The EA use a helicopter to video this strip and if they see ruts, Malcolm gets fined. He has threatened before to close this section to vehicles if anglers persist in causing him to get fined. If this goes on much longer it will inevitably result in our elderly and disabled members not being able to fish the river. SO PLEASE DON'T DO IT EVEN IF YOU OWN A 4X4 VEHICLE.

Now that the country is in full lockdown for the third time, the Government originally said that there would be no fishing allowed at all. Now, thanks to the Angling Trust, some fishing can take place. But there are restrictions which must be followed. The single most important thing we can all do to protect the NHS and save lives is to Stay at Home.
 
In England, fishing is permissible as your once-a-day exercise with the following restrictions:

• Waters are to open from 6am to 10pm unless other restrictions apply (LAS rules are dawm to dusk) (Close seasons/SWR’s etc). No Overnight Fishing
• Fish Locally - you can travel a short distance within your area
• Fish Alone, with your household (or support bubble) or one other person

 
Click here for Government guidance on travel. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home#travel
 
In Wales fishing is not specifically prohibited but the following restrictions apply:

• You may only walk or cycle to fish. The need to carry tackle is not a justification for driving.
• Waters are to open from 6am to 10pm unless other restrictions apply (Close seasons/SWR’s etc).
• Fish alone or with your household (support bubble)

 
Click here for Welsh Government guidance on sport, exercise and outdoor activity.
https://gov.wales/alert-level-4-frequently-asked-questions#section-58322
 
Always observe Social Distancing – including with other anglers on the bank. Carry hand sanitizer and use disposable gloves where necessary.
 
All members should think carefully about what is the most sensible thing to do to protect your family, friends and your community, rather than thinking about what the law allows you to do.
 

There were two errors in the January Newsletter. Firstly, the specimen Roach should have been Steve Oliver's fish of 1 Lb 10 Ozs. Sorry about that Steve. Secondly, the date of the AGM should have read Saturday 13th February 2021, not 14th February.

Of course, now that we are back in Lockdown, it may have to be AGM via zoom, so watch this website for further information nearer the time if you want to take part.