20th September 2023 – Meon Springs
The day started cloudy but with a mixed group of guests from The Scots Guards and The Coldstream Guards there was a competition in the air as the Bacon Rolls T&C went down quickly and a “lets get at it” attitude was obvious.
The banter as always was great and many were keen to see what the fish looked like close up so we started quickly. The weather was quite changeable with a tricky wind and heavy rain forecast so no time was wasted getting waterside.
Fish came to the scales regularly and a great sense of competitive camaraderie was felt at the lodge when fish and weights were visible on the board.
The forecasted rain arrived at 13.00hrs when the heavens opened and up until then there was only one guest who had not caught but he came in with a fish at the last moment when we had to call time as the rain was relentless.
I must give the highest praise to both groups, the guests for sticking it out and the mentors for their determination that the guests would have the best time possible in such foul weather.
The Fishery and catering staff were excellent and judging by their faces the guests and mentors thoroughly enjoyed the lunch so our sincere thanks to them for all their hard work.
Biggest fish was landed by L/Sgnt D Warren and Biggest Bag by Guardsman S McShane.
Engraved Tankards were awarded to both winners by Lt Col Williams and our thanks to him again for putting the HMAF group together.
The pictures and the thanks and compliments from the guests upon departure says it all but I leave you to judge. I have received a very nice complimentary letter from the CO Scots Guards assuring me they will be joining us again in 2024.
For our part we feel “mission accomplished”.
Bill Howell (Founder)
The banter as always was great and many were keen to see what the fish looked like close up so we started quickly. The weather was quite changeable with a tricky wind and heavy rain forecast so no time was wasted getting waterside.
Fish came to the scales regularly and a great sense of competitive camaraderie was felt at the lodge when fish and weights were visible on the board.
The forecasted rain arrived at 13.00hrs when the heavens opened and up until then there was only one guest who had not caught but he came in with a fish at the last moment when we had to call time as the rain was relentless.
I must give the highest praise to both groups, the guests for sticking it out and the mentors for their determination that the guests would have the best time possible in such foul weather.
The Fishery and catering staff were excellent and judging by their faces the guests and mentors thoroughly enjoyed the lunch so our sincere thanks to them for all their hard work.
Biggest fish was landed by L/Sgnt D Warren and Biggest Bag by Guardsman S McShane.
Engraved Tankards were awarded to both winners by Lt Col Williams and our thanks to him again for putting the HMAF group together.
The pictures and the thanks and compliments from the guests upon departure says it all but I leave you to judge. I have received a very nice complimentary letter from the CO Scots Guards assuring me they will be joining us again in 2024.
For our part we feel “mission accomplished”.
Bill Howell (Founder)
