Fidelity Fundraiser – 23rd September 2023
The day began with superb sunshine at Lakedown Trout Fishery and a huge crowd of eager and laughing competitors and supporters in the shape of family and friends from Fidelity both past and present (FIL & Alumni) filled the venue. The sunshine did not bode well as fish were deep and added to this the water was unusually murky so tactic changes would be frequent.
The competitors were split into two teams under the guidance of Jo Harris and Micky Heasman the excellent organisers and the generous Mentors from Tunbridge Wells fly fishers were allocated to pass on their skills.
After Rolls T&C were served the competition started in earnest and the usual banter and derogatory remarks were heard throughout the morning. The odd fish were jumping to let us know they were there and the fishery had been stocked a couple of days before so the trout were there you just had to find them and hope they were hungry.
Flies and positions were changed frequently but the beggars were quite elusive. Perseverance paid of for quite a few but not many 3 fish limits were achieved and several stories of big fish lost were the talk of the day.
The Biggest Fish of 3lb went to Matt Drummond and the Biggest Bag of 5Lb 4ozs to Katrhryn Wheadon and they both received FFF engraved pint tankards which I think they promptly filled at the onsite brewery.
An excellent lunch was served at the weigh in and our thanks go to Cathy the Chef and Ted and Jamie the fishery advisers who worked hard to ensure a good day was had by all. Roger Daltrey (the owner) kindly took time to drop in to wish us all well which was received well by all.
The trophy was received by Jo Harris for the FIL team which brought more good natured and ribald remarks from the Alumni team.
A final figure raised from the Raffle etc will be published in the next issue.
I cannot thank all who took part enough as I received the warmest of welcomes which speaks volumes of all who participated. See you next year Ladies and Gents.
Bill Howell (Founder)
The competitors were split into two teams under the guidance of Jo Harris and Micky Heasman the excellent organisers and the generous Mentors from Tunbridge Wells fly fishers were allocated to pass on their skills.
After Rolls T&C were served the competition started in earnest and the usual banter and derogatory remarks were heard throughout the morning. The odd fish were jumping to let us know they were there and the fishery had been stocked a couple of days before so the trout were there you just had to find them and hope they were hungry.
Flies and positions were changed frequently but the beggars were quite elusive. Perseverance paid of for quite a few but not many 3 fish limits were achieved and several stories of big fish lost were the talk of the day.
The Biggest Fish of 3lb went to Matt Drummond and the Biggest Bag of 5Lb 4ozs to Katrhryn Wheadon and they both received FFF engraved pint tankards which I think they promptly filled at the onsite brewery.
An excellent lunch was served at the weigh in and our thanks go to Cathy the Chef and Ted and Jamie the fishery advisers who worked hard to ensure a good day was had by all. Roger Daltrey (the owner) kindly took time to drop in to wish us all well which was received well by all.
The trophy was received by Jo Harris for the FIL team which brought more good natured and ribald remarks from the Alumni team.
A final figure raised from the Raffle etc will be published in the next issue.
I cannot thank all who took part enough as I received the warmest of welcomes which speaks volumes of all who participated. See you next year Ladies and Gents.
Bill Howell (Founder)
