Author: Bill Howell

Once again, the weather gods were kind although the day started with a mist in the valley greeting us all with a ghostly view of the fishery, but it cleared quite quickly with the sporadic sunshine. We welcomed our guests from Battle Back with T/C and Bacon rolls and pastries supplied by the fishery and Bolly the clever caterer, everyone was also supplied with water as the temperature was quite high and was surely going to rise. The H&S lecture and a short casting display completed it was off to the waterside for mentors and our guests from all three branches of HMAS (Army, Navy, RAF).

Competition between all branches for the superbly engraved glass tankards supplied by our sponsor ORSA for the day was clear from the outset. As usual the banter and insults that cannot be printed rang out loud and clear especially when a fish was landed by a guest and had us all chuckling throughout the day, but the camaraderie and the good humour was obvious throughout the day.

Although the bright sunshine made fishing a little a little difficult the mentors skills came to the fore and fish came to the scales quite regularly accompanied by huge smiles and the usual fisherman’s tale as to how it fought etc etc. It never ceases to amaze me as to how quickly a guest who has never caught a fish before mastered the angler’s art of storytelling as to how they manage to land the fish that weighed 2lbs when hooked and grew to 5lbs when landed until I say “get your hand off the damn scales” at weigh in. Skullduggery seems to be a class included in their training.

As we finished the superb two course lunch after the weigh in the heavens suddenly opened during the 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd prize giving and it was a bit of a scramble to present the prizes and the superb gifts generously supplied by our sponsor.

As I frequently say, “the smiles say it all” and our sincere thanks to the chef, the fishery team and the mentors who all give so much of their time plus the generous gifts from our sponsor. I can say another excellent day of no blanks in the annals of FFF and “Mission accomplished again”. Several 4 fish bags were weighed in ranging from 6lbs to12.4lbs which speaks volumes of the quality of the fish and the excellent stocking system of the fishery team.

-Biggest Fish of 3lb 4ozs went to Cpl Ian Lund. Mentor Richard Noscoe.

-Biggest Bag of 12lbs 4ozs went to FS Paul Jackson. Mentor Neil Mundy.

-Smallest Fish of 1lb 12ozs went to Liam Macaw. Mentor Mark Roberts.

My sincere personal thanks to all the mentors as it is your dedication and enthusiasm that makes FFF so successful.

Tight lines to you all.

Bill Howell.
Founder, dogsbody etc etc.

 

Having received an invitation to tour the Battle Back facilities for WIS personnel at Tedworth House. A group of FFF mentors were received very warmly upon arrival.

WO2 Daz Crowle slipped into Tour guide mode and we spent almost two hours being shown the extraordinary work he and his associates achieve organising many other pursuits for our WIS such as kayaking, surfing and outward bound days to aid those wounded in conflict and related ailments.

We were allowed to tour the facility that has numerous classrooms for everything from arts and crafts to bookbinding to model making and gardening which was most enlightening. With many plants and foods grown in house. There are also numerous specialist facilities such as Hydro pools and Yoga rooms attended by very qualified instructors to aid those suffering from physical wounds as well as trauma, PTSD and related ailments.

The exercise facilities were very impressive with a variety of weight lifting equipment, exercise bikes and various other forms of exercise equipment throughout the gymnasium with the addition of an electronic Ski slope with all the accessories for those who may have lost limbs enabling them to get out on the slopes when the opportunity arises. Ski trips are also organised by Daz and team a keen skier and cyclist himself. The pictures say it all.

It has been proven time and again that fishing plays a small but important therapeutic part in the recovery of those wounded in service although when our guests from Battle Back arrive at our events there are the usual signs of trepidation on their part but the day always ends with them asking “when is the next one” so we seem to have the correct formulae and great mentors.

The tour ended with a very nice lunch and lots of conflab with several of the BB team including the OC who was vociferous with his praise and thanks for all we do and he threatened to join us when he can fit it in but like Daz his workload is phenomenal.

We may organise another tour later in the year subject to Daz’s schedule for those who could not join us on this visit and I will cascade the details out to all once a date is agreed.

Whilst our contribution may be small compared to other better funded organisations the recognition of what we do (the mentors mainly) is considered by the team at BB as an invaluable addition to the recovery of those who join us at the waterside.

I know you will endeavour to keep that in mind for as long as possible, as your support, as I have often said, is also invaluable as it you who form and make Fishing For Forces.

My best

Bill Howell
Founder, teaboy dogsbody etc etc.

The weather gods were kind to us (no rain) with a beautiful summer morning but a bit too bright for trout fishing as the trout head for the deeps on sunny days. The day did not start as planned due to our guests being seriously delayed by traffic and other elements beyond our control, plus the guest numbers were lower than usual and the mentors had all arrived by 08.30 as requested. A simple case of Humans plan and God laughs.

It was decided that after refreshments and rolls the mentors could use the down time to have a quiet fish or practice other casting skills or sourcing fish where they had gathered.

The guests duly arrived and after the H&S intro were paired off with mentors and headed for the waterside. Fish were coming to the net quite quickly, so I had to man the scales rapidly – a pleasant task for me.

Fish were caught consistently throughout the morning, and several 4 fish bags were recorded when we stopped for lunch.

The lunch was superb as usual (see pics) and the guests were very complimentary on that subject. The banter throughout the day was unending and many thanks were passed to the caterers, fishery staff and mentors from the guests as they said farewell.

The winners tankards were presented to tumultuous applause and the usual ribald and good hearted comments mostly unprintable.

-Biggest Bag went to Jitesh Gurung. Mentor Tim Mundy.

-Biggest Fish went to Kym Webb. Mentors Phillipa and Richard Winser.

-Smallest Fish went to Sury Gurung. Mentor Richard Noscoe.

It is pleasing to note there were no blanks which speaks volumes of the mentor’s skills putting guests onto fish on what was a challenging day.

My sincere thanks to those mentors who did not have a guest but still assisted by sharing one thereby enhancing the broader skills being passed as none of us who mentor fish in the same manner.

Another good day in the annals of FFF.

Thank you all!
Bill Howell Founder.

The day started nippy when the mentors arrived at 08.00 to coffee, tea and rolls and they assembled the tackle for the guests but thankfully no rain was left over from the constant deluge the previous night. The guests arrived to a warm welcome with C, T and rolls and once the safety lecture and fishing protocol was delivered and one to one pairing was completed, it was off to the waterside. The weather gods were kind to us as the morning progressed with the high wind dropping and sporadic sunshine brightening the day. The banter started early as did fish coming to the net. Several fish between 4 & 7 lbs came to the net throughout the morning including a superb 6lbs 8ozs Brownie and they were promptly weighed and bagged.

A superb lunch that met with everyone’s approval (I did ask) was served by Stuart and John and the conversation between mentors and guests was mainly on the subject  that “if we tried this or that we may have had more takes”  Numerous questions by the guests on methods and lines and flies were heartening to hear and most were answered with the old motto that fishing is fishing and not catching.

Lunch was followed by presentations to the winners and again there was quite a lot of ribbing, and the atmosphere was superb. A couple of guests who had joined us on previous events had suggestions that we took on board and one of demonstrating how to tie a fly we which will include in the agenda for the events next year. There was also a presentation of generous gifts for each guest from our Sponsor ORSA of Large chocolate bars and very useful water bottles which I am sure will get well used.

Winners of the trophies.

– Biggest fish 6lb 8ozs Pte Jarard Stoddart.  Mentor Neil Mundy

– Biggest Bag (4 Fish) 16lb 8ozs Cpl Natash Jones. Mentor Tim Mundy

– Smallest Fish Tpr Aaron Barton. Mentor Nigel Pavey

I can safely say that every FFF event this year has been a resounding success due to the unstinting support by the Mentors who travel many miles in all weathers to give the guests a truly memorable day as the guests have given their yesterdays for our tomorrows. It is safe to say that without the Mentors the charity would simply not exist.

In the meantime, may I wish all Mentors, supporters and readers, Families and friends the very best of health, wealth and happiness for the Xmas period and a superb 2026.

Bill Howell.
Founder, teaboy and dogsbody.

Excellent pictures courtesy of Mike Edwards.

A superb Carp fishing day mentored by members of SADAC on behalf of FFF with the following review from Andy Stafford the organiser. The smiles say it all!

September 18th at Witherington Farm Fishery just outside Salisbury.

5 members of Forces personnel from the Recovery Program plus 2 support staff (one of whom fished, the other decided to just enjoy the day). The Weather a bit cool to start but mostly sunny later. All guests caught fish, total was around 40 carp, biggest 15lbs. A Huge thanks to Witherington Farm for allowing them to use the water and to the mentors, Nigel Turner, Tony Street, John Slader, Shaun Dodds, Brian Robinson and John Dewberry, without whom it wouldn’t have been possible.

Our sincere thanks to Andy Stafford.

The smiles speak volumes.

Well done, Andy. The FFF Ambassador and event Organiser

The weather gods were kind to us as the temperature during several days leading up to the event was scorching but dropped on the day to a more reasonable and comfortable 22/3 with a nice breeze. Our guests were a nice mix of ladies and gents who were keen to get to the waterside after the scoff of Bacon rolls and coffee upon arrival. Numerous trout were spotted and consistent fly changes and techniques by the mentors had to be made before a take bent a rod.

Once the usual H&S lectures were completed, they were paired with their mentors, and it was not long before fish appeared at the weigh in desk accompanied by huge smiles and lots of questions of how best to cook it. When I replied that it was their lunch and cookery classes were on the agenda the look of amazement was priceless until they realized it was a “Gotcha” and I had to duck a couple of times whilst trying to weigh their fish.

I say modestly that the day was a success as many guests had limit bags of four fish and the banter and smiles from them all throughout the day spoke volumes to me of how the mentors and guests had bonded. Several of the guests were competent casters by the time we broke for lunch and numerous questions were asked by the guests regarding venues and tackle so I am quietly confident we will see a few of them at the waterside in the future.

Biggest Fish of 3lbs went to Sarah Leadbitter. Mentor Tim Mundy.

Biggest Bag of 8lbs 15ozs went to Geordie Fernandez. Mentor Glyn Pirie.

Smallest fish of 2lbs 6ozs went to Andy White. Mentor Geoff Brooks.

A special mention of a superb gift from Geoff Brooks a mentor and the President of St Michael Fly Fishers, a framed drawing for the Mess at Battle Back. It was presented by myself (Geoff regrettably had to leave early) to Daz Crowle (Group leader) and it drew a rapturous round of applause from all. See Pics.

I was also privileged to receive a superb gift (a Desk Tidy) hand made by Geoff for my desk and the picture describes it best and I will certainly treasure it. See Pics.

Again, a vociferous vote of thanks from Daz and the guests for the mentors who accepted it modestly.

Our thanks to the Fishery team who were very supportive and the lunch as usual was excellent.

Our thanks also to Steve Edge Design who generously sponsored this event.

Pictures by Mike Edwards

Bumbling by Bill Howell (Founder)

At times it may seem to the avid reader of our events page (should there be one) that it is a little boring when I keep repeating “another excellent day for the FFF Team” but it is true. After the many years we have been hosting our wounded at the waterside we have a simple formula of keeping everything very relaxed as fly fishing should be, and it works.

Yes, the agenda for the day is the same but as many of the mentors will testify, that each event is different from the last as each group of guests from all branches of HMAF are different so our approach to ensure a good day must be flexible, so we take this into consideration.

I am privileged to say that many of the mentors have supported FFF for a number of years and their skill and experience at communicating with guests shows every time be they a Brigadier or a Private – the pictures taken throughout the day shows this clearly.

I often say that “the smiles say it all” (see pics) and the question that the guests often ask when departing is “when is the next one?”. This fills us all with a certain pride and the feeling that all the time spent organising, time and miles covered by us all to get to the venues has been worthwhile and so it is “mission accomplished”.

It was most pleasing to see several ladies in the group and pleasingly there were a few “natural” casters among the group so hopefully we may see them waterside again soon.

I regularly get enquiries from guests as to where they can fish in their locality and put them in touch with people who will follow up.

Again, the team at Meon Springs did us proud with great fishing and excellent food. In recognition of the superb catering, a mentor Phil Penberthy, engraved a wooden plaque that I was pleased to present on his behalf to Bolly (the chef) on the day. The Fishery team were presented with one similar last month.

Most guests landed at least at least two fish with several getting their limit of four thanks to the skill of the mentors.

BF 3lbs 7ozs. Pte Ireton- Mentor Tim Mundy. BB 11lbs 12ozs. Cpl Magar-Mentor Nigel Pavey. SF 2lbs. Lt Collard- Mentor Robin Odell.

A special thanks must go to Melzie and the team at Victory Trophies who kindly donated the tankards and all the engraving for this event.

My personal thanks also to all mentors and supporters for making another memorable day for our guests and FFF.

See you waterside soon.

Bill Howell

Founder

The Dalkia Day 

The day started well with a nip in the air and all the mentors and guests were warmly welcomed with hot sausage rolls / T&C.

With H&S lecture and fishery protocol completed tackle was dispensed and it was off to the waterside. The fish were sporadic in their appearance, and it became obvious that stalking would be required and over the next few hours it proved very fruitful for several guests with some very large fish coming to the net to be weighed in.

The camaraderie was flowing along with the banter as everyone settled into a comfortable rhythm of cast and retrieve then move a few yards and start again.

By midday the weather had warmed appreciably but the fish still proved very elusive with a quiet spell then an odd one took a fly then another quiet spell. This gave those in the know a good reason to keep on the move as the fish were obviously shoaling. It appeared that if you did not put the fly across their noses, they would not chase it, so the “Stalkers” were busy when they spotted a fish. Frustration levels rose when the fish followed the fly and turned away at the last moment.

I later learned that the fishery team had stocked the previous evening, so it confirmed our thoughts that they were shoaling which often happens after a fish stocking. The fish I mean not the fishery team.

A superb lunch was served with all the usual comments of what we could and should have done but then hindsight is 20-20 and that’s why it is called fishing and not catching.

A few guests regrettably blanked, and their mentors promptly came up with the ususal round of excuses, but the smiles made it obvious a good time was had by all and the praise and thanks from the guests was vociferous.

The Mentors and the Fishery team did a superb and I cannot speak highly enough of them all.

– Biggest Fish of 7lb 5ozs ( A Brownie) went to LCpl Georgina Hide. Mentor Richard Hughes.
– Biggest Bag of 3 Fish@ 16lbs 12ozs went to AB Thomas Brayford. Mentor Neil Mundy.
– Smallest Fish @ 3lbs went to LH Finnian Malone. Mentor. Robin Odell.

Photos by Mike Edward

Being our last group event for the 2024 season it was pleasing to start the day with the weather gods in our favour and recent stocking of fish bode well.

A pleasant mix of guests from F Coy the Scots Guards with a couple from Nijemegen Coy Grenadier Guards and after the usual polite (yeah right) competitive comments and banter it was down to business and a competition was already in the air.

Coffee and bacon rolls as usual were promptly served and as ususal wolfed down by the Guests and Mentors in short order as there was quite a nip in the air.

H&S lecture and casting demo given the Guests & Mentors were then paired up and it was off to the waterside and game on.

The fish were obliging in the early part of the day and several came to the scales until around 11am when it quietened down a bit which happens regularly when so many are walking round the lakes the fish take to the deeps so time for a coffee break.

Fish were clearly resident in both lakes and the odd one came to a lure and the net sporadically, so it was a “wait till you see them game” but downsizing even to a 16 buzzer seemed to be answer when you targeted them.

The weather kept changing from cloud to sunshine and the wind also change direction several times creating a more difficult environment, but the perseverance and skill of the mentors still put guests into fish so no complaints there.

By lunchtime there were no blanks and several 3lb plus fish on the catch sheet plus a superb fish of 8lbs with plenty of smiles to be seen at the final weigh in and group photo.

Lunch was excellent and elicited a round of applause for the chef and her team and the usual compliments were passed around the table to the fishery team followed by prize giving which brought more rounds of applause and the usual ribald comments non repeatable here.

For all at FFF the season ended on a high note with a HUGE grateful thanks to the Mentors, the Fishery team, and the Caterers for all their support through 2024.

 

Biggest Fish went To Gdsm Pears (Scots Guards) a beauty weighing in at 8lbs

Biggest Bag went to Gdsm Drew (Grenadier Guards) Weighed in at 9lb 10ozs.

 

From myself and the FFF team our sincere thanks to all and very best wishes and thoughts for the coming Xmas period.

Stay safe.

Bill Howell (Founder)

 

 

Pictures courtesy of Mike Edwards

The day started with superb weather and fish were seen moving all along the lake. An eager group of guests from all three branches of HMAS were greeted with coffee and bacon rolls which were promptly wolfed down and then they were paired one on one with their mentors.

We wasted no time in getting to the waterside after the ususal H&S lecture and casting introduction. The air was soon singing with the sound of rods swishing, flies buzzing and shouts of “Fish on”.

It was not very long before one of my duties as “Fish Bagger” kept me quite busy with several decent sized fish being brought to the fishing lodge with big grins on the faces of the captors to be weighed and bagged. The fish not the captors.

The fish were quite obliging, they were targeted and caught thanks to the keen eyes of the mentors and a constant stream of catches kept the banter going with the ususal insults of “small one that” and “pure luck” filling the air each time a guest took their catch to the lodge.

Lunch as usual was excellent thanks to “Bolly” and friends. Our sincere thanks again to Greg, Ben and Richard ensuring there were fish to be caught, so the day went smoothly and was again one for all to remember for all the best reasons.

How was it for the guests? The smiles and prolific thanks from the very relaxed guests to the caterers, the fishery staff, the mentors and myself as they departed with their fish said it all. As for the mentors and myself it was pleasing to feel “mission accomplished”

Presentation of prizes was accompanied by the usual insults from non-winners but in the best possible taste and very relaxed humour.

Prizes presented by Lt Col Martin went to:
Biggest Bag to Sdn Ldr Gar Chiles and the Biggest Fish to Cmdr Chris Hillard.

As our year draws to a close with one more event scheduled in October, I cannot find enough words of thanks to all the mentors who have travelled many miles at their own cost to support our events and ensure the guests have a day to remember both at this event and all the others throughout the year.

Our sincere thanks also to the CEO and staff at Haggards Crowther who generously sponsored today’s event.

Bill Howell (Founder, Fish Bagger, Dogsbody etc ,etc, etc)

Pictures courtesy of Mike Edwards of Reel Friends FFC

Dear Friends of FFF,

I regret to inform you that despite my best efforts we have been unable to find a suitable venue to hold our Annual Lunch this year, therefore I have taken the decision to postpone it. Like yourselves I cannot express my level of disappointment and this decision was not taken lightly but it is in everyone’s best interest I assure you.

There were a Kaleidoscope of reasons, many that I have no doubt you are aware of, the main issues being the changes to working practices and the cost of living that has been affecting the whole country since the pandemic.

Our last lunch at Sandhurst Military Academy is proving difficult to equal and we are still getting numerous compliments from supporters who kindly supported us on the memorable day.

Out of respect for all of you as sterling supporters of FFF I had to take into account other elements such as the implementation of the extended ULEZ zone that has also had an adverse effect on the venue location and other disruptive events such as rail strikes. Even if we had all in place in this present turbulent climate we cannot guarantee we could get to the chosen venue and the cancellation of such an event involving the inconveniencing so many good people is also quite costly so I decided to err on the side of caution.

That said 2023 has been an excellent year due to the number of events we have held thanks to your fundraising support and so many mentors giving their valuable time to pass on their skills. We took over 200 of our wounded and serving members of HMAF to the waterside. Judging by the compliments and letters we received, and the interest shown in fly fishing I have to say, “mission accomplished”.

It is my intention to perhaps hold the Annual lunch a little earlier next year so your views on that would be appreciated.

I do not take failure lightly so I will do everything in my power to make 2024 a far better year than this one.

My sincere thanks for all your support this past year and my best thoughts to you all.

Bill Howell (Founder)