News – Fishing for Forces

7 September 20262026

August 27th 2026 @ Meon Springs

Once again the weather was in our favour (no rain). The sun was up and although from the start the air temperature was quite high and so was the water temperature also quite high making the fish uncomfortable – the water level was down quite a bit. That presented a challenge to mentors and guests. Advice from the fishery team advised us that the fish were shoaling so it was a case of find them and tempt them which in many cases even with constant changes of flies made it an arduous task.

The morning began with the usual welcome of T&C and rolls and introductions to our guests from at least 3 branches of HMAS then pairing off to tackle the wily trout.

That being said, fish came to the scales constantly and with the constant changes of spots around the fishery a very reasonable number of fish were weighed in. Sadly, we had two blanks due to fish coming off which was thankfully less than I envisioned. Several fish were lost for reasons unknown even by those who bagged up but that’s fishing.

The camaraderie and banter were, as always very evident and smiles, compliments and insults were voiced throughout the day. Once the first fish were caught the focus was intense on catching a fish as can be seen in the pictures and the technique of casting the fly rose to a very acceptable level and can be seen on the guests faces as they grasped the rhythm.

I managed to have a short walk (back still giving me Gyp) and those guests I had the pleasure of chatting with were obviously enjoying the day and the number of questions on fly fishing, I and the mentors, were asked was pleasing as most of them had never considered fishing as a leisure / healing pursuit.

An unexpected but welcome guest was Pat Burgess’s dog Storm who viewed everything from a supine position wondering what all the fuss was about when a fish was landed and now and then took my wife for “walkies” around the fishery with her on the other end of the lead.

A superb lunch was served and by way of a change of prizes excellent framed fishing prints courtesy of Geoff Brooks were presented to the winners and received with smiles.

Winner of Biggest Bag LCpl Zack Jones. Mentor Mark Roberts

Winner of Biggest Fish SSgt Jodie Sutton. Mentor Geoff Brooks

Winner of Smallest Fish Sgt Cat Windridge. Mentor Richard Hughes

It will never be boring for me to say “another successful day in the history of FFF ” all due to the excellent support from the mentors and from the fisheries teams and caterers.

Someone famous said (not me).

“A picture speaks a thousand words” but for me our motto will be “The smiles speak a thousand words”.

Bill Howell Founder

The pictures courtesy of Mike Edwards FFF Photog.

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23 August 20262026

July 30th Manningford Trout Fishery

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

The weather gods were playing games leading up to the event with the temperature on the 29^th at 31c and we expected the fish to come out of the water pre-cooked on our event day.

We were fortunate that the temperature dropped to 25-27c on the day, perfect weather if you wear a bikini I suppose but most male anglers, I know don’t (then again, Hmm let us not go there).

With Mentors and guests finishing their Welcome rolls and T&C it was off to the waterside but the bright sun and muggy heat did not bode well.

On this occasion the day started very well with a couple of nice 4 & 5lb fish coming to the scales quite quickly and word went round that buzzers seem to be the fly of the day.

It was pleasing to see the guests were from all three branches of HMAS and none had fished before but with Engraved Glass tankards to be won the competitiveness was soon apparent and it was “Game on”.

It was a pleasure to see that 50% of the guest were ladies on this occasion so the men were possibly in for a bit of ego bashing judging by some of the comments and sadly for them it turned out to be the case.

After a superb lunch and weigh in it was clear that numerous fish large and small had come to the scales and the ladies were in the lead in the main categories for prizes of Heaviest Fish and Heaviest Bag tankards eliciting huge smiles from the ladies. The usual banter continued with the tongue in cheek question of “any luck” from the ladies to the lads that did not help to restore any male egos.

Again on my walkabout round the fishery, it was abundantly clear how special the mentors are in forming bridges communicating with their guests and the smiles throughout the day were clear evidence of this. For their sterling support I feel privileged to have them as friends. Several guests also asked when the next event would be giving us clear indications that our formula works.

Our sincere thanks to the Fishery team helping to make it a memorable day and our special guest for presenting the prizes, thanks also to Daz Crowle (Team leader) for helping us put the day together.

Heaviest Fish Tina Hays @ 6lbs Mentor Richard Gill

Heaviest Bag Zoe Wood @ 12lb 14ozs Mentor Joan Russell

Smallest Fish Jessica Croft @3lbs Mentor Richard Hughes.

Tight lines to all

Bill Howell Founder.

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Pictures courtesy of Mike Edwards

1 July 20261 July 20262026

June 18th 2026 ORSA Day @ Meon Springs.

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

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.

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3 June 20262026

May 14th 2026 – FFF Tour of Tedworth House

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

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.

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3 June 20262026

May 21st 2026 @ Meon Springs

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

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.

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21 November 202521 November 20252025

October 23rd 2025 – ORSA Consultancy – Manningford Fishery

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

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.

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21 November 20252025

September 9th 2025 – SADAC Carp Day

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

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

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9 July 20259 July 20252025

July 3rd 2025 @ Meon Springs

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

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)

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10 June 20252025

May 29th 2025 @ Meon Springs

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

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

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30 April 20258 May 20252025

April 24th @ Manningford Trout Fishery

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

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

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20 December 20242024

Christmas Thoughts of the Founder

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

Ladies, Gentlemen, Mentors, Supporters and anyone else who may interested.

We are in the” Season of Good Will To All” which always brings out the very best of the people in this country of ours and around the world. Sadly, not all of our world is at peace and the shadow of conflict is affecting so many in too many places. History tells us that even a short conflict leaves a vast amount of long-lasting damage in many forms especially for too many of those who stand to protect our way of life.

The main reason FFF and other similar organisations were formed was to assist those who have suffered as a consequence of conflict to return to the best that life can offer during trying times.

Fishing in all its disciplines is now widely recognised by the medical profession as a superb form of therapy for those affected by conflict and has had superb results for many who have been guided in this direction.

Anglers from all walks of life over hundreds of years have known of the excellent therapeutic effect of just being by the waterside can bring and catching a fish is just an added bonus.

It should be recognised that the “Season of Good Will” lasts all year round for what I call the “Unsung Heroes”. Namely the Mentors and sterling Supporters of FFF and similar organisations including Angling clubs who give so much of their personal time to share their skills in all weathers throughout the years. They consistently spread the word and pass on their skills and the therapeutic benefits of fishing to those who have been wounded, are serving and who have served in His Majesty’s Armed Services.

FFF had a good year again with several events taking 120-150 to the waterside and the smiles say it all in the pictures on our website.

I hope you will give me the pleasure of your company in 2025 to share tight lines and screaming reels or simply come and say hello.

Having shared my thoughts, it only remains for me to thank you all for your support throughout 2024 and wish you, your families and friends the very best Xmas ever and a superb 2025.

I hope you will give me the pleasure of your company

Bill Howell (Founder, Dogsbody, etc etc)

“An Angler’s Dream Christmas Tree”

14 November 20242024

Oct 9th @ Meon Springs

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

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

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3 October 202410 October 20242024

Sept 18th @ Meon Springs

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

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

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6 February 202423 July 20242024

Here comes 2024!

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

Dear Friends and Supporters of FFF

With the festive season a memory now and the weather around the UK still playing games making “what to wear” the big question of the day. Many including yours truly fell into the trap when seeing a little sunshine and temperatures climbing, I decided to wear shorts ending up with “blue knees syndrome” or getting absolutely soaked which is not a pretty sight. Hopefully we have passed through the bitterly cold spell and can look forward to a climb in temperature and a little less rain.

As I said in my Xmas post, 2023 was another great success for events thanks to your unstinting support especially with an outstanding fundraiser the renamed “The Perfect Cast” even though the weather turned foul.

THE PERFECT CAST

This special event will be held again at Meon Springs on Saturday 11^th May so please book early via the Meon Springs booking page as it is a great day and an extremely popular event.
Click here to book.

We have a number of other events (please see below) for members of HMAF scheduled for 2024 and the dates and venues will be posted once confirmed so please check the website regularly with your diaries to hand and come and join us.

Meon Springs Trout Fishery has proven to be a very popular venue with mentors and guests due to location and facilities for mentors and guests which is a most important factor when organising our events. We are most fortunate that all the fisheries we use lay out the “Welcome mat” and go to great lengths to accommodate our needs and many mentors have first hand knowledge of the venues which helps tremendously when fish are being finicky.

Dates for your diaries please.

April 17th @ Meon Springs.

May 11th @ Meon Springs.

May 15th @ Meon Springs.

June 12th @ Meon Springs.

Juggling venues and catering availability is becoming a hobby of mine but here are the other dates confirmed with HMAF and we just await details on catering facilities before we can confirm the venue so your patience is genuinely appreciated.

Future dates.

July 17^th @ Meon Springs.

Sept 18^th @ Meon Springs.

Oct 9^th @ Meon Springs.

I for one cannot wait to get waterside again and I know many of you have already braved the elements to cast a fly or a maggot for the Grayling even if the wind that we have experienced leaves your fly in the tree or in my case in the back of my neck.

It all makes for an interesting outing so let me know when you can join us as soon as you can.

I would appreciate all comments and suggestions as to how we are doing at FFF.

Stay safe and well and we look forward to the pleasure of your company soon.

Screaming reels everyone.

Bill Howell

15 December 202315 December 20232023

Xmas Greetings to all from FFF

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

It is that special time of year where we spend a lot more of our days sending special thoughts and wishes to all who share our world.

We at FFF wish to do the same and thank you for all your superb support throughout 2023.

I can safely say that your sterling support brought a lot of pleasure to so many of our wounded, serving and veterans of HMAF at each event in 2023.

We had numerous requests from guests after each event requesting information as to how they can take up coarse and fly fishing and we are helping them in that endeavour where possible so work in progress.

Judging by the conversations and discussions we had during events I am certain that we will see quite a number of guests putting their names down for another visit in 2024 so mission accomplished.

The past year has been so hard on the whole population, but with our usual determination we will no doubt make 2024 a better year. With the aid of so many dedicated people in the medical profession, police and HMAF we have pulled through and will do so again. Many unsung heroes were found in the general population, and they are still helping those less fortunate even in this present day, so it speaks volumes as to how we as a country deal with adversity, simply trying to survive, someone out there will lend a helping hand.

With so much turmoil around the world, whilst tucking into your Turkey, spare a thought for those who are less fortunate and those who will be standing guard around the country to ensure our peaceful way of life.

For all who passed on their skills at events this year in all weathers and locations, an extra note of thanks for spreading so much goodwill to so many.

I will play with a statement by Winston Churchill and say that “So much pleasure has been given by so Few to so Many” so pat yourselves on the back please because it is your support that keeps FFF alive..

It only remains for me to personally wish you and all who share your world that you have the very best Xmas ever and I look forward to the pleasure of your company in 2024.

See you all waterside soon.

Bill Howell

Founder, Teaboy ,Dogsbody etc etc.

PS A picture from a friend thinking outside the box for an alternative Xmas tree. Ho, Ho, Ho.

(Click to open the picture!)

5 October 202311 October 20232023

October 2023 – Annual Lunch

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

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)

22 December 202222 December 20222022

Christmas Greetings 2022

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

Taking The Wounded to The Waterside

Dec 2022

Dear Supporters, Mentors and Friends of FFF.

Throughout this turbulent year thanks to your unstinting support FFF has survived with the aim to take many more of our wounded to the waterside in 2023.

The past two years have been so hard on the whole population, but we move into another year with difficult times ahead yet again. With the aid of so many dedicated people in the medical profession, police and HMAF we have pulled through and will do so again. Many unsung heroes were found in the general population, and they are still helping those less fortunate even in this present day, so it speaks volumes as to how we as a country deal with adversity, be it viral or simply trying to survive, someone out there will lend a helping hand.

Here at FFF we aim to make 2023 a memorable year for group events so please watch the website for event dates and other memorable days in which you can participate or donate to safely in the knowledge that your contribution and participation will go a lot further as each day passes.

Thank you for all the kind words and deeds and sterling support through 2022, it is your charity and with your support FFF will complete its mission to help as many of our wounded and veterans as possible.

May you, your families and all who share your world’s have the best Xmas possible and I sincerely wish that 2023 brings you all that you look for to have a happy and healthy year.

My best thoughts always.

Bill Howell

Founder, teaboy, general dogsbody.

26 September 20222022

16th July 2022 – Annual Cast and Blast Success!

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

To say our 8^th Fishing for Forces Annual Cast and Blast fund raiser at Meon Springs was a Red-Letter Day for several reasons would be an understatement. Thirty-five staunch supporters started fishing at 09.00 with the air temperature already at 27 degrees so a warm and gruelling competition was forecast.

Many believed in this weather it would be very difficult to catch fish, but soon after the start, rods began to bend and incredibly at the weigh in everyone had their four fish limit. Another first in the history of FFF.

The clay shoot commenced at 101/11/12 am and three groups were spaced with highly qualified instructors assisting those who were new to shooting. The shooting competition was going to be a close result with many scores of 22/23 and 24 out of 25. Rob Chamberlain took the trophy for the second year with a perfect score of 25 out of 25.

The top fishing prize of a superbly engraved Cut Crystal Decanter and glasses set generously donated by Brigette and Roy Gosling was won by Anthony Mapes from The Partnership Fly fishing club for the heaviest bag at 16.8lbs which included the heaviest fish of 8.6lbs.

Our Rules prevent one person taking two prizes so the Heaviest Fish Trophy went to Steve Plummer with a superb fish worthy of the prize.

The prize for the smallest fish of 1.12lbs went to the lovely Sandra Walker.

Special mentions must go to Neil Mundy and family for organising the event and their sterling support. The “Mundy Girls” (Stephanie & Lynn) raised the superb sum of £100 at their card table (cards made and donated by friends and their children) plus a £50 donation from Lynn’s workplace and they added another £455 using their womanly wiles in raffle ticket sales.

Once again, our sincere thanks to Greg, Jamie and the fishery team for superb stocking and the excellent catering that made it difficult to get up from the table.

The bargain “Tackle table” raised a modest £1200 but was dwarfed by Neil Mundy’s Auction skills that raised a further £3500 another a record for the C&B.

My most sincere thanks to all the superb supporters and competitors for persevering through a very hot and energy sapping day.

Please pat yourselves on the back for and exceptional event in the annals of FFF and our genuine thanks to all who supported the day and raising £5000.00 plus.

Bill Howell

A humble and very grateful founder of FFF.

28 April 20222022

FFF April 2022 Update

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

Despite restrictions still being at a high level during 2021. FFF still managed to have Three outings with groups of ten to fifteen at a time of our serving and veteran personnel taking them to the waterside where they all enjoyed a great day judging by the thanks and smiles.

The weather was kind and as usual the mentors fervently assisted our guest in capturing decent fishing and in great numbers. The usual banter and ribald remarks abounded echoed down the lakes when a fish was landed and sarcastic comments as usual for the poor beggar who lost one.

2022 has regrettably started slowly but we are rapidly moving forward to organise a several events this season to make up for time lost.

May should prove a decent month as fisheries have come alive and the fish are proving to be in a taking mood so the forecast fish wise is good and we just need some decent non chill weather.

Sadly we have a lost a few stalwart Mentors due to the pandemic, age and medical reasons so if you are aware of any fly fishing pals who would like to pass on their skills do let me know or get them to contact me at [email protected] and it would be my pleasure to chat with them.

We are updating the website but keep checking please and if you wish to contact us there is a page devoted to that.

Thank you for all your sterling support through the trying times and may you have tight lines on most days and enjoy the therapy that fishing offers.

See you waterside.
Bill Howell
Founder, teaboy, general dogsbody.

10 January 202228 April 20222021

Dec 1st FFF Annual Lunch at RMAS

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

Held at such a prestigious venue our sincere thanks to the excellent organisation of the military personnel and the catering staff I have to say that the FFF lunch was a resounding success.

The pre-lunch Tour was to say the least enlightening with three resident RMAS historians giving in depth lectures on each room visited and the historical items therein. It was eye opening, and they each held everyone’s attention with every word.

Lunch was held in the Indian Army Memorial Room and the beauty of the room from the Coloured cut glass windows depicting conflicts around the world over many years, to the flags and mementoes on all four walls held everyone in awe. A short very informative lecture on the history of the room was given by Mr John Archibald who has been the “Gatekeeper” at Old College for more years than he will admit and his knowledge of RMAS and Old College was incredible and widely applauded.

The catering was excellent, and the Raffle and Auction raised over £12,000.00 thanks to the generosity of the guests and the artful auctioneer Neil Freeman.

The event was closed with a moving and stirring speech by Lt Col Martin of life in the army and his service of 30 years plus was received with a standing ovation.

Our most genuine thanks again must go to the Military personnel for such a warm welcome and their superb handling of an invasion of a 100 plus civilians and the catering staff who insisted that nothing was too much trouble.

I woud like to take this opportunity of wishing all Supporters, Mentors and Friends of FFF a belated very best of the Festive season and My sincere wish that 2022 be your year for getting all you wish for yourselves and those who share your world. FFF is your charity and without your superb support it would not exist and those who receive your support are always extremely grateful and their smiles say it all.

My best thoughts to you all Always.

Bill Howell

FFF Founder

30 September 202130 September 20212021

In Memory of Roy Weston. Angler, innovator and all round inventor. Sept 2021.

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

In late October 2020 I was contacted by a lovely lady Roy’s wishing to donate a large amount of end tackle accessories to FFF from her late husband’s estate.

It transpired that her husband Roy was an incredible inventor and entrepreneur and sadly taken from the angling world too early. His innovations on bait pots and floats to my eyes were stunning and he was obviously thinking out of the box with his inventions.

His son kindly sent pictures, and everything was perfectly boxed and packaged containing several thousand items and he advised me when going to collect their generous donation to take a big van. To give you a snapshot of the stupendous donation I took a short wheelbase transit and upon arrival I was stunned by the volume of over 200 boxes so two trips were required.

I took a friend with me and Roy’s wife, son and daughter were kindly on hand to assist with the loading on both occasions and could not have been more helpful, so we managed to put it all in store to plan dispersal completely FOC to veterans’ clubs and others who would benefit around the country.

In 2021 an FFF ambassador and angling / shooting entrepreneur was just starting up and as he would be travelling nationwide for his business so he offered to assist us with dispersal and took half the volume to dispense for us to those he felt would benefit. To our surprise over the following months generous donations came to FFF from the recipients totalling £1700, a substantial boost to FFF funds allowing us to hold more events at the waterside for our wounded, veterans and serving members of HMAF in the future

In conversation with a good friend Les Webber (MBE. He should get the Bar as well) of Angling Projects, who for many years has done wonderful things at his lakes with numerous charities, needy children, and wounded members of HMAF, expressed an interest and when he saw the items said he would find homes for a good portion of the remainder. So FFF on behalf of the Weston Family donated a van load (see pics) that I know Les will put to very good use for the benefit of so many.

FFF has also donated a serious portion to several veterans fishing clubs, and more are earmarked for angling clubs like SADAC who do great work with kids and veterans regularly throughout the year.

Our heartfelt condolences go to the lovely family of Roy Weston for their loss, but Roy’s memory will live on for a long time with such a stupendous, generous and a far-reaching donation.

From all at FFF and many nationwide we thank you and it has been a privilege to assist in your quest to allow so many to share Roy’s genius.

Bill Howell

A Very Humbled Founder of FFF.

12 July 202110 September 20212021

July 22nd Meon Springs Day

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

July 22^nd 2021 FFF Guest day

Venue Meon Springs

A blistering day welcomed our mentors and guests from HCMR to the waterside. An air of “what have we signed up for” among the guests was evident for a short while until they saw the trout cruising up and down then it was “how do I get one of those on my table”.

The day started with the usual welcome of drinks and scoffing of sausage rolls followed by and H&S resume and casting basics. One could feel the interest mounting and the desire to “get into it” was palpable so mentors were introduced and paired with their charges and fishing began.

Numerous comments between the guests such as “you look the part twit” to “that big one is mine” kicked of the banter and it did not stop especially when a fish was hooked and lost causing a great relaxed atmosphere among the guests and mentors alike. The fish were fairly obliging, and the mentors did a cracking job with several guests banking fish to be weighed in quickly so now it was “game on”.

Pleasingly there were a high number of “naturals” in the group of guests, and they picked up the basics of casting a fly very quickly so the mentors with them stood back and only made comments when they had a tangle of lost the casting rhythm for a short while.

Without exception all the guests were totally focussed on taking home an engraved winners’ tankard and the continuous flow of questions regarding the flies being used, their origin and the best way to fish them ensured that the rapport between mentor and novice was at the highest level one could wish for.

Lunch was a superb cold platter with my favourite of Pavlova with cream for desert laid up by the excellent skills of the lady chef in the barn and the plates and tables were cleared in record time. Cold and hot drinks were supplied all day courtesy of the fishery so yet again Greg and his team kept their usual high standards of care for all involved.

I am pleased to say several of our guests have decided that they want to take up the sport by getting their own kit which FFF will help to facilitate and be on call for any advice they may need in the future.

The usual “when is the next one” was the favourite question followed by many others of where to fish and how to get kit and a licence. The handshakes and “thank you’ s” at days end tells me that we have got the agenda right and the mentors did their usual Sterling job so I am certain we will see many of them at the waterside in the future.

Trophies were presented by Lt Col Martin and Lt Col Williams went well and garnered smiles all round.

Winners

Biggest Fish at 4.4lbs was Tpr Williams. Mentored by Pauline Pendle.

Biggest Bag at 9.13lbs was Tpr Izgard. Mentored by Steve Cupples.

Screaming Reels to all and on to the next one with pleasure.

Bill Howell. Founder

12 July 202110 September 20212021

July 17th Fishing For Forces annual Cast & Blast.

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

July 17th Fishing For Forces annual Cast & Blast.

Venue Meon Springs Trout Fishery

Another spectacular event with such sterling support from all the participants.

A very hot day did not bode well but the trout did oblige if you stalked them or waited quietly in the shade to “dink” a passing trout as many competitors did. The usual banter was evident throughout the day and comments from a blanker when the shooting part started such as “bring the gun back with you and I will shoot one of the buggers” sent ripples of laughter around the lake.

A superb auction mastered by Neil Mundy and a generous number of raffle tickets sold took monies raised to a more than respectable total of nearly £4000.00 on the day, taking into account the limited numbers we were permitted due to Covid restrictions. A portion of monies from this fund raiser paid for 10 members of HCMR to enjoy a day at the waterside on July 22^nd (more on that in the next newscast) so participants should pat themselves on the back for that.

As ever Greg and his team at the fishery did us proud with lots of fish to go for and an excellent pre auction lunch putting everyone in a celebratory mood after a difficult day.

I most am pleased to say the ladies were well represented with Joan Russel flying the FFF flag as she never misses an event taking time out of her busy workload and travelling hundreds of miles to support us and several competitor’s lady partners joining in.

Phillipa Mason took the Smallest fish prize (looks over 3lb to me). A great achievement as a relative newcomer to trout fishing.

Steve Vine took Biggest Fish with an 8Lb plus.

Nigel Newport took Biggest Bag with an excellent weight and a tribute to his fishing skills.

Rob Chamberlain took Top Gun with a blistering clear 25 clays despatched.

I had the distinct pleasure of presenting the prizes alongside Neil Mundy who did a Sterling job of organising the Auction prizes and auctioneering and for sourcing a very respectable number of great Raffle/ Auction prizes with many superb and desirable fishing days among the lots.

A sincere and genuine thanks to all who came to take part and assisted when needed and we now move on to taking more of our Wounded to the Waterside with these monies raised.

Screaming reels and I look forward to seeing you all at the waterside again soon.

Bill

FFF Founder

17 March 202115 June 20212021

March 2021 FFF Update

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

FFF Update March 2021

Well now, we seem to be moving towards a few restrictions being lifted which is in a way good news. The bad news is it is a wait and see situation especially for the schools, pupils and teachers and the NHS. Very sadly in my locality a school opened Monday and was closed by Wednesday when 8 pupils tested positive on the first day. The really bad news is there is now a question mark over the validity of the test results so again it is wait and see but we must keep a positive attitude on all that has been achieved.

The message here is that it is too soon to drop our guard much as we want to as there are still too many people ignoring the guidelines which will probably lengthen the time it takes to get complete control of this virus. The NHS Front line workers are still under tremendous pressure and I do not wish to add to it by becoming another statistic due to selfishness.

Yes, let’s get out and mix where possible but I for one am still keeping my distance no matter how much I want to hug a relative or friend and seriously want to get groups of those members of serving in HMAF and veterans back to the waterside but regrettably too many Mentors and the MOD consider it a little too risky and I respect their concerns so I shall have to wait.

We have however been able to get a few out individually but the coarse fishing closed season is upon us now but thankfully a few trout fisheries are opening so we will continue with individual outings where feasible.

Please checkout the Events page as we have two important great fun Events for all Covid permitting.

Stay safe, stay well and enjoy this precious small taste of freedom until we can all move around with impunity.

My best thoughts to all who support FFF, families and friends and the public as a whole as I feel it will not be too long before we can get back to doing what we love.

Bill Howell

Founder.

18 December 20202020

The Festive Season Dec 2020

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

Dear All

It is usual at this time of year for lots of words of well wishing to stay healthy and happy and thankfully that has not changed but has been emphasised to a greater degree with if possible greater feeling.

I am just happy to be able to wish you all a safe and healthy Xmas period and my sincere best thoughts at this time hoping you have a virus free 2021.

We have all come through this trying time encountering difficulties of one sort or another but the selfless humanitarian and heroic acts of front line workers and volunteers caring for so many of our less fortunate men, women and families has set a shining example around the world.

Like many FFF has been in a state of Limbo since Covid began where our group events, fundraising and participation of other causes is concerned. That said we have helped a few get to the waterside when restrictions were eased and we also have been involved in a small way by helping to form a coarse fishing club for a group of veterans.

They have chosen the name of “Respite Angling” under the guidance of Peter Biggs who has worked tirelessly to get the club off the ground. They have already had a group day out (distancing closely adhered to) courtesy of Barnes Piscatorial Society and were treated to a Bacon & Bangers breakfast and lunch as well. Two more FOC days at my friends carp lakes with lunch included are planned for 2021 so they are off to a great start.

FFF will be ready once we get the green light for group events and we will be almost starting from scratch so I would ask all Friends, Mentors, Sponsors and those wishing to donate time ,tackle, funds etc to contact me [email protected] to refresh your details and offers.

Thank you all for your kind words, thoughts and deeds through 2020 it kept the fires and enthusiasm burning brightly through all the dark days.

Stay Safe, Stay well and please stay in touch.

My best you all, your families and friends and all who share your world.

Bill Howell

Founder

18 December 20202020

RIP Paul Kavanagh

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

It is with great regret I have to write that due to a freak accident whilst yachting my friend sustained a freak fatal accident resulting in his untimely demise. Most painful of all was he had retired as CEO of his company just six weeks prior and we actually spoke for some time the day before his accident and discussed his many plans of spending more time on projects with his family and when time allowed out on the water which he loved.

Paul became a close personal friend of mine several years ago having taken over the company reins from his predecessor Jim Steele and like Jim he was a great supporter of FFF. He was a very accomplished yachtsman having sailed the high seas for many years and he participated in many gruelling yacht races every year the “Fastnet” to name one. He was a highly respected member of the yachting fraternity.

He once foolishly invited me to go out with him and when I asked “how many oars has your boat got” the reply I think was in Gaelic along the lines of “Bloody Philistine” and the invite was promptly withdrawn in the nicest possible way of course.

I once made the mistake of commenting on the “madness of battling huge waves and high winds out there” and with an enigmatic smile his gentle reply was “no sillier than crawling on your hands and knees throwing a feather at a fish”. As usual I could not top his logic and when we stopped laughing we moved on to other subjects putting the world right.

He had the uncanny knack of not only making me feel very welcome and at ease each time we met to play catch up and I always came away with the feeling of having been in the company of a very warm and genuine person.

He has sadly left a void in a countless number of people’s lives especially his family who have my most sincere condolences. His fellow workers and the construction industry as a whole is reeling from the shock.

Wherever you are Paul may you always have the wind at your back and gentle seas as you will be sorely missed for a very long time by myself and so many who were privileged to share your world.

Bill Howell

Founder

Fishing For Forces

7 September 202023 September 20202020

Oct 3rd WTT Day 2020 – Cancellation

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

Saturday Oct 3rd 2020

Wild Trout Trust 3 Fly Day

Regrettably this superb fundraising event has had to be cancelled. Thankfully the WTT on line auction is still running so you can help to raise funds by purchasing one or more of the fabulous lots on offer and have some great fishing to make up for the day lost at Meon Springs by going to www.wildtrout.org. They deserve your support by protecting our chalk streams for the future generation’s.

Tight Lines

Bill Howell FFF Founder

7 September 20202020

A Fishy Farewell

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

As mentioned in my previous post Staff Sgt Malla of 10 QOGLR has been re- deployed to his native land Nepal for two years so a fishy farewell day was organised at Meon Springs by his friends in the regiment. It was presumed it would be a solemn occasion, but quite the opposite proved to be the case.

The day turned out quite spectacular with a large number of his KOSHI club members in attendance and a few invitations to join them were also kindly extended to some FFF mentors who had worked closely with the Gurkhas over the years. The competitive nature of the Gurkhas turned it into a competition and deservedly 1^st and 2^nd place were won by Gurkhas who persevered relentlessly in the sweltering heat of the day. Biggest Bag of 13lb14oz went to Capt Vivak and Biggest Fish of 4lb 2oz to Cpl Arjun Purja. Numerous fish were caught but it in the rising heat it was very hard work.

After the breakfast welcome a couple of surprise presentations of Koshi Club shirts by Brigadier Reehal to Joan Russel and Neil Mundy for their support to the club made them “Honorary” club members and they were received warmly. Fishing began under a blazing sky and a little relief came at lunchtime with a superb curry supplied by their own regimental chef. After the weigh in the engraved tankard prize’s were again kindly awarded by Brigadier Reehal and we as civilians were privileged to witness his stirring speech to his men and then presenting several personnel with special scarves to celebrate their promotions within the regiment. He also presented Mike Edwards (FFF mentor) with a regimental plaque as a token of thanks for his mentoring of club members over several years.

I was then had the distinct pleasure of presenting Samir with a personalised FFF shirt and a named rod (his name not mine) with the crossed Kukri’s woven onto it especially hand made by Chris Ward (the Rod Doctor) and I have to say it is a work of art. I then tried to take it back as I wanted to try it out but he refused to let go of it. Wonderful people they, are but only a fool argues with a Gurkha.

The day had been superb and then I was ambushed by them all with a huge birthday card as my 75^th birthday was the following day and again I felt extremely privileged when I realised that it had been signed by all there including the fishery staff. I also received a beautiful “Barn Owl” print from a painting by my friend and FFF mentor Derek Saunders Maj Rtd. I have to say a huge “thank you” to the fishery team as Greg and his team did us all proud and ensured social distancing and sanitization was observed at all times..

I am sure the time will fly and I and many others will be waiting to welcome Samir upon his return as he has achieved incredible things wherever he was posted especially the formation of the Koshi Club here in the UK and I know he will achieve even more in his new post in his homeland.

A very special day for the memory book.

Bill Howell

FFF Founder

27 July 20202020

A Very Fond Farewell

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

It is with more than a tinge of sadness tempered by the knowledge that he will return that we say a fond farewell to Staff Sgt Samir Malla of The Queens Own Logistics Regiment. He is being redeployed to his homeland of Nepal for the next two years which I hope will pass quickly and we meet again. I first met “Sammy” as he likes to be called at an FFF gathering at Avon Springs fishery Eight years ago. He had sought me out as the organiser of the FFF event that day and with a soft greeting of “Namaste” (a gentle respectful greeting used by the people of Nepal) he explained he enjoyed fishing and asked what the rules were and asked if he would be permitted to join the group.

I explained there were no rules and that the charity had been formed specifically for veterans and serving members of HMAF of which he was obviously one and it would be a pleasure to have his company. He was a little surprised and his faced literally beamed as I told him to choose a rod and commence fishing. From that day we formed a bond and friendship that is not easily explained but the following few years saw more and more of his compatriots turning up at numerous FFF events and rapidly passing from novice’s to competent anglers in fly fishing in a very short time.

It was I have to say down to many FFF mentors patiently taking the novices under their wing and teaching them the rudiments of Fly fishing so patiently and their own enthusiasm and determination that turned them into the one’s to watch as they started to enter numerous competitions and consistently winning. Two of them proved so competent they were selected to join a team and represent the Army in numerous competitions winning praise on many occasions.

In 2016 / 17 “Sammy” approached me on the subject of starting a Regimental Fly fishing club and we discussed the basic requirements, a club name, badge / logo and tackle. He set to with great enthusiasm and help from his officers and fellow Gurkhas and in a short space of time he had formed “The Koshi Fly Fishing” club with the regimental badge and kindly insisting they include the FFF badge on each sleeve.

NB. The Koshi is the largest river in Nepal.

As I and FFF had contacts with several great people in the angling fraternity guiding “Sammy” in the right direction was a small part to play and a distinct pleasure and my being made an “Honorary Gurkha and Koshi Club” member filled me with more pride than I can describe and those who know me know I am not often lost for words.

As their club grew (25 at last count) they took a perverse pleasure on turning up and laying in wait quietly at several FFF events over the years. Then creeping up behind me as I was giving the H&S talk to our guests for the day and announcing their presence with a gentle “Namaste Mr Bill how are you today, are then any spaces, can we assist in any way”? This always scared the xxxx out of me as I was in the habit of checking all round after the first time they did it. They still got me much to the amusement of the guests who saw them coming but kindly gave me no inkling they were there.

It was always a genuine pleasure to make them welcome and to be in their company as they are quiet unassuming people except when fishing starts and the fun begins with I assume ribald remarks often in their own language which I suspect were not always complimentary especially when one of them lost a fish. They stoically refused to tell me what “you pratt” is in Nepalese. On numerous occasions they consistently offered to assist in many ways and I personally, and many in FFF will always be grateful for their company and unstinting support. At day’s end they always thanked everybody profusely with whom they had shared the day.

Sammy has handed the Koshi Club reins to a fellow Gurkha and we will no doubt see them regularly at the waterside until he returns.

I have been around long enough and under normal circumstances I usually sense someone observing or coming up behind me but these buggers emanate such a powerful aura of peace on approach it is no wonder they have few equal’s in HMAF to compare with them. Once a party is considered “the enemy” during conflict I think they the enemy, should quickly surrender or face the consequences which I suspect could be quite terminal if you get my drift.

I and all at FFF will miss him and we wish him well, a safe journey and a swift return to join us at the waterside having served this country over many years and through several conflicts. He modestly rarely speaks of his service to our country but on the rare occasion he does he rightly does so with great pride. The least we can do upon his return is, first welcome him with a gentle “Namaste” and then ask when he can join us at the waterside.

Travel safe and Screaming reels with regular tights lines my friend.

Bill and all at FFF.

3 June 20202020

June 2020 Covid 19 Update

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

To All Mentors, Friends and Supporters of FFF

Well what can I write that you have not seen or heard before. Restrictions as you are no doubt aware have been eased slightly and many are returning to work where possible taking sensible precautions again where possible.

To a sensible degree members of the public have a little more freedom but not so many who are still considered to be at “High Risk” and many have been allowed to participate in their chosen leisure pursuits of angling, golf and tennis to name a few but with sensible guidelines that it is advisable to follow.

I woke early Wednesday to a thunder of feet thinking it was a cattle stampede, but it was just anglers rushing to the waterside to allay their withdrawal symptoms having been denied the pleasure of fondling maggots and flies for so long.

Over the following few days, I was deluged with copious number of e mails and texts with pictures of fish caught and beautiful waterside scenery with “wish you were here” notes and they were genuinely heart-warming to receive. Apart from the fact the sneaky beggars knew I still fit in the “High Risk” stay at home category but I do believe the messages were all well intentioned. Fortunately, only my wife could hear me sobbing. My turn will come I am sure.

LEST WE FORGET is a phrase that fits this situation, as well as remembering those who fell in too many past conflicts the stories keep pouring in of selfless deeds and sacrifices made by those on the Front Line and the superb fundraising by many members of the public who just want to do and continue to do “their bit” and deliver essentials to those most needy. I am sure as we come out of this viral war we will continue to remember all those who sacrificed their lives and future well being for the sake of our nation and we all continue to pull together. It is not that difficult.

WE can all do our bit by continuing to observe the guidelines for our safety and that of many with whom we share our world. Some guidelines we are inevitably uncomfortable with and others seem quite contradictory, but we are in strange times and we need to adapt if we wish to survive.

I will close by reiterating from my last message. FFF will commence days at the waterside as soon as group events are considered safe and acceptable and those event dates will be posted on this website for you all to see. Please continue with your Sterling support as it enables FFF to show on your behalf what members of HMAF mean to you. Let me know if you wish to join us as a Mentor as your skill and participation is priceless and you will always receive a warm welcome.

My best thoughts to you all so please stay safe, stay well and if you are really unfortunate you may have the misfortune of meeting me at the waterside.

Bill Howell

Founder, Tea boy, Washer upper.