2020 – Fishing for Forces

18 December 20202020

The Festive Season Dec 2020

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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

16 April 20203 June 20202020

April 2020 Covid 19 Update

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To All Mentors, Friends and Supporters of FFF

I wish to thank you most sincerely for all your sterling support through 2019/20 and the recent calls and e mails of well-wishing and concern that have been totally uplifting during these difficult days so please keep them coming and I will respond asap.

I have delayed this notice like many in the fervent hope that a reasonably speedy solution could be found to this virus but as you all know and probably are experiencing the majority of UK citizens are in isolation including ourselves for an unspecified period until it is beaten.

All events planned for FFF are of course suspended until the restrictions are eased if not lifted completely but we have plans in place and we will be standing at the starting gate the moment the restrictions are lifted to take as many members of HMAF to the waterside in the shortest possible time before the weather changes or the season ends.

I share with you all the frustrations of not getting out to see friends and family or taking part in your favourite leisure pursuit’s but you are helping to curb the spread of the disease by sticking to the regulations and many of you are working from home keeping this country alive for which I thank you personally.

Like you all I have heard many heart-warming stories of bravery by Frontline workers and admirable deeds involving mentors, friends and supporters of FFF and thousands of others raising funds throughout the country and turning out to help those on the front line and those more vulnerable who are unable to leave their homes.

The message from FFF is simple. Stay safe, stay well and save lives by following the guidelines. We look forward to the pleasure of your company in the not too distant future. The whole country has pulled together so I am certain we all will come out of this crisis more aware and appreciative of each other and especially those on the Front line in the NHS, Police and members of HMAF to the road sweeper whose efforts throughout the years 365 24/7 have too often gone unsung.

My very best thoughts and wishes to you all.

Bill Howell

FFF Founder, Gopher, General dogsbody.