8th July 2017 – Chalybeate Trout Fishery

Venue Chalybeate Trout Fishery. Hosts TWFFS. Again this year thanks to the generosity of Fidelity International Worldwide they are holding an interoffice (3 at present) fundraising competition for FFF with FIW matching every pound that is raised which is fantastic. Tunbridge Wells FFFS members will mentor the day and if it remotely like last year will be a resounding success with a laugh a minute and merciless banter galore.

30th July 2017: Prudential RideLondon 100 mile bike ride in aid of FFF

We are very fortunate to have a great bank of supporters, one of whom – Stephen Cooper – will be raising money for Fishing for Forces by taking on the Prudential Ride London 100 mile bike ride on 30th July 2017.

Steve is a very keen angler who recently started to volunteer with Fishing for Forces and is now taking on this amazing challenge to raise money.

You can sponsor Steve through VirginMoneyGiving and donations will be quickly processed and passed to the charity. VirginMoneyGiving is a not for profit organisation and will claim gift aid on a charity’s behalf where the donor is eligible for this. 

You can find Steve’s sponsorship page here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=StephenCooper12 

We really appreciate Steve’s support and hope that some of you will be able to sponsor him in his endeavour.

6th June 2017 – Manningford Trout Fishery

The event was a roaring success sponsored by Imtech Engineering Svs with the mentoring being done by angling clients of Imtech who did a superb job ably assisted by a few FFF mentors.

The guests were from the RAF 28 Sqdn with a few military personnel for a competitive mix. Biggest fish went to Mr Robinson (Mil) at 3lb 8ozs and Biggest bag to Mr Walker (RAF).

After a wet and windy the day died beautifully and judging by the smiles mission accomplished. Pint Tankards were presented to the winners by Simon Robson and most generously half pint tankards to the mentors.

Mr Walker (RAF) then kindly presented Mr Robson and I with beautiful framed prints signed by all the RAF lads and mine is already on my Wall of Pride. I feel privileged and “mission accomplished”.

Bill.

15th May 2017- Manningford – Tremendous day of fishing

A tremendous day kindly for a great crowd from Army Trg Br with everyone catching fish. Biggest bag to Lt Col MacMulen of 15.8lbs and biggest fish, a stonking 5.8lbs rainbow to Lt Col Martin.

The mentors surpassed themselves again with Mike Edwards doing photography and Mick Pegg (Mr Scales) on weigh in. The mentors have to be congratulated for catching the group up in a competitive manner and there was a lot of banter even during the rain.

Well done all and thank you Imtech Technical Svs for sterling support.

11th May 2017 – Corfe Lakes

The Services Dry fly Association once again hosted a group of wounded personnel from Band of Brothers to give them a superb day at the waterside. The lakes were regrettably covered in Algae in parts but were still fishable but the decision was made top allow the guests to fish the river Avon running alongside. There were some stunning results and beautiful brown trout caught (mostly returned) but a few were kept for cooking. Again the SDFFA surpassed themselves with superb hospitality with lunch and the top question at prize giving was as usual “when is the next one”. Many competent and potential anglers will emerge from this group and it was a privilege to be part of the organising of such an event. Full credit must go to Jonathan Crew (SDFFA Hon Sec) for organising the catering and the day and Mark Hesketh (SDFFA Chair) for their enthusiasm throughout the day. New friends were made and future fishing days organised with BOB group and mentors. The club members again did a sterling job of mentoring so my sincere thanks to them all.

Bill Howell (Founder).

25th April 2017 – A great day at Manningford

Again a successful day for FFF as the smiles say it all. A great group from HQLF with lovely old friends appearing much to my delight. Biggest bag went to Matt Patterson and biggest fish to Mike O’neill a nice 4lb 8oz fish that put up a helluva fight.

Manningford fishery chef Gaydon did them proud and they all finished the day with fish and slightly bloated from food. Mentors did them proud and everyone took at least one fish home so mission accomplished, once more thanks to them.

Pic 4 Paul Dalgleish a staunch supporter and mentor complaining of the size of the one he lost and my face obviously expresses sadness whilst thinking “do I really give a xxx” having lost a good one whilst he bent my ear.

A great day for all.

Bill Howell (Founder)

20th April 2017 – Chalybeate

Once again Tunbridge Wells Flyfishers Association hosted a group from HCMR and QOGLR for a superb day of fishing at this pristine fishery. A great day had by all with copious food for brekkie, lunch and tea and cake to finish.

Biggest bag won by Jamie Bradbury (HCMR and biggest fish by Adam Cooper (HCMR) so the Ghurkas have some catching up at the next event. The banter was superb and very few did not catch apart from the flak from confederates on the way home, but I am sure all departed very happy.

A superb job by the club who mentored as well and Jim the fishery owner for the stock and quality of fish. A privilege to be part of these events.

Bill Howell (Founder)

The London Fly Fishing Fair 2017 March 10th/11th

Come and see us, Fishing For Forces, at the best fishing show to hit London. The London Fly Fishing Fair, 2017!

To be held 10/11 March 2017
BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE
ISLINGTON LONDON

There will be a full casting pool, fly tying area and many activities for everyone to get involved in our wonderful sport.

logo

“We are pleased to present the first edition of The London Fly Fishing Fair located in the heart of central London at the Business Design Centre, Islington on the 10/11 of March 2017. The fair will include all aspects of the fly fishing world as well as lifestyle aspects for the family.

If you are interested in fly fishing and want to know how to get involved in the sport, please come along to find out more.

From a beginner to an expert this is the place to find out more about fly fishing and how to improve your techniques, arrange trips and get the gear you need to get you on those fish.”

 

More details and tickets from the London Fly Fishing Fair website, thelondonflyfishingfair.co.uk

Cast and Blast Saturday 15th July 2017

CAST AND BLAST SATURDAY 15th JULY 2017

AT MEON SPRINGS FISHERY (www.meonsprings.com) IN HAMPSHIRE IN AID OF FISHING FOR FORCES (FFF) registered charity 1141744 event sponsored by the John Lewis Partnership FFC

Fishing For Forces aims to provide a day’s fishing for all those who have been on Operational Duties. We believe they would benefit from the healing and therapeutic effects a day by the waterside has to offer. We also feel that this provides in a modest way, a means for those of the angling fraternity (and the public at large) who are not in the services, to show our appreciation of what they do for us.

FISHING COMPETITION

(LARGEST FISH AND HEAVIEST BAG) STARTS AT 09.30am WITH WEIGH IN AT 4.00PM. LARGE BLUE AND GOLDEN TROUT WILL ALSO BE PRESENT IN THE WATER. PRIZES WILL ALSO BE AWARDED IF THESE DIFFICULT FISH ARE CAUGHT. 20 CLAY SHOOT COMPETITION IN THE AFTERNOON. BREAKFAST/BBQ LUNCH AND AFTERNOON TEA AND CAKE INCLUDED IN THE PRICE. LUNCH TIME RAFFLE AND AUCTION TO RAISE MUCH NEEDED FUNDS FOR FFF.

TO ENTER – PLEASE FILL IN THIS FORM (Word doc) AND SEND A CHEQUE FOR £90 TO NEIL MUNDY – PINE VIEW, FOREST ROAD, DENMEAD, HAMPSHIRE PO7 6UA (TEL – 02392 254 886 OR MOB – 07964 379 988). CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES WILL BE SATURDAY 1st  JULY.

Fishing For Forces Annual Lunch 2016 – Tuesday Nov 29th

Tuesday November 29th  2016 at 12 Noon: The House of Lords

Dear FFF Supporter

For our annual lunch this year, FFF have managed to reserve the Cholmondeley Room & Terrace at the HOUSE of LORDS courtesy of our patron Lord Dear Kt.QPM.DL.

We have managed to keep single seat prices to £120.00 pp and a table of ten to £1000.00. A table of ten will consist of nine civilian guests and a member of HMAF as an FFF ambassador.

Lunch will be an excellent three course meal with a raffle of numerous superb items to suits all tastes so please bring a £20 note with your name written clearly on it. This will be followed by a small auction of very desirable items.

As you know this is a very popular venue and tables are booked quickly so to allow for invitation posting please RSVP by Friday Nov 19th. Your support is invaluable and it would be a genuine pleasure to have your company.

Due to high security a photo ID (passport / drivers licence) will be required with your personal invitation so please arrive promptly to avoid delayed entry.

For your personal invitation and to secure your seat, please contact Bill Howell on 07850 373760 or [email protected]

We also would appreciate being informed of any special dietary requirements.

Looking forward to the pleasure of your company.

Bill Howell.

FFF Founder

14th April 2016 – Calstone Fishery, Wiltshire

Date: Thursday 14th April 2016
Location: Calstone Fishery, Studley, Wiltshire

On Thursday 14th April, Fishing for Forces and Calstone FFS will host guests from Tedworth House and other PRCs for a day’s fishing at Calstone Lake in Wiltshire. Club members will kindly mentor.

Please note: As requested by the MOD No Alcohol will be permitted at any FFF event

14th April 2016 – Chalybeate Springs, Tonbridge, Kent

Date: Thursday 14th April 2016
Location: Chalybeate Springs, Eridge Green, Tonbridge, Kent

On Thursday 14th April, Fishing for Forces and Tunbridge Wells FFS will be hosting guests from Her Majesty’s Armed Forces for a day’s fishing at Chalybeate Springs in Tonbridge, Kent. Club members will kindly mentor.

Please note: As requested by the MOD No Alcohol will be permitted at any FFF event

15th June 2016 – Manningford Trout Fishery, Pewsey, Wiltshire

Date: Wednesday 15th June 2016
Location: Manningford Trout Fishery, Pewsey, Wiltshire

Fifteen Guests from HMAF will be hosted by Fishing For Forces at Manningford Trout Fishery near Pewsey on June 15th.

Mentors required please.

Mentors kindly note the postcode SN9 6JZ.

Manningford Trout Fishery
Manningford Bohune
Pewsey
Wiltshire
SN9 6NR

Please note: As requested by the MOD No Alcohol will be permitted at any FFF event

16th June 2016 – Calstone Fishery, Wiltshire

Date: Thursday 16th June 2016
Location: Calstone Fishery, Studley, Wiltshire

On Thursday 16th June, Fishing for Forces and Calstone FFS will host guests from Tedworth House and other PRCs for a day’s fishing at Calstone Lake in Wiltshire. Club members will kindly mentor.

Please note: As requested by the MOD No Alcohol will be permitted at any FFF event

Wild Trout Trust Three Fly Challenge on 18th June 2016

Wild Trout TrustThe 2016 Wild Trout Trust Three Fly Challenge is on Saturday 18th June 2016 at Meon Springs Fishery in Petersfield, Hampshire. 

It is a fishing tournament that will test your skills, while raising money for the Wild Trout Trust, a worthwhile charity dedicated to preserving river habitats throughout the country.

The rules are simple.  You can use only three flies and points are awarded based on which fish are caught on which flies; a fish caught on a dry fly gets you  the most points, a nymph bags you the least.

It’s a sociable day and a favourite for many people in the angling calendar. In recent years around £13,000 has been raised for the charity.

Tickets cost £95.00, including breakfast, lunch, a 4-fish ticket and flies.

Book your ticket here

30th June 2016 – Manningford Fishery, Pewsey, Wiltshire

Date: Thursday 30th June 2016
Location: Manningford Trout Fishery, Pewsey, Wiltshire, SN9 6JZ

On Thursday 30th June 2016, fifteen guests from HMAF will be hosted by Lloyds Fly Fishing Society and Cozens O’Connell at Manningford Trout Fishery near Pewsey.

Club members will mentor.

Please note: As requested by the MOD No Alcohol will be permitted at any FFF event

Fidelity International Worldwide Fly Fishing Competition on 2nd July

Fidelity International Worldwide, under the guidance of Vicky Haxton and Mick Heasman, are for the second year running holding an inter office fly fishing competition to raise funds for FFF at Chalybeate Springs fishery.

Last year was a tremendous success with loads of ribald competitive banter and abuse and several attempted sword fights with 10ft fly rods. I had to referee with the aid of the Tunbridge Wells Fly fishers which is not easy when you are rolling around laughing at the antics of normally polite personnel from the financial industry, who were aiming flies into the blue and still catching fish. As I explained to one young lady that she would not beat her opponent in to submission with a light carbon fly rod, and this baseball bat would do the job, she promptly whacked me with it for suggesting she hurt her friend. Work that one out? It was a great day, made so by the participants for their fervour to win the glass tankards so coveted by all, and raising lots of money to boot.

Fidelity in their generosity will once more match every £ raised so please help us by donating on http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/FidelityF4F you will be enhancing the days at the waterside for our lads and lasses from HMAF.

My sincere thanks

Bill Howell (Founder)

4th July 2016: Petersfield to the Somme 2016: In aid of FFF

The Petersfield to the Somme team
The team: Roger, Dom, Tom, Mark, Luke, Mike and Clive


This year, we are very fortunate to have a dedicated team of supporters who will be raising money for Fishing for Forces by taking on an incredible challenge. Roger, Dom, Tom, Mark, Luke, Mike and Clive will be cycling from Petersfield to the Somme and back again, a round trip of 350 miles! They will leave on the 4th July and return on the 9th.

A quote from their Virgin Money Giving page:
“We are aiming to raise money for ‘Fishing For Forces’ which is a charity that we have all experienced their work first hand. The aim of the charity is to provide a days fishing for those returning from operational duty, whether it’s part of a group day out at a local fishery or a day out with a local fisherman, easing their path back into a normal life, with lifetime support should they take up the sport. This charity is open to all servicemen and women from the Navy, Army and Air Force who have been affected both physically and mentally from conflict and individuals from WWII are still receiving the full support of the charity.”

“We are aiming to raise at least £2,500 for this amazing charity and we feel that it ties in well with the 100th anniversary of The Battle of the Somme, where we will be laying a wreath at a memorial service half way through our expedition, to pay our respects. ”

“Please help us support this amazing charity and any donations will be an amazing help and will be gratefully received. “

We feel very lucky to have such wonderful supporters, and we’d be thrilled if you would visit their page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/cycletothesomme and give what you can to help them reach their target.

14th July 2016 – Waldens Farm, Salisbury, Wiltshire

Date: Thursday 14th July 2016
Location: Waldens Farm, East Grimstead, Salisbury, Wiltshire

On Thursday 14th  July, Fishing for Forces and SADAC will be hosting guests from Tedworth House and other PRCs for a day’s fishing at Waldens Farm. Club members will kindly mentor.

Please note: As requested by the MOD No Alcohol will be permitted at any FFF event

Meon Springs Cast & Blast Fundraising Day on 16th July 2016

Meon SpringsMeon Springs’ Fishery in Petersfield, Hampshire, is holding its annual Cast & Blast Fundraising Day – combining fly fishing and clay shooting – on Saturday 16th July 2016 with the aim of raising money for Fishing for Forces.

The competition starts at 0930, with a weigh-in and prize giving at 4pm. There will be a 25 bird clay shoot competition in the afternoon.

As with the Three Fly Challenge, breakfast, BBQ lunch, and tea and cake are included in the price. There will also be a lunchtime raffle with some excellent prizes to help raise much needed funds.

Read the full article on the Meon Springs website

Thanks to all at Meon Springs for their support and we hope to see you there!

11th August 2016 – Nightingale Lake, nr Romsey

Date: Thursday 11th August 2016
Location: Nightingale Lake (TBC), East Wellow, Romsey

On Thursday 11th August, Fishing for Forces and Salisbury and District Angling Club (SADAC) will be hosting guests from Tedworth House and other PRCs at Nightingale Lake near Romsey. Club members will kindly mentor.

Please note: As requested by the MOD No Alcohol will be permitted at any FFF event

15th September 2016 – Calstone Fishery, Wiltshire

Date: Thursday 15th September 2016
Location: Calstone Fishery, Studley, Wiltshire

On Thursday 15th September, Fishing for Forces and Calstone FFS will host guests from Tedworth House and other PRCs for a day’s fishing at Calstone Lake in Wiltshire. Club members will kindly mentor.

Please note: As requested by the MOD No Alcohol will be permitted at any FFF event

POSTPONED: 15th September 2016 – Chalybeate Springs, Tonbridge, Kent

NOTICE: We regret that this event has been postponed. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Date: Thursday 15th September 2016
Location: Chalybeate Springs, Eridge Green, Tonbridge, Kent

On Thursday 15th September, Fishing for Forces and Tunbridge Wells Fly Fishing Society will be hosting guests from Her Majesty’s Armed Forces for a day’s fishing at Chalybeate Springs in Tonbridge, Kent. Club members will kindly mentor.

Please note: As requested by the MOD, No Alcohol will be permitted at any FFF event

28th September 2016 – FFF Special Event Day

Date: Wednesday 28th September 2016
Venue: Sportfish Game Fishing Centre, Theale, Reading

With generous sponsorship from Imtech Technical Services and Sportfish Reading FFF will be hosting 30 guests from HMAF for a full day of trout fishing. The day will commence for mentors at 08.30 (guests 09.30) with breakfast of bacon and sausage rolls, while lunch will be a hog roast.

The day will finish with a 16.00hrs weigh in, with tea, cakes and a prize giving for largest fish and heaviest bag. Come and share your trout fishing skills with those who protect our way of life.

MENTORS REQUIRED PLEASE.

To participate, contact [email protected] or call 07850 373760

13th October 2016 – Petersfinger Lake, Salisbury

Date: Thursday 13th October 2016
Location: Petersfinger Lake, Salisbury, Wiltshire

On Thursday 13th October, Fishing for Forces and SADAC will host guests from Tedworth House and other PRCs for a day’s fishing at Petersfinger Lake near Salisbury. Club members will kindly mentor.

Please note: As requested by the MOD No Alcohol will be permitted at any FFF event

March 2015 – Manningford Fishery, Wiltshire

Date: Tuesday 10th March 2015

Location: Manningford Trout Fishery, Pewsey, Wiltshire
Time: 13:00 – 17:00

Details: Fishing for Forces will be hosting 15 young guests from Cheltenham College at Manningford Fishery in Wiltshire. Charlie Jardine will be demonstrating and assisting, and there will be tea and cakes on arrival and during the midway break.

Mentors will be required please.

Please note: As requested by the MOD No Alcohol will be permitted at any FFF event

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