October 23rd 2025 – ORSA Consultancy – Manningford Fishery
The day started nippy when the mentors arrived at 08.00 to coffee, tea and rolls and they assembled the tackle for the guests but thankfully no rain was left over from the constant deluge the previous night. The guests arrived to a warm welcome with C, T and rolls and once the safety lecture and fishing protocol was delivered and one to one pairing was completed, it was off to the waterside. The weather gods were kind to us as the morning progressed with the high wind dropping and sporadic sunshine brightening the day. The banter started early as did fish coming to the net. Several fish between 4 & 7 lbs came to the net throughout the morning including a superb 6lbs 8ozs Brownie and they were promptly weighed and bagged.
A superb lunch that met with everyone’s approval (I did ask) was served by Stuart and John and the conversation between mentors and guests was mainly on the subject that “if we tried this or that we may have had more takes” Numerous questions by the guests on methods and lines and flies were heartening to hear and most were answered with the old motto that fishing is fishing and not catching.
Lunch was followed by presentations to the winners and again there was quite a lot of ribbing, and the atmosphere was superb. A couple of guests who had joined us on previous events had suggestions that we took on board and one of demonstrating how to tie a fly we which will include in the agenda for the events next year. There was also a presentation of generous gifts for each guest from our Sponsor ORSA of Large chocolate bars and very useful water bottles which I am sure will get well used.
Winners of the trophies.
– Biggest fish 6lb 8ozs Pte Jarard Stoddart. Mentor Neil Mundy
– Biggest Bag (4 Fish) 16lb 8ozs Cpl Natash Jones. Mentor Tim Mundy
– Smallest Fish Tpr Aaron Barton. Mentor Nigel Pavey
I can safely say that every FFF event this year has been a resounding success due to the unstinting support by the Mentors who travel many miles in all weathers to give the guests a truly memorable day as the guests have given their yesterdays for our tomorrows. It is safe to say that without the Mentors the charity would simply not exist.
In the meantime, may I wish all Mentors, supporters and readers, Families and friends the very best of health, wealth and happiness for the Xmas period and a superb 2026.
Bill Howell.
Founder, teaboy and dogsbody.
Excellent pictures courtesy of Mike Edwards.
A superb 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.
