June 2020 Covid 19 Update

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.

April 2020 Covid 19 Update

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.