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.

Fishing For Forces Annual Lunch 2019

Fishing For Forces are privileged to be holding our annual lunch this year on Thursday November 14th at 12 Noon, at the home of the Blues and Royals. The HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY MOUNTED REGIMENT Barracks, Hyde Park, Knightsbridge. SW7 1SE. Hosted by our Patron, The Lord Dear Kt.QPM.DL

As usual at this event there will be a superb three course lunch served in the WO’s and NCO’s Mess. This will be followed by a Raffle requiring a £20 note with your name on it to participate and this will be followed by a small number of superb items for auction to cater for all tastes whilst coffee is being served.

Seats are £120.00 per person but a Table of 10 is offered at £1000.00 (a perfect venue for those special clients). A table of 10 will consist of 9 civilians plus a table guest from HMAF.

A very special addition not to be missed.

Guests of FFF have been offered the rare opportunity to join a tour of the Historic in house Museum, Farriers and Saddlery within the barracks (at no extra cost). The tour commences at 11.00 sharp until 11.45 when the guests will then return to the parade ground and be permitted to watch from the gallery the dismounting of the troopers returning from duty at Buckingham Palace. 

The tour will be conducted by serving members of HCMR with a considerable knowledge of the history of HCMR.  Places for the tour are highly sought after and are limited to 60 guests only so booking is required at the earliest possible.

Dress code: 

Gents. Lounge suit / Smart casual with tie.

Ladies. They know best allowing for the weather.

FOR THE TOUR


Please report to the Ceremonial Gate in Hyde Park at 10.45 sharp with your invitation (Valid for Tour and Lunch). At the end of the tour guests will be escorted to the Mess for lunch.

For security a Photo ID is also required (passport / Driving licence).

FOR THE LUNCH


Please report to the Ceremonial Gate in Hyde Park at 12.00 Sharp with your invitation. For security a Photo ID is also required (passport / Driving Licence).

TRAVEL


P&D Parking is available in the park and local streets and Knightsbridge Underground is 6 Minutes walk. Your RSVP please asap as to date 6 tables have already been taken and we only have a maximum of 12 tables.

TO RESERVE


Kindly e mail your reservation to me at [email protected] (please check  for a confirmation reply by e mail from me). Please post your appropriate cheque made to Fishing For Forces in a plain envelope with a return address for your invitations.

Addressed to me;

Bill Howell. Flat C (Side Entrance). 69 Perham Road. London. W14 9SP. 

Once payment is confirmed your seat/s will be reserved and your invitation/s will be posted to you (please confirm receipt) or they can be collected upon arrival if more convenient.

It is imperative that you inform us of any special dietary requirements. 

My most sincere thanks for your support and I sincerely look forward to the pleasure of your company. 

Bill Howell. 

FFF Founder

To download a pdf printout/poster for this event – Click here

The Wright Stuff promotes FFF

As you may know from our previous posts, we’re lucky to count Matthew Wright of the The Wright Stuff among our Fishing for Forces supporters. On Wednesday 30th September, he was kind enough to mention FFF on his show during an interview with Chris Tarrant (also an FFF supporter).

If you’d like to see Matthew and Chris Tarrant, you can watch the episode here at 5 on Demand: http://www.channel5.com/shows/the-wright-stuff/episodes/episode-193-58

The episode will be available until 6th October 2015.

June 2013 – Longleat Country Game Fair

Date: Friday 14th – Saturday 15th June 2013
Venue: Longleat Country Game Fair

Description: 

Longleat will be hosting its inaugural Fishing and Country Show on Friday June 14th and Saturday June 15th 2013. This two day, family event will be held beside the stunning fishing lakes opposite Longleat House – a truly majestic backdrop to a superb event.

Fishing for Forces will have a fundraising stand there. It will be a great day for all the family and we hope to see you there.

For more information visit http://www.longleat.co.uk/fishingshow