Fishing for Forces – Fishing for Forces

22 October 202128 April 2022Forthcoming Events

Dec 1st FFF Annual Lunch – The Lunch of A Lifetime

This year Fishing For Forces are privileged to have been invited to have our Annual Lunch at the Old College in The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. This is a stunning venue steeped in military history set in beautiful grounds. The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) is where all officers in the British Army are trained to take on the responsibility of leading their soldiers.

During training, all officer cadets learn to live by the academy’s motto: ‘Serve to Lead’. Many other Nations throughout the world choose to send their personnel to RMAS for Officer training because it is recognised as a world-leading military training academy.

The day will begin with a 45-minute Tour under the guidance of RMAS historians of several stunning Special Rooms in Old College built in 1799 followed by an excellent Three course lunch with all the trimmings in The Indian Army Memorial Room that has to be seen to be appreciated for its history and splendour. The maximum number of Guests for the Tour is 45 so early booking for the Tour is advisable.

Due to the size of IAMR only 90 places are available. Seats are £120.00 pounds each but I would like to offer you a large discount if you can cajole your friends to form a table of 10 for £1000.00. Please note a table of 10 is made up of 9 civilians and 1 member of HMAF as your 10^th guest. The event is always well attended, and several tables are booked already so early booking is advised. We are pleased to say we are in our 11^th year with 3000 plus wounded, serving and veterans having been taken for a therapeutic day at the waterside. There will be the usual Raffle of desirable items and an Auction of valuable items to suit all tastes.

Kindly signify your wish to attend to [email protected] by no later than November 15^th. Upon placing your booking, you will receive your personal invitation card, a full agenda with instructions for collecting your Military passes on arrival and parking directions.

Please remember that all members of HMAF keep watch for us 24/7 against all adversity, so we can continue to enjoy our treasured way of life.

It would be a genuine pleasure to have your company and of course your sterling support. Be assured of a superb day.

My best regards and my sincere thanks in advance.

Bill Howell (Founder)

21 October 202122 October 20212021

Sept 29th AAC Training Regiment – IMTECH DAY

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

The day started with a group of guests from the 2^nd (TRG) AAC Training Regiment, Army Aviation Centre at Over Wallop. A mix of veterans and new recruits under the guidance of Cpl Horseman who organised the day for them. The usual Scoff and H&S review and intro to Mentors was promptly followed by a rush to the waterside with comments like” I want to get some of this” and “that big one is mine” left me in stitches. The enthusiasm to try something new was great to see especially when the jostling for position near fish accompanied by a few ungentlemanly remarks caused laughter up and down the bank. The first fish caught was followed by “I was after that one” and the reply was something akin to a reference to large Bullocks in the adjacent field. At least I think that what he said.

The weather was not too kind with a strong wind making casting a test accompanied by a sharp drop in temperature. That said, they continued to persevere, and fish came to the net at regular intervals. The Mentors did an excellent job when the fish went off for a while as they do and they focused on casting techniques and several guests were soon casting unaided, so their dedication paid off and to several guests cast, hook, and land a fish brought applause from all at the waterside.

Numerous fish were hooked and lost which is usual but those in the net were all over plate size and would feed a family well. Lunch was an excellent meal accompanied by loud ribald discussions between mentors and guests of fish bagged, lost and techniques that could have been used and it was obvious all thoughts of work had been left at base which gave me a quiet sense of pride.

Angling is simple and is widely recognised by the medical profession as a superb therapeutic aid to those who for whatever reason have high stress levels and those who cannot take part in contact sports.

We must give our sincere thanks to the Sponsor for the day Imtech Technical Services who have supported FFF for several years, the Mentors for dedicating their time and the Meon Team, Greg and Co for the Fish, Hospitality, and an excellent meal.

Engraved Tankards for the winners were awarded to;

Biggest Fish of the day that weighed 3.8lbs and went to Cpl Horseman (Mentor Phil Penberthy).

Biggest Bag of the day consisting of 4 fish that weighed 11.12lbs and went to Cpl Thorne (Mentors Mike Edwards & Steve Cupples)

I was extremely priviliged to receive a beautifully engraved paper weight from the lads (see pic), a very useful gift as I am often snowed under paperwork and it will stop the paper ending up on the floor.

As usual a lot of happy smiling faces upon departure even with the odd blank but that is why it is called Fishing not Catching and the same question was asked by guests “when is the next one”.

At FFF we will do our best to organise as many events throughout the year to make sure we get as many of our wounded, serving and veterans to the waterside.

Another successful day according to the guests. Mission accomplished.

Bill Howell (Founder, teaboy , dogsbody etc)

12 July 202110 September 20212021

July 22nd Meon Springs Day

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

July 22^nd 2021 FFF Guest day

Venue Meon Springs

A blistering day welcomed our mentors and guests from HCMR to the waterside. An air of “what have we signed up for” among the guests was evident for a short while until they saw the trout cruising up and down then it was “how do I get one of those on my table”.

The day started with the usual welcome of drinks and scoffing of sausage rolls followed by and H&S resume and casting basics. One could feel the interest mounting and the desire to “get into it” was palpable so mentors were introduced and paired with their charges and fishing began.

Numerous comments between the guests such as “you look the part twit” to “that big one is mine” kicked of the banter and it did not stop especially when a fish was hooked and lost causing a great relaxed atmosphere among the guests and mentors alike. The fish were fairly obliging, and the mentors did a cracking job with several guests banking fish to be weighed in quickly so now it was “game on”.

Pleasingly there were a high number of “naturals” in the group of guests, and they picked up the basics of casting a fly very quickly so the mentors with them stood back and only made comments when they had a tangle of lost the casting rhythm for a short while.

Without exception all the guests were totally focussed on taking home an engraved winners’ tankard and the continuous flow of questions regarding the flies being used, their origin and the best way to fish them ensured that the rapport between mentor and novice was at the highest level one could wish for.

Lunch was a superb cold platter with my favourite of Pavlova with cream for desert laid up by the excellent skills of the lady chef in the barn and the plates and tables were cleared in record time. Cold and hot drinks were supplied all day courtesy of the fishery so yet again Greg and his team kept their usual high standards of care for all involved.

I am pleased to say several of our guests have decided that they want to take up the sport by getting their own kit which FFF will help to facilitate and be on call for any advice they may need in the future.

The usual “when is the next one” was the favourite question followed by many others of where to fish and how to get kit and a licence. The handshakes and “thank you’ s” at days end tells me that we have got the agenda right and the mentors did their usual Sterling job so I am certain we will see many of them at the waterside in the future.

Trophies were presented by Lt Col Martin and Lt Col Williams went well and garnered smiles all round.

Winners

Biggest Fish at 4.4lbs was Tpr Williams. Mentored by Pauline Pendle.

Biggest Bag at 9.13lbs was Tpr Izgard. Mentored by Steve Cupples.

Screaming Reels to all and on to the next one with pleasure.

Bill Howell. Founder

17 March 202128 April 2022Forthcoming Events

June 19th Three-Fly Challenge Fundraiser

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

A couple of important Dates for Your Diary

June 19th Three-Fly Challenge Fundraiser
(Covid permitting)

One of WTT’s annual fundraisers and now in its eleventh year. A really great day among friends at Meon Springs in Hampshire, brilliantly organised by WTT volunteer, Neil Mundy and the excellent staff at the fishery. You will fish more-or-less competitively for some tremendous prizes, including a Sage rod and elegant trophies. A raffle and auction will be held at lunchtime.

Tickets cost £110 including breakfast, cooked lunch, a 4-fish ticket and flies, with all monies raised going into WTT’s Pasco James Project. Book your ticket online at www.meonsprings.com. If you booked and paid for last year’s cancelled event, your place is confirmed for this year. Further information from Neil Mundy: [email protected] / 07964 379988. Closing date for entries is 15^th June and the event will be confirmed at the start of May depending on the COVID circumstances.

17 March 202115 June 20212021

March 2021 FFF Update

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

FFF Update March 2021

Well now, we seem to be moving towards a few restrictions being lifted which is in a way good news. The bad news is it is a wait and see situation especially for the schools, pupils and teachers and the NHS. Very sadly in my locality a school opened Monday and was closed by Wednesday when 8 pupils tested positive on the first day. The really bad news is there is now a question mark over the validity of the test results so again it is wait and see but we must keep a positive attitude on all that has been achieved.

The message here is that it is too soon to drop our guard much as we want to as there are still too many people ignoring the guidelines which will probably lengthen the time it takes to get complete control of this virus. The NHS Front line workers are still under tremendous pressure and I do not wish to add to it by becoming another statistic due to selfishness.

Yes, let’s get out and mix where possible but I for one am still keeping my distance no matter how much I want to hug a relative or friend and seriously want to get groups of those members of serving in HMAF and veterans back to the waterside but regrettably too many Mentors and the MOD consider it a little too risky and I respect their concerns so I shall have to wait.

We have however been able to get a few out individually but the coarse fishing closed season is upon us now but thankfully a few trout fisheries are opening so we will continue with individual outings where feasible.

Please checkout the Events page as we have two important great fun Events for all Covid permitting.

Stay safe, stay well and enjoy this precious small taste of freedom until we can all move around with impunity.

My best thoughts to all who support FFF, families and friends and the public as a whole as I feel it will not be too long before we can get back to doing what we love.

Bill Howell

Founder.

3 June 20202020

June 2020 Covid 19 Update

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

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.

3 October 201928 April 2022Forthcoming Events

Fishing For Forces Annual Lunch 2019

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

Fishing For Forces are privileged to be holding our annual lunch this year on Thursday November 14^th 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

18 February 201914 January 2020News

To the Four Fs – “Friends of Fishing For Forces”

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

Robert Burns the famous Scottish poet once penned “O the gift that God could give us, to see ourselves as others see us”. Judging by the glowing compliments from many of our guests from HMAF on Facebook and other forms of verbal and technical communication (email etc) 2018 was another superb year for FFF, so we must be doing ok in their eyes. Mission accomplished.

The usual question from guests at the end of a day is “when is the next one” which tells us the day has been a success and we have had numerous converts to angling over the years.

The formula is simple and works so well, mainly due to all of the mentors who often travel long distances to give their fishing time, and pass on their skills to our guests, the members of HMAF.

People of special note are Neil Mundy and the JLP Partnership members, Mike Edwards and his club Reel Friends and TWFFS members to name but a few. Andy Stafford and SADAC do a superb job organising at least 4-5 outings a year for the guests in Tedworth House recovery centre and SDFFA under Jonathan Crew also organise a day at their lakes and river. Other sponsored fishing / fundraising days by superb companies are added to the events calendar.

These days are complimented by outings organised by FFF directly and can add up to as many as 18 / 20 plus days throughout the season from April to September so a lot of organising goes on behind the scenes.

I have said many times that I am only the face and contact for FFF (god help them) but I work in a constant state of pleasure and awe at how generous the mentors and many others who are involved at every event, and the warm handshakes and thank you smiles on the guests faces tell us we are successfully doing our bit.

My personal thank you is never sufficient but I do most sincerely for all your hard work, tackle donations and support from the public over the years means together we will make 2019 another memorable year.

My best thoughts to you all.

Bill Howell

PITA and Founder, teaboy. dogsbody etc.

7 September 201820 January 20222018

28th November 2018 – Fishing For Forces Annual Lunch

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

Date: Wednesday 28th November 2018
Location: The Army & Navy Club, London

The Fishing for Forces Annual Lunch is a very special day in the FFF Calendar, when we gather with all our friends and supporters for a superb lunch.

As we support all branches of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, we decided to have a change of venue. This year, we are dining at The Army & Navy Club, 36 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5JN. This is a splendid venue steeped in the history of two branches of the Armed Forces with so much to see and enhanced with silver service dining.

Easily accessible and superbly located for shopping, sightseeing and historical London both before and after. We are fortunate that this event has become more popular each year so advanced bookings are recommended as some tables have already been booked.

To find out more or to make a booking, please contact me at the details below. I look forward to the pleasure of your company.

Bill Howell

T: 0207 385 2135
M: 07850 373760 mo
E: [email protected]

7 September 201820 January 20222018

25th October 2018 – Chalybeate Springs, Tonbridge, Kent

by Bill Howell1 Comment

Date: Thursday 25th October 2018
Location: Chalybeate Springs, Eridge Green, Tonbridge, Kent

On Thursday 25th October, Fishing for Forces and Tunbridge Wells FFS will be hosting 15 guests from mixed regiments 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

12 May 201714 August 20182017

11th May 2017 – Corfe Lakes

by Bill Howell

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).

24 October 201613 November 20172016

Fishing For Forces Annual Lunch 2016 – Tuesday Nov 29th

by Bill Howell

Tuesday November 29^th 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 19^th. 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

4 March 201328 September 2015News

Injured and wounded soldiers in Wiltshire becoming more hooked on fishing

by Bill Howell

Article from: Army Press Office South West

Injured and wounded soldiers in Wiltshire are becoming more hooked on fishing thanks to a new donation of rods and equipment.

The personnel, who attend the Personnel Recovery Centre (PRC) Tedworth House, in Tidworth, are to benefit from the gift from the charity Fishing for Forces.

The PRC is part of The Defence Recovery Capability and a Ministry of Defence led initiative managed in partnership with the service charities Help for Heroes and The Royal British Legion.

Colonel Peter Smith, Officer Commanding the Personnel Recovery Centre, said:

“Fishing for Forces provides some excellent opportunities for those who have been out of hospital for only a few days, as well as those two to three years down their recovery path.”

WO2 Dean Williams, who runs the Recovery Sport Programme at the PRC, highlighted how the new fishing equipment will have a very positive impact.

“It is amazing as interest in fishing has really taken off here and I have an event on my calendar now every month,” he said.

“It builds confidence and aides social interaction and ticks a lot of boxes such as learning a new skill and helping take daily worries away and having our own kit will really help us.”

One of the soldiers who will benefit from the donation from Fishing for Forces is Corporal Ben Ayres. He has been a resident at the Personnel Recovery Centre Tedworth House for a few months and has already tried fishing.

“It is an activity that gives you a chance to get in touch with nature and relax whilst doing a sport,” he explained.

Five full sets of fly fishing equipment and ten sets of coarse fishing tackle have been donated by Fishing for Forces. Charity Founder, Bill Howell, who sets up fishing events throughout the year realised that sometimes the soldiers were unable to attend group events so now the centre can organise individual trips when required.

“We at FFF are extremely pleased that Tedworth PRC is now established as our first “Fishing School” . As well as organising monthly events for large groups from all branches of HMAF we will be establishing “Fishing Schools” and supplying all the tackle to all the PRC centres throughout the UK”. Many Angling clubs and individuals throughout the UK have offered both fishing venues and their time to be mentors.

Mr Roger Hunt and the members of Salisbury and District Angling, Mr Sidney Garrood and his fly fishing friends give their waters and time freely to the guests of Tedworth House on a regular basis passing on the basics of angling to all. Usually with lunch organised as well.

Bill explained “this provides, in a modest way, a means by which those of us not in the services can show appreciation for what they do for us. It is open to all serving, wounded or otherwise and veterans back to WW2”.

Another of the mentors and staunch supporter is local businessman Peter McLeod, who is based in Tidworth, with his company Aardvark McLeod International Fly Fishing Specialists.

“Helping out at these events is probably the most rewarding thing that I have done in a long time,” he said.

Anybody wishing to know more about Fishing for Forces should check the website www.fishingforforces.org. You can also email Bill at [email protected]