Meon Springs – 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)

19 June 201920 January 20222019

13th July 2019 – Cast & Blast

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

Once again Fishing For Forces will hold our popular Cast & Blast (Clay shooting & Fishing) at Meon Springs Fishery. This event has proven extremely popular and numbers have grown year on year so booking early is advised. The day will commence with coffee and rolls and a superb lunch will be served in the barn.

Top prizes will be for the winners and many special items will be included in the raffle.

Link https://www.meonsprings.com/bookeo.html

On the left hand side is a menu – click on ‘Events’ and select the one you want.

12 March 201920 January 20222019

15th June 2019 – Wild Trout 3 Fly Day

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

This is a great day that every angler who loves our rivers and lakes should support. Without the incredible hard work the Wild Trout Trust do many of our rivers would no longer exist. FFF supports them as they do us and we recommend the day highly for fun, making new friends and a superb cause. It is a very well attended event so book early.

Fishing For Forces will be there so we look forward to seeing you.

Link https://www.meonsprings.com/bookeo.html

On the left hand side is a menu – click on ‘Events’ and select the one you want.

7 September 201810 September 20182018

22nd September 2018 – Children’s Fishing Day at Meon Springs

by Bill Howell

Date: Saturday 22nd September 2018
Location: Meon Spring Fishery, Whitewool Farm, East Meon, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 1HW

Organised annually by Neil Mundy, the Children’s Fishing Day at Meon Springs is always very popular and well attended by a group of children that have special needs and appreciate our care and consideration.

Mentors may be required, so if you wish to join us, please contact [email protected].

14 July 201816 October 2018News

14th July 2018 – A great day at Cast & Blast, Meon Springs

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

Thanks to the organisational skills of Neil Mundy, one of our co-directors, the FFF Cast & Blast this year was exceptional. With 45 competitors and numerous guests, among them several members of 10 QOGLR Gurhkas, Chris Tarrant (Captain Chaos) and his lady Jane the day was a very memorable one.

The day started with the competitors chomping at the bit up to the shooting stands, or off to a ‘fly in’ start on the lakes as soon as the whistle went. To the lovely sound of wind passing casting rods, previous discussions on what fly, method and other possibly nefarious techniques went in the bin as fish were soon bending rods.

The banter was superb with advice being passed across the water at Meon Spring with some rather ribald replies from both angling sexes, concerning parts of one’s anatomy, made you pleased there were no children present. It warmed up rapidly and fish got wiser by the hour so we had to start hunting for our quarry in the lakes or slow our adrenalin at the gun cages, chasing the clays.

Lunch was outstanding, supplied by the ladies at Meon, served by Greg, Tim & Co and was followed by Jane Bird (Chris’s lovely partner) calling the raffle, closely followed by Chris auctioneering many lots donated by supporters and friends of FFF. If Chris decides to give up his celeb status he would do splendidly as an auctioneer, as those who were slow to bid he shamed in to doing so, laced with waves of laughter. He raised a phenomenal sum and practically gave himself a coronary along the way. I was exhausted just watching him.

The staff at Meon did a superb job before, during and after the event ensuring nothing was too much trouble and I cannot thank them enough.

Special thanks must go to all the competitors and guests ,the Mundy family the JLP Partnership for sponsoring the day and Pauline Pendle for superb pictures and of course Chris & Jane for making it such a superb day and raising close to £8,640.00.

Trophies were presented to:

Mick Heasman TWFFS for SMALLEST FISH (Hah): 1lb 11oz

Bill Bishop JLP Pshp for Heaviest Fish: 6lb 11oz

Paul Robinson (Definite ringer) for Heaviest Bag: 12lb11oz

Hank Di Mond (A wild card) Best Shot on clays: 19 out of 20 clays

No prizes given if you spot the picture of us looking at the floor and a hundred pieces of glass when I dropped Hank’s shooting trophy with a “I thought you had it and no I thought you had it”.

Please put Saturday July 13^th 2019 in your diary for the next Cast & Blast.

My personal and most sincere thanks to all for such sterling support.

Bill Howell FFF Founder.

16 June 201810 September 20182018

16th June 2018 – Three Fly Challenge at Meon Springs

by Bill Howell

Date: Saturday 16th June 2018
Location: Meon Spring Fishery, Whitewool Farm, East Meon, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 1HW

The Wild Trout Trust is a special charity that FFF wholeheartedly support as their dedication and hard work keep our rivers and streams flowing. Come and join us on Saturday 16th June for the Three Fly Challenge and enjoy a great day, while supporting a charity that ensures you can fish rivers and streams in the future.

12 February 201615 February 20162016

Wild Trout Trust Three Fly Challenge on 18th June 2016

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

The 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

10 February 201615 February 20162016

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

by Bill HowellLeave a comment

Meon 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!

12 February 201528 September 20152015

July 2015 – Cast & Blast: Meon Springs, Hampshire

by Bill Howell

Date: Saturday 11th July 2015
Location: Meon Springs Fishery, East Meon, Hampshire

Details: A special Fishing for Forces fundraising day and competition are being held at Meon Springs in Hampshire. All are welcome.

Print off our FFF Cast & Blast 2015 entry form and send with your entry fee cheque, made payable to Fishing for Forces, to:

NEIL MUNDY – PINE VIEW, FOREST ROAD, DENMEAD, HAMPSHIRE PO7 6UA

12 February 201528 September 20152015

September 2015 – Meon Springs, Hampshire

by Bill Howell

Date: Wednesday 23rd September 2015
Location: Meon Springs Fishery, East Meon, Hampshire

Details: 15 Ghurkas from 10 QOGLR will enjoy a day with Fishing for Forces in attendance at Meon Springs Trout Fishery. As all are competent anglers, mentors on this occasion not required.

11 February 201328 September 2015News

The Three-Fly Challenge at Meon Springs Fishery, Hampshire

by Bill Howell

On Saturday 22nd June, Meon Springs Fishery in Hampshire will host a new fundraising event on behalf of The Wild Trout Trust, with all monies raised going towards ‘The Pasco James Project’.

The Wild Trout Trust work to conserve wild trout throughout the UK and Ireland, so if you’re able to attend not only will you have a wonderful day but you’ll also be supporting a very worthwhile cause. All details are below.

Date: Saturday 22 June 2013
Time: 9am
Weigh-in: 4pm
Location: Meon Springs Fishery, Hampshire

The Three-Fly Challenge is a fishing tournament that will test your skills and catching ability as you will only be able to use three flies (one at a time), these will be provided on the day:

Kites Imperial dry (3 points per fish);
Black buzzer (2 points per fish);
GHHE nymph (1 point per fish).

Points will be awarded according to the fly used and the weight of the fish, i.e. a 3lb fish caught with dry Kites Imperial would score 9 points (3 points x 3lb = 9), a 3lb fish caught with a pheasant tail would score 3 points (1 point x 3lb = 3) etc.

The angler with the highest number of points will win a new Sage rod. Many other runners-up prizes. A raffle will be held at lunchtime.

If you would like to attend you will be helping the Wild Trout Trust (a registered charity no. 1077041) that was formed in 1997 to conserve wild trout throughout the UK and Ireland by encouraging people to protect and restore habitat.

Tickets cost £90 including breakfast, cooked lunch, a 4-fish ticket and flies.

Applications with a cheque for £90 made payable to The Wild Trout Trust should be sent to: Neil Mundy, Pine View, Forest Road, Denmead, Hants PO7 6UA.

For further information: email: [email protected] or tel: 023 9225 4886 / 07964 379988

Closing date for entries is Saturday 15 June 2013