The 140th AGM was held on Saturday 9th December in the Wessex Hotel, Dorchester. After sixteen years of looking after the Club’s funds, Jim Chalmers retired as the Honorary Treasurer. The Chairman thanked him for his sterling work over the past years. Jim was also elected as an Honorary Member in recognition for his service to the Club and Ian Rodd was voted on as the new Honorary Treasurer.
After the formal AGM was completed we enjoyed an illustrated guide through the year by John Aplin.
Then there was a break in proceedings, to allow the tables to be set for the 140th Anniversary Dinner. We were then joined by honoured guests, along with our special guest for the night, Charles Jardine, who gave an entertaining look at fly fishing. He also outlined the importance of the charity that he founded, Fishing for Schools. It offers young people the opportunity to discover the joy of fishing, whilst learning new skills in a fun and proactive way.
During the evening Rob Ayles was busily selling raffle tickets for a collection of amazing prizes that John Aplin had gathered from his many fishy contacts. The raffle and Members donations raised an astonishing £1,877.00 and was donated to Fishing for Schools.
Big thanks to all those involved in organising the night, especially Rob Ayles, John Aplin, Bryan Sennett who did an amazing job in putting the whole nights celebrations together and all the raffle prize donators for their generosity. See you all in ten years…
We even get a mention on the Countryside Alliance website www.countryside-alliance.org/angling-clubs-provide-christmas-bonus-fishing-schools/
The Club is a private one, founded in 1877, of approximately sixty-four members and six Town Rod subscribers. The Club’s waters consist of about 12 miles of wild brown trout & grayling fishing in the main River Frome, River Cerne and River Piddle, together with attendant carriers and side streams. The waters extend both above and below the town of Dorchester and the Club employs a part-time keeper.
The Angling Trust's guidance for anglers during this second lockdown. Fish safely, locally and respect the ‘rule of two’ during lockdown Click Here :-- Advice for Individual Anglers
Price £50 per ticket per day or three days for £100
Day Tickets are only available during the trout season and only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Bank Holidays. (season 1st April – 14th October)
The Police have made it quite clear that poaching is a crime in progress covered by the 1968 Theft Act. Members should always call 999 to report it and not phone the keeper. Without a report the police will not be aware of the extent of a problem.
If possible note or photo vehicles.
Stress if you are vulnerable/elderly or at risk of intimidation..
In order to give the call handler an accurate location they recommend putting the “what3words” app on your smartphone. Click here…
Angling’s representative body, the Angling Trust, has a web site for anglers to record sightings of cormorants, goosanders and mergansers throughout the UK: www.cormorantwatch.com The site is easy to use and will gather vital data to help persuade government of the need for action to protect fisheries.
Invasive plants and animals can carry diseases that kill fish, block waterways and banks, interfering with fishing. They can be small and hard to spot, so are easily spread on damp clothing and equipment.
Protect the environment and fishing you enjoy, by keeping your kit free of invasive plants and animals.
To find out more please visit
the NNSS Website