News Release On
Behalf Of The
Border Esk and
Liddle Angling Club
Once again, the Canonbie village hall was packed out by anglers , some as regular visitors from other parts of the country, but mainly from the local communities of Canonbie, Newcastleton and Langholm. but all gathered together in unison with one aim – to find out if they would be angling on their favourite parts of the rivers Esk and Liddle.
This was the third meeting in as many weeks and every one had been well attended, proving that the anglers who fish the Canonbie, Newcastleton, Lower Liddle and Langholm beats on the border Esk and Liddle rivers were prepared to fight to retain the right to fish as their forefathers had done since time immemorial.
Owned and managed by Buccleuch Estates, these river beats had always been known as the local beats where a ticket could be purchased to fish for a season, a week , or a day, by locals and visitors alike. But, suddenly, it was all under threat as the Estate made the decision to put all beats on the rivers, private and local, out to 5 year lease, with a promise that local needs would be looked after.
As the bombshell dropped , local anglers hurriedly organised a meeting in Canonbie to digest the news and see what steps they could take to protect their right to fish. It was decided the only way they could be sure of retaining that right was to put a bid in. A working group was elected and a bid prepared. Another meeting convened to agree the bid and it was submitted by the deadline of 30th September.
Not expecting to hear any outcome for several weeks, it was with great joy that a week later chairman of the working group, Ian Blackett, received notice that the local anglers bid had been accepted (in principle) and Buccleuch were honouring their promise of looking after the local and visiting anglers.
So another hastily convened meeting on Thursday night discovered that not only had their bid been accepted, it was for ten years and not the original five, with a break at five years to see how the new club was performing.
Then a robust discussion took place on the price that anglers would have to pay and it was decided that their would be a joining fee (for new members) of £50.00 and that, although there would be no concessionary tickets, this could be reviewed next season if the financial position allowed.
A committee was elected that consisted of Chairman: Ian Blackett, Canonbie: Vice Chairman: Peter Clegg; Secretary: Bill Frew, Canonbie; Treasurer: John Mills, and two committee members from Canonbie, Newcastleton and Langholm – Jack Todd, Paddy McCreanor, Ralph Morris, Jayson Brockley, Terry Murphy and Robin Thompson.
Some of the above were not able to be at last weeks meeting and the final committee structure will be confirmed at the next meeting. Local councillor Denis Male, who was part of the working group, will also attend committee meetings in an advisory capacity.
The club is to be called the Border Esk and Liddle Angling Club and would-be members are asked to get their member forms and £50 joining fee in as quickly as possible, in case numbers have to be limited. Obviously, the club is open to local and visiting anglers.
It is hoped that businesses in and around the area will take out corporate tickets that will allow guests in their hotels and guest houses to fish as part of their holiday in the area.
There is undoubtedly a major task ahead for local anglers and especially for the newly formed committee. There will be another meeting called in the near future to ratify the constitution that was handed round all those present and to clarify membership numbers so that the proposed ticket prices can be finalised .
The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to Chairman Ian Blackett for all the effort he has put in over the past few weeks and to the group that worked with him. Also, thanks were expressed to Buccleuch Estates for the way they had ensured that local angling needs have a very bright future.
A final motion from the floor was that a very special local lady, Fiona Armstrong, who chaired the first two meetings and who is herself a keen angler be installed as Honorary President – a motion that was given unanimous approval.
All those interested in joining the club are asked to contact the secretary on 01387 371209 (e-mail: info@byreburnfoot.co.uk), or any committee member, for an application form. Given the level of interest, completed forms should be returned as soon as possible.
The icing on the cake for local anglers would be the demise of the rod licence, which is administered by the north west water authority, because the Border Esk has been classified an English river. It is the only river in Scotland to have this designation and discussions will be taking place soon to try and overturn a recent decision to impose this piece of legislation that has a severe knock on cost for local anglers.
