Specialist Angling Unity

[Guest DLF]

Thanks Tim, all I was looking for was some information.It is clear things are moving along, it would be nice to have had some details if only brief about what is happening and what has been proposed. The last update was the NASA/SACG newsletter which was some time ago, once again I think the issue of comunication to the members needs looking into, especially at this time otherwise it looks like decisions are being made without the consultation of all concerned.

[Guest trent.barbeler]

DLF,

If you want to know what the Barbel Catchers opinions are concerning any new Rivers Group within the SAA and obtain details of what has already been said between the single species groups UNOFFICIALLY. Then please contact me on my e-mail address and I will gladly bring you up to speed provided you are either affiliated to or are a member of NASA or SACG.

 

I am not prepared to respond to an anonymous poster openly on this format but I am always prepared to talk to such anglers privately.

 

Obviously, because the idea of a SAA Rivers Group has not yet been voted on. It would also be wrong to comment on it here any further.

 

So then DLF, please get in touch.

[Guest ed mundy]

Originally posted by STEVE POPE:

My question which I believe was perfectly valid and carried no hidden meaning was a comment or observation on a current situation. Nothing more,nothing less.

 

I thank Mark Leathwood of the P.A.C. for his response and at the same time confirm my respect for all the single species groups.

 

For anyone to suggest otherwise was once again a misinterpretation of my words.

 

I fully appreciate and understand all that is involved in the successful running and organisation of a "large" group.

The chief responsibilities of any serving officer is to the membership and upholding the aims and objectives of their group.

 

It is impossible to please every single member, but through hard work,tact, diplomacy, trust and mutual respect you can get pretty close.

 

A good Angling representative, leader or "politician" knows exactly what to say or do,how to say it, and when to say it; and how to engender trust and respect.

 

They also know when silence is golden.

 

Those are qualities I and the Barbel Society membership would demand from those who would speak and act on our behalf.

There are some out there with these qualities, some who think they have them, and some who patently do not.

 

I am not going to comment on the various offshoots to the original question, suffice to say there have been many interesting and salient points raised.

 

I wish S.A.A. well and sicerely hope it succeeds with its aims and objectives, irrespective of whether the B.S. is a member or not.

 

If anyone wishes to discuss this further, I will be at the N.E.C. for the full three days.

I will not be responding any further on this forum.

 

Steve Pope Chairman, The Barbel Society.

So once again you are going too run away with your ball Steve.

 

It is quite clear that you have your own agenda and have no wish to be a part of the new group, is that because you see yourself as a big fish in a small pond as chairman of the BS,or is it that you would only be a small fish in a big pond if you and the BS take part the new group?

 

You have started threads on this forum before and when it has gone pear shaped you cry foul and no longer wish to take part why? can't you take the flak Isuspect your ego stops you.

 

Quite frankly I am surprised the other single species groups have put up with you and the BS for so long.

 

Everyone is trying to pull together for the sake of angling you don't want to be part of that it would seem, unless of course you get your own way.

 

If the rumours are true and you have been trying to set up a rivers group of your own, I personaly would not trust you to represent me on any commitee, it is quite clear you only have your own interest's in mind.

 

Perhaps you could also clear up the matter of why Barry Norris, alias the Hornet is commenting on BS policy when it is rumoured that he was forced to resign from the BS because of some unsavoury actions he took.

 

The SAA needs all the support it can get so I suggest they forget about you and the BS and get on with the hard task that lays ahead, I personaly think it will do better witout you.

Ed Mundy

[Guest Gaffer]

Hi all, Ed, just to let you know that when I left Go Fishing at the NEC, Steve (and the BS stand) were very very busy. As you know Go Fishing is on tomorrow as well.

 

Incidently, Chris and Rob on the SACG stand (next door) were equally busy.

 

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All the best,

 

Gaffer

[Guest Alan Pearce]

Hopefully over the weekend at Go Fishing the lads and lasses representing the SACG and BS had the chance to have a chat.

 

Alan.

[Guest Paul Williams]

I had a very very quick word with Steve over the weekend....what he did say is that he has had a lot of the proverbial slung at him.

I would just like to say that it is a privalage to disagree with someone who listens and responds in a gentlmanly manner,and untill we all learn to do that there is no forward movement.

[Guest Alan Pearce]

I agree with you Paul, that is why I and others have spent so much time and energy, debating and fencing around with the guy. We at times might disagree but we can still respect.

 

Alan.

[Guest Steady On]

I confess that I am not familiar with all the politics that appear to be behind many of the postings on this thread, but some of the points seem pretty trivial to an outsider. Perhaps when you get wrapped up in one tiny niche within the sport it might be difficult to see the whole picture.

 

Stand back and take a look at our position. We often quote the "4 million anglers" myth. There are actually only around 800,000 licence buyers which amounts to a grand total of £16 million in revenue, it probably barely covers the administration and no government is going to lose any sleep over it. We have to speak with one voice as voters, that is the only point that will score with the political parties.

 

It really does not matter how many rods you want to use, what species you want to pursue, what method you employ or where you fish; as anglers we share just two vital and essential requirements:

 

1. Unpolluted waters containing fish.

2. The right to use a rod and line to catch those fish.

 

We have allies in the former cause, although the wider public do not really see many living fish they do appreciate knowing that the rivers flowing through their cities are clean. There are environmental pressure groups that have a much bigger impact on this issue than aglers ever will. But anglers do have an important role to play in identifying and reporting pollution incidents and poor stock levels.

 

The second point is where we have to stand largely alone with our pollution-fighting allies often now on the other side of the argument. The right to use a rod and line to catch fish is the fundamental point, it wouldn't much matter about stock levels if we couldn't fish for them. All anglers have to stand together. Just because you do not enjoy a particular method is a poor reason for standing outside of an organisation that will be speaking for you whether you like it or not, if you join in it will be able to hear and represent your views to those who want our votes. We want to promote angling and the freedom to use legal angling methods, yet within our sport there are fools who seek to condemn others for enjoying the catching of fish using a method that they do not themselves practise.

 

Freedom to fish is going to be the only real issue over the coming years, you are either in favour of that freedom or against it, if you are against anglers from a different discipline legitimately enjoying their sport in their own way then you are against all anglers.

 

Freedom is everything.

[Guest Steve Burke]

Well said, Steady On! I look forward to more posts from you.

 

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Wingham Fisheries

http://www.anglersnet.co.uk/fisheries/wingham.htm

[Guest Adrian]

Steady on.

 

My sentiments exactly, one voice. How can we expect respect from others we are negotiating with if we cannot even agree amongst ourselves?. Lets enjoy the diversity the sport offers and protect the right of others to do likewise.

 

Adrian