Plough Angling Club Minutes

Meeting: 16^th December 2025

In Attendance and Apologies

Present: L Teale; J Blackwell; D Dance; T Warncken; J Rolf; N Ponting; J Pike; R Stone; C Judkins; B Sutton

Apologies:

Minutes:  L Teale

Tony McCullough

It is with sadness that we report the recent passing of Tony. He was Chairman of our Club from 2000 to 2004, before moving to Cornwall. We send our condolences to his family and friends.

Actions from Previous Meeting

• The Club would once again like to thank Sue & Carl at the RBL Sports & Social Club for hosting our Christmas Carvery Meal on 7 December. The event was attended by 19 Members and guests. The raffle raised £80 for the Club, with prizes donated by Members. Thanks to Barry for running the Raffle and to Nick for the Match Draw Game.
• A Work Party at Plough Pond will take place on Saturday 3 January at 09:30. The main aims are to tidy up the island after the tree felling activity; install the solar lights on the island and install more underwater barriers to deter cormorant transit.
• The gates at Newbridge have been locked. There is currently no access through the farm. Car parking is available in the car park opposite The Maybush or in the car park behind The Rose Revived.
• Our AGM will take place on Sunday 1^st February 2026 at the RBL Sports & Social Club, starting at 19:00. Buffet food will be provided, and the bar will be open. The Chairman will email Members in due course.

Club Welfare Officer’s Report

• Our Club Welfare Officer is Richard Stone (mob. 07551 031857; rstone0311@yahoo.com.)
• The Club’s welfare policy is available on our website (www.ploughangling.org.uk/safeguarding/)
• No issues were reported this past month.

Sea Secretary’s Report

• Unfortunately, no bookings are available for January and February 2026. The next sea date is 26 April 2026, sailing from Weymouth.
• Contact Chris Judkins if you would like to be involved in the Sea Fishing Group.

Match Secretary’s Report

• One match has been fished since the last meeting. Full results are published on our website.
• The ninth leg of the Plough Angler of the Year Trophy was fished on the Hungerford Canal (Church stretch) on Sunday 23^rd November, with 7 Members attending. The match was won by Nick Ponting with 4lb 12oz of perch. In second place was Phil Mansbridge with 0lb 14oz, and in third place was Terry Warncken with 0lb 12oz.
• The next match is the LOMO Pairs trophy on the Hungerford Canal (Church stretch) on Sunday 28^th December. The draw will take place at 08:00, fish 09:00 – 14:00.
• The Christmas Shield match was postponed, with possible new dates of either 4^th or 18^th January.

Treasurer’s Report

• Refer to printed minutes.

Vice Chairman’s Report

• Plough Pond Update:

Feeding is continuing and we would like to acknowledge and thank Barry Sutton and Jim Pike for their help with feeding and cormorant patrols.

• Predation:

One cormorant still visits the Pond and favours the area around Peg 3.

• Stocking: To be arranged for March 2026.
• WhatsApp Group: A new WhatsApp group has been created for the Club. This will enable quicker and more efficient communication regarding catches, match updates, and any other matters of interest. If you would like to join, please contact the Vice Chairman at the number shown on your permit.

Chairman’s Report

• We have received the grant from the Environment Agency for habitat improvements at Plough Pond. The order for pre-planted coir rolls will be placed with A.G.A. Group early in the New Year.

New Actions

• A Work Party at Plough Pond will take place on Saturday 3 January at 09:30.

The meeting ended at 8:40pm.

The next meeting will take place at the RBL Sports & Social Club in Hanney at 19:30 on Tuesday 20^th January 2026. All welcome.