Before the work:

Severity field guide Briefing’ Red Vent Syndrome

Via you the club and association leaders, I would like to extend a big thank you to all who turned out last night and from those who sent in their apologies. The meeting brought together 25 (slightly less than we hoped or catered for) but if the commitments made and [...]]]> Dear All

Via you the club and association leaders, I would like to extend a big thank you to all who turned out last night and from those who sent in their apologies. The meeting brought together 25 (slightly less than we hoped or catered for) but if the commitments made and enthusiasm shown is transmitted into action we will have no problems in reaching our targets.

From last nights meeting it was agreed that we will hold a local practical training event.

The event will be held at Ruthin  Saturday 5^th March – meet 10:00 in the Craft Centre Car Park .

The training session is to ensure a consistency across the surveying methodology. Kindly note the meeting will not preclude those who are unable to attend from taking part in surveys, but the practical tips and information may need to be cascaded down by those who have attended.

I’m sure all of us who sat in the body of the meeting would like to extend our thanks to the team of Alec, Richard and Brian for all their efforts.

Wearing my Federation Hat, I can reiterate the message from last night, this time specifically for the Clwyd. We have monies, we have some detail of where that can be used, we now have a comprehensive mapping system.  We need to create a work stack so that the money can be expended on our system. It goes without saying to make that happen is down to each and everyone of us to play our full part.

Again, I would ask you to spread the news amongst your clubs and request anyone with an interest to put their names forward and if possible attend the training day Saturday 5^th March.

Many thanks

Kind regards

David Jones

07860 711504

1. ‘Workshops’ promoted by the ‘Access Sub-Group’

As you may have heard, the ‘Access Sub-Group’, which is affiliated to the WRWAG (formerly known s the Round Table Group) has decided that two worshops are needed to canvass opinion [...]]]> There have been various developments which will require our attention over the next month or so -

1. ‘Workshops’ promoted by the ‘Access Sub-Group’

As you may have heard, the ‘Access Sub-Group’, which is affiliated to the WRWAG (formerly known s the Round Table Group) has decided that two worshops are needed to canvass opinion on how Voluntary Access Agreements might work.  Both are to be held on Saturday 26th February from 10.30am to 3.00pm and the two venues are:

- Owain Glyndwr Hotel, the Square, Corwen LL21 0DL

- somewhere nr Brecon, to be announced …

Whether we think these are needed or not, we must show willing and be prepared to turn up and state what we think.  Both these are restricted to 30 participants so it seems to me essential that at least 15 well versed angling club secretaries / riparian owners / land agents or similar turn up to each meeting to put forward our views.  You can be sure there will be no shortage of canoeists and probably ‘wild’ swimmers applying to attend, so, if you have not already done so,  could I urge you to apply today !

Please either ring Sarah Gilder of Resources for Change on 01938 555759 or email her on sarah@r4c.org.uk

When I find out more about these events I will get back to you with further information and suggestions as to how we might marshal our arguments.

2. WRMAG (Round Table) and the ‘Agreements Sub-Group’

At present there is no-one specifically representing the interests of and speaking up for the rights of riparian owners (who of course may be angling clubs) on either the main group or the sub-group.  Yet it is these riparian owners whose rights are likely to be most affected by proposals for access to and along rivers which the sub-group is tasked with promoting and which the main group will oversee.

I am therefore glad to report that the CLA have now been accepted as a member of WRMAG.  Arguments put forward and concerns raised by the CLA are likely to be similar to and support those made by angling interests.  When I hear the name of the person who will attend I will let you know.

What I think we must do now is to press for riparian owner / angling representation on the sub-group where “target rivers” are “identified” and arrangements for access are being drawn up.  You can see how much this sort of sensible representation is needed on the sub-group if you look at the Minutes of the first meeting (as circulated by Julia) and read:  “written agreements not proposed because (they) may deter landowners”  – whereas we know that more or less the complete opposite is true.

3. Referendum on more extensive powers for WAG

This referendum on 3rd March is likely to be very important in the continuance of our efforts in this access to rivers debate.  The Minister most involved, as well as other AMs, have made it clear in statements that they would very likely legislate in favour of ‘nationalising’ rivers to give complete unrestricted access at all times if they had the powers to do so, as the foolowing quotes illustrate:

“Following a referendum in Wales and new powers being acquired here, a Government of the future could choose to move down the legislative route.” Jane Davidson, evidence to Sus Comm 21.1.10

“We do not have legislative competence to implement some of our agreed recommendations and the Minister’s response states that should next years referendum result in a ‘yes’ vote, the Assembly would have competence in the future”. Leanne Wood AM, Assembly debate on the SC report 29.9.10

Leanne rightly highlighted that we are stymied once agin by a lack of legislative competence and that there is so much more we could do if that competence lay with us …” Jane Davidson, Assembly debate 29.9.10.

I think we should keep these views closely in mind when casting our votes and also when deciding which side of the referendum debate to support beforehand.  If you have not already done so, may I encourage you to visit the True Wales website  www.truewales.org.uk where there is a ‘no further powers’ petition and other helpful information.  As David JP says -  even apart from the access to rivers debate, do we really want to give Cardiff further extensive powers when there is no second chamber there to check any immoderate proposals ?

I will circulate these points about the referendum to my database of Welsh angling club secretaries shortly.  I would also be grateful if you could circulate this email to whom you think might be interested and – as it were – on our side.

Kind regards to all

Max

Re: Forestry Commission Wales (FCW).

I apologize for bothering you so close to the Festive period but I think the issue to hand which involves the FCW needs to be addressed with some urgency.

Disturbing information came to hand [...]]]> To Secretaries of WSTAA member Clubs – Urgent and very Important

Re: Forestry Commission Wales (FCW).

I apologize for bothering you so close to the Festive period but I think the issue to hand which involves the FCW needs to be addressed with some urgency.

Disturbing information came to hand this weekend that the FCW is terminating its lease with an angling club on the river LLUGWY in North Wales. The club has just been informed that the lease will not be renewed in February – despite it having been in operation for 40 years!

Having consulted a few member clubs’ secretaries there is a fear that this move could have come from Minister Jane Davidson’s department – as WAG is responsible for the FCW – and if so it could be driven by the canoe access issue.

* If this is correct – then it is a very worrying and dangerous move.

I’m not sure how many angling clubs lease waters from the FCW – but if other clubs are experiencing similar issues to the above, WSTAA would like to hear from you.

I know many clubs deal with the FCW at local/regional level – and from personal experience I found that to work well – then WSTAA would not become involved at all. But if it is the FCW’s general policy not to renew leases, then WSTAA will need to call a meeting of all clubs affected (maybe in Rhayader) – and decide what action to take.

* We could seek a deputation to meet with Robert Owen, director of FCW

* We could seek an audience with the relevant Ministers – Elin Jones (Rural Affairs) & Jane Davisdon (Environment etc)

* We could get members to lobby their AMs (e.g. we know that Gary Davies Merthyr is keeping his AM, Huw Lewis, informed of all that is going on)

(Please also note: Recent action by Welsh Water is also a cause for concern – as W.W. has also terminated some leases which could lead to the demise of some angling clubs. Concerend clubs have asked WSTAA to arrange a deputation to go and meet officers of Welsh Water to discuss this problem.)

Below is a questionnaire. If you could fill it in and return asap it would be appreciated – as I’m sure the AMs will be holding surgeries during the holiday period and it would be an appropriate time for anglers to visit them – armed with all the necessary information.

Please return this TODAY:

Name of Club & tel number:………………………………………………………………….

I. Does your club lease waters from the FCW?   Yes/No

2. If so – what are the dates of your lease?  ……………………………………

3. Does your club have contact with the FC at a regional level – or would you wish to approach the FCW on a national basis – and for WSTAA to assist in liaising with FCW Officers on your behalf.    Yes/ No

4 If it is found the FC has a policy of withdrawing leases – would you wish WSTAA to call a meeting of those clubs affected – and would you be represented at the meeting.   Yes/No

PS Would it be possible to keep us at WSTAA informed as ‘together’ angling clubs could put pressure on the FC. We need to be united to combat this problem.

Regards

Moc