Inter Centre Fishing Competition
Invitation from South Essex
Little Walden, 27th-29th September 2024.
Every year during September the 5 centres of the Anglia division are invited to a fishing competition. This event has become a go to event for those who want to support their centre using their fishing skills.
Although the rules allow for this event to be held at different venues across the region, Home Farm at Little Walden has become a favourite in recent years. Its central location, its two lakes and friendly site owners seem to have us return year after year.
This year was no different, twenty two units attended from three centres, these being South Essex, Mid Anglia and ourselves North Essex. South Essex hosted the event on behalf of the division with Pauline & Kevin H, Tina & Tony N and Sue and Paul M marshalling.
All units managed to fill two rows across the field, each with a great view of the lakes. Two event tents took central positions and were there as a central meeting point.
Event tents are great pieces of equipment and give some shelter from the outside elements. These are particularly useful as late September can start to be unpredictable for the weather.
Friday evening at eight, those who wanted to fish gathered in the event tents for the fishing peg draw.
Each centre captain received an envelope containing seven ‘pegs’ covering both lakes. Each captain then consulted their teams and decided who fished which peg. Once decided a form was completed and handed back to Kevin H who was organising the fishing.
By this time darkness had descended and the LED lights in the tents were turned on. Some jovial chat emerged as the banter ramped up a little, all in good fun and in anticipation for the next days fishing.
That evening the weather turned cold, very cold!
Fish are cold blooded creatures so cold is not good, it slows them down and make them grumpy, hopefully this would not be the case.
Saturday people were up and about early, making their way down to their pegs ready for the six hour fishing session.
People carrying ‘stuff’ or pushing barrows of all descriptions could be seen weaving their way towards the water . The lucky ones had the lake nearest to the caravans/motorhomes, the rest had the march across the dew covered bridges onto the back lake.
Once set, the shout went up at nine thirty ‘start fishing’ and we all cast our lines.
This venue is known for its large fish stocks so it was a surprise when no one caught early. It appears the cold weather had taken its toll on the fish after all.
Gradually as the water warmed the fish started to be caught.
After six long hours in the cold, the end came and I think most were happy it did.
In the end everyone caught which is always a good thing, even if it was only 4 ounces.
As the weight in finished, we packed up our ‘stuff’ and headed for the comfort of our temporary homes.
Those with enough energy ventured down the road to the Rose & Crown for dinner and a beer while others retreated to their home comforts.
Sunday morning flag was taken by Paul our Divisional Chairman where he thanked all those for attending and for their support. The marshals were thanked for organising and running the weekend.
Tea and biscuits were supplied by the South Essex ladies while we waited to find the final results of the competition.
Mid Anglia won with 165lb, North Essex 2nd with 76lb and South Essex finished with 68lb.
Well done Mid Anglia, its becoming a regular win.
A loss for us but….there is always next year!!!!!!!!