Fly-Fishing section makes up for lost time

After the year or so that we all had with lockdowns and restrictions it was great for us all to get back to some normality this spring and summer when we could get out together as a section and fish with the freedom that we all enjoy.  Throw off the face covering, fish in a boat with your partner and go for a breakfast or a drink with your friends and colleagues, the things we used to take for granted and missed so much during the coronavirus pandemic.

So, with our favourite venues open once again and looking for business, we were eager to oblige with section secretary Steve Owen getting the bookings in and entering our members for any competitions that were available.  It was a little unfortunate that we missed out on some of the regular Police Sport UK contests and the annual English Police fly Fishing Association event due to the lockdown, but we took part in the more social competitions such as the Derbyshire ‘Floating Line;’ and ‘Pete Hind Memorial Trophy’ the latter being won by our very own Chris Howkins with a fine performance and Steve Owen coming in close behind with a joint third position.

As well as the contests, the section has enjoyed a healthy itinerary of development days at venues such as Draycote Water, Eyebrook reservoir, Carsington Water and in July, Rutland Water where we held our annual ‘Two-Days Away’ social event for WMP section members.  It was at that event that we awarded ACC Gary Cann the WMP Rose Bowl, a light-hearted award presented each year to the person who has either achieved a personal fishing best, distinguished themselves in an unusual way or has provided a source of entertainment for the section.  The awards are always presented together with anecdotes as to why the recipient has been chosen and are just a bit of fun, probably best left out of this article for now though!

Another important event was the Cancer Charity Day, organised by Steve Owen at Blithfield Reservoir in Staffordshire.  Every year since around 2008 (except for 2020) the event has raised money for cancer charities through a competition, raffle, auctions and sponsorship and after another successful day this year, the total donated has reached an amazing £38,000 so well done Steve!

A busy year so far then and with the autumn schedule looking just as hectic, we continue to enjoy our new-found freedoms and offer fly-fishing to as many of our members and newcomers as possible at a range of locations.  We hope that we can finally put the past restrictions behind us and look forward to more of the same as we go into 2022.

We are a friendly group in the fly-fishing section and everyone is welcome whether you are a beginner or expert, so if you are interested in coming along to see what we get up to just contact our secretary Steve Owen on his mobile 07974 417855 to find out more.