Having been involved with Blackfords Progressive Angling Society for a number of years now I have to say that this weekend really endorsed my feelings on how blessed we are to have access to such great venues.

This is  reflected  by our truly amazing members. Sadly several of our members who are also good friends have been affected in one way or another by Prostate Cancer. With this in mind we decided to run a 2 day  charity fishing event at the popular Calf Heath reservoir. The aim of this  was to help raise awareness of this terrible illness by creating a social event that would also gives us the opportunity to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

Thirty anglers took part in the event with plenty of friends, family and committee members lending their support and encouragement. I was personally touched by the support that we received, and  having set ourselves a target of raising £500 we were stunned to more than double this as we totalled £1111.65

This money was raised by £10 of each anglers entrance fee going into the charity kitty and the rest was raised by running a raffle.  We were absolutely chuffed by the prizes  and monies that were donated. With that in mind we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the following.

Firstly and in no particular order,the Blackfords committee for endorsing the event by allowing us to use the reservoir for 2 days and for donating a couple of smashing prizes. Secondly a real big thanks  to Ian Cooper and the committee of the Greensforge Sailing Club for giving up one of their dedicated sailing days and also kindly allowing us to use their lovely club house for the presentation and buffet. Next a big thank you to Fattys Tackle for supplying 2 gift vouchers. We also received gift vouchers from Top Indian restaurant Panka Walla in Bloxwich and the Truckers rest cafe on the A5.A special mention goes to Danny Carter and Sonu Baits for their excellent support. A big thank you also goes out to Walsall fire places for their very generous donation. A big shout out for Wendy, Lulu and Lou for supplying and preparing the awesome buffet. Lastly but by no means least A very big thank you to long standing member and friend Gary Johnson.Gary wasnt  slow in coming forwards to substantially back the event and also put the money up for 2 free memberships for the winners of the mystery pairs. Gary and his wife Lou are shortly moving to Ireland and this event also gave us all chance to wish them  every success and happiness for their next chapter.

Now onto the matter of the match results and what a 2 day’s it turned out to be. There were over 1500lb of silver fish’ caught and amazingly only 5lb separated the top 4. . Brian Ashley took top spot with 89lb 14oz. Nottingham feeder veteran Chris Brown came a close second with a pleasing 88lb 13oz. Match secretary Mark Greening secured 3rd place with a very creditable 87lb 11oz. Day 1 leader Danny Plummer had to settle for fourth spot after a tough second day with a total of 84lb 6oz. Gary Johnson signed off in style taking 5th spot 73lb 10oz. Gavin Wyman totalled 69lb 7oz for 6th place and Dave Ridgeway completed the frame with 69lb 2oz in 7th.

Regards….