14/02/2010

I start off this week with the sad news that long time Luton AC member Sam Donaldson who worked behind the counter at Leslies Tackle Shop has passed away. Those that knew Sam described him as a nice guy and he will be sadly missed. No details are currently known regarding funeral arrangements.
 
Michael Smith fished Beckerings Reservoir during last Monday nights snow and landed commons of 16lb 6oz and 8lb fishing single hookbaits.
 
Luton AC matchmen were on the Grand Union Canal at Sandy Bridge last weekend:
 
1st D Pearce 5lb 15oz
 
2nd M Dickens 4lb 15oz
 
3rd M Quick (junior) 15oz
 
Im sure the anglers from Beacon AC wished they had spent Valentines Day at home as Les Smith needed only 1oz to win their match on the canal at Chelmscote. 
 
It was much the same story at the South Lagoon on the Wyboston Complex where only 4 anglers fished the Predator Match with Mark Simmonds having the only action of the day which resulted in a large pike being hooked and then lost.
 
Woodlands Lake will be closed on Saturday 20th February 2010 and Sunday 21st February 2010 due to work parties over both days on the adjacent Barretts Mere Fishery. The club hope to have this water open very soon if enough volunteers attend over the two days. At least 20 volunteers are required on each day otherwise this water will not be able to open and will undoubtedly lead to the adjacent Woodlands Lake being closed again to allow the necessary work to continue through the Spring. Unfortunately volunteers for this work have been somewhat lacking with very few putting their names down so if you feel that you could lend a hand to help get this new fishery open please volunteer your services. Extra hands are particularly required on Sunday 21st February as telegraph poles and stone for the paths need to be moved.
Although volunteers save £10 on the total cost of their 2010/11 membership their efforts also help to keep the annual membership costs down for everyone as without their hard work it would be necessary to employ outside contractors with undoubtedly huge cost implications to the price of the annual membership. Hopefully everyone who volunteered last year will do the same again plus others who want to improve the waters that the club controls.
Check the web site home page for work party details and registration form or contact Dave Edwards at the club office on 01582-728114 or Joanne Edwards on 01582-603466 or 07903048280. Remember you will not need to pay the £10 work party levy (adults and intermediaries) when renewing your membership for next season if you attend just one of the work parties.
 
Fishing Wizard who are based near Broxbourne in Herts are offering Luton AC members 5% discount on purchases in store. Luton AC have a good many members based in that area and Gary Hodges the owner will give the discount on production of your membership book. Fishing Wizard can be found at 5 Meridian Building, Nazeing Glass Ind Est, Nazeing New Road, Herts EN10 6SX 01992-460969 www.fishingwizard.co.uk
If any other tackle shop or even non angling related companies would like to offer discounts to Luton AC members please contact the Luton AC Press Officer Steve Sharp on 07704462635.
 
There are only a very limited number of Luton AC Winter and Spring Membership Packages still available which are valid until 31st May 2010. Prices are Adult - £35, Intermediate (16 & under 18yr olds) - £22, OAP/Disabled (Blue Badge Holders) - £20, Husband & Wife - £48 (1 key), Under 16's - £10, Family 1 (One parent & up to two Under 16yr olds) £43, Family 2 (Both parents and 2 children Under 16) - £53. The prices include all renewal and new member fees plus a key that is universal to all Club fisheries where locked gates are to be found. All of the clubs waters are open for a full 12 months with the exception of the rivers which are closed during the statutory river close season. You can join by phoning the club office on 01582 728114.
Through a water share arrangement with Barnet Angling Club Luton AC members may also fish several additional stretches (not listed in the membership book) of the River Great Ouse, River Ivel and River Thames, maps that show parking areas etc are available to download from the club web site or by sending a request with an A5 sae (large size stamp please) to the club office. These waters offer excellent fishing for barbel, tench, bream and carp.
Please phone/text your catch reports from Luton AC waters to 07704462635 or email catchreports@lutonac.org and  if you have pictures taken on your phone send picture messages to 07876331180. Remember to always use an unhooking mat when targetting specimen fish, keeping the fish as low to the ground as possible when taking photos.
Check out the Luton AC website at www.lutonac.org for all the latest catch reports, news, pictures and membership details.
 
Steve Sharp