7th
December - Arlington Reservoir Fishery Closure
For several years now, as an additional benefit of S&TC UK
Sussex Branch and/or Angling Trust membership, the Branch has
purchased two memberships at Arlington Reservoir Fishery,
thereby enabling qualifying Cinder Hill Fly Fishing members to
enjoy a generous £10 discount off the normal day ticket and boat
hire prices.
29 persons registered their interest in the scheme in 2020, but
unfortunately, due to the poor weather in the early part of the
year and the subsequent closure of the fishery on the 24th March
due to the Covid-19 restrictions, only re-opening on the 15th
May, thereby missing out on the best part of the season, just 27
visits were made during the year.
The fishery usually closed at the end of June, but this year
they remained open until the 31st October, although with low
water levels, high temperatures and no boats available, as was
usual at Arlington during the summer months, very few fish were
caught.
Perhaps we should have guessed that something was afoot, because
as soon as the season finished, we were advised that after well
over 40 years of fly fishing at the reservoir, the fishery would
be closed down, South East Water saying that it was
“unsustainable”.
Presumably this was from a financial aspect, but despite many
representations from angling interests and contacting all our
local MP’s to solicit their support, South East Water are
unwilling to reconsider their decision or to provide any figures
to justify their actions.
They have said that they will be engaging with interested
parties in the future to explore recreational activities at the
reservoir, but from their responses to our communications, the
inclusion of angling seems rather doubtful.
What is pretty certain is that there will be no fishing at
Arlington in 2021. All very sad.
Breaking
News – 11th November – Arlington Fishery
Another fishery bites the dust !
We have just received the news that South East Water have
decided to close the fishery at Arlington Reservoir, saying that
recent events of Covid-19 and the future uncertainties that they
face as a result, together with the declining number of members
and the sad decline of fly fishing in general, unfortunately
results in the fishery being unsustainable for South East Water
to keep operating.
Sad news indeed as many of our members have enjoyed great days there in the
past with it's hard fighting fish.
Summer
Newsletter July 2020
What a few months it has been to say the least! We managed to
get the fisheries open at the earliest opportunity on 13th May,
fully stocked and well presented due to the efforts of a small
number of us who were allowed with Angling Trust permits to
visit the lakes to carry out essential bank side maintenance
during lockdown. The lakes were so tranquil without an aircraft
in sight, and this year’s bluebells at Cinder Hill were
exceptional in the spring sunshine and it was difficult to
imagine what was happening in the wider world. Despite the
crisis membership has remained strong, and we have welcomed many
new and returning members and wish you all a great season.
We are
sure we will all want to thank the members who have turned out
for work parties since 13th May, without their commitment and
muscle power we would not be able to keep on top of nature which
keeps on growing around the banks and in the water.
We were kept informed about the likelihood of our fishing being
allowed to restart by both the Angling Trust and the Environment
Agency, and as such we decided in late April to recommence
stocking the lakes. Our supplier (Duncton Mill) were fantastic
and many members will have caught some of the larger fish
supplied by them both before the crisis hit us and afterwards.
Stocking has continued right up to the time of writing and we
are making weekly checks on water quality including temperature,
dissolved oxygen and weed growth. The lakes are in good
condition, but our task been made harder by the summer sunny
weather and lack of rain. To aid water quality we have purchased
a mobile aerator which is basically a small petrol generator,
pump and some domestic plumbing which we intend to use mainly at
Piplye where water quality can deteriorate when the streams that
feed the lakes dry up. This equipment should be operational by
the start of August when we intend to aerate the top and middle
lakes as required. The fishing has been excellent this season so
far, although it is obviously getting harder now temperatures
have risen, but saying that, fish are being caught at all times
of the day in all 6 lakes.
When we restarted fishing we had to impose temporary rules and
close the huts, and would like to thank all the members who have
fished over the last few weeks for following these rules and
emailing or phoning in their catch reports which are so critical
in calculating stocking levels each week. The huts are now open
and catch return sheets back as before, but please remember,
only one person in the hut at a time for additional safety. The
rules for social distancing will be with us for some time yet
and the need to wash hands and use sanitisers after using
padlocks and gates at our lakes remains in place. Staying safe
is still very much an important issue when out fishing.
Cinder Hill Fly Fishing always represents our
sport at the South of England Show each year
with our marquee, fly casting and raffle but
obviously that was cancelled along with all
other events including Connect With The
Countryside for school age children. The
committee has decided unanimously to not attend
this year’s Game Fair at Ardingly Showground
which is now scheduled to take place in early
October. It was decided that the risk of coming
into contact with potential carriers of the
virus would be too high, but it is hoped that
when things return to the ‘new normal’ that we
can resume our promotional actives at the
showground.
Our annual dinner in June had to be cancelled
along with our Macmillan charity fishing day,
but we are now looking into the possibility of
holding the latter during September or October
and an announcement will be made when the
decision has been made.
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Our return to fishing has been a great release from the
difficulties of the last few months and remains one of the
safest and healthiest outdoor activities, so please make the
most of the opportunity to visit the lakes. At no time have the
lakes been over-busy with members and things are very much ‘as
before’ so enjoy the fishing, the lakes are very well stocked
(even if you can’t see them!).
During the summer months when the water temperature is higher
the trout can be a little lethargic, holding in the in the
deeper cooler water and less likely to chase a large lure. If
the water is clear enough (which it is in most of the lakes at
present), try using smaller nymphs and sparsely dressed flies
such as Diawlbachs or Crunchers fished with a slow figure of
eight retrieve.
Our very best wishes & tight lines.
Kevin Reeves (Chairman) & Mark Orchin (Secretary / Organiser)
Obituary,
Brenda Newington
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It is with great sadness that we report the
death from cancer of Brenda Newington, a
lovely lady and keen member of Cinder Hill
Fly Fishing for many years.
Although relative newcomers to fly fishing
at the time, Brenda and husband Clive joined
the then Cinder Hill Trouting Syndicate back
in 2012, and quickly became involved with
the organisation such that Clive took on the
role of Water Maintenance Organiser and
members attending the various work parties
were rewarded with delicious cakes baked by
Brenda to enjoy during the mid morning
coffee break, which were much appreciated by
all.
Since being diagnosed, Brenda fought her
illness so bravely, going through many
courses of treatment, which, in recent
years, limited her ability to go fishing
quite so much, but on the good days, she
still managed to get out and enjoy some time
by the water and, just before her untimely
passing, was looking forward to casting a
line on our waters again, but sadly, this
was not to be.
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Our sincere condolences go to
Clive and all the family on their sad loss, Brenda will be
sorely missed by us all.
May 2020 -
Rod Yuill - Retirement from Office
After some 12 years or more in
office as Chairman, at the AGM back in March, although still
involved with Cinder Hill Fly Fishing, Rod Yuill was finally
able to step down and take a back seat. On collecting some
paperwork from the Treasurer, he was surprised to find a package
with his name on it, containing a gift in appreciation of all
the hard work he has put in over the years. Rod's thank you
email is reproduced below.
Dear Kevin and the Cinder Hill Committee,
A few afternoons ago I went to collect some
papers that Robert had left out for me while he
was at an appointment and I was surprised and
delighted to find, in a box addressed to me, a
very impressive Royal Brierley Spirit Decanter
with an engraved image on one face of a Fly
Fisherman. I really can’t satisfactorily express
how much I appreciate this outstanding and
wholly undeserved gift.
I have enjoyed my years as Chairman of Cinder
Hill, originally part of the Sussex Branch S&TA,
although when I took on the role I was still
very much a novice Fly Fisherman and had only
been a Committee Member for about a year. I
don’t even think I was a member of the Fishing
Syndicate at the time. Syndicate membership was
however, hastily arranged and the first few
years were a steep learning curve for me, but I
found everyone to be exceptionally friendly and
always willing to help me when I needed it.
Needless to say, Cinder Hill has been through
some ups and downs over the years with a good
many of the down years following the economic
crisis of 2007/8. In the last few years It has
been especially pleasing to see the fishery turn
a corner and the membership numbers and finances
improve thanks to the ideas and hard work of the
Committee.
Thank you for putting up with my rather amateur
Chairmanship for all of these years and I know
that under Kevin’s Chairmanship Cinder Hill will
weather the present difficulties and continue to
provide the most affordable and enjoyable Fly
Fishing in the South of England.
Once again, my sincerest thanks you all for such
a splendid gift.
With very best wishes,
Rod, |
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12th
May 2020 - Coronavirus Update - Resumption of Fishing
With the relaxation of the
Government restrictions at last we can go fishing again, albeit
with some restrictions in order to maintain "social distancing"
and reduce the risks from COVID-19.
Accordingly, all Cinder Hill Fly Fishing waters will once again
be open to members on Wednesday 13th May. However, of necessity,
additional temporary rules have been put in place and members
should please take a look in the Members Notices page.
30th
April 2020 - Coronavirus Update
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We hope you are all keeping safe
and well.
Unfortunately, all fishing
activities have had to cease due to the Government
coronavirus lockdown regulations and as anglers, we
are all spending a lot of time dreaming
about going fishing again.
The Angling Trust has been
working hard behind the scenes taking a proactive
role to make the case for the safe resumption of
fishing once the Government decides that some
restrictions can be lifted and this piece from the
Telegraph of the 23rd April may be a promising sign
that their efforts have been noticed and there may
now be some light at the end of the tunnel.
Please take a look at the latest
news from the Trust detailing their stance on this
matter which can be viewed at:
https://www.anglingtrust.net/wwfa.
We can be sure that the angler’s
voice is being heard and the Trust is doing all it
can to enable us all to get out there as soon as
possible and to enjoy our fishing once again. |
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Cinder Hill Fly Fishing as a Syndicate are
members of the Angling Trust and Fish Legal and many of the
members are also individual members of the Trust. However, for
all those anglers who are not already an individual member, now
would be a very good time to sign up to add your support to our
national organisation representing angling in all it’s forms at
the highest level, which does so much to fight for our fish and
fishing as well as offering discounts on the purchase of various
items ranging from fishing tackle, white goods and day tickets
on some waters and includes 3rd Party Civil Liability Insurance.
The more members they have the louder will be their voice in
representing angling interests in the UK.
At the moment, the Trust is offering a free
gift worth £29 for all those taking out individual membership
and paying by Debit/Credit Card or by Direct Debit. As the
annual subscription is also £29 (£25 for Senior Citizens of 65
or over) membership would effectively cost you nothing for the
year. Details of how to join are in their newsletter, or click
on the join tab on the left to visit their website
As soon as we have more news we will let you
all know.
30th
April 2020 - Some Light Relief!
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With no fishing allowed due
to the current coronavirus lockdown, in attempt to
lighten the mood during these worrying times, one of
our members, who is an avid fly dresser, forwarded
this cartoon, which brought the following response
from another member.
Enjoy and have a laugh!
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Sir,
It has come
to my belated attention that you circulated amongst your fishing
coterie a derogatory and tasteless pictorial lampoon of that
most dedicated of souls, the Fly Tier.
We have
serious intent regarding this ancient craft and have taken
serious umbrage to your missive. Was it not dear Isaac himself
who stated in his book "now the flies, which is the third bait
wherewith trouts are usually taken" not enough to inspire you?
An
unreserved apology and written withdrawal is expected forthwith.
Our motto
is and will remain" honi soti qui mal y pense".
I am of the
Amish persuasion and as such my reluctant colleague who
abrogates himself entirely of content has agreed to forward my
comments.
Yours,
T
Chomondly-Mascelain Chairperson, Pan Global Fly Tying
Consortium
24th
March 2020 - Coronavirus
In view of
the Government instructions for us all to stay at home,
only go out once a day for exercise and stopping all non
essential travel, we have no choice but to close the lakes for
fishing and they will
remain closed until Government instructions allow us to resume
our activities. All stocking has also been temporarily suspended.
We hope that the actions imposed upon us all
help to bring this virus under control in the not too distant
future, allowing us to enjoy our freedom and fishing once again.
We will review the situation at every new
Government announcement and let members know accordingly.
For now, look
after yourselves, stay safe and well.
Obituary,
Jim (The Fish) Smith, 31.07.1944 to 27.12 2019
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It is with great sadness that we report the
peaceful passing, on 27th December, in Eastbourne Hospital, of Jim Smith, a much
loved and familiar character to so many
anglers here in the south east.
Jim was a long time member of Salmon & Trout
Conservation and for some years also a
member of the Cinder Hill Fly Fishing, although unfortunately he didn’t manage to fish
very much in recent years.
From his home in Isfield, in his capacity as
bailiff for the Ouse Angling Preservation
Society and the Environment Agency, Jim
would walk the banks of his beloved rivers
Ouse and Uck and woe betide anyone caught
fishing without an appropriate permit or
licence.
A true countryman, his knowledge of the
rivers and the flora and fauna surrounding
them, their history and nature in general
was without equal and he was always more
than happy to convey this knowledge to
anyone interested.
Jim will be sorely missed but well
remembered by all who knew him.
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A further tribute to Jim
follows, courtesy of Mark Orchin, Secretary of Cinder Hill Fly
Fishing.
I remember fondly the many
chats I had with Jim along the river bank on the Sussex Ouse
going back over 30 years, his figure instantly recognisable
slowly making his way down the bank towards us anglers to
check our licence, give advice and have a good old chin wag
about anything to do with the river and its inhabitants.
Jim (As Field Officer and
honorary Bailiff) wrote regularly in the Ouse and Arun River
Trust (OART) quarterly magazine by way of his countryside
diary, where it was clear that his countryside knowledge was
not only superior but borne from a lifelong love of the
river and its surroundings. It was no surprise on several
occasions to see Jim interviewed about the river on TV and
he would have given Jack Hargreaves & Oliver Kite a run for
their money! As a committee member of our local Historical
Society I invited Jim over to give a talk one evening a few
years back and he kept a sizeable audience enthralled with
his knowledge of the river, its history and the wildlife it
contains, going back some 60 —70 years, in fact, after 2
hours we had a job to get him to close the talk!
I think it is Jim’s legacy,
that all of us who visit the countryside, should try to
learn more about the wildlife and surroundings, not just the
fish, but the birds, plants, trees and insects and how our
current climate crisis is affecting nature and to pass it on
to future generations. Jim was passionate about keeping
everything as it should be and wrote frequently about the
litter he and colleagues picked up at Barcombe Mills after
hot summer weekends, often filling dozens of bin liners – a
thankless task so often repeated.
I once saw Jim in the
Anglers Rest at Barcombe (now sadly closed) singing old folk
songs with pals with a pint of Harveys after a day on the
river, a treasure of knowledge has now left us. RIP Jim
Smith.
