Dear Fellow Anglers

The RN&RMAA annual subscriptions will be due for payment 1 Apr 09 and I hope you will continue to provide your support. 2008 has been a very good year for the association; in particular each RN&RMAA member now has access to Fox tackle at huge discounts as well as Richworth bait and tackle at trade prices. More work is ongoing behind the scenes but I am encouraged that more excellent opportunities to benefit from RN&RMAA membership will be available in 2009/10. The website and forum have proven to be excellent in allowing you all to keep up to date with events, gossip and banter - long may it continue.

As many of you will be aware, your membership fees are put to good use and contribute to the smooth running of the association and without which the RN&RMAA could not operate.

The RN&RMAA annual fee has remained at £10.00 per year for Full and Associate members since 2004; however, it has been acknowledged by the committee that costs are increasing and if we, as an association, are going to be able to raise the profile of our sport within the RN and wider service community, and continue to enjoy the benefits that comes with RN&RMAA membership, additional costs will be incurred. The newly appointed Treasurer has provided a detailed breakdown of the present and future costs to run the RN&RMAA and fund other recruitment and fishing projects, projects that will benefit all angling disciplines; these figures will be provided at the AGM to be held in March 09 (the times and venue for the AGM will be posted on the Forum) but in brief are as follows:

• Annual RN&RMAA running costs (which include public liability insurance, Angling Trust membership and administration costs) - £1200 pa.
• Income from membership fees (approx 180 x £10) - £1800 pa.
• Balance (credit) - approximately £600.

Although significant at first glance, £600 does not enable the RN&RMAA sufficient funds to cover all events and pay for recruitment positive drives such as advertising, setting up stalls at national angling conventions/events etc.

The RN&RMAA enjoys the membership of a considerable number of Associate members (retired RN/RM personnel). Without their contribution, significant events would not have RN&RMAA participation due to the current operational tempo which clearly, (although frustratingly!) takes precedence over angling competitions. Associate members are given financial assistance from non public funds by the RN&RMAA and will continue to do so in order to maximise our profile at events across the country.

So, the bottom line is that the Committee have approved an increase in annual subscriptions from £10.00 pa to £20.00 pa for all Full and Associate members and will be effective from 1 Apr 09.

This increase in non public funds will allow the RN&RMAA to have much more flexibility in terms of events, competitions and publicity drives than we have had to date. I sincerely hope that you are able to continue to support your association and I thank you in advance.

Tight Lines

Geoff H

RN&RMAA National Secretary