Senior Rates Mess, HMS Drake ~ Meeting commenced at 1832

1.Chairmans' Opening Remarks

Iain Greenlees (Chairman) welcomed the seven members to the AGM and thanked WO Lee, President of the HMS DRAKE Senior Rates Mess for the use of his Mess for the AGM and thanked CPO Glass for acting as the local POC. The Chairman also noted the disappointing absence of the Hon Treasurer John Walker as this was the reason the AGM had been postponed in the first instance from 22 March 2008

2.Matters Arising

The 2007 AGM Minutes had been published on the Website and the Hon Secretary had received NIL notifications. Taken as read!

Apologies

John Honey, Mark Close, Ted Peck, Geoff Hayward, Steve Mardlin

3.Honary Secretary's Report

The Agenda was posted on the Website and no items for inclusion in this year's AGM Agenda were received. Hon Sec noted that various issues were commented upon in his Minutes of the Committee Meeting at Temeraire on 3 April 2008 and in the interest of saving time, bearing in mind the long distances he and other had to travel that night he would not repeat himself.

However, having served on the Committee since 2002 and having now returned to weekend RNR status without access to Service email on a regular basis, the absence of which during serious issues regarding the lack of activity by the Treasurer (more later) had seriously hampered him in his duties, he felt the time was right to hand over to a Regular Serving Member. However as both candidates for the position were not present, he would continue in post until 1 Jun 08 allowing for the 2008 AGM Minutes to be posted and a slow-time Handover completed.

Following advice from Temeraire (Letter 16/3 dated 5 Mar 07) and the need for Insurance charges to be paid (another issue for the Treasurer desig) as stated by SO Stores NELSON, only the Game Section hold naval trophies. Game Sec is encouraged to return these and issue new one. Finance for this can be obtained from Temeraire.

6.Treasurer's Report

No report was available due to absence without apology of the Hon Treasurer. It was doubly disappointing having assured the Committee that he would attend the AGM. Also despite direct personal contact with the Game Sec the previous day, he made no reference to his absence nor produced a report or Financial Statement. The Committee were therefore unable to comment upon the financial status of the Association but that Temeraire were aware and that a new Treasurer would be voted into office at the AGM. It is believed that sufficient funds are currently available to service the Association’s needs.

7.Coarse Secretary's Report

Inter Command League and Championship

The 2007 Inter Command League and Championship events were both won by the Naval Air Command. Plymouth Command were 2nd in both the League and Championship events.

Unfortunately the change of status of Angling reduced the 2008 Inter Command events to just two league events. The first round was contested at The Viaduct, Fishery, Somerset. POMEM Al Jones (HMS ASTUTE) won the individual event with a weight of 31lb; the NAC won the team event. 24 anglers competed in this round. Round two was contested at Woodland Lakes, Nr Thirsk, N. Yorkshire. The weather certainly played its part and most of the field struggled to find fish in a feeding mood. CPO Nick Jones (HMS TIRELESS) found the fish willing to ffed and won the individual event with a good weight of 48lb 2oz, well ahead of 2nd placed AET Jason Screen (HMS HERON) who weighed 19lb 8oz. The NAC again took the team honours. 27 anglers attended what was now the last Inter Command event of 2007.

The Inter Command Team Champions for 2008 are the NAC. Three individuals tied on a maximum 10 points, the final order being decided on weight, 1st with 40lb 9oz was POMEM Al Jones, 2nd CPO Nick White (HMS HERON) with 38lb 5oz, CPO Mick Ezard (HMS SPARTAN) was third with 27Llb

The loss of two Inter Command events this year has resulted in the league being contested over two rounds instead of three and the complete loss of the Inter Command Championships. For 2009 a new format for Inter Command events will; subject to approval, be trialled. It is planned to hold one event in the spring and one in the autumn, both events will be competed for over two days on different venues.

Overseas Challenge

The RN and RM AA once again competed in Holland at the Overseas Challenge. Although the fishing was difficult at times, some good individual results were recorded, but the team could only achieve a lowly 6th place out of 7 teams. C/Sgt Kev Hurst (CDOHELFORHQ) won the lake competition on mini Zalk weighing in over 100lb. Personal best Roach and Bream were recorded amongst the Navy and Marine anglers; WO Pete Edwards recording a PB bream of 9lb 10oz and PO Al Jones weighing in a roach well over the 'magic’ 2lb mark. The quantity of groundbait and caster required to compete on these venues is beyond anything experienced in the UK; daily 6 pints of caster and 10Kg of groundbait were needed just to be competitive.

Inter Service Championships

For the first time in ten years the RN and RM AA are the Coarse Angling Inter Service Champions. The RN and RM AA scored a total of 27, against the RAF’s score of 26; the Army were third with 19 points.

The RN and RM AA could also boast the top four individuals; who all won their sections: CPO Nick Jones 126lb, CPO Nick White 109lb, PO John Lambert (HMS SEAHAWK) 108lb and CPO Dave Hillier (HMS SEAHAWK) 99lb 11oz. John Lambert’s weight included 100lb 5oz of “silver” fish, the first time the Viaduct has seen a silver fish weight of over 100lb. The other section winners were WO Pete Edwards 56lb and PO Richie Holmes (815 Sqn) 68lb.

Post AGM event ~ RN & RM AA Championships

This event was contested by 32 anglers over the weekend of 14 and 15 June at Poole Hall Fisheries, Alveley, Shropshire.

The fishing was again affected by the RN and RM syndrome! Great results recorded in the build up to the event, then come match days, the venue did not respond as expected.

The team honours were won by HMS SEAHAWK (Dave Hillier, Trev Conroy, Kev Walden and Brum Ashurst) with a two day points score of 50. CPO Tim Broughton (815 Sqn) won the individual event with a two day score of 16 points, no need for weight count back as Tim was the only angler to achieve two section wins and score maximum points. MACR (Master Aircrewman) WO Bob Yeomans (RAF) is Associate Champion with 15 points.

The event for 2009 will be held at Lemington lakes, near Evesham in June. Venue and date subject to confirmation.

8.Game Secretary's Report

Having taken over as Game Secretary after the Trafalgar Shield match, last season’s final event, I feel a bit of a fraud in reporting on what was predominantly the hard work of Chris Anderson. Although I have already publicly thanked Chris for all his time and hard work over the years that he dedicated to running the Game section, I think it fitting to do it one final time in this forum. Having been the RM Command Rep for the last 3 years I had some idea of what I was letting myself in for, so I thought! Rarely do anglers realise how much work and time goes on behind the scenes to secure funding, arrange fixtures and ensure those fixtures run smoothly. It cannot be achieved without support from others; therefore I would like to thank all those that have helped me in my first 8 months as Game Sec.

Association of Major Fly Fishing Clubs (AMFC).

The AMFC Secretary’s 2007 report details just how 'touch and go’ it was in the battle for promotion to group 2. I have to say a big thanks to Paul Vine for running the AMFC's over the last few seasons. Last year work and OU commitments meant he was unable to commit as much time to fishing as he would have wished and was forced to take a slight step back. I took over running the AMFC fixtures but must add that Paul had already completed a majority of the administration. That said, the most challenging aspect I faced was coercing sufficient anglers to participate to field a complete team. Frustratingly, several matches found us a rod short on the day as individuals were forced to withdraw at the very last minute. Those that did compete fished exceptionally well and kept us in promotion contention up until the very last round. Although it was a close run thing throughout, we eventually came a very close second in the group. Even though the squad did not secure promotion this year, the experience gained by newer members has established a better foundation to launch a stronger assault for this coming season. I firmly believe the main reason for the team’s strong performance was due to the extra effort made by those that regularly were prepared to attend practice sessions and were able to share information. Travel, accommodation and fishing costs can prove very expensive, especially for associate members who are not eligible for some subsidies. To reduce some of this expense, two practice boats will be paid for from the Game Association Fund for the remaining 2008 AMFC fixtures. This initiative will be reviewed at the beginning of next season. This year Mark Glass will hold the fort as AMFC Rep until Damian Sheils takes over in August on his return to a shore based appointment. I would like to thank the 14 anglers that fished in the AMFC matches last season for all their efforts and dedication. Having experienced the challenge of coordinating these fixtures, I urge you all to support these representative events which are always competitive, educational and above all fun.

Jutland Cup

Being deployed I was unable to attend this event and have no detailed report other than knowing it was held at Bushyleaze with Duke Elsworth winning. The most talked about aspect was that everyone enjoyed the spread that was put on by the Marks & Spencer’s group who were also fishing that day!

RN V Kingsbridge Heavyweights.

Again I have no access to a match report other than to say that Kingsbridge won relatively comfortably. One slight consolation is that several of their team were anglers belonging to the RNRMAA who we should be able to convince to fish for us next season.

RN V Associates.

From a starting availability of 30, only 17 actually fished the RN v Associates match at Chew on Sunday the 29th of April. The weather started warm and bright and some fish were caught early on, both behind Deny’s and in Herron’s. As the day drew on the weather cooled and the boats split up to find fish. There were plenty of fish taking Black Buzzers at Wick’s but they were tightly grouped and getting the depth right was a constant challenge as the fish changed feeding depth with the weather. The bountiful catches of the early part of the season were no longer evident for the majority of Anglers but Tony Wilkinson and Mike Barfoot-Franks managed to reach the limit of 7 before going on to catch and release. Mike took a further 3 resulting in him having the best bag of the day. There was some confusion over who had the best fish and best Brown but in the end Mark Glass had the best fish at 6 lb 2 oz and Ted Peck had the best Brown at 3 lb 2 oz. In the end the Associates took the day with 63 ¾ lbs compared to the RN’s 34 lb. Even taking into account the imbalance of Nos, the Rod average weight for the Associates was over 6 lb and the RN’s just over 4 lb. Unfortunately the two new rods to boat fishing were unable to bring any fish in despite Bob Jones hooking into at least three and one that took him all the way down to the backing before snapping him off. It was a good day, some good fish were caught and it didn’t appear to put those new to boat fishing off. (Report courtesy of Chris Anderson)

Services Fly Fishing Championships.

Early June saw the initial staging of the Services Fly Fishing Championships which was held at Grafham. It was the brainchild of the Police Fly Fishing Section and pitted 6 teams of 8 anglers from the Police, Fire and Rescue, Prison Service, Civil Service, Army and RNRM. It was a well organised event which was won by a very strong Army team; however, the RN team accredited themselves well in coming a very respectable 2nd. It proved a popular fixture that we will continue to support and this season it will again be contested at Grafham in early June.

RN Open and RN Pairs.

The 2007 RN Open and Pairs Championship were again fished at Rutland to increase our anglers’ knowledge of the fishery prior to the Inter Services, as well as to ease travelling for those from the North. Despite this, no anglers from the North made it to the Open and it proved to be a particularly hard day with only 20 competitors, no bag limits, 8 blanks and a rod average of 1.5! Congratulations must go to Mark Glass for the determined way in which he plugged away in the area around Normanton Church to catch 7 fish and, in doing so, won the Open and also the Pairs with his boat partner Kev Melhuish. We have decided to remain at Rutland for the 2008 RN Open but will scope other venues for next season.

Inter Commands.

I have posted a detailed report, photographs and catch return elsewhere on the web. Well done the RM team who for once did exactly as briefed by their team Captain (me)! I had managed to practice the previous and had caught a double bag limit of good quality hard fighting fish by lunch time. Having purchased the lodges remaining stock of the killer fly, a type Barrs Orange Blob, the RM team were given the flies, briefed on the method, areas to fish and, then went on to win convincingly! Again practice paid dividends. J Lawson with the biggest bag also won the RM Open title. A real bonus was the discovery of Ed Cain who, despite being a novice, caught a bag limit on his first outing on Rutland. If this was not impressive enough, as he did not have a landing net, he boated all his fish and his partner’s with his bare hands!

Inter Services.

I was not able to attend the Inter Services but Chris Anderson co-ordinated the RN team and has posted a detailed account elsewhere on the website. Suffice to say that despite finishing 3rd the squad as a whole enjoyed the competition. Those that attended the coaching sessions benefited from the experience, tips and local knowledge provided by a couple of days tuition from the well known professional coach Craig Barr. Although it had minimal effect on the day of the competition, the tips have already started to filter through the team and might just turn out to be the killer method next time!

Secretaries Cup.

The Secretaries Cup was presented by Chris Anderson to Al Mundy. I suspect, if the truth be told, the primary reason that I received the award was to bamboozle me and to act as a sweetener to ensure I relieved Chris as the game Sect Secretary!

Trafalgar Shield

Yet again Bushyleaze proved a fine venue with plenty of good sport. I managed to win using a single standard mini cat on a slowly retrieved midge tip. I picked up 4 good sized fish by flicking the line under trees at the top end of the lake. Although awkward and casting no more than 15 yards, it proved sufficient to draw out the decent fish and in so doing I walked away with the Shield. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and acknowledged the high quality of the venue and the fishing. On completion Chris Anderson was publicly thanked for his time as Secretary as he stood down and handed over to myself.

A Look Forward.

As always with Services, the haemorrhaging of seasoned anglers to the civvie street is of great consternation and must be countered by active recruitment of younger serving members. This year is no exception as the Game section has lost or will loose several serving members who are established and significant characters that will be sorely missed. These include John Honey, Plymouth Command Sec, Paul Vine, previous AMFC rep and Chris Anderson. Although we expect and welcome them to remain greatly involved with the association their collective ability, knowledge and experience will be a great loss to Service teams.

It is not all doom and gloom; fuelled by the success of the website we have already received interest and applications from several lapsed members and some younger serving members. These individuals are key to maintaining a competitive service team and also a viable Game association.

To ending on a high, well done to Mark Glass who recently qualified from one of the Chew heats of the England eliminator. He now goes through to the England Finals at Bewl later this year. Here the 100 qualifiers from the heats compete resulting in the top 20 anglers winning the accolade to represent England next season. Well done Mark and good luck at the Final later in the year.

As you can see it was a busy season with mixed results but a lot of enjoyable fishing was had along the way.

Thank you all for your continued support and tight lines for the coming season.

9.Sea Secretary's Report

This will be a short report as we are still waiting for our competition season to start for this section.

I would like to start by congratulating Paul Wastell on winning the Royal Navy Shore competition held last November in Lincoln on the mouth of the Humber estuary. Well Done.

The Boat results were misplaced on the secretary handover.

Last years Inter-Services competitions were hosted by the RAF, the Boat competition was held in Plymouth late August on two very rainy days where we managed to beat the Army but got pipped at the post by the RAF.

The Shore competition was held late November on the Lincolnshire coast; the weather was sunny, raining, frosty and snowing, sometimes all at the same time. The RN&RMAA, being defending champions, put up a gallant fight but starting with three men down we struggled from the off. The RN&RMAA team came third closely followed by the Army with the RAF taking first place.

I would like to say a big thank you to all those who took part in our competitions.

This years fixtures are being hosted by the Army on the following dates:

Match	Date
Combined Services vs. Police Boat	27 - 28 July
Inter-Services Boat	27 - 28 Aug
Inter-Service shore	22 - 23 Oct
Combined Service Shore	03 - 04 Nov

Anybody who is interested in taking part in this years fixtures could you please let me know through the Forum.

10.Membership Secretary's Report

This post was agreed by the Committee at the Committee Meeting 3 Apr 08. Members were asked to confirm the post’s first nomination Chris Anderson at the appropriate point of the AGM.

Total Membership as at 1st May	Carp	Coarse	Game	Sea
149	46	37	56	10

Membership numbers are currently consistent with previous years but are not a true representation of the numbers of servicemen involved in angling.

Discussions took place on how the Assocation could bring all anglers into the fold and re-engage with other associations, such as the Portsmouth RN&RM Coarse Angling Association and some of the local organisations. the role of Area Recreation Officers in providing funds to service personnel who are not members of the RN&RMAA was also discussed. It was pointed out that a number of new members had approached the association as a result of accessing the website and this has also attracted people who wanted to join the Portsmouth RN&RM Coarse Angling Association.

The Membership Secretary undertook to use contact seeking membership of othe associations as a basis for starting a new dialogue with these groups.

11.Naval Fishing Clubs and Affiliated Bodies

Another point is that whilst there are many anglers in the Service, many join their local establishment club eg Devonport but do not join the RNRMAA. We should be the 'default’ setting for all navy angling and thus the true voice of angling within the Naval Service. HERON Anglers pay a combined subscription which automatically ensures that they are RNRMAA members as well as being members of the HERON Club.

The RNRMAA is the only angling body recognised and supported with public and lottery funds by Temeraire and the Combined Services Sports Board. Therefore ALL naval anglers should be recruited into the official single RNRMAA. The issue is further clouded by other 'naval’ fishing clubs which predated the RNRMAA’s establishment in 1972 e.g. Portsmouth Command Fishing Association which despite having access to SULTAN Moat and DRYAD (Southwick Camp) Lake has a very low number of Servicemen as members, still gains access and receives support from the RN to the detriment of RNRMAA members.

Actions:

1. The Chairman will write to Temeraire and Area Recreation Officer’s to find out which other angling bodies are receiving financial assistance.
2. Chairman/Membership Sec to write to all 'other’ bodies and establish appropriate 'points of contacts’ for future discussions and negotiations regarding their assimilation into the RNRMAA.

12.Website

Lin Anderson continues to undertake a marvellous job creating and routinely updating the new association website. The Forum is proving to be both popular and very useful in encouraging inter-action at all levels, disiplines and easing match administration.

13.Voting in of Association Officers

Post	Nomination	Proposer	Seconder	Result
Secretary	Geoff Hayward	Si Baker	Simon Lewis	Carried
Treasurer	Simon Gay	Pete Edwards	Brian Roach	Carried
Sea Secretary	Brian Roach	Simon Lewis	Andy Bridson	Carried
Membership Sec	Chris Anderson	Mark Glass	Keith Howard	Carried
Game Secretary	Al Mundy	Chris Anderson	Paul Vine	Carried

14.Issues requiring the Membership to vote

Proposal:	All Committee Posts to be served for a period of three years maximum. Further service in post is to be confirmed by a new vote.
Proposer	Iain Greenlees	Seconder	Simon Lewis	Result	Motion Carried
Proposal:	Current Subscription Year to be extended until 31 Mar 09
Proposer	Peter Edwards	Seconder	Brian Roach	Result	Motion Carried
Proposal:	RNRMAA Subscription Year to be 1 Apr to 31 Mar
Proposer	Chris Anderson	Seconder	Iain Greenlees	Result	Motion Carried
Proposal:	Subscriptions to be taken by Direct Debit (encouraged as the default setting) but Members are of course free to pay by cheques as now if they choose!
Proposer	Brian Roach	Seconder	Simon Gay	Result	Motion Carried
Proposal:	Instigate a non-executive post of PRO
Proposer	Iain Greenlees	Seconder	Peter Edwards	Result	Motion Carried
NB. Volunteers for this post are requested to make themselves known to the Committee.
Proposal:	Payment of Honararium to Webmaster to be raised from £150 to £250
Proposer	Peter Edwards	Seconder	Brian Roach	Result	Motion Carried

15.Life Membership Nominations

Chris Anderson proposed the outgoing Hon Sec as a Life Member. Chairman Seconded. Motion Carried unanimously. (Post Meeting Note – I was delighted and very surprised whilst being very honoured to accept! Many thanks to all, Simon Lewis).

16.RN Colours Awarded

Game Section: Will Black

17.AOB

1. Game Sec suggested an inter-discipline Fun Day at an appropriate fishery where all members could fish any method. Action: Game/Coarse Secretaries.
2. Keith Howard – Why was Angling the only Service Sport to be downgraded in status in the recent DIN? Chairman advised that this was being challenged by the Chairmen of all three Service Angling Associations along with other issues associated with the DIN eg Duty Status, Travel, lack of consultation etc. He was also seeking an answer to his own letter to 2SL. Action: Chairman/Secretary
3. Andy Bridson asked that the DIN be published on the Website as there was lack of clarity re Insurance issues. Action Chairman/Webmaster
4. Simon Gay asked that the Committee investigate the Association providing Insurance Liability Cover for all Members in light of the DIN. It would also be an incentive to joining the RNRMAA. The Chairman undertook to investigate with Temeraire. Action Chairman/Secretary
5. Simon Gay suggested that ALL disciplines in each Command Area look to identify a suitable retail outlet in order to maximise Member’s buying power eg Fox Tackle, Plymouth give a 50% Trade Discount to bona fide RNRMAA members. Action: Section Secretaries

Meeting Closed at 2038

DONM; Mar 09 tbc

Signed on original

S J LEWIS RD, Lt Cdr RNR, Hon Secretary, RNRMAA