was formed in the late 19th century and this year celebrated their continued existence with the 111th Annual match fished on the Bargate Drain on the 23rd July 2006. Like all other angling associations they have seen many up and downs over those years, highlights being the team victory in the NFA championship on the R.Witham and also individual champions in the shape of Roy Jarvis in that same eve
nt and also Don Green during the 70’s. Perhaps the 60’s and 70’s was the Association’s heyday when Midlands and South Yorkshire anglers visited such as the Sibsey Trader Drain in their droves, most available pegs being fully booked over any given weekend. Sadly of course, those days no longer exist and will most likely never return, but with dedication and continuing hard work from an astute management by the various committees since those times, the Association is still thriving with around 1500 members, and can boast one of the largest holdings of waters anywhere in this country. In addition to all this they actively encourage youngsters from the earliest ages to become involved in angling activities in and around the area and through the good offices of a succession of brilliant Junior secretaries have left their mark on many a national angling competition in recent years. Early 2007 brought the completion of the Environment Agency REEL project to provide a fully disabled facility on the S. The installation, which included a bonus of 20 standard platforms for other anglers, was officially opened on the 16th August by 4 times world champion Bob Nudd. The facilities soon proved to be a runaway success as many anglers of all ages and abilities visited the site between then, and the onset of winter. During that autumn time the Association put forward the project to the British Disabled Angling Association for consideration and subsequently came away with a prestigious Gold award. If site standards are maintained, and even improved, it may qualify for the highest Platinum award in the coming years.
