The season is now well underway. Little Stoke is suffering along with all rivers from the lack of rain and excessive heat (water temp measured at 22C on 12 July) and although South Moreton STW has thankfully not discharged since late April, the low levels (down around 20cm on normal July levels) and lack of flow have contributed to the relatively high Ph levels recorded in the last 2 months. The fish clearly feel the torpor; the exception being small perch which can be seen chasing fry and small bleak into the shallows. Until we have some rain, Little Stoke will continue to present a real challenge.  

We met in mid July and agreed that we would run fundraising for CRUK (cancer research) again this autumn. In the last 2 years through our efforts we have contributed over £1000 to CRUK and we aim to top £500 again this year. In addition to the charity match on 11 October at Little Stoke vs Tring (when it would great to see as many members out as possible – even those who are not matchmen) we launch our Fantasy League from 20 September where all members are encouraged to enter team of 3 club members to compete by proxy on the actual match performances for the for the second half of the season. 

It’s a bit of fun in which every club member can participate and know that their £10 team entry fee will go in entirety to a worthy charity which is (sadly all too) close to all of us as club members. 18 months ago we lost Tom Harvey to cancer, currently at least 5 of our members have or have received recent cancer treatment and our Match Secretary, Peter lost his young grand-daughter Olivia to cancer after a long and painful fight against the disease earlier this year.  The fantasy league competition is a whole club opportunity to swell our contribution to CRUK so check out the website from September 1st for entry forms and details. You can enter as many teams as you wish (at £10 per team) and the winning team owner will receive free membership for next season.

Ahead of the charity match we have second work party scheduled for our venue on 13 September. The work party in June was terrific (picture on the website) and more than half of all club members (who adjourned to the Perch & Pike afterwards with the first drink on the club) had a productive and enjoyable time and was an opportunity to get to know fellow members just a bit better. More of the same on 13 September please.

Little else to report at present except that recent match results can be found on the website where Dave has revamped the presentation and it would be great to receive news and pictures from any sessions at Little Stoke.

Any ideas for rainmaking gratefully received!