I have always “fought shy” of being involved in committees

I had been told in advance that a couple of the committee members were going to resign and that there would be a need for at least two new members. I have always “fought shy” of being involved in committees. I am well aware that many people that get involved in such things have entirely the right motives for doing so, but on the other hand far too many of the characters that are on committees are there purely so that they can put that fact on their C.V. Am I being too cynical? Maybe I am, but in twenty years of working in small schools, I have seen very few governors who have any other motive for being on the “committee” other than being able to brag about it at the next coffee morning or work’s dinner. I am pleased to say that the B.R.F.F.A. committee are ALL expected by their chairman – Mike Gleave to take an active part in the club.Anyway, I was asked about the possibility of joining the committee and felt that it was time that I gave something back to my club. As things turned out though, I ended up being talked into taking over as club secretary!! I am not quite sure how I managed to do that, but done it is!With the chairmanship of Mike Gleave, the A.G.M. was over in under an hour – I must say that it is refreshing to have a chair who really sticks to the relevant points and doesn’t allow the “floor” to take over! I hope that the same applies to committee meetings, as I have an early start most mornings and don’t take too kindly to very late nights.Our club is in a pretty healthy position. We have a good bank balance – though like most clubs I feel that maybe we have too much put aside for “rainy days”. The membership is strong, but any new recruits are always welcomed with open arms. There is also a busy social calendar, with events for all comers, from visits to the hatchery, fly tying, auctions, evenings with guest speakers and club competitions. Anyone interested in joining – and you don’t have to live in the Bristol area, membership is only £5.00 per year, payable to our membership secretary – Roger Stenner, 18 Stafford Place, Weston Super Mare, Bristol, BS23 2QZ.Apart from getting “set-up” for all of that, I have seriously been contemplating buying a season ticket this year. Now that I am no longer teaching, my evenings are my own! I still can’t quite get used to all of this time! I am not a T.V. watcher, so once I have read to my children and they have read to me, I fancy that I may be able to pop out to “The Tanks” for a couple of hours two or three night a week. The other advantage of the season ticket is that it entitles you to a decent discount on each boat that you take out. I will weigh it all up this weekend and make a final decision once I have “clearance” from my wife!The fly tying is coming on well – I manage a few each night, though sometimes it is literally only one or two. Thankfully, I can leave my gear out now, as my children are of an age to know that they stay away from my fly-tying table. One last trip down to the Avon on Sunday for the large chub, and my next outing will be for trout. It is getting close enough now to start the feeling of anticipation!

Tight lines.