Picture: Match-winner, Kevin Dyer, receives the well-earned trophy from Trevor
Saturday 5th October saw the running of the fifth annual Avon Fundraiser Event held jointly by The Avon Roach Project and the Barbel Society Research and Conservation department, between whom all the proceeds are split to help fund the ongoing needs and running costs of the Roach Project and much needed partnership run Avon based habitat restoration and enhancement projects; many of these in partnership with our great mates at the EA.
The day consisted of a friendly fishing match followed by a three course meal at a local country hotel. This was then followed by an auction of some sixty fabulous lots, from exclusive guided and guest fishing days, signed books and DVD’s, rods, reels, pictures and
an exclusive centre-pin made and engraved especially for this event. There was also a special section of lots donated by avid Roach Project supporter and good friend Chris Yates which included signed books, a reel and a special float once owned and used by the
legendary Bernard Venables. Thomas Turner Antiques, too, assisted with the donation of a classic centre-pin reel.
The fishing match is won with the best specimen of any species caught on the day, and this year that fish was a 14lb 1oz barbel taken from a classic swim on a meatball by regular supporter Kevin Dyer.
Perhaps even more satisfying was the appearance of small roach on the catch return sheet for the first time in the five year history of the event.
The day was attended by seventy three people and raised a staggering six thousand pounds.
Trevor Harrop ‘Avon Roach Project’ said:-
The generosity shown at our annual fundraiser is almost beyond words; and while we are regularly reminded that we have countrywide support for our project, we are almost moved to tears at the open-handedness, kindness, support, and as importantly, belief we are
shown at these events.
We have to pinch ourselves sometimes, when we remember that it all started with a tank and a couple of nutcases with a bonkers idea of reinstating roach into the Avon, then to be standing in front of a hall full of people, all showing such boundless support, with some having caught roach from the river for the first time in decades. So, maybe, just maybe, we are actually making a difference.
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The money raised at these functions removes the financial burden that projects such as ours could be severely inhibited by and allows us to just get on with growing roach for the Hampshire Avon, a river that has enriched the lives of so many down the generations and can hopefully do so for future generations. And, the ongoing habitat reinstatement and enhancement projects are a vital and priceless element in the continuing recovery of our river. The more fry and juvenile protection we can create the better, and not only for our roach, but for all species of fish.
We’d like to thank everyone for their support, both at the event and up and down the country, who donate financially or with their physical help, or who simply write and email us with wonderful messages of support and encouragement.
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