As chairman of English Carp Heritage Organisation, vice chairman of former Specialist Anglers Alliance and owner of a tackle shop, I was proud to witness the launch of the Angling Trust on Wednesday at S&TA HQ Fishmongers Hall.
Having been marginally involved and fully supportive of the process over the last few years, much thanks should go to those who found compromise and finally unified the main angling groups for the benefit of the sport for generations to come. The 5 way business merger itself was an amazing feat, but the additional support generated during the process has also been valuable.
This is the long game guys, and one that won't be won overnight, but certainly won't be lostdue to lackof effort and or foresightfrom those working in the Angling Trust.
I can gice you my personal assurances that specialist anglers will have their voice, albeit still heavily reliant on the voluntary sector at this time, but with a greater membership, the Angling Trust willseek toimprove the services currently offered by the former Specialist Anglers Alliance. This improvement will only be realised if specialist anglers join ofcourse!!
Iwould strongly suggest that anglers are fragmented not angling itself.........
"Never doubt that a small group of committed and passionate individuals can change the world.............indeed it is the only thing that ever has."
I urge you to put your misgivings and apathy aside for 2009, send in your £20 to register your support of AT's principles and direction, and have the de-brief in 12 months time-give them a chance guys, it may well be your last IMO.