"Well actually that includes a one off 50% joining fee and gives access to 200+ waters including other stretches of the Dee, making it the best value card around ! "
Only good value (at £180) if you can get around to most of the 200+ waters. What about those that cannot drive, the very elderly and the disabled? Maybe there are concessions, but what about those who simply cannot afford to lash out £180?
This is why I am with Evan on this issue and I favour the ASSOCIATION rather than big club. OK, I am the secretary of an Association, but that's for the very good reason that our purpose is to provide plenty of excellent venues for the barest minimum in cost. Ours only offers 5 waters, but the cost is just £3 per year so about the same as the lowest day ticket.
Take a look at the fantastic Birmingham AA. Absolutely wonderful value and I think it's still less than £25 per year. Or Reading AA, so why can't there be a NORT WEST AA and allow all clubs and individuals to join up?