Unofficial attendance count is 180 which is a real shame as it use to attract 500+.
The line up of speakers looked great and interesting, however how many people want to spend over £200 for a night at a hotel and a show in these trying times? The "offers" of bring the kids, on the door entrance, sauna for a cheap price were far too late to attract many, and the date chosen was inexplicable...
There is so much good work done by the BS regarding conservation and I admire Pete Readings efforts so much.
So why has it gone so badly wrong? Why the sad decline.
In the year I left over 35 of my pals resigned/left. Three of them committee members.
The Marketing, Communications and "front line" web face of the BS has over the past few years alienated so many potential members it needs to urgently look at the message it gives out to others. It also needs to censor it's web messages into a cohesive, unaggressive, sober (yes) approach.
Mind you I said that to Steve Pope 4 years ago before most of the major damage was done, mainly by one individuals pompous and arrogant approach to potential members and current members.
This individuals bombastic approach led directly, yes directly... to the formation of a new Barbel Group who's members now number many hundreds.
Sometimes an individuals personal support of the Chairman needs to be recognised as not enough, sacrificed and removed for the good of the Organisation.
It also needs to be honest with information to it's members. One of the Committee was removed for "inappropriate action " but it was 8 months before the change on the Committee was announced on the BS website.
It won't happen without honesty and realisation of the mistakes made and acted upon - without the balls to change things the BS will gradually become a non -entity without any clout in the fishing world.
It's nearly too late. But let the lack of support at the Show, tell the people that count, CHANGE NOW.
Graham