Dick Walker using a Glass Hardy Matchmaker and a 'Speedia'
centre pin reel on the Great Ouse downstream of Thornton Bridge (c) Photograph by Fred J Taylor.News
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Pete Callow, who died suddenly at home. Pete’s generosity helped shape the facilities we enjoy today.
Pete was a true friend of the club for well over 50 years, and it was his donation that made it possible for us to purchase our log cabin — a space that has become central to club life and a lasting testament to his support.
We are grateful for everything he did for the club, and we hold his family and friends in our thoughts at this difficult time.
President's Cup Series Result
Friday 22 May saw 16 members line up for the final match of the President’s Cup.
Dave White went into the decider with 34 points and a healthy 4.5‑point cushion over Ron Snaith. Despite not scoring in the last match, his earlier consistency meant he couldn’t be caught. The late charge came from Jack Robinson, whose third‑place finish earned him 8 points and lifted him to 33.5 — agonisingly close to snatching the title. Ron Snaith completed the podium with a total of 32.5 points.
Click here for final Standings
Neil Stopps won the match with a very impressive 23lb 11oz from peg 10. In second place was Steve Pedder with 8lb 13oz, from peg 15. In third place was Jack Robinson with 8lb from peg 19.
Click here for Match 6 Result
AGM - Thursday 21 May 2026
This year's AGM was attended by 21 members, including 8 committee members.
Barry began with a tribute to Pete Callow, followed by a minute’s silence. Members were grateful that Pete’s daughter, Rachel, was able to attend on his behalf.
President Pat Dunkley chaired proceedings, with reports from Chairman Barry Smith, Treasurer Simon Bumstead, and Match Secretary Alan Green.
All proposed constitutional amendments were passed unanimously. These changes allow the Committee to set a maximum membership limit and to appoint the President and award Life Memberships without needing AGM approval.
Committee Elections:
Alan Green was elected as Match Secretary. Nigel Bidwell, James Cavendish, David Powell, and Mick Powell were re‑elected for a further three‑year term.
To close the meeting, Barry Smith presented Pete Williams with an engraved tankard and a Life Membership award in recognition of more than 40 years of dedicated service.
The full minutes will be made avalable shortly.
Spring Series Cup Match 6 - Result
The final match in the Spring Series Cup was held on Saturday 16 May 2026 with 16 members taking part.
Dave White and Pat Dunkley, pictured below, shared the series win both scoring 41 points, with Ron Snaith coming in third place with 34 points.
Click here for Final Standings
In the match itself Dave White and Neil Stopps shared top spot with 9lb 15oz each. In third place, was Martin Yardley with 7lb 13oz.
Click here for Match Result
Notable fish caught in the match was a 5lb 7oz tench by Pat Dunkley and, pictured below, a fine 1lb 8oz Crucian caught by Marting Yardley.
President's Cup Series Match 5 - Result
The fifth match in the President’s Cup took place on Friday 8 May 2026, with 14 members competing.
Andy Ward secured first place with a very impressive 23lb 11oz from peg 3. Barry Smith came second with 16lb 4oz from peg 16, and third place went to Alan Green, who weighed in 13lb 2oz from peg 18.
Click here for full Match Result
Click here for Current Standings
Spring Series Cup Match 5 - Result
The fifth match in the Spring Series Cup was held on Saturday 2 May 2026 with 20 members taking part.
Neil Stopps took top spot with an impressive 17lb 13oz from peg 3. In second place was Des Burgess, from peg 22, with 16lb 6oz and in third place, from peg 12, was Mark Barrett with 11lb 12oz.
Click here for Match Result
Click here for Current Standings
Newsletter and Match Fixtures 2026/27
The annual BDAA Newsletter and Fixture List (for 2026-27) is now available to view in PDF Format.
Click Here for the 2026 Newsletter
For the remaining match fixtures to end of May
click here
We have also added a Junior Carp match to be held on Saturday 30 May 2026 - Draw time 9.30 Fishing 10.30 to 16.30. This is the same day as the Adult Carp Match.
Byelaws Updated
The club's Byelaws, that describe the rules that each member needs to abide by when fishing Association venues, have been recently updated. These chnages were agreed at a recent committee meeting.
Byelaw B1 has been updated to make it explicit that no fishing is allowed on Assocation river venues during the close season 15 March to 15 June.
Byelaw B21 has been added to cover fishing assocation venues during adverse weather conditions.
Click here to view
Taster and Coaching Events Announced
We shall be holding a number of Taster / Coaching events for budding anglers of all ages, with families very welcome
click here for details.
Cormorant Monitoring at Woodfields
In order for the committee to understand the impact cormorants are having on our fish stocks at Woodfields it would helpful if members could do two things to assist the club: -
1. If any member observes cormorants visiting or circling the lake, can they record the sighting on the Cormorant Sighting log sheet located under the gazebo.
2. If any fish caught is obviously damaged, in any way, then could a photograph be taken and emailed to us at info@bdaafishing.org.uk or forwarded to us at our Facebook page.
This will help us understand if the passive measures we have taken to deter cormorants are working or not.
Club Caps for Sale
We still have a few left. Contact Simon on 07767 663928 or email him at info@bdaafishing.org.uk to order one. Price £15.
BBC SPOTLIGHT - CHANGING THE STEREOTYPES THAT GO FISHING
Click here To view a recent news item on the increasing popularity of fishing with families.
23 May 2026
