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
Pete’s funeral will take place at St John the Baptist Church, Preston Bissett, on Thursday 3rd July at 12.00pm.
Following the service, there will be a gathering at Copper Horse Farm, where a fish and chip van will be serving lunch.
All who knew Pete are welcome to attend.
Junior Match - Woodfields
The annual Junior Open Trophy match took place on Saturday 13 June at Woodfields. Ollie Davie (pictured right) won the Junior Open Trophy with 8oz, and his brother Charlie (pictured left) won the Pete Callow Trophy for “Most Fish Caught”.
Life Membership awarded to Walt Davies
Walt Davies (pictured below left) was awarded Life Membership at the annual BBQ. The presentation was made by Chairman Barry Smith.
Walt, a former committee member, has contributed to the club over many years, most notably through his regular volunteer work on Sunday working parties, helping to keep Woodfields trimmed back and tidy.
Walt has now decided to step back from the working parties, and the award recognises his long‑standing commitment and service to the Association.
Walt is pictured below installing the new pipe at the inlet back in 2021.
Life Membership awarded to Dave Chambers
Dave Chambers (pictured below) was recently awarded Life Membership by the club.
A master of Pike fishing, Dave has been a member for over 75 years and has an exceptional list of angling achievements.
Most notably, Dave holds the club Pike record at 27lb 4oz, caught at Hyde Lane in 1983. He had previously held the record twice before, with fish of 23lb and 26lb 12oz.
Dave also won the Drennan Cup in December 2008 with a 4lb 8oz Perch from the River Ouse. Over his lifetime he has caught an extraordinary 1,053 Pike, including 23 fish over 20lb — a record that will take some beating.
Jamie Ballinger Memorial Trophy - Result
The Jamie Ballinger Memorial Trophy match was held on Saturday 6 June 2026, with 22 members taking part.
A total of £110 was raised for the British Heart Foundation, so a big thank you to everyone who attended and supported the match.
John Shepley won the match with 6lb 14oz from peg 7. Dave White secured second place with 4lb 6oz from peg 25, and Pat Dunkley finished third with 4lb 0oz from peg 12.
John Shepley (left) is pictured below being presented with the trophy by our Chairman, Barry Smith.
Click here for full Match Result
Remembering our Friend, Mick Cadd
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Mick Cadd.
Mick served on the Committee for many years and played a central role in the creation of our lake at Woodfields, personally undertaking much of the digging work in the early 1990s.
He contributed so much to the Association — not only the physical work at Woodfields, but countless hours of quiet, unseen effort in his own time.
Mick was also quite the specimen angler. Many will remember the quality of his roach fishing on the river; the number of 2lb roach he caught over the years is something few could match.
He was a former Trustee and a Life Member of the Association, and his commitment to the club spanned decades.
Mick also twice won the prestigious Mugs Mug trophy — a competition fished for by Committee members — lifting it in 1994 and 1996.
We hold his family and friends in our thoughts at this difficult time.
Remembering Match Fisherman Ron Meakins
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Ron Meakins.
Ron was a valued member of the BDAA team who, in August 1971, achieved national recognition at the Game Fair when the club won the Country Landowners Association Coarse Fishing Challenge Cup. He was also part of the BDAA team that won the Thames Championship in 1968. Both these wins are featured on our History page
We hold his family and friends in our thoughts at this time.
Remembering Our Friend, Pete Callow
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 Winner - Dave White
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
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
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.
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.
15 June 2026
