The committee paid tribute to Ian who had loyally served the committee for many years having joined in December 2004 to represent freshwater fish; he was appointed as chairman following the death of his friend, Ken Ball in 2008.
His time in office saw important changes to the committee in that he formed the freshwater sub group to look specifically at those species with a view of encouraging more anglers to claim records and for the records to be ratified whenever possible more quickly. He succeeded and an example is the freshwater record for a crucian carp, caught in August 2011 and ratified at the December meeting.
Ian is succeeded by Mike Heylin who joined the committee in March 2007 to help resolve the then difficulties and bad press coverage surrounding freshwater claims. Mike needs no introduction, he is well respected within angling and has held numerous positions including being the present Chairman of the Angling Trust.
Mike’s aim is to continue the work of his predecessors, to develop and help retain the credibility of the British List by keeping records that are awarded on a strict procedures basis during which every effort is made to ensure their accuracy.
