The National Federation of Angler’s team of qualified coaches instructed 373 people during the three day show.’I have never seen anything like it,’ said the chairman of the NFA’s Fisheries and Environment Committee Ian Epps. ‘It was a proud moment for the NFA team when Richard Godber, chairman of the CLA Game Fair management board, officially opened the NFA Road Show on Friday and from that moment on our instructor’s were run off their feet.’ Ian Epps is also secretary of the Southern Region who co-ordinated the coaches at the show.
Southern Region NFA senior coach, Chris Ward, confirmed his coaches were stretched to the limit. ‘We were absolutely shattered at the end of each day and without the help of the Shimano team coaches, who did a magnificent job, we couldn’t have coped.’
More than 160 people lined up for tuition on Sunday and most caught fish. ‘The setting at Blenheim Palace is superb and although we knew the river wouldn’t produce lots of fish the Environment Agency had worked their socks off to ensure the habitat along the stretch was perfect to attract and support shoals of small fish.’ commented Ian Epps.
Thirteen-year-old James Jordan of Alvescot near Oxford claims he is hooked on angling forever. He won a superb 12ft Masterline Shadow match rod in the prize draw.
NFA Eastern Region senior coach, Chris Vaughan, is in the Road Show driving seat and the special trailer is in place at Sunderland (Monday) Warrington (Tuesday) Sefton (Wednesday) Birkenhead (Thursday) and Northwich on Friday on its 2,000 mile journey around England.
