Sometime last year I penned a small article about my local angling club, Nantwich Angling Society. I suggested that it was possibly the best value for money river fishing in the UK on the basis that 9 quid gave you access to several stretches of the Upper River Weaver and also several beats of the River Dee.
Six months later on and the club has gone from strength to strength having now increased it’s portfolio of waters by giving members access to 4 new stretches of river on 3 different river catchments.
In addition to the aforementioned stretches of the Dee and Weaver the club now has access to a stretch of the River Tern, a picturesque meandering river in unspoilt Shropshire countryside offering secluded fishing for most river species but especially chub and dace.
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| Another view of the Tern |
The club has also gained access to 2 stretches of the River Severn. One double bank stretch is shared with another small local club; however the second single bank stretch (which adjoins the first) is exclusive for Nantwich members only. There have been some truly monstrous barbel and chub caught from this area and although the fishing could never be described as easy, the scenery, solitude and wildlife would make any trip worthwhile.
A card exchange scheme is also in operation with another local club whereby Nantwich members can book in advance a days fishing on the River Dane for no cost other than a small returnable deposit.
There are also other improvements; the old club book which was a rather bulky A5 sized booklet and doubled as your club ‘card’ as well as a map book has been replaced. The club card is now just that, a laminated credit card sized licence. The map book which once showed rough diagrams of access and parking has been replaced by a glossy A4 newsletter which has licensed Ordnance Survey maps clearly showing the relevant stretches with precise, visual and written instructions for parking.
On top of that there is a 10% discount deal for NAS members with The Severn Caravan Park (www.severnbunkhouse.co.uk) which offers camping, caravanning and bunkhouse facilities together with shower, laundry and TV facilities. This site is 1 mile from the club waters on the Severn near Welshpool and is ideal for those who maybe want to turn a fishing trip into a short overnight stay. A 10% discount deal for Nantwich AS members has also been negotiated with Stapeley Angling Centre.
There are other activities planned also, Club Chairman Richard Penkethman has organised a closed season riverside walk from his back garden which backs onto on the River Weaver. This will focus on everything from fishing to wildlife and local history to parking. Born and bred in the immediate area his local knowledge is second to none.
Also in 2010 it is hoped that Nantwich AS will host a series of fishing talks, indeed some very high profile names in angling have already agreed in principle to take part which just leaves dates to be sorted.
Members have also been offered organised coach travel to the more distant waters and although the success of such a venture will depend on membership support I believe it shows the extent and foresight of a committee that truly values and serves its membership. This is borne out by the fact that for the past 4 years, membership of NAS has actually increased at a time when many other clubs are seemingly in decline.
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| The Upper Severn |
So, whether you live locally to Nantwich itself or are within striking distance of the various beats of the Dee, Severn or Tern. If you live 150 miles away and want to join a reasonably priced club to enable inexpensive access to waters which you would never normally fish and maybe a weekend away in the process. Nantwich AS offering fishing on 5 different rivers, at £10 a year for a senior member (no joining fee) is still the best value for money fishing in the country.
Nantwich AS permits available from
TILLEY’S TACKLE – Nantwich Rd, Crewe. Tel: 01270 255277
CARP N MATCH – West St, Crewe. Tel: 01270 588466
Email info@crewecarpin.co.uk web www.crewecarpin.co.uk
SPECIAL CARDS (Haightons) – Market St, Nantwich. Tel: 01270 626133 (Opposite Nantwich Civic Hall/Bus Station)
STAPELEY ANGLING CENTRE at Stapeley Water Gardens. Tel: 01270 611500
DAVES OF MIDDLEWICH, – Lewin St, Middlewich. Tel: 01606 833853
Email davesofmiddlewich@fsmail.net web www.davesofmiddlewich.co.uk
RUNCORN ANGLING CENTRE – 93-97 Church Street, Runcorn. Tel:- 01928 581222
Email Bdp@btinternet.com
WHITCHURCH FISHING TACKLE, Deermoss Lane, Whitchurch, SY13 1AH Tel:- 01948 665076
JAYNE’S FISHING TACKLE, 41 Market Street, Wellington, TF1 1DT Tel:- 01952 257400
Email: jynrobert@aol.com
TOTAL ANGLING , Unit 18-20 Vanguard Way, Battlefield, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 3TG
Tel: 01743 462699 Web total angling.co.uk
ORVIS, 105 High Street, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 0AR Tel 01829 733972 Web Orvis.co.uk
