Last night saw the official formation and inaugural meeting of the Yorkshire based Don Valley Specialist Group.

The group is the brainchild of well known angling writer and FISHINGmagic contributor Bob Roberts.

The founder members are Bob Roberts, Tim Ridge, Lee Swords, Matt Brown, Mike Townsend, Andy Renton, Trevor Hempson, Adam Robertson and Ron Clay.

“There were no official titles created,” said Ron Clay, “although it was felt that some old fart had to be the figurehead and made President, and that honour fell to yours truly.”

The ideals and ethos of the group will be based very much on the similar ideals of the early groups of the 1950s and 60s. ‘All for one and one for all’, and ‘It does not matter who catches the fish as long as one of us does,’ together with the sharing and pooling of knowledge, resources and skills.

Also, the ideals will be based on enjoyment and when it comes to specimen fish, a true sense of values. They are not out to win the Drennan Cup.

Ron Clay added, “We will aim to fish together as often as possible – at least monthly. And most meetings will probably take place at the waterside.”

The idea of the Rotary Letter, but in modern guise using Email, was enthusiastically welcomed.

Group membership will be by invitation only.

They hope that others who want to be part of the group scene will form their own groups and follow similar ideals.