MAY 2008

We began this months programme of events on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th by attending the Trout and Salmon Tweed Angling Fair. This event is based in Kelso on the huge open field opposite the Ednam House hotel and the world famous Junction Pool. Along with Illtyd Griffiths, Clive Mitchelhill, Karl Humphries, Tony Rielly, Paul Proctor, Mark Bailey, Alan Maughn and David Moore, our job was to represent AAPGAI and provide tuition to members of the public who sought it during the weekends events. Firstly on the 2nd of May, the angling fair was not actually open to the general public because a special event was organised under the umbrella of the Tweed Start programme, to enable children from all the local surrounding schools to be introduced firsthand to fly fishing. Those lucky children were able to sample many aspects of our sport, including fly tying, entymology and were also able to watch fly casting demonstrations by some of the best in the business. From the above teams perspective we had to teach the fly casting aspect to all of these children as a part of the programme, thus seeing between nine instructors some 150+ youngsters in all, coming along from various schools in huge busses throughout the day.
Personally I always consider myself to be very proud to be able to play a part in these events, as there is nothing greater than seeing happy smiling young faces when they learn new skills. These youngsters may well prove to be the future of our sport and its very important that they get the best possible head start. Through Eion Fairgreeves dedication and hard work along with the help of fellow AAPGAI proffesionals, I think the day was a huge success and all the objectives possible that were set out were achieved.


The rest of the show on the following days was also a great event to be a part of, and although I personally didnt get much time to look around, I did steal a moment to capture some shots of my friend, Mr Way Yin who had travelled all the way from he states to provide the public with a fantastic demonstration on spey casting techniques.



During the Tweed Angling Fair I must advise that I was fueled up on high doses of Anti Inflamatories and Pain Killers due to an injury sustained back in March, of which has caused me further problems with my lower back. On the 6th of May I had the delightful pleasure of experiencing the joys of 4 Cortizone injections right into my spine, and the enduring pain has rendered me out of action for sometime. I have been unable to work and was forced to cancel lessons and events that were in the diary.
 
I do apologise for the short write up this month, however from the reports given back from my friends are that the Mullet of all sizes are here in full force, yet the constant East wind has made fishing somewhat miserable for them.


Best Regards and Tightlines

Lee....

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