Shipston Angling Club's juniors are back out in force to fish

WITH fishing enjoying a welcome return to some form of normality, Shipston AC have been pleased to see a fresh influx of people wanting to take up the sport, including many new juniors.

The surge in juniors interested in angling was highlighted at the club's popular Fish 'n' Frolics festival, where, despite Friday tuition being cancelled due to heavy rain and a rising River Stour, 55 youngsters came out in force on the Saturday and Sunday.

Despite the numerous lockdowns throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, last season's membership was at an all-time record of 232 and with restrictions now lifted, that figure is set to increase again this year.

Vice-chairman Stuart Fleming told the Herald: "We welcome new members and have no waiting lists or limit and this year we have made it easier for families with a £40 yearly family membership.

"This keeps the cost down as we realise parents need to be able to fish and aid with their children when an angling coach is not around."

The club held a follow-up coaching day for juniors on Sunday at Aston Magna and will continue with these throughout the season as long as there are no restrictions and good weather conditions.

Fleming added: "We have many miles of the River Stour, two stretches of the River Avon and the pools at Aston Magna at hand and we hope to introduce tuition days on these venues with our fully trained level two coaches and helpers.

"It is the club's intention to promote the benefits of angling to help with mental awareness as it is proven that angling can help in many ways and many of us use angling as a form of escapism from our everyday challenges and problems."

Visit www.shipstonangling.com for more information.