CHELMSFORD ANGLING ASSOCIATION
OPEN DAY 2004

Our annual Open Day in support of National Fishing Week was again a huge success, with many people from the local communities and districts of Chelmsford turning out in the warm sunshine to learn more about angling.

Objective
The objective was to provide an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to have access to expert tuition from professional coaches and with all equipment provided.   There are some three million anglers in the UK with a similar number expressing an interest, but unaware of how to access the pastime.   National Fishing Week events around the country and the CAA’s annual Open Day provide that access. 

Many visitors
Over three-hundred and fifty visitors were welcomed to the CAA’s Boreham Mere fishery and the four National Federation of Anglers (NFA) angling coaches were kept busy throughout the day by eighty young people who formerly registered to try their hand at fishing.  The fishing skills of the youngsters turned out to be very good and for one Coach the total catch of fish caught by his eager piscator students, weighed in at just over 17lb – an excellent result.

 Attractions, Sponsors & Prizes
The Environment Agency sponsored the event and also provided a demonstration of fish netting techniques which was eagerly watched by the throng of visitors. (See Photos Below) As well as a BBQ additional attractions included a fun casting competition where young visitors were able to cast their luck for some angling equipment prizes.
Also, young visitors arriving at the event received an Environment Agency goodie bag and anyone registering to have a go at angling received a free raffle ticket which saw them have a chance to win angling equipment prizes donated by the Environment Agency, Shimano UK, Daiwa UK, Mainline Baits, Service on Site and Coach Harry Shearman.  Additional support was provided by Chelmer Marquees who have very kindly agreed to co-sponsor the 2005 event with the Environment Agency.
National Fishing Week 2004 is the first of a three-year national sponsorship arrangement, worth £250,000, with the Royal Bank of Scotland, Sports Match funding and the Environment Agency. 

And Finally, congratulations…
To all our free raffle prize winners, in particular Rebecca Freeman who won the first prize of a complete set of fishing equipment donated by the Environment Agency.
Rebecca can be seen displaying the equipment at one of the CAA’s coaching day which was held on 12th September at our Boreham Mere Fishery (CLICK HERE).
Also, congratulations go to Dave Pyman, a former mayor and visitor to our Open Day.  He was so enthused that he booked himself on the CAA’s August sea fishing trip out of West Mersea and on the day promptly caught a 16lb Smooth hound - well done Dave.

 

Congratulations to the following prize winners