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The annual junior open day was started 20 years
ago by Alan Coste, the then secretary of the club. It began as a
talk-in where juniors (Dad's were invited too) were invited to the
then ICI Rec - the fishing sections meeting place. Well known anglers
in the area were asked to give a talk on methods of fishing, ie.
canals and stillwater's, and would try to answer any questions people
would like to ask.
The following year it was decided to take the idea
on to the bank at Sandymoor Pool. We did not know how many to expect,
but around 15 to 18 youngsters turned up, and tuition was given
by Alan Coste himself. From then on the junior open day has taken
off in a big way. We now cater for all youngsters from 4 to 15 years
old, and expect between 80 to 120 guests every year. Each year we
supply a free packed lunch and as much bait as we think they may
need for 6 hours fishing, and the tuition now is given by club members
themselves, who give their time freely because they enjoy it. For
a number of years now we have tried to get the services of a celebrity.
We have been able to do this on four occasions, starting with Bob
James. Then Frank Barlow and his wife (who helped the ladies committee
to make the packed lunches), Andy Little who brought his wife and
two sons, and Dicky Carr, with his great sense of humour. For the
last few years, Helen Dagnall the ex England ladies world champion
and England Ladies member, has been with us, and has brought a few
surprise guests too.
All these visitors have told us how much they have
enjoyed the day spent with the kids, and could not believe you could
get so many kids together in one place at one time. This is not
the end of our junior open day, we do believe it to be only the
beginning, and expect to keep this up for the kids benefit for many
years to come.

Jack Impey with his 5lb haul

Showing our gratitude to Helen Dagnall...

...and Dave Brooks
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This years Annual Junior
Open Day was held at Sandymoor Pool on Saturday 3rd June, 2006.
The lake itself was looking absolutely fantastic after all the hard
work of Head Bailiff Jimmy Gaynor, and all of the other bailiffs
and work parties, so a big thank you to those. As usual, we had
a good turn out and everyone had a great day, which was helped a
great deal by the stunning weather. Our special guests this year
was once again Helen Dagnall, of the England Ladies squad and ex-world
ladies champion, and Dave Brooks, who were on hand to offer advice
about all aspects of fishing, and to help some of the younger anglers
to catch fish. They both said how impressed they were by the efforts
made by the club and also the enthusiasm of all the young anglers,
and both said that they hope to return again.

Some of our happy participants
As usual, the day was made possible by many people,
but on behalf of the club I would like to thank the ladies (and
gent!) who worked tirelessly in the cabin to keep everyone fed and
watered. These are Glenys, Janet Parkin, Janet Hardiman, Faye, Gail,
Gladys and Gerry.
A very big thank you to our sponsors:
Rocksavage
Power Company
Asda
Fiddlers Ferry
IVAX
Runcorn Angling Centre (01928 581222)
Cheshire Angling (01925 637397)
Morrisons |