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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.
Girls Under 10 Years 1st - Peg 6 - E. Lester, 4lbs 8oz Boys Under 10 Years 1st - Peg 41 - B. Hayes, 2lbs 6oz Girls Over 10 Years 1st - Peg 42 - K. Gilbert, 7lbs 10oz Boys Over 10 Years 1st - Peg 33 - C. Ellis, 15lbs 0oz The total weight for the day was 107lbs 10oz, and the biggest fish was 3lbs 8oz, caught by Chris Ellis.
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The 2008 Junior Open Day was a lovely day and well attended. There were approximately 50 - 55 children and a good turnout of parents too. We had a few early starters at around 7:45am but they sorted out their tackle and waited for the start a 9am. Mr J. Gaynor, Mrs J. Hardiman and Mr J. Hackney, with the support of Mr B. Nicholas and Mr Graham Whitby worked very hard to get everything ready for the start. Two gallons of maggots were donated by Runcorn Angling Center, and Miss Helen Dagnall brought a further gallon. The maggots were soon used up and all the children had a great days fishing. We had a visiting guest and Mr Fryer showed her aeound the lake. We would like to thank Mrs Hardiman, Mrs Fryer, Mrs Holding and Mrs Lavin, not forgetting Janet's daughter Karen, who all worked very hard preparing and serving refreshments and lunches, and there was plenty to go around. Lots of parents commented about the way the lake is looking now, and how helpful the club members were helping their children setting up their tackle, and offering their advice. We would like to thank Mr Andy Ellis for soing the final weigh-in, and Mr Michael Cairns for taking the photographs. There were lots of prizes given out, with some donated by the Environment Agency, thanks to Mr Brian Nicholas. We would like to thank Miss Helen Dagnall and Mr Dave Brooks for being our guests of honour and presenting the prizes to the winners. Also a big thank you to all our sponsors and people behind the scenes for their help in making this event possible and so enjoyable for all involved. Mrs Hardiman presented our guests of honour Miss Helen Dagnall and Mr Dave Brooks with a silver plate and tankard.
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©2010 Weston Angling Club Runcorn