SKEWEN A.C.

SYNDICATE NEWSLETTER

XMAS, 2005

Welcome to this syndicate newsletter which will inform you of the items of interest, both from the past season, and for the coming season

This season has seen a slight change to the access rules for the pond, with the Factories’ management insisting on the display of a parking permit which is picked up at the gate when you arrive. It is important that we observe this rule as it is part of the risk management system laid down by the factory.

Despite offering an increase of permits this year for both day and night syndicate members, most were not taken up and syndicate members numbers remain at around 30 for night and less than 10 for the day syndicate. It looks like the clubs’ effort to increase the amount of anglers using the pond has failed due to the apathy of our members.

There are several swims that require attention around the pond, and the committee will be arranging a number of work parties to carry out the necessary work. If you are interested in helping out watch the website for details of these work parties, or let a committee member have your contact details to get in touch with you. We have carried out some work on a disabled access swim near the cabin, and this is going to be for the priority use of the clubs disabled anglers, though anyone can use it if there is no disabled angler fishing there.

The clubs new website is up and running at www.skewenac.com ,check out the syndicate pages and let us have any pics or news you’d like to have included.

Weed control will continue this year with the same attack as before, but maybe an earlier start to the campaign. This will hopefully free the water for early season matches, and allow us to hit the weed that returns in the summer to keep it clear for the winter months.

Plenty of fish have been caught over the season. With the best a 24lb+ cracker caught by a day ticket angler, David Hill. This fish has come out several times and is one of the favourites to hit that magic 30lb barrier.

A couple of anglers have enjoyed multiple catches with some good fish in them. It is important that the club is informed of the size and quantities of fish landed in order to plan our resources for any future stocking.

As part of the MELIN REGENERATION SCHEME, the local wildlife officer has requested that we record any wildlife observed around the pond. If you see any unusual birds or animals, or indeed any wildlife, please email the secretary who will pass these sightings on. Recent sightings have included a nightjar, woodpeckers, egrets, and even a red kite.

DON’T FORGET THE CLUBS’ AGM ON WEDNESDAY, 1^ST FEBRUARY 2006. THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE RUNNING OF THE CLUB, AND SO IN THE WAY THE POND IS RUN.

 

Syndicate Guidelines

 Apart from the normal club rules that govern all members, Syndicate members are asked to abide by the following guidelines and to report any infringements to the committee.

 Access to the pond is restricted, and care must be taken when travelling through the factory to the water.

 Common sense when casting out is called for. No hogging of swims by casting to the side. If anglers are fishing next to you then you must cast straight out.

 The limit to cast if there are anglers opposite you is half way across the pond.

 Alcohol use is tolerated, but its abuse is not. The committee will deal with any angler reported for abuse of alcohol.

 Excessive noise from music etc will not be tolerated.

 No fires to be lit for any reason.

 All locks to be closed when entering and leaving the water.

 

Skewen A.C.'s syndicate is based on the Square pond in the Melin area of Neath. Syndicate members enjoy the privilege of taking their vehicles to the bankside, and being able to fish at night. many improvements around the pond have been completed by syndicate members working with the committee, and further work will also involve these members as required.

A day syndicate has also been formed to allow limited access to the pond for pleasure anglers, who can take their cars to the bankside between Monday and Thursday.

the night syndicate is limited to thirty members, and the day syndicate to ten members. there is currently a waiting list to become members of these groups

to join these syndicates you must have been a club member for at least one season previous to the current one, and also apply to the club in writing.

check out the pictures below for some appetisers of the fish available