Fred French MBE, FIFM

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    • #46607

      TF_FBlues

        I have just learned that Fred passed away this morning in a Lancaster hospital. He had been ill for some time. Everyone who holds a fishing rod in Britain owes Fred a debt of gratitude one way or another, a truly great and diligent representative of our sport since the 1960s. He was a Defiant-Mobile original too, and won a few medals along the way, but retired to Cumbria in 1985, seemingly to devote even more time and effort to improving our sport.

        A great man, a huge and tragic loss to angling.

      • #140894

        TF_Swimfeeder

          I am sorry to hear the sad news Keith, but in truth, I have never heard of the gentleman, what did he achieve to benefit me and countless other anglers? I apologise for my ignorance and may he rest in peace.

        • #140896

          TF_FBlues

            Here’s a brief resume, from the Institute of Fishery Management. The worrying thing there appears to be no one to back up these great people.

            Fred French – MBE, FIFM. (Branch President)

            Fred is a retired Registered insurance broker but has been involved in angling and fisheries activities for more than fifty years, first at club and association level and for the last thirty-seven of those years at regional and national level. He is a southerner but retired to Ambleside in the Lake District in 1985.

            He represented London and the South East on the former National Anglers’ Council from 1969 to 1990 when the NAC was dissolved and also served on several Thames Water committees. He was Treasurer of the London Anglers’ Association which in the 1960s had a membership of 700 clubs comprising more than 48,000 members. Fred was a member of three Thames Championships winning teams and won a silver medal in the 1974 National Federation of Anglers’ First Division Champions when his Hertfordshire Federation team was placed third.

            At the time of the reorganisation of the water industry in 1973 Fred was appointed by the then Secretary of State to represent angling interests on the Water Space Amenity Commission (WSAC), a position which he held until WSAC was dissolved ten years later. As the angling member of WSAC Fred was asked to organise an annual Water Industry Coarse Fishing and then a Game Fishing Championships and he continues to organise these popular and prestigious events almost thirty years on.

            Fred is passionate about the work of angling and fisheries consultative organisations, has founded many of these over the years and is currently Chairman of both the Furness & South Cumbria Consultative and the North West Fisheries Consultative Council. He is a member of the EA North West RFERAC and is Vice President of the new South Cumbria Rivers Trust and a Vice President and committee member of the Anglers’ Conservation Association (ACA), he is also a member of United Utilities Conservation, Access & Recreation Advisory Committee

            He is Member Services Officer of the National Association of Fisheries & Angling Consultatives (NAFAC) and is a long time active member and supporter of the IFM, he was elected a Fellow of the Institute in 1998.

            Fred was awarded the MBE in 2002 for services to angling, conservation and disabled people.

          • #140897

            TF_sumo

              @Swimfeeder wrote:

              I am sorry to hear the sad news Keith, but in truth, I have never heard of the gentleman, what did he achieve to benefit me and countless other anglers? I apologise for my ignorance and may he rest in peace.

              Google his name and you will find out

              Vice chairman of ACA + various other positions in the angling world , a very nice person who I have met through his work with running the water industry nationals in both course & fly fishing.
              A sad loss and condolences to his family

            • #150028

              TF_KilmoryKing

                Just seen this. I knew Freddie from 1978 when I was with Southern Water and sat with him on the Water Space Amenity Commission committee setting up the Water Industry Coarse Angling Championship (WICAC) and subsequently the Water Industry Gamefishing Championship (WIGFIC). I also joined him and Jean at many matches on both bank and bar and he was always open to everyone. I left the water industry in 1988 and lost touch with Freddie at the same time. I agree he will be sorely missed and I only wish I had found this announcement earlier.

              • #150030

                TF_rookery54

                  Keith

                  Was Fred’s company Glen Insurance who used to organise the big event on the Cam

                • #150031

                  TF_FBlues

                    Yes sir it was.

                  • #150033

                    TF_rookery54

                      Think i fished it in 1972/73

                      When i was with Dalston AC

                      R.I.P Fred

                    • #150034

                      TF_proper tidal boy

                        R i p fred some of my early memories on the L A A venues long walks and loads of stories sad loss

                      • #150059

                        TF_Dave Harrell

                          Rest In Peace Fred and sincere condolences to your family…

                        • #150090

                          jimmyb1
                          Participant

                            I sat with Freddy on RFRAC north west region for a few years i was a disabled consultant at the time to RFRAC , Fred was always passionate about disabled angling in general but also every aspect of angling he will be sadly missed. R.I.P.

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