I thought I read somewhere that it wasn’t happenng this year for some reason or other but they hoped to have it back again for next year – perhaps croydondave will see this and explain in better detail ?

Fishermans Blues said on his show over the weekend it would not happen this year. The guy who ran it has retired it seems.

Hi all
Keith was quite correct, the match is not taking place in 2011. Sadly I cannot spare the holidays that are required to make sure everything runs smoothly. Also I am changing things around in my life and that includes retiring from match reporting for Angling Times and my local rag.

I am also intending to retire as an angling coach, not stand as Chairman of my club in 2012 and finally give up my remaining responsibilities for invoicing for coaching activities in the London and SE.

Allegedley, I will be able to do more fishing but lots of other things also – including having a proper family holiday starting next month at Westwood Lakes.

Returning to the Lower Tames, I hear from Andy Rogers and others it is fishing well. Mick the Bookie was one who was thinking he might run it but it is probably getting a bit too late to do so now.

It takes a considerable amount of resources to make sure everything fits together. If you want an easy match, then book a good commercial such as Gold Valley

Good luck in your retirement from running matches.

If it is anything like mine, I have got a little more time on my hands now and don’t get awoken by idiots ringing on a Saturday night on their way home from a lock-in at the pub then not turning up as they did not set the alarm! However I do miss some of the chats on the phone that I had with anglers booking in etc.

I heard you were going to run the London Marathon !

You will be missed Dave, Your the first column I read in the local rag !!

You will be missed Dave.Having looked into running it i realised just how big a job it had been for you.You did it superbly,and it was a really great match to fish in.I know that many of the anglers are gutted that the “Lower Thames Champs” could be finished.
As you stated i really was keen to carry on where you left off,but after looking into all the facts i felt i just wouldnt have the time to do such a good job as you.Incidently please phone me to arrange our lunch date when you have some spare retirement time..lol.

Many thanks for everything Dave…….Enjoy your retirement with your family and friends……You certainly deserve it. 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

Years ago, I would have run it, perhaps but when my teenage friends went on the Oaks Park run, I beat them back but paid for it the following two days as I had not trained! Must have been in the late 70s as the same people entered the Queen’s Jubilee event at Battersea Park Lake.

Many thanks for the kind words from you all.

I really wish you lots of luck Dave and I hope when you come out the other side you can start enjoying your fishing again. It’s been a long time since I have been able to do that myself; there is just not time for preparation and without preparation you simple cannot compete on a match level. Myself I have also decided to commit more to my family life and this year am taking my first two week family holiday since my daughter was born. My daughter is ten this year! It’s so true that once you get involved in this industry it sucks you in and the irony is that you simple get less and less time to go fishing….

Never a truer word said! From a fellow-sufferer.

seems a shame that such a great match should fall by the wayside , but i don’t blame you Dave , you did a fantastic job which i know us west country boys appreciated.
what we need bookie is some old git with time on his hands who is used to running matches large and small, knows lots of cockernies who know the area. Mmmmmmmm next time i am down your way, David say at the annual Runnymede bash i will if convenient call on you for a chat. that way i can see whats needed and if i can do it. 😀 😀 😀 😀

Nice gesture herbs, but the pellet wagg dont work on the Thames or have you been PRACTISING 😀 😀 😀 PM Croydon dave to see if he could forward the paperwork info and maybe the sponsership revival To keep this match running on,theres plenty of interest this way ?????

The problem with intensive match fishing on the other hand gives you no time for a proper family life,you have to be very selfish,i say that as one who found out too late.