Some equality that perhaps won’t be welcomed by the fairer sex is the Birmingham Anglers Association’s decision for abolish their Ladies Membership.

The move is a direct result of a European Union Directive, that makes it illegal for clubs and associations to discriminate on the grounds of gender. Ladies from 17 to 65 years of age will now have to pay a full membership, which has been set at £35 per year from 2013. The joint membership has also been shelved due to the low numbers sold, but a ‘non fishing’ membership has been introduced so that people who accompany members on trips but do not fish themselves are covered by the BAA’s insurance.