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28 November 2006
MEMBERSHIP
Now is the time to renew your membership of the Association in time for 2007. If you are an existing member, you have received a renewal form, showing your unique BAA membership number. All you have to do is fill in the tear-off portion and return it to the office, together with a cheque or credit / debit card details, and we’ll do the rest. You will receive your 2007 membership card in good time for the New Year. New members should download the application form from the web site, complete it and send it in by post. Alternatively, you can call the BAA office and order membership over the 'phone with a credit or debit card.Please don’t delay, even if you may not be fishing BAA waters until next summer, renew now and avoid any problems later.
GENERAL MEETINGS
Every paid-up member is entitled to attend the quarterly general meetings, which are held at The Centennial Centre, 100 Icknield Port Road, Birmingham, on the second Thursdays of February, May, August and November (AGM). These are your opportunity to find out what is going on in the club, and to quiz the Executive Committee on how they are running your club. It is vital for the future well being of the BAA, that as many members as possible take an active interest.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Under our Constitution, the Association should be run by an Executive Committee comprising up to a maximum of 36 members, including the President and five Vice Presidents. Currently the Executive Committee has 16 vacancies on it, and we are desperately seeking new volunteers to join the committee and help to run the BAA. Meetings are held once a month on Thursday evenings, at the BAA Head Office here in Birmingham, and an attendance allowance is paid to members. If you think you would like to know more, let the Secretary know and he will arrange for you to attend a future Executive meeting, without obligation. Should you then decide you would like to get involved, all that is required is for two existing members to nominate and second your appointment.
BAA WEB SITE
The BAA web site has been completely overhauled, and now contains more information than ever. The answer to just about any question you care to ask relating to the Association can be found there, and if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, there is an on-line information request page. Also, we can now post reports and pictures of your best catches, just send them in to the Secretary at: baajnw@btinternet.com Log on to the BAA web site at www.baa.uk.com and check it out.
BAA MERCHANDISE
We now have a full range of BAA merchandise bearing the BAA logo, including membership card holders, car window stickers, badges, ties etc. A full price list is enclosed, and should you wish to order any item, then just add it on to your membership renewal form.
LITTER
We are still finding lots and lots of litter on many BAA waters, much of which has to have been dropped by fishermen. There really is no excuse for this, and we urge all of our members to ensure that when you pack up after a fishing session, no litter is left behind. We know that the majority of members do this already and it is only a minority who are careless, but the trouble is we all get the blame!
FISHERIES
We have a gallant band of volunteers who, throughout the year, give up one or two days each week to go out bank clearing and peg building on our numerous waters. They don’t get paid (other than an allowance for food and their mileage) but they love the work and do it for the benefit of every member. God knows where we would be without these stalwarts, and the invaluable work they do. Every member should give a vote of thanks to: Dave Jones, Tony Plowright, Dave Webb, Dave Gumbley, Ian Pritchard, Ed Jones, Glyn Price-Hunt and John Roberts. The number of venues that have been worked on during the Summer are too numerous to list here, but the evidence is out there for all to see. I know that Dave would welcome any offers of help so, if you have time on your hands and feel that you would like to help, even in a small way, contact the office for further details.
BAILIFFING
Whilst on the subject of volunteers, that other group which deserves your thanks are the BAA Bailiffs. This small but vociferous band trudge the banks of river, pool and canal, checking anglers for their membership cards and generally ensuring that everything is in order. They are the Association’s “policemen” and while it may not be everyone’s “cup of tea”, the work they do is vital. Superintendent Bailiff Dave Webb, is always looking for suitable new recruits to strengthen his workforce, and again, if you think you could help please contact the office.
PARKING - CANALS
The car parking arrangement, which we have enjoyed for many years, adjacent to bridge 20 on the Staffs. / Worcester canal at Wolverley, has I’m afraid been lost to us. However the good news is that a new car park has been established at the end of Marston Lane on the Fazeley canal. The owner is allowing members to park, and to make use of toilet and other facilities, adjacent to the canal bridge, subject to payment of a parking fee.
REWARD
We are constantly on the lookout for opportunities to increase our water holdings, either river, canal or pool, and any member who is first to give us a lead, which subsequently proves fruitful, is entitled to claim a reward of £100. We are also interested in acquiring land adjacent to any of our existing fisheries, which could be of use for parking or access. Any information leading to a successful outcome will also qualify for the same reward. Any information should be passed to the secretary, with contact details and phone numbers if possible.
NIGHT PERMITS
Our night fishing facility continues to grow in popularity, and if you are planning any night sessions over the Christmas and new year period, then make sure you order your permits before we break up for the holiday on 21st. December.
XMAS HOLIDAYS
The BAA office will be closing down for Xmas holidays between Friday 22 December and Monday 1 January inclusive. With the exception of Thursday 28 and Friday 29 December, when the office will open for two hours on each evening between 7.00pm and 9.00pm. During this holiday period, if it’s an emergency or you need to speak to the Secretary, he can be contacted on: 07976 886558. Finally, on behalf of myself, Brenda and all the Officers and Committee here at BAA, may I wish each and every member the compliments of the season, tight lines and good luck for 2007.
John Williams General Secretary