News – November 2025

Maintenance Reports

Maintenance West

The boards at George Cragg have been replaced but there are some posts that still need reinforcing, where the rain has made them wobbly – please be aware of this when fishing.

While the reed issue in Badgers Wood is outstanding, we’re waiting until the ground becomes a bit firmer, after some hard frosts, before staring the work. One of the posts with its rails will need to be removed temporarily to enable access. 

The Adur at Cemetery Wood still has six swims, so the team doesn’t plan to carry out any more strimming until the spring.

Maintenance East

Wildings – there are only a few odd jobs still to be carried out this year, but the team will be looking at the back bank next spring. The left bank on the small lake has been completely cleared by the landowner.

Masons – The two pegs by the sluice have been completed. The bridge has been repaired but the bearers are rotting and need replacing. The team will meet with the landowner to discuss this and any other works they have identified, including the removal of an ash tree that has died. We’re aware that a huge mat of reeds had broken free and floated down the lake. Finally, the team will be looking into the possibility of opening more swims on the car park side.

Decoy – Lillies have been planted in some swims, particularly the two corners. The toilet is due to be removed until the spring. The main works at Decoy have been completed and the team were pleased to get the following unsolicited comment from Jim Wells who fishes the lake regularly: “I think we, the membership are very fortunate to have such a friendly and dedicated team looking after our angling interests. Having met the lads on the maintenance team in the week and witnessing at first hand their commitment and hard graft first hand,  I think we should regularly convey our thanks via the website to members. So much of what they do goes unnoticed to the majority of members. I for one am full of admiration for what has been achieved at Decoy.”

Notices

The track down to Wildings is now closed, probably until Easter. The upper car park has been cleared ready for use. The track down to Oldmans lake is likely to be closed soon (if it hasn’t already) for the winter months. As always, if in doubt please follow the signage as to access and parking.

The club’s AGM will be held this Friday 21st of November at 7.00pm at the King’s Centre, Victoria Road, Burgess Hill, RH15 9LR. Refreshments will be provided. We’d love to see a good turnout so you can have your say in the way the club is run and show support for the committee members who work hard to keep the club ticking over smoothly.