Chairmen of the major angling bodies in England have taken a major step towards a single unified body to represent all anglers. In a joint statement they said

'We have agreed that the following bodies intend to wind up their organisations and form a single new organisation to represent all anglers. This will be subject to each organisation passing the necessary legal and financial checks - known as 'due diligence'.

" Anglers' Conservation Association
" National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives
" National Federation of Anglers
" National Federation of Sea Anglers
" Salmon and Trout Association
" Specialist Anglers' Alliance

The transition process is being managed by the Fisheries and Angling Conservation Trust, the umbrella body for fisheries and angling organisations. FACT has retained legal, financial and marketing professionals to advise on the formation of the new body.

Each of our organisations has contributed £10,000 to FACT to cover the new body's start-up costs, a clear indication of our commitment. In addition to funding the essential due diligence much work is needed to improve marketing and our services to members.

The target date for incorporation of the new body, ie legal registration as a company, is early July with full operation by January 2009. Before then each organisation will seek approval to proceed at a general meeting - NAFAC has already done so.

As Chairmen of long-established organisations with loyal members we have not taken this step lightly. However we all believe that a single new organisation is needed to fight for the interests of all anglers and the fisheries they enjoy. We have already received many messages of support for the move and look forward to a bright future.'

Stephen Marsh-Smith, Chairman ACA
Martin Read, Chairman NAFAC
Terry Fell, Chairman NFA
Richard Ferre, Chairman NFSA
James Carr, Chairman STA
Chris Evans, Chairman SAA

No further statements are likely while the detailed due diligence and other preparatory work continues.

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Simon Young
Admin
www.TalkAngling.co.uk

Fishing tackle shop online

Super its what we need. All for it I hope everyone join's. So many take out of our sport and never give anything back.

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Team Mosella Black Country
Goodrich Fordhouses - Baggeridge AC

my only criticism is there has been no mention of any joining fees yet..... that could be its downfall.But we will see would anyone willing pay £30 to join (thats my estimation of what it will be )

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probably the biggest wind up artist in Birmingham

If it would stop our rivers and lakes being desimated by Easteren Europeans I would join any group and pay my £30 but I can't see anything to alter the way the waters are being emptied of fish by these immigrants short of a shotgun

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Therapy's expensive..Go fishing.

I think it is a very good idea and well needed, Hopefully not to late to start getting new people on the banks.
What will happen about the Angling Development Body, who are supposed to look after the new commer side of angling?

Could we not pay an extra sum on our licence fee's and then this be given to the new governing body, instead of having to hold a seperate membership. This way every angler purchasing a license would automatically be joining the governing body and this way there would be no arguments once it is introduced and by doing it this way due to the numbers joining it should keep the costs down.

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www.ianbodenanglingschool.com

I'm with you Ian a good idea, I think the only way to get every one to contribute is to make a compulsory charge through the cost of licence fee's. We need protection for our sport against pollution, fish theft, and the antis

the way i understand it is.....The EA want the new body but do not want to be seen financing it .....

not sure £55 for a license would suit everyone then there s the people who have 2 licenses they are joining twice of course dont forget £30 is my estimate of what it will cost to join the new organization

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probably the biggest wind up artist in Birmingham

So you are saying that it requires a minimum of 30 million to set up and run an organising body for angling, what are we as anglers going to get out of it, or will it be another case of junkets for a few selected officers. Given that there is not going to be a licence for sea anglers where does their contribution come from, if they are not happy to pay for a licence then they sure as heck wont be best pleased at £30 for possibly nothing in return.
Whilst angling needs a single voice as opposed to the current fragmented approach, what will this body do for the lone angler, who simply does not want his fishing organised, and that could count for 80% of the supposed million plus coarse anglers.

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what i have not seen is figures from the ACA And NFA and the others .what does it cost for them to operate,,, and what are the estimated costs for the new body.This will be a big issue ..i dont think we will get a say in it.....except if its free choice to join it. i have heard nothing else about it except it was gonna happen june but is now next year????

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probably the biggest wind up artist in Birmingham

they are bound to cock it up, mark my words