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GirlingAS Blog – “Fladbury Maintenance” and “Bank Clearing”

Bank Clearing 16th May – YES

We have decided to go ahead with Bank Clearing on the 16th May.

We are not totally sure of whether strimming is required but we know there is debris in pegs 14 to 18 and all of the steps will require removal of silt.

So, bring your strimmer, Shovel and Broom and we will get the pegs cleared for the new season.

Of course attendance is optional and “Social Distancing” will be applied but after six weeks of Lockdown it will be a pleasure to get back down the river, meet the guys and clear those pegs.

Tuesday 17th March 2020 – End of a difficult season

That’s it until next June, there’s not much to write about the 2019 river season.

We had flooding from end of September 2019 through to today March 2020 (6 months). Several times the pegs were cleared only for the river to rise again and dump debris on the pegs. At the moment we again have debris everywhere and the Secretary plans to visit next week to have a look around and float off any large debris. The next bank clearing session is 16th May but work will continue before then.

The Secretary is determined to (1)finish the eight Lock Stream pegs and Brian wants to (2)lower some of the steps. Both tasks need materials as we have incomplete pegs in the lock stream and lowering steps will require a new top step.

If any member wants to help we will arrange a work party. Right now the urgency is to obtain Pallets, Poles, Slabs and Boards and try to get these tasks finished before June 2020. So in the short term, help in finding materials would be much appreciated.  

Wednesday 4th of December – Fladbury after two months of flooding

Frank, Brian and Peter W. went to Fladbury Wednesday 4th December to run a stick float through and tidy enough pegs up for Saturday’s match. This week the river was finally dropping with a dryer week forecast so hopes were raised, but after two months of flooding we feared for the state of the pegs.

Next match (7/12/2019) is the 4th Winter Pools match but we haven’t fished the 10th Aggregate match yet postponed twice since the 9th November.

We all arrived late after a horrendous journey, we found the gate open and the chain and lock missing and made a call to the land owner. The field was still very soft and we left the cars at the bottom of the access. We found the river up around eighteen inches and pacey, the raised platforms were under 10 inches of water.

Walking into the field and towards the weir we noticed the ground was still quite soft, we found a large tree over the steps in peg 26 and a pallet washed up the bank but it wasn’t one of ours, all of the lower steps and bottom stages were covered in silt. We didn’t check the pegs in the channel, we know there’s more work to be done there.

The good news is all of the steps and stages in pegs 1 to 26 survived, they represent a huge investment financially and in terms of effort, looks like we got it right.

Brian fished peg 2, after a bit of tidying Peter fished Peg 3, Frank fished peg 6 standing on the platform in 10 inches of water.  

We packed up fishing around 2.30pm and Frank and Brian got the Shovels Brooms and Saw out. The tree in peg 26 was quickly sawn up and moved and the silt removed from the steps although the platform was under three inches of water. Pegs 23 to 25 were ok, but Pegs 10 to 22 all needed silt and debris removed. We fished pegs 2 to 6, so we know they are ok, we didn’t get around to checking pegs 7, 8 and 9, these platforms were under water, the platforms are clear and the steps can be tidied match day.  

After an hours effort, Frank and Brian had cleared almost all of the pegs, that’s the advantage we now have in having “Low Maintenance” pegs, after two months of flooding we can finally fish a match on the river.

30/10/2019 -Lock Stream Pegs

We are almost finished creating the eight pegs in the lock Stream, 7 of 8 are done and fishable, the plan was completion by the end of September but the October floods intervened. These pegs are all pole pegs due to the lack of flow.

Description of Pegs;- The first 5 pegs (27, 28, 29, 30, 31) are on a very steep bank requiring removal of nearly 5ft of soil. They are still quite high off the water so you will need a long keep net. The logic is that these are winter pegs fishable when the river is up and the boat traffic reduces.

End pegs 32, 33 and 34 are on an old mooring and nearer to the water although pegs 32 and 33 did require steps. The last two pegs 33 and 34 are opposite the causeway with views of the weir, you can park behind all of these pegs. The feeling is that the two end pegs will prove most popular.

Peg 27;- The first into the channel will be superb when the river backs up and deepens.

Peg 34;-  Wider and deeper here with the mouth of the stream to your right. There is nearly 6 feet of water nearside and down the middle. There are signs of Bream down the middle and to your right in front of the mouth of the stream and over by the nearside concrete mooring.

Options;- These pegs give us an option when the river is up or pacey. Previously, being below a weir if the river gets pacey we have had to transfer, now, we could decide to fish the channel, maybe use these pegs in the Winter League. The pegs in the channel also give Associates an option on match days.

Ready to go;- Autumn is here so get your pole out, fish these pegs and give us some feedback.

Planned Bank Clearing session 10th August 2019

There were lots to do, every peg needed strimming, there were overhanging branches everywhere with reeds in front of the pegs and still lots to of work left on the 7 new Lock Stream pegs 27-33.

Eight turned out, we got all of the match pegs 1-26 sorted. Brian, Steve and Associate member Ozzie strimmed all of the pegs and Dave, H, and Frank cleared the steps. Derek, Brian and Pete removed branches from pegs 7, 8 and 21 ready for tomorrows match booking and Girling’s next match on the 17th August.

End peg 33 is now complete with a new Girling Sign that’s 4 out of seven lock stream pegs completed.

Some of the guys missed matches and all gave up their Saturday to help in gale force winds and persistent showers with some of the platforms under water. Dave (Chairman) was very pleased with the turnout and effort and said “a big thank you to everyone that helped today” commenting that “the fishery has come a long way since the committee re-shuffle early 2017 but we will need another session later in the year to ensure the pegs remain fishable all season”.

Thursday 18/7/2019

FB and Pat obtained some boards and used the last three 2x2ft slabs stored at Fladbury and completed the steps in peg 32.

That leaves 3 pegs requiring Pallets, Boards and Slabs and a lot of digging (pegs 29, 30, and 31), Poles and connectors are available.

Wednesday 10th July

FB and Pat were at Fladbury for the third day running determined to complete the steps in peg 28. On completion we now have 3 of the 6 lock stream pegs fishable. See Fladbury Survey.

Tuesday 9th July

FB and Pat were back to finish digging out peg 28, digging over 5ft down then fitting the pallet, exhausted and with a beer calling the steps will wait for another day.

SC completed the strimming of the lock channel bank and found end peg 32 is fishable. There’s a gentle slope down to a flat area for your box with a view of the weir and a bank of reeds opposite, it looks very fishy, perfect for the pole and you can park behind the peg.

Monday 8th July

FB, Pat and Steve Cox turned out to have a go at the pegs in the channel. The first one peg 27 was already completed. The guys strimmed the top of the bank two thirds down towards the lock and marked out pegs 28, 29, and 30. Then had a walk down and determined that we can get another two pegs making 6 pegs in the channel although the final peg under the trees will take a bit more effort. FB started to dig out peg 28 and SC strimmed paths from each peg into the field.

Thursday 4th July

After checking out the pegs at Severn Stoke FB and Pat completed the steps in peg 27. At 20 yards further down into the channel from peg 26 and a couple of foot higher than the match pegs peg 27 will be a superb winter peg and perfect for the pole.

As we know a little water on rules the entire venue out, when completed the five or six pegs in the channel will provide Full and Associate members excellent fishing in winter conditions.     

Tuesday 2nd July

FB was back working on peg 27, digging 5.5ft down from the top of the bank he fitted the bottom stage and the first three steps.

Saturday 29th June

The guys were back on a scorching hot Saturday.

BB and DB fitted a complete set of steps in peg 12. Working from the bottom up the guys fitted 5 eighteen inch high steps, for completion the reeds and upstream tree need trimming.

Fifteen inch steps throughout;- This is the way forward and all of the pegs will have fifteen inch high steps eventually.

FB and Pat strimmed the top of the bank in the channel and began to create the first permanent peg (27) in the channel. This was a little different because there is no bottom  platform to work from and the guys had to work from the top and dig down 5ft and fit the platform ensuring the platform did not project out into the channel. Next visit they will complete the 3 eighteen inch high steps.

Winter Pegs;- The Platform in peg 27 is a little higher than the match pegs 1-26 as these pegs will be considered Winter Pegs best with a bit of water on and when the boat traffic reduces. Perfect for the Pole.

Remaining Tasks;- There’s a branch down in peg 8, Peg 11 still has an overhang, Peg 12 needs a rake to remove the reeds and the upstream tree needs a trim. We also plan to complete four or five more pegs in the channel.

Thursday 20th June

The guys were back Thursday this time FB and DM complete the final jobs eg. over hanging branches in pegs 7, 8 and 11, a top step in peg 9 and removing downstream reeds in peg 16. Thursday’s visit will tell us if Saturday’s match is on.

We have an overhang in peg 11 and a complete set of steps to build in peg 12.

Tuesday 18th June

With the river dropping and doubt about the first match 22nd June BB, FB and Pat went down to see what could be done Tuesday before the match.

The River was about 8 inches on, very pacey but a reasonable colour, while we were there it dropped a couple of inches. More rain was expected overnight Tuesday and Saturday’s match is touch and go. Without more rain the river should be perfect.

FB and Pat cleared all of the pegs of debris and swept the steps, Brian fished peg 2 for a while and then sorted out the bottom step in peg 5 which had become a hazard with exposed irons.

Monday 10th June

Four arrived at 10am Monday morning FB, DM, SC and Pat. We were pleased to see that the river was only a couple of inches on but there was more flow than usual down the Girling bank.

New member SC (Steve Cox) was straight in to peg 9 and using the Societies newly purchased long Saw / Rake soon got the downstream stalks out. FB then got in and cleared peg 10 but couldn’t reach the stalks between pegs 9 and 10, we went back to peg 9 and SC soon had those floating down the river.

DM had delivered a Pallet to peg 16 and levelled the ground, we soon had the Pallet secured, that’s 3 fishable pegs ready to go. While we were there we lopped a branch off in peg 5 and attacked the stalks.

That’s two visits Steve has made to help with maintenance, he said he’s a river man and looking forward to the River matches. We could do with a few more willing members like Steve.  

Next planned session Monday 10th June

Arriving 10am we plan to get in and sort out pegs 9 and 10 Monday, the reeds extend a third over and it’s Waders, Rakes and Ropes, FB and new member Steve Cox have volunteered. In addition, DM’s bringing a Pallet to replace the platform in peg 16.

There’s other jobs to do like the bottom step in Peg 5 (PW) and a top step in peg 10 (FB) and an overhanging branch in peg 7. The steps in peg 12 are awaiting Poles (FB and BB).

5th June – Reeds in Pegs 1-8

FB and Pat were back down Fladbury Wednesday to complete the removal of the reeds in pegs 1 to 8 that leaves pegs 9, 10 and peg 12 requiring a more intensive clearance.

See below for remaining tasks.

Bank Clearing session Saturday the 1st and Sunday 2nd June

Saturday we had BB, HP, DB and PW starting the second session.

They strimmed the last 6 pegs and tidied up the steps. Then they took the chainsaw to several pegs including Peg 2, Peg 10, peg 17 and peg 19. They put peg numbers on some of the pegs and now all the pegs are numbered. We heard that they re-positioned the sign in peg 13 and re-strimmed pegs 26 down to peg 21. They also found time to attack some of the reeds and reported that the steps in peg 5 were ok and it was peg 12 that needed robust steps, well done guys.

The Sunday session saw DM, FB, SH, Pat, his son Mark and new member Steve Cox down Fladbury having a go. The decision to put steps in peg 12 (not peg 5) meant that we were short of poles, new member Steve strimmed directly down to peg 12 and the guys moved all of the materials there ready to go when we get the poles.

They fitted a plank to bridge the gap between the bank and the platform in peg 5 and with all 26 pegs strimmed and cleared the outstanding task was removing the reeds from the margins. The Guys started at Peg 26 and removed all of the reeds down to peg 7.   

Remaining workload;-

Peg 1 to 6 all need the marginal reeds cleared (FB and Pat). Peg 7 has an overhanging downstream branch. Pegs 9 and 10 have nearside stalks extending to a third over which will need guys in chest waders with rakes (FB and SC).

Peg 5 bottom step (PW) and Peg 10 top step need replacing. Peg 16 needs the Pallet replaced (FB).

The steps in peg 12 should be fun, FB and BB plan to tackle this task, there’s a mountain of soil to move, then we need to remove the reeds.

If anyone has some time to help give the Secretary a call on 07989566219, for a full list of tasks see the workload chart “Members” / “Maintenance”.

Plans for the next Bank Clearing session Sunday 2nd June

We expect a good turnout for the Sunday session and most will be there around 9am. Being able to drive into the field on maintenance days is a huge advantage but the gate must be kept locked at all times.

BB and DB plan to strim the remaining pegs and take the chainsaw to pegs 17 and 19.

BB also plans to put peg numbers in all of the pegs.

DM, HP, SH and new member Steve Cox have all said they plan to attend and clear the steps after strimming.

FB and Pat plan to continue with the steps in peg 5, BB believes there are enough poles in various pegs for completion and will try to round them up.

Remaining workload;- Once the pegs are all cleared we have the enormous task of clearing the stalks and reeds from the margins. There are around 18 pegs requiring attention and the Society has purchased an extending saw (20ft) which will be used to remove the reeds. This task is seen as a “Specialist Task”, over and above what we expect from the “Bank Clearers” and left to the volunteers.

FB, BB and DM plan to sort out these pegs before the start of the season but the workload is huge and more help is needed. Needless to say we don’t want any accidents, most of the work will be completed from the bank, dates TBD, if available give the Secretary a call.

Wednesday 28/5/2019 – Steps in Peg 7 completed

FB and Pat finished the top step in peg 7, that’s another completed with “Robust Steps”. They then strimmed Peg 5 and moved the 4x 3x2ft slabs into peg 5 awaiting poles, we have 10 and need another 5.

This leaves pegs 1-4, 6 and 8 and 9 still totally overgrown requiring a strim Sunday 2nd June.

24/5/2019 – Back down to finish the Steps

FB and Pat were back at Fladbury Friday 24th of May to complete the steps in pegs 5 and 7, the last two pegs requiring slabs. They knew there were some poles and slabs already at Fladbury and took enough Boards and Connectors for both pegs. On arrival they found enough 3x2ft Slabs (8) for both pegs but there were only enough poles for 4 steps (12).

On a scorching hot day they strimmed to the top of peg 7 and fitted three steps moving the 3x2ft slabs stored in peg 2 in the van. Hot and knackered they left the last step and went to the Anchor Inn for a beer.

They plan to complete peg 7 Wednesday 28th May and sort out peg 5 when we find 12x 2.5ft poles.

2019 sponsored Cutters Cup;- So far only DM, FB, BB and HP are eligible.

Workload for Bank Clearing - Sunday 2nd June. Pegs 1 to 9 were untouched on the first bank clearing session and remain completely overgrown, so we have pegs 1 to 6 and pegs 8 and 9 to be cleared (8 pegs), we also need to remove the downstream reeds and stalks where necessary.

More specialised Projects;- In addition we have small trees to remove in pegs 17 and 19 (chainsaw), a tree to trim in peg 11 (long saw) and a dodgy top step in peg 10.   

Workload reducing;- There is no doubt that the workload has reduced since fitting the slabs, we used to have to clear the weeds growing through the earth steps. Now, once strimmed to the top of the peg, clearing the steps is much easier and we don’t have to renew the steps every 4 or 5 years.

18/5/2019 – First Bank Clearing Session

We have just completed the first Bank Clearing session at Fladbury. The pegs have had no maintenance since August 2018 and they were overgrown last October, this was disappointing because the pegs were superb at the start of the season (June 2018) and due to lack of late season maintenance.  

Five turned out DM, FB, BB, HP and Pat who’s not a member.

When we arrived the rain had stopped and we found 5 foot high Rape seed growing 12 to 15 foot out into the field. BB was already strimming with HP clearing the steps of pegs 26 and 25 as the others arrived. This year FB has obtained a petrol strimmer to ease the workload and with two strimming and the others tidying the steps we cleared and completed peg 26 down to peg 10 in about 4 hours.   

So, we have 9 pegs (1-9) to strim and clear Sunday 2nd June then we have to get in and tackle the reeds before June 16th. We noticed small trees that require removal in pegs 17 and 19 (chainsaw), there’s a tree in peg 11 that needs trimming (long saw) and we still have to put steps in peg 5 and 7.

Next Bank clearing session is Sunday 2nd of June and we would like to see more members out on the second session, “many hands make light work”, come on surprise us.

Keeping the pegs fishable all season - March 2019

New Strategy required – As discussed at the 2019 AGM

We discussed at the AGM how we can keep the pegs fishable all season, without conclusion. We discussed how perhaps we could hire contractors to help in the Autumn when the pegs usually deteriorate.

Although we had a prolonged discussion we could not agree a new strategy but several members did offer their help. As we have seen in the past, the three planned work sessions in 2019 will not ensure that the pegs remain fishable all season.

The workload has reduced

With robust steps in every peg the workload has reduced because we don’t renew steps every 3 or 4 years. All that is required is clearing the steps and removing reeds in front of the peg.

Bank Clearing Sessions in 2019

This season the dates are;-

Saturday 18th May 2019.

Sunday 2nd June 2019

Saturday 10th August 2019

The Committee realise that these dates may clash with members match bookings but members can help anytime that they are available, you can always call the Secretary to understand the requirements.   

More help required in 2019

The Committee will be following up on the offers of help at the AGM and organising additional work sessions as required.

- Branches down in pegs 8 and 13 – Monday 10th September 2018

Frank and Pat visited Fladbury Monday 10th September to see what was required to sort out the two pegs with branches down over the river. Peg 8 had been reported to the Environmental Agency and Trevor Gladding had also reported it to Avon Navigation Trust. On the last match we realised that peg 13 needed similar attention.

When they arrived they were surprised to see that peg 8 had been sawn off leaving an approx. 10 foot stump projecting out but the branch was in the river about a third over, clearly cut from a boat with no concern for anglers. Without the equipment to reach the branch they went to check out peg 13.

This branch had also been cut but the branch had been left right in front of the peg. There were two other branches still attached but in the water that were projecting upstream towards the platform in peg 13.

They set about clearing a path and levelling the slope creating somewhere to work from. The nearest branch, about 12 inches in diameter was soon down but far too heavy to remove, this branch was tied to the bank and left until more bodies were available. The second branch was reachable from the water but the margin here is quite deep. Working from the margin this branch was soon down, cut up and removed. That left the branch cut and left in front of the peg to deal with. The depth in front of the platform in peg 13 is nearly 4ft, they were able to reach the branch by tying the rope to a short length of pole found in peg 1, throwing this beyond the branch. This worked and the guys were able to pull the branch nearer and working from the platform they were able to cut the branch into sections and remove it, peg 13 is fishable again.

On the whole a productive 4 hours of hard work but we still need to drag the branch out from peg 8.

GirlingAS Blog – “Fladbury Maintenance” and “Bank Clearing”

- Final session 11th August 2018

With the river low and clear there were reports from a couple of members that we had exceptional reed growth to contend with. This August session usually entails raking and removal of reeds.

Unfortunately only two turned out for this final session of 2018.

All of the steps and platforms were in good order but they found reeds in every peg and branches down. Most of the accessible reeds were removed and a branch fallen over peg 7 was removed. Peg 5 was extremely overgrown but now fishable, several pegs remain unfishable.

Issues;-

Peg 1 has an overhanging branch inhibiting retrieval.

Pegs 8 and 13 have overhanging branches out across the river.

Pegs 9, 10, 12 and 18 all require raking.

Peg 18 also has a bush overhanging downstream.

Requirements;-

Pegs 8 and 13 will require a chainsaw the others require an extended rake, see the projects chart. It's vital that all 26 pegs remain fishable, work parties will be organised. There's plenty of work to do and it's not too late to qualify to fish the Cutters Cup.

Completion of the 2018 Objective – mid July 2018 status

Committee objective “all pegs with robust steps and platforms” - COMPLETED.

We are now in the very satisfying position of being able to sit back and admire the efforts of the few, all of the pegs have platforms and robust steps in most although pegs 5, 6, 7 and 12 have excellent old style “earth steps” so that’s it for a while.

Satisfying because many thought that we would not get the required support.

Satisfying because robust steps require little maintenance.

Satisfying because the pegs are now safer for anglers and members of the public.

Satisfying because the Society is now attracting many more Associate members.

Satisfying when new members say “best pegs they have seen on the Avon”.

We started in March 2017 following an announcement at the AGM. When we saw robust steps being built we decided to have all 26 pegs with robust steps. An incredible undertaking, the steeper pegs (13 to 26) involved moving an incredible amount of soil.

We built 5 raised platforms on the silted pegs and replaced the bottom stage in peg 24 after it was washed away in the floods, then decided to have mud free bottom stages in all of the pegs. As our objectives grew, by October 2017, 8 or 9 months on, we had completed 70 % of the pegs.

In February 2018 we started again and completed the remainder of the pegs by June ready for the start of the season.

Remember how the pegs were before we started. We had irons projecting out of the ground, muddy chutes that you couldn’t get up or down when wet, silted pegs and lots of the pegs hadn’t been fished for years. Remember how we fished from a sloping muddy bank for 5 hours. In those days the pegs were in very poor condition and dangerous.  

We are now reaping the benefits with robust steps requiring very little maintenance the workload at Fladbury has considerably reduced, we have mud free matches now being won from previously unfishable pegs.

Associate membership is increasing and we can now advertise for club bookings with 26 pegs available, it’s only a matter of time until the bookings arrive.

We are only custodians and future custodians can look back and say that the previous members did a great job of managing the fishery, the committee that drove the objective and the guys that put themselves out completing 14 months of hard work should feel very proud of what they have achieved.

Completion of the 2018 Objective – End of June 2018

Second Bank Clearing Session 1st June;- Three members helped on the Sunday session (Dave, Frank and Simon and again Pat helped out), they cleared pegs 1 to 8 and fitted two platforms then fitted slabs on the steps in pegs 4 and 13. These pegs had robust boards held in place by poles so we simply dropped slabs in place (plan B steps).

The following Sunday 8th June;- The Sunday after the final Bank Clearing session Frank, Pat, Brian and Derek were back. Pegs 1 to 8 were strimmed, 2 platforms fitted and the tree in peg 10 was totally removed.

Tuesday 10TH June;- Frank and Pat were back down Fladbury two days later to fit the final last three platforms in pegs 12, 14 and peg 2. Pegs 12 and 14 were quickly completed by levelling the ground, screwing through into the sleeper then driving stakes into the ground to secure the sides and back. Peg 2 was completed by removing the soil within the current construction, adapting the platform to fis and simply dropping the platform within the existing wooden frame screwing through the sides to create the last “mud free” peg.

Monday 25th June;-  Frank and Pat almost completed the steps in peg 14 but ran out of materials. They completed the steps 28th June and while down there the guys dropped 2018 versions of the Societies advertisement into “Alcester Tackle” and the “Bait Box” in Evesham.

Fladbury Maintenance Discussion;-

1-Platforms;- We were asked “why have you fitted platforms where there are perfectly good sleepers” adding “that wood is slippy when wet”?

We believe that mud is also quite slippy when wet and found that walking back up the steps with slabs after standing in mud for five hours was quite dangerous and having platforms kept you out of the mud. All 26 pegs are now safer and mud free.

2-Steps;- 23 out of 26 pegs now have robust steps, that’s frames of scaffold poles captivating and supporting a slab that will last for decades. We will not have to clear foliage growing through the step which we have done every start of the season for decades, these low maintenance steps are here to last. This leaves three sets of steps to complete in pegs 5, 7 and 12 but all have very good safe steps that will last another season.

3-Future Maintenance - Different in the future;- We will always have to strim a path to the peg and strim down the edge of the steps. We will always have to clear marginal reeds and remove fallen branches. We will not have to re-new steps and remove weeds growing out through the steps. Yes we may have to replace the occasional platform but these are readily available. We will have to find a more robust wire grid or something to stop the weeds growing through the platforms in the future.

4-Tree down in peg 8;- There’s always another job though, the gales a couple of days before the Fladbury Cup brought down a huge branch projecting out across the river in peg 8. The Env. Agency have been informed and they have the task on their list of projects but no date yet for completion.

5-An enormous contribution;- The guys that have completed the Steps and Platforms have worked their socks off over a 15 month period (March 2017 to June 2018). The pegs have never been in such a good and robust condition and this huge effort means that maintaining the pegs in the future will be much easier. Well done guys.

Completion of the Platforms. Tuesday 19th June 2018.

Frank and Pat were back down Fladbury relishing the thought of fitting the last three platforms. The platforms for pegs 12 and 14 were already on the bank and the guys had brought a third for peg 2.

Pegs 12 and 14 were quickly completed by levelling the ground, screwing through into the sleeper then driving stakes into the ground to secure the sides and back.

The plan for peg 2 was to remove the soil within the current construction and simply drop the platform within the existing wooden frame screwing through the side to create the last "mud free" peg. After about three hours we had finally completed the last of the platforms, all 26 pegs now have platforms leaving three sets of steps to complete that's pegs 5, 7 and 14. Steps in Peg 14 is next.

There's always another job though, the gales a couple of days before the Fladbury Cup brought down a huge branch projecting out across the river in peg 8, the Environmental Agency have been contacted.

While down here the guys dropped 2018 versions of the Societies advertisement into "Alcester Tackle" and the "Bait Box" in Evesham.

Bank Clearing Summary;- First time on the bank for some time we were surprised to find six foot high growth extending 12ft from the bank although after strimming a path to the bank to find slabs and no growth through the steps is a huge relief and a direct result of the our objective to have all pegs with robust steps.  

Being able to drive in the field and deliver materials to the peg is a huge advantage and we are close to achieving our objective of “Safe Steps”. On the down side this huge task was again left to the same willing members.

Saturday 19/5/2018;- The first Saturday session saw four members out Dave, H, Brian and Derek, they strimmed from peg 26 to peg 8 and cleared and cleaned the platforms and the steps.

20/5/2018;- The following day Frank and Pat visited and new member Simon came down to help. We replaced all of the wire netting on pegs 22 to 26, but ran out of materials to complete peg 17.

Sunday 1/6/2018;- The next planned bank clearing date we had Dave, Frank, Pat and Simon out again. We cleared paths to pegs 1 to 7, replaced the wire netting in pegs 17 and fitted slabs on pegs 4 and 13. These pegs had robust boards supported by scaffold poles and we levelled the step and simply dropped slabs into position (plan B steps). This was a scorching hot day and the oldest member in the Society (Dave) had by now visited twice and put a shift in.

Wednesday 6/6/2018;-  Frank and Pat visited again to fit two more platforms (pegs 10 and 16) and fit (plan B) slabs on the steps in peg 16. They fitted 5x 3x2ft slabs to complete the peg, using the van to transport the slabs to the peg.

Sunday 10/6/2018;-  By now frustrated with the poor turnout Brian and Derek visited again this time to strim pegs 1 to 8 (cleared earlier) and to remove the overhanging tree in peg 10. Frank and Pat fittted platforms in pegs 4 & 11. Strimming and fitting the platforms happened simultaneously and then the four tackled the tree. Derek with the chain saw working along the water line slowly dismantled the tangled mass removing half a dozen thick stumps and cutting them up for the others to get them up the steps. After about two hours we had completely remove the tree.

Tuesday 12/6/2018;- Frank and Pat had just enough materials (Poles and Boards) to complete robust steps in peg 15. This one was a bit easier with steps already cut into the bank, 3 hours of hard work was rewarded with a pint in the Anchor inn.

Summary of remaining projects;-

Platforms;- We have enough materials to complete five Platforms in pegs 1, 2, 3, 12 and 14, these will be completed by the end of June.

Steps;- We have enough slabs for completion (15x 2x2’s and 7x 3x2’s) and enough connectors but no poles or boards to complete the last four sets of robust steps in pegs 5, 7, 12 and 14.

Thanks Guys;- Five members, a new member and a none member completed this seasons bank clearing and continued on with the objective of completed the total refurbishment of all of the pegs, a magnificent effort that caused some frustration with the guys left wandering where the support was.

Where does this leave us for the first match of the season;- We are in the superb position of having 23 pristine pegs to choose from. Omitting peg 1 (cabbages) peg 9 (reeds) and peg 14 (steps) we will be able to give every angler a vacant peg downstream and a safe mud free peg to fish from.

End of May 2018

Pre May Status;-

Conditions meant that we were unable to do much leading up to May.

May Status;-

We had a low turnout for the May Bank Clearing session Saturday 19th May, finding 4ft high and 12ft deep foliage on the banks the guys strimmed a path in pegs 26 down to peg 6. The pegs with slabs were washed down revealing deteriorating wire netting on the platforms. Thank's to BB, DB, HP and DM.

On the Sunday FB, PM and Simon Hall renewed the wire netting on pegs 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26,

Remaining Bank Clearing jobs for 1st June;-

Pegs 1-5 need strimming and all of the pegs with the old steps need clearing of foliage. Peg 17 requires wire netting on the platform. We need to clear any reeds that stop you seeing and trotting downstream.  

Remaining projects to be completed;-

Eight sets of robust steps (4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16), peg 12 should be fun.

Nine bottom stage platform to complete in pegs 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 16.

Materials;-

Steps;- We have enough connectors and boards for the steps, we need a considerable amount of scaffold poles.

Platforms;- OK for materials.

May Summary;-

A good May bank clearing session but still lots to do on the first of June.

We have nine more bottom stages and seven sets of steps to complete.

We still need to find loads of scaffold poles.

End of February 2018 - Progress issue 2

Pre February Status;- As you may have read earlier Frank & Brian checked out the pegs at the end of January 2018 following the floods. Encouragingly there was no damage to the pegs, all of the new steps & platforms were unaffected. There was debris and silt everywhere especially pegs 17 to 23.

We had a look at peg 12, the only peg remaining where you have to go around rather than straight down to the bottom stage. The current route takes you near to the sloping bank, this peg could do with a set of robust steps and a bottom stage to make it safer, it's a very steep peg requiring a lot of effort.

February tidy up;- Frank visited Sunday morning 18/2/2018 to tidy up the pegs. The plan was to move the debris and clean the slabs and platforms of mud rendering them safe and fishable, didn't get that far. The mud on the platforms was very soft and pegs 5 and 7 was still under water. The worst of the debris was in pegs 17 to 23, in peg 17 the banks had fallen onto the steps leaving about 10 inches of soil to move, peg 18 had about three foot of anything that floats. Pegs 19 to 26 had silt and flotsam which was easier to move. Working from the slabs (rather than muddy steps) was a doddle, within three hours all of the pegs were cleared but they need a clean when they are a bit dryer. Be careful if you fish pegs 23 and 24, they both need the wire netting replaced.

Remaining work to be completed by June 2018 (4 months);-

Eight sets of robust steps (4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16), peg 12 should be fun.

Nine bottom stage platforms (1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 16).

Materials for Steps and Platforms;-

Steps;- We have enough connectors and boards for the steps, we need a considerable amount of scaffold poles.

Platforms;- Materials are available.

February Summary;- You can get down all of the pegs but lots are slippery with mud on the bottom stage, no worse than standing on the bank. They are all fishable and ready for full members and Associate members to have a go leading up to the close season, we will have another go when it's dryer.

The next Fladbury match is Sunday 11/3/2018 the "Last Chance Open".

We are on target to complete the total refurb. by June 2018 but we need to acquire scaffold poles.

31st Jan. 2018 – A General Summary of the 2017 Effort & an Inspection of the pegs following the January 2018 Floods

Early 2017 the pegs were so dilapidated that the committee asked for a concerted effort to turn it round. We had pegs with no steps, just a chute into the water, silted pegs where you had to wade in the silt to fish the peg. Some pegs were so neglected they were totally unfishable. Nearer the weir we had erroded pegs where the poles that used to support the steps were two feet above ground level, the steps and top soil had long been washed away. Peg 24 had the bottom stage swept away in the floods. This was a big ask and at this time the committee would have been happy with steps in every peg, many were sceptical.

Brian & Derek had other ideas. Derek turned into the scrounger obtaining scaffold poles, connectors and slabs. Brian was like a man possessed determined to build robust steps in pegs 19 to 26. Using a “H” frame of poles and double connectors to support a slab sitting on the horizontal pole with a board to retain the soil he built “robust steps”.

This was the way forward and the new objective was robust steps in every peg. That was a tall order in terms of material requirements but the scrounger kept coming up with the goods with the help from H & by October 2017 we had built 16 sets of robust steps. Frank with support from his mate (non-member) built 4 raised platforms in the silted pegs 5-9, Peter W with help from Brian built the fifth in peg 6. Peg 1 & 10 required considerable work on the trees etc. to render the pegs fishable.

Following a July match we realised that the slabs became very slippy after standing in the mud for 5 hours, we decided to build “bottom stage platforms” in every peg. Frank fitted 12 platforms and DM helped to build temporary steps where required & by the end of the year all of the pegs were fishable with 7 sets of robust steps and 8 bottom stages left to complete.

We went further by renewing all of the signs with two signs showing contact details facing towards the far bank. John B built a new sign by the access which became our notice board. A fabulous effort all round.

No one thought we would get that far, we have got ourselves into a position where we will have created a “Low Maintenance” fishery by June 2018, an incredible effort by six or seven members. Being able to drive into the field helped enormously, even better, pegs that were totally neglected were now winning matches.

When we kicked off this objective early 2017 we also decided to increase advertising. We had the website but we also put details in 7 or 8 tackle shops. The combination of visibly improved pegs, Website, adverts in tackle shops and Fladbury signs with contact details paid off and by the end of the season we had nine new Associate members.

Frank & Brian checked out the pegs at the end of January 2018 following floods where the river had been in the fields. Encouragingly there was no damage to the pegs all of the new steps & platforms were unaffected. When the remaining pegs are completed with robust steps and bottom stage platforms (June 2018), we really will have a “mud free” – “low maintenance” fishery, safer for our members and the public.

Maintenance Blog