If there's a busier, more proactive club in the country than Peterborough & DAA, we’ve yet to find it! Which is why we picked them for the 2023 'Angling Club of the Year' in the National Angling Awards.
2023 was another year when they pulled out all the stops and delivered thriving fisheries to bring people together.
We spoke to chairman and media manager, Rob Harris...
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Congratulations to everyone at the club. How does it feel? Would you like to give anyone a special shout?
It’s absolutely fantastic! So many people put their time and heart into what we do, but they’re often invisible to the public, so they all deserve this. A special mention goes to Graham Burr, who’s there every day, whether it’s removing litter, planting, peg clearing or helping junior sessions. A credit to angling and a great example of our ethos.
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It’s been a busy year, to put it mildly, but what really stood out for you?
Lots! Taking refugees from Peterborough College out was one highlight. Despite English being their second language, fishing brought everyone together and it was amazing to see people from some very tough backgrounds with beaming smiles.
The Team P&DAA match squad are back competing at the highest level in the Division One National and East Midlands Winter League, too. They’re getting some great results.
Our European anglers and lure matches are eye-openers too. We had 110 entrants to one contest! It’s a great way to boost integration, and we now have two European bailiffs.
We’re also immensely proud to have raised £4000 this year for our local MIND via our annual charity event. Angling can help support mental wellbeing and we’re delighted to help with that.
Your junior section is another key area – and youngsters fish for free!
We run lots of events – and it’s all about building for the long term. We have 11 new trainee coaches this season, which is unheard of! We’ll be working with Guru and Embryo Family Fishing next year to do even more, including an after-school fishing club and reviving our junior match squad.
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Not everyone embraces change, but you’re unashamedly progressive. How has this helped?
There’ll always be people who fear change. We’re not scared of keyboard warriors because we know our approach works! The online world is key to engagement – and with our club app and revamped website, everything is so easy to find. Tickets can be bought instantly and our bailiffs can check them in seconds!
Some folks said “you’ll never change X or Y” but the results are clear. The Thorpe Meadows Basin stretch is a good example – before our bailiffs patrolled, it was known for antisocial behaviour, but the area now feels safer than ever.
Any big plans for next year?
Lots, with habitat and sustainability projects, working with the Angling Trust and others. Alongside river improvements, there are big plans for Ferry Meadows. Working with Nene Park Trust on various habitat improvement measures, we’ll reuse thousands of tons of earth from the new car park to create a reedy refuge area to boost nature and fish spawning grounds. We’re also re-pegging to make it fairer, and it’ll host its biggest matches ever in 2024. Watch this space!
Any advice for other clubs?
Don’t wait for things to change – get involved and crack on while you can! We love sharing success, and are hosting a special fisheries forum next year, with speakers from the Environment Agency, Angling Trust, and TYG Tickets, who manage our booking system.
To find out more about the club, including fisheries, events and tickets, visit https:// fishinginpeterborough.co.uk
HIGHLY COMMENDED - TAUNTON AA
With a thriving match scene, including hosting the South West’s first Canal Pairs leg, along with brilliant venues and making junior memberships free, the Somerset club had a great 2023.
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