One could argue that our sport is best placed for “self- isolation” and “social distancing”, frequently heard during the COVID 19 pandemic. Our members have the opportunity to go fishing and enjoy the solitude of being by the river, blending with the surroundings, observing rising fish and wild life in a peaceful way.
However, we cannot neglect that the pandemic is developing fast and we need to prepare for it and possibly adapt the way we live our lives.
There are a lot of unknowns at this stage. The book is being written as we speak. On top of the official guidelines, the club has made an initial risk assessment of how COVID 19 may affect our fishing and has come with the following guidelines.
- Catch Return boxes: Members are asked to use the return books to sign in and record their catch. The returns box, book and pens become multiple points of contact for the visiting anglers. Please ensure that you bring and use your own sanitiser after you complete the returns book, both when signing in and out of a fishery. The same is the case for tally boards. Alternatively, you may wish to use latex gloves and bring your own pen. The catch return boxes will be sanitised by the club during maintenance visits.
- Gates and locks: Please use hand sanitiser/gloves, as above.
- Cart Shed Office: The office will be open as normal and will continue its open door policy. However, only two members at the time will be allowed inside the office.
- Bailiff checks: Our bailiff team will be active as normal. They will be provided with latex gloves to avoid contamination. During a membership book inspection, you may simply open the first page of your book and show it to the club bailiff, thus avoiding contact.
- Committee meetings: The club will cancel the coming monthly committee meetings and actions/decisions will be taken on a remote basis. If necessary carefully controlled meetings will be called.
- Club events: Open day, entomology courses, fishing instruction, lessons for juniors etc. A risk assessment will be carried out closer to the event and members will be duly informed if the event will take place and will issue relevant guidelines.
- Volunteer parties: They will be cancelled.
- Social distancing: Please avoid handshakes and keep a discreet distance from other anglers and members of staff. It is not an easy thing to do, but we must observe it.
We will be monitoring the situation regularly and will provide updates on our electronic forum, web site and e-newsletters.
Stay safe and tight lines for the new season!
Andreas Topintzis
Club General Manager
