2. All other matters arising will be dealt with as agenda items.

2. The RAFCAA(Coarse) participation in the European Military Angling Championships was looking doubtful. 4 teams had competed this year and only 3 nations had expressed an interest in taking part next year. France had withdrawn from the competition permanently. There was a real possibility the event may be cancelled, however even if this did not occur, the profile of the event had decrease to the extent that participation by the RAF probably wouldn’t be worth the time, effort and money. The Team Manager would monitor the situation and update the Committee at the next meeting

Team Manager

1. Although still being developed, the RAFCAA(Coarse) website now contains over 100 pages, and is located at www.raf-coarseangling.info. All Committee Members were strongly encourages to send electronic copies of their paperwork to the Chairman’s personal e-mail address (as_corbett@yahoo.com) who would, where appropriate, instruct the Web Master to add them to the site. Personnel are reminded that not everyone has web access so hard copy information is still to be used where necessary. The next stage of development would be for each Committee Member to have an e-mail address linked to the site.

2. The new Chairman RAFCAA was keen to ensure that each station has an angling area on its Station web site. The Chairman was aware of some Stations where an angling site exists, but this information is far from complete. Each League Chairman is to trawl their units to determine which ones have angling sites, and pass this information on to the Chairman by 15 Jan 04.

League Chairmen

2. Details for this match would be subject to further discussion at the next meeting, by which hopefully the date and venue for the tri-service festival would have been finalised.

All

2. It had been decided to hold the Command Inter-Unit and Inter-Command Championships as a mini festival, to take place at Tunnel Barn Farm. Full details are attached to the minutes, which includes the web address for the venue. Personnel are recommended to use this link to obtain all the latest information on baits, methods etc.

3. The HM&OL Rep stated that as this year’s RAF v Old Lags match had been such a success that, not withstanding teams were limited to 16, it would again take place on the River Wensum in Norwich. However, it would be moved back to its traditional position of the first week in Nov.

4. As the RAF Championships would take place in Oct, it was decided that the ideal time to fish the Inter-League would be in the first week of Sep. There were 3 high quality and well presented nominations for this event:

a. Browning Cudmore – This was presented by the WMAL Chairman. The event would take place over 6 new lakes that, stocked to the same level, with silver fish and carp to 3lb. The venue has a good range of facilities and accommodation could be available at DCAE Cosford.

b. River Trent – The EMAL Chairman proposed this venue. He stated that to ensure a proper balance of venue types it would be appropriate for this competition to be held on a river. The venue was used for this years RAF Championships, and despite low, clear water fished reasonably well. The best team would win the match.

c. Woodland View – The Team Manager proposed this venue. He stated that this is an excellent match venue with 60-80lb needed to frame in most matches. On site facilities are some of the best available, with a medium sized tackle shop next to the venue. Due to its central location, it is envisaged that most anglers will travel on the day, but for those needing accommodation, DCAE Cosford is located 30 miles to the north.

5. A vote was taken on the above venues with the following results:

Browning Cudmore 4 Votes
River Trent 8 Votes
Woodland View 1 Vote

The Chairman stated that it was his intention to hold the Clubmans Championship as a stand-alone event however, this would be dependent upon the date and location of the RAFCAA AGM. This event would be discussed at the next meeting.

6. Decisions It was decided that:

a. The Command Inter Unit and Inter Command Championships would take place at Tunnel Barn Farm on 9/10 May 05.

b. The RAF v Old Lags match would take place on the River Wensum, Norwich on 02 Nov 05. Note this will be subject to change to deconflict with the Jefferies Cup.

c. The Inter League would take place on the River Trent on 07 Sep 05.

d. The Clubmans Championship would be decided upon once the date for the RAFCAA AGM had been finalised.

2. Sgt Gordon Bell had been selected as the 2005 Team Captain, with Cpl Tex Sutton as his deputy. CT North would remain on the Committee as Treasurer. The Secretary was to update the contact list for issue with the minutes.

The Match Secretary expressed a wish to resign in the near future due to other commitments. While he would not leave until a replacement could be found, he asked that League Chairmen canvas for a suitable replacement. The Chairman stressed the key nature and high workload associated with this appointment and asked League Chairmen to actively canvass for a replacement.

Secretary

League Chairmen

The Match Secretary asked if money could be made available to purchase a set of digital scales, due to the big weights expected in the NATO Championships, and the requirement to weigh this competition in metric. After much discussion this was agreed that the Match Secretary could make this purchase along with 3 new weigh nets.

Match Sec

a. EAWL – The EAWL had recently held its half-yearly meeting to determine fixtures for the winter league. Matches remain well attended although the colder weather has seen a reduction in numbers.

b. WMAL – The problem of falling numbers at matches had been reversed.

c. EMAL – The Summer League had been completed with RAF Waddington running out as easy winners. The individual winner however was not decided until the last match. Again numbers are increasing, although there is a reluctance to fish on river venues. Even though the competition was getting stronger, the EMAL had decided to enter the Super Cup again next year.

d. SWAL – Due to problems with one dominant station within this league, the format for the matches had changed where the draw was carried out on an individual basis. This had lead to a more competitive league, with more people on the bank. If anyone would like further details, information can be obtained from the Team Manager.

e. SCAL – The League Chairman had sent his apologies.

f. CAL – The CAL Chairman was unavailable to give a brief. There was some concern that the CAL Chairman was nor receiving RAFCAA Information. The Secretary was to contact the CAL Chairman as a matter of urgency.

The Chairman thanked all League Chairmen for the work they carried out this year, and encouraged them to continue to do as much as possible to increase turnout at matches.

Secretary

League Chairmen

The stretch of the GUC to be used for the Div 1 National had been published as that between bridge numbers 59 and 102. The Chairman asked that any further information be passed to the Team Manager as soon as it is received. The Team Manager and Captain were to gather as much information about the venue as possible prior to the practice sessions, and to publish details of any open matches in the run up to the practice.

The Team Manager stated that although Squad members were strongly encouraged to be in possession of Trabucco luggage this was no longer a formal requirement to be a squad member.

Barbel – 11lb 15oz Wg Cdr Corbett River Trent

A full record list will be sent to Committee Members by the Specimen Rep.

The Specimen Rep was to forward soft copies of new records, and photos to the Chairman for inclusion in the RAF Coarse Angling website.

2. The Specimen Rep asked if funds could be made available to assist those RAF Anglers who will be competing in the Specimen World Championships. The total cost for this event is between £800 and £1000, with entry costing £100 per man. The Chairman stated that while the RAF was unable to provide money for transportation, there could be some contribution that could be made, provided that the people concerned fished under the RAF Banner. The Chairman and Specimen Rep would discuss this outside the meeting.

The Chairman thanked the Specimen Rep for the great effort he had made throughout the year to increase the profile of specimen fishing in the RAF.

Specimen Rep

Specimen Rep

2. All League Chairmen were reminded that when civilians fish in RAF events they must complete the paperwork, contained in the admin directive, confirming that they have adequate insurance. This information was to be checked on an annual basis.

3. The question of first aid cover was brought up, there was discussion about what level of cover was required. The Chairman stated that he would look the matter.

As the Safety Survey had prohibited that practice of ‘hand lining’, the RAFCAA(Coarse) match rules would need amending to reflect this.

League Chairmen

Chairman

Chairman

2. The Team Manager informed the Committee that he would be getting together with his deputy and both the Team Captain and his deputy to decide on the Squad for the coming year. He had received a total of 30 nominations of which 20 to 22 would be selected.

3. The Specimen Rep informed the Committee of an initiative that RAF Benson had been using to encourage participation in League matches. Prior to a League match, the Station would run its own match on the venue. This would include a ‘teach in’ by someone who was familiar with the venue. This gave everyone the feeling that they were competing on a level playing field. If anyone would like further information they can contact the Specimen Rep directly.

4. The EMAL asked that Mark Hartley be accepted as an ‘Old Lag’. After a brief on Marks contribution to angling in the RAF, a vote was taken to accept him as an ‘Old Lag’, which was passed unanimously. The Chairman asked the HM&OL Rep to contact Mark to let him know of the Committees decision.

5. The HM&OL Rep asked if a final decision on the venue for the RAF Championships had been taken, as he was not aware of this being voted upon. While the final decision had not been taken, the GUC would be an ideal venue because of its proximity to RAF Halton, the match Secretary was looking into suitable locations for match length, HQ etc.

6. The HM&OL Rep also asked that paperwork for next years RAF Championships be issued as soon as possible. As the date had been moved to a Monday from the traditional Wednesday, the HM&OL may need to make plans at an earlier date.

The match Secretary apologised for the late issue of the results for this years RAF Championships. This was due to a computer error that had placed two members of the same team in one section. This would be rectified and the results issued as soon as possible.

Match Sec

Match Sec