You may have noticed a lack of recent blog entries. Not wishing to sound too downcast, things generally haven’t been going that well.
An injury whilst playing football (well I was absolutely clattered) has buggered my back and probably means I have to retire playing altogether, this has meant fishing beyond 10m on the pole has up until recently been a no-no.
Sue is still building up her AVON & Ann Summers business, but that taking time to yield a significant income, but its coming. However the current lack of funds means we are still car sharing and making her business successful takes priority over my fishing needs.
The good news is my work appears to be improving, but again time will tell. Although I already have some exams, a statutory requirement means by the end of 2012, I need more exams. Deep joy! So since my fishing time has already been comprised I have decided to concentrate on getting these exams out of the way.
Despite my back I have managed to do some fishing, although 1 day I truly regretted it, because after 2 hours I could hardly move, the pain was so bad. Fishing up until recently has been restricted to no more than 10m on the pole or fishing with a rod & reel. I did manage a PB weight of 357lb, carp all on pole & paste, which included 11 doubles.
Now my back is much better than it was, it means I can get out a little more often and have started to use a bump bar to help keep the pressure off my back.
A special mention to Mark Poppleton, who despite living in Trowbridge has gone out of his way to pick me up for a couple of recent matches at Lands End – top man.
So I will keep the blog updated, although it won’t be quiet as regular as I would like for the time being.
Showing posts with label Misc.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Misc.. Show all posts
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Saturday, 29 May 2010
Season Review
For me the fishing season runs from June to May and I usually like to take a few weeks off during April & May, simply because the fishing during this time, particularly May can be a bit dodgy with spawning fish.
On a personal level the last 12 months has been hard. Back in June my parent company made a decision to sell off the company I worked for. I had to make a decision about either continue working for my existing company or move to the parent company. In the end I moved to the parent company in August with a mandate to set up a new service, however progress has been painfully slow and it is only recently that all my hard work is starting to bear fruit.
As for Sue, I have never known someone to have such a bad run of luck, but I think (& hope) she has settled on what she wants to do for the future. Having given up trying to find a full time job, she now wants to run her own business selling AVON and Ann Summers. Sue's problem has been the 2 fold, firstly she spent 20 years in the motor trade and secondly she was a manager. Unfortunately, with so many people looking for work, it appears potential employers are seeing 20 years motor industry and immediately discounting her managerial skills. So Sue has decided to set up her own business, building a sales team for AVON and Ann Summers. There is some serious money to made if she can grow the team large enough and I have told her if it gets to the point where she needs to employ someone to deal with admin etc, I will be her man. That way I will have more time to go fishing! Unfortunately, that will be a few years away.
With such a tight financial year, it has meant I haven't been able to go fishing as often as I would like and that's one of reasons why I focused much of my time at Lands End during the winter. Ironically being on a tight budget and seen me have one of my best seasons. Having to limit what bait I take has allowed me to focus on how I approached a match. Previously I have been guilty of taking too much and confusing myself, but by looking at how other anglers approach their matches, such as Tony Rixon and Rod Wootton has allowed me to be more confident that what I am doing is right and I shouldn't keep chopping and changing.
Fishing has certainly kept me sane these last 12 months, although there has been some lows, as well as some highs.
The lows – Being dropped by Maver Veals wasn't unexpected and on reflection I should have dropped myself months ago, however I honestly thought I would back straight financially sooner and able to commit the necessary time.
The big low for me however was the Lands End Winter League. After the 6th round I was lying 3rd overall, but the last 2 rounds weren't kind. A draw on peg 55 Johns, although normally a decent peg, on the day the weather was getting milder and there was a real strong westerly blowing. So whilst everyone had some sort of ripple, my swim was flat calm and the fish simply didn't want to be there. The last round saw me draw the wrong end of Sydneys lake and as a consequence I dropped out of the top 7 and no money – gutted.
On the positive side, I had some seriously big weights in the last 12 months, 5 tons, 4 double tons and a personal best 335lb. I also managed a personal best match weight of 218lb, which was a club match record, well up to last month anyway. Whilst that was a memorable match, probably my best result was at Rood Ashton, fishing against 18 locals, who normally approach the lake with the method feeder and pole/paste. According to the locals my pellet waggler approach wouldn't work because the lake was too shallow! 45 carp for 133lb and a convincing match win proved otherwise.
Of the 37 matches fished, I've picked up in 24, which has been very helpful, collecting more money than I have paid out and during December to February I picked up 10 times from 11, its just shame that during March a run of poor draws halted that little run.
So what about the future? Being a glass half full type person, I am hopefully that the next 12 months will see Sue and I back on a even keel. Both our jobs are showing signs of going in the right direction, so hopefully in the not to distant future I can commit to more fishing.
On a personal level the last 12 months has been hard. Back in June my parent company made a decision to sell off the company I worked for. I had to make a decision about either continue working for my existing company or move to the parent company. In the end I moved to the parent company in August with a mandate to set up a new service, however progress has been painfully slow and it is only recently that all my hard work is starting to bear fruit.
As for Sue, I have never known someone to have such a bad run of luck, but I think (& hope) she has settled on what she wants to do for the future. Having given up trying to find a full time job, she now wants to run her own business selling AVON and Ann Summers. Sue's problem has been the 2 fold, firstly she spent 20 years in the motor trade and secondly she was a manager. Unfortunately, with so many people looking for work, it appears potential employers are seeing 20 years motor industry and immediately discounting her managerial skills. So Sue has decided to set up her own business, building a sales team for AVON and Ann Summers. There is some serious money to made if she can grow the team large enough and I have told her if it gets to the point where she needs to employ someone to deal with admin etc, I will be her man. That way I will have more time to go fishing! Unfortunately, that will be a few years away.
With such a tight financial year, it has meant I haven't been able to go fishing as often as I would like and that's one of reasons why I focused much of my time at Lands End during the winter. Ironically being on a tight budget and seen me have one of my best seasons. Having to limit what bait I take has allowed me to focus on how I approached a match. Previously I have been guilty of taking too much and confusing myself, but by looking at how other anglers approach their matches, such as Tony Rixon and Rod Wootton has allowed me to be more confident that what I am doing is right and I shouldn't keep chopping and changing.
Fishing has certainly kept me sane these last 12 months, although there has been some lows, as well as some highs.
The lows – Being dropped by Maver Veals wasn't unexpected and on reflection I should have dropped myself months ago, however I honestly thought I would back straight financially sooner and able to commit the necessary time.
The big low for me however was the Lands End Winter League. After the 6th round I was lying 3rd overall, but the last 2 rounds weren't kind. A draw on peg 55 Johns, although normally a decent peg, on the day the weather was getting milder and there was a real strong westerly blowing. So whilst everyone had some sort of ripple, my swim was flat calm and the fish simply didn't want to be there. The last round saw me draw the wrong end of Sydneys lake and as a consequence I dropped out of the top 7 and no money – gutted.
On the positive side, I had some seriously big weights in the last 12 months, 5 tons, 4 double tons and a personal best 335lb. I also managed a personal best match weight of 218lb, which was a club match record, well up to last month anyway. Whilst that was a memorable match, probably my best result was at Rood Ashton, fishing against 18 locals, who normally approach the lake with the method feeder and pole/paste. According to the locals my pellet waggler approach wouldn't work because the lake was too shallow! 45 carp for 133lb and a convincing match win proved otherwise.
Of the 37 matches fished, I've picked up in 24, which has been very helpful, collecting more money than I have paid out and during December to February I picked up 10 times from 11, its just shame that during March a run of poor draws halted that little run.
So what about the future? Being a glass half full type person, I am hopefully that the next 12 months will see Sue and I back on a even keel. Both our jobs are showing signs of going in the right direction, so hopefully in the not to distant future I can commit to more fishing.
Friday, 5 February 2010
Further Reflection
Having had time to reflect further its fair to say I didnt expect the reaction to a comment that was intended to as well intended support. The reality is it had the opposite effect, particuarilty on Mike & for that I have apologised to Mike, becuase it was never my intention to get him involved. Unfortunately, becuase I was Lands End it was wrongly assumed that Mike had said something.
I still believe there is an issue amongst anglers that take fishery owners for granted and dont show the respect that most deserve. A story in the Angling Times this week highlighted the fact where one fishery owner has at great expense bought thousands of pounds worth of nets (keepnets & landing nets) for his customers to use, only for most of them to have disappeared. There is another fishery that decided to shut its door to match anglers, due the amount of moaning, litter and gerneral aggravation.
So back to the original purpose of my comment, we do need to support our local fishery and in general friends I have spoken to agree, although in hindsight I should have said it a different way.
If nothing else, those that read this blog will understand/appreciate the point I was trying to make and those that discuss my blog with others will be gracious enough to do the same.
I still believe there is an issue amongst anglers that take fishery owners for granted and dont show the respect that most deserve. A story in the Angling Times this week highlighted the fact where one fishery owner has at great expense bought thousands of pounds worth of nets (keepnets & landing nets) for his customers to use, only for most of them to have disappeared. There is another fishery that decided to shut its door to match anglers, due the amount of moaning, litter and gerneral aggravation.
So back to the original purpose of my comment, we do need to support our local fishery and in general friends I have spoken to agree, although in hindsight I should have said it a different way.
If nothing else, those that read this blog will understand/appreciate the point I was trying to make and those that discuss my blog with others will be gracious enough to do the same.
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Stirred a hornets nest!
It appears my last blog has upset a few people. Please read the comment left.
So did I mis understand the situation? If I did I whole heartly hold my hands up and apologise. It wasnt my intention to upset anyone and to be honest I wasn’t expecting such a strong reaction. I welcome Nicks comments and he is right, up to a point, but lets be honest, we have all been guity of passing comment or making an assumption based on hearsay.
Its worth noting I deliberately did not mention any names. Why? Very simply becuase my comments werent about any individual or fishery, but about a situation that arises every week across the country. Any comments were simply an observation of events on my part. As anglers we do have the right to fish were ever we like, that is not the issue here.
How many times have you heard “is so-and-so coming?” only to meet by a sea of blank faces, then someone pops up “oh he can’t make it because…..” On the whole fishery owners have to accept this, because usually they have no choice, because banning those that don’t cancel prior to the draw isn’t practical. However it doesn’t mean it is right or the fishery owners have to be happy about. It doesn’t take much to pick up the phone.
Speaking to a number of different fishery owners over the years, they all feel unappreciated at times. I remember being at Stafford Moor, when KHV struck and Andy Seery was devastated, you could see it in his face. However 1 muppet, who apparently was a regular visitor announced at the top of his voice the fishery was sh*t and he wont return until Andy put some fish in the lakes. Talk about insensitive.
The way I see it being a fishery owner is a thankless task at times, everyone wants to catch fish, when they don’t the venue is rubbish, it needs more fish, etc, etc. This winter has been particularly hard financially, so when you expect 12-15 to turn up, but only 5 do, then yes I think it is fair to assume you will be disappointed, it’s a normal human reaction.
Know doubt the next round of the Winter League will be interesting, but if you wish to pass comment, whether you agree or disagree with my comments then please do so, obviously keeping the comments clean.
So did I mis understand the situation? If I did I whole heartly hold my hands up and apologise. It wasnt my intention to upset anyone and to be honest I wasn’t expecting such a strong reaction. I welcome Nicks comments and he is right, up to a point, but lets be honest, we have all been guity of passing comment or making an assumption based on hearsay.
Its worth noting I deliberately did not mention any names. Why? Very simply becuase my comments werent about any individual or fishery, but about a situation that arises every week across the country. Any comments were simply an observation of events on my part. As anglers we do have the right to fish were ever we like, that is not the issue here.
How many times have you heard “is so-and-so coming?” only to meet by a sea of blank faces, then someone pops up “oh he can’t make it because…..” On the whole fishery owners have to accept this, because usually they have no choice, because banning those that don’t cancel prior to the draw isn’t practical. However it doesn’t mean it is right or the fishery owners have to be happy about. It doesn’t take much to pick up the phone.
Speaking to a number of different fishery owners over the years, they all feel unappreciated at times. I remember being at Stafford Moor, when KHV struck and Andy Seery was devastated, you could see it in his face. However 1 muppet, who apparently was a regular visitor announced at the top of his voice the fishery was sh*t and he wont return until Andy put some fish in the lakes. Talk about insensitive.
The way I see it being a fishery owner is a thankless task at times, everyone wants to catch fish, when they don’t the venue is rubbish, it needs more fish, etc, etc. This winter has been particularly hard financially, so when you expect 12-15 to turn up, but only 5 do, then yes I think it is fair to assume you will be disappointed, it’s a normal human reaction.
Know doubt the next round of the Winter League will be interesting, but if you wish to pass comment, whether you agree or disagree with my comments then please do so, obviously keeping the comments clean.
Sunday, 2 August 2009
What no fishing?
You may have noticed a lack of activity on my blog. Unfortunately circumstance has meant fishing has taken a back seat. I was suppose to be spending this week down at Stafford Moor but finances simply won’t allow, which I absolutely gutted about, because I really enjoy my trips to Andy’s fishery.
Suzanne is still amongst the ranks of the unemployed, despite continually applying for positions without success. There is however light at the end of the tunnel. Suzanne has always wanted to leave the motor industry and a few opportunities have come to light for her to go self employed. This obviously provides its own challenge, but Sue is really excited to be control of her destiny. However it is taking a little longer than expected to finalise a deal, which was originally mid July, then mid August, now its likely to be the start of September.
As for myself, I now know who is buying my department. Now whilst I expect the new company to be a good employer, the opportunities for professional development and increased income is likely to be limited. However I am currently in negotiation with my existing employer about staying with them, which could an exciting opportunity, if not more risky then going to the new company.
In the meantime I have been helping Sue set up her business, which has meant less time for fishing (as well as a lack of money). It is therefore with regret I have to stop running the South West Winter League, passing control to Dave Downton. I sincerely hoped I didn’t have to and waited as long as I could before making a decision, hoping my personal circumstances would improve.
I’m confident Suzanne will be successful, but the next 2-3 months are still likely to be very tough. I will still be fishing, but simply not as often as I would like. I am hoping come the New Year I will be back on an even keel and will be able to fish Mikes Lands End Winter League.
Suzanne is still amongst the ranks of the unemployed, despite continually applying for positions without success. There is however light at the end of the tunnel. Suzanne has always wanted to leave the motor industry and a few opportunities have come to light for her to go self employed. This obviously provides its own challenge, but Sue is really excited to be control of her destiny. However it is taking a little longer than expected to finalise a deal, which was originally mid July, then mid August, now its likely to be the start of September.
As for myself, I now know who is buying my department. Now whilst I expect the new company to be a good employer, the opportunities for professional development and increased income is likely to be limited. However I am currently in negotiation with my existing employer about staying with them, which could an exciting opportunity, if not more risky then going to the new company.
In the meantime I have been helping Sue set up her business, which has meant less time for fishing (as well as a lack of money). It is therefore with regret I have to stop running the South West Winter League, passing control to Dave Downton. I sincerely hoped I didn’t have to and waited as long as I could before making a decision, hoping my personal circumstances would improve.
I’m confident Suzanne will be successful, but the next 2-3 months are still likely to be very tough. I will still be fishing, but simply not as often as I would like. I am hoping come the New Year I will be back on an even keel and will be able to fish Mikes Lands End Winter League.
Sunday, 10 May 2009
Being screwed by the system
For those that know me, will know my wife lost her job nearly 6 months ago and as yet hasn’t found another job. Having worked as a manager in the motor trade she has found it very hard to find another position.
During this time Suzanne has been claiming Job Seekers Allowance (£62pw), only to now be told she no longer qualifies! Why? Well, because I earn more than twice the minimum wage, according to the rules, this is sufficient to pay for the essentials. So the sod the fact we have a mortgage, household bills and other debts, which are only going to increase.
As a consequence of the added pressure on my finances and the fishing will have to take a back seat at the moment. Unfortunately, I have had to cancel my involvement in Tony Rixons Float League, which is disappointing, because I was looking forward to it, but trying to keep my head above water has to take priority.
What I find the most galling is Suzanne is a casualty of an economic crisis, yet despite previously contributing to the system by way of taxes and National Insurance, she won’t be getting anything. It appears the more you contribute to the system the less you get back. Speaking to a number of people, as well as chatting over the Internet, there is a definite air of discontentment.
There is the obvious anger at the reasons why we find ourselves in this economic mess. As someone who works in financial services, I understand the reason better than most. It is a matter of fact that the economy goes in cycles, so following a period of growth, there was always going to be a downturn. However, this downturn is incredibly severe, when to be honest it shouldn’t be and the government has a lot to answer for.
It has been very convenient for the government that house prices had continued to rise, the extra revenue generated from inheritance tax and stamp duty has been massive, but were has the money gone? Chasing weapons of mass destruction and brown nosing an absolute muppett in the US. With increasing house prices, mortgage providers had to find new ways of offering mortgages to the general public and so starts the ever decreasing circle.
What I find incredible is the government and the financial institutions didn’t see the signs, or chose to ignore them. Unfortunately it is human nature to believe the good times we will continue, however the government via the FSA (Financial Services Authority), should have more closely regulated the industry. They would not been able to stop the downturn, because it is part of the cycle, however by saying enough is enough, then I believe we wont be in as deep as we are at the moment. As I said before this didn’t suit a government who are quite happy to fritter away our taxes.
So now we find ourselves in this position, many of us have lost jobs or working more hours for less money, which is certainly true in my case. However the government has forgotten about those who have previously contributed to the system, preferring to look after those deemed to be not so well off, like the overweight family, who say they are too ill to work, so they get virtually everything paid for them. Withdraw their benefits, they will suddenly be well enough to work!
So why am I ranting? Well it hurts when you arrive home and find your wife in tears, because some drunk, drug addict or other low life is deemed to be more worthy to receive benefits. These people will continue to take from society, whilst giving nothing back. Whilst those who want to work, get shafted.
Hopefully, Suzanne will get a job soon and I can get back to fishing!
During this time Suzanne has been claiming Job Seekers Allowance (£62pw), only to now be told she no longer qualifies! Why? Well, because I earn more than twice the minimum wage, according to the rules, this is sufficient to pay for the essentials. So the sod the fact we have a mortgage, household bills and other debts, which are only going to increase.
As a consequence of the added pressure on my finances and the fishing will have to take a back seat at the moment. Unfortunately, I have had to cancel my involvement in Tony Rixons Float League, which is disappointing, because I was looking forward to it, but trying to keep my head above water has to take priority.
What I find the most galling is Suzanne is a casualty of an economic crisis, yet despite previously contributing to the system by way of taxes and National Insurance, she won’t be getting anything. It appears the more you contribute to the system the less you get back. Speaking to a number of people, as well as chatting over the Internet, there is a definite air of discontentment.
There is the obvious anger at the reasons why we find ourselves in this economic mess. As someone who works in financial services, I understand the reason better than most. It is a matter of fact that the economy goes in cycles, so following a period of growth, there was always going to be a downturn. However, this downturn is incredibly severe, when to be honest it shouldn’t be and the government has a lot to answer for.
It has been very convenient for the government that house prices had continued to rise, the extra revenue generated from inheritance tax and stamp duty has been massive, but were has the money gone? Chasing weapons of mass destruction and brown nosing an absolute muppett in the US. With increasing house prices, mortgage providers had to find new ways of offering mortgages to the general public and so starts the ever decreasing circle.
What I find incredible is the government and the financial institutions didn’t see the signs, or chose to ignore them. Unfortunately it is human nature to believe the good times we will continue, however the government via the FSA (Financial Services Authority), should have more closely regulated the industry. They would not been able to stop the downturn, because it is part of the cycle, however by saying enough is enough, then I believe we wont be in as deep as we are at the moment. As I said before this didn’t suit a government who are quite happy to fritter away our taxes.
So now we find ourselves in this position, many of us have lost jobs or working more hours for less money, which is certainly true in my case. However the government has forgotten about those who have previously contributed to the system, preferring to look after those deemed to be not so well off, like the overweight family, who say they are too ill to work, so they get virtually everything paid for them. Withdraw their benefits, they will suddenly be well enough to work!
So why am I ranting? Well it hurts when you arrive home and find your wife in tears, because some drunk, drug addict or other low life is deemed to be more worthy to receive benefits. These people will continue to take from society, whilst giving nothing back. Whilst those who want to work, get shafted.
Hopefully, Suzanne will get a job soon and I can get back to fishing!
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