The Director's Update, June 2025

I am not sure how many initiatives could put, an iconic voice of rock a post punk-water quality warrior and one of our more loved and respected comics on to the same bank, fish, catch trout, and celebrate a phenomenally successful day fund raising.  

Fishing for Schools can.  

On the last Friday of May, a cluster of revered anglers and celebrity folk gathered together at Lakedown Trout Fishery – and tap room (let’s not forget that bit!) – in the heart of rural Sussex to celebrate all things Fishing for Schools, catch a few fish – some a few more than others and raise funds for future school delivery.  

 It was magnificent.  

 The lakes were bedecked in their finest late spring clothes, the fish were bright, tenacious and variously tricky, the atmosphere was joyous, the food – sublime, the bidding and generosity was generous to a fault – and Fishing for Schools made a great many new friends.  

 On personal note, I was humbled by people's kindness and sheer willingness to support what we do. After so many years of inspiring would be young anglers, we still, to some extent, fly under the radar of being known universally for the excellence we deliver.  

Friday the 30th did much to change that. We have made some new friends and inspired some old ones to drive us ever forwards. 

 But I really shouldn’t leave this introduction without a few deeply felt thank you’s.  

• To Roger and Jamie Daltrey for hosting us and being pivotal the days success.  

• To the indefatigable James Cuthbertson for being the consummate cog that kept the machine moving!  

• Ted, for being well, Ted.  

• Johnny Vegas and Feargal Sharkey for being their completely wonderful selves.  

• My old friend Pete Cockwill for the support he offered to everyone on the day.  

• Our Sponsors…Orvis and YETI. Amazing.  

• All the teams for being generous and brilliant.

• To my colleagues: Lottie Clinch, Harry Fone and Lee Hooper – gosh you were fantastic!  

And finally  

• Pete Tyjas for recording it all for posterity on his podcast channel: Fly Culture – and if you really want a flavour the day, this is a must for you to listen into.  

Will we ever do another event like this... nothing is being ruled in at the moment…then again, nothing is being ruled out!