It is time for me to say my final thank you and goodbye to all the wonderful members and supporters of the Countryside Alliance.

I have been with the CA for five years and in that time I have never failed to be inspired by the passion and commitment of those who make the Alliance what it is. Our organisation is nothing without the members, supporters and volunteers and I would like to acknowledge their contribution, support and assistance during this time.

Although the time for marching is now behind us, I have no doubt that the spirit so many of you showed during those days still burns brightly and that together we will continue to show that the British countryside will never take lying down the prejudiced and bureaucratic meddling of those who don’t pretend to understand rural life.

I want to thank all those who I have worked alongside in my days as the Eastern Regional Director, and I know you will continue to give great support to William Burton in his role in the region. And I want to thank all the very dedicated and hard-working staff here at Old Town Hall, who have helped and supported me during my time as Chief Executive.

The Alliance is lucky to have such a passionate and industrious people as its members and staff, and I am very proud of the organisation I leave to Barney White-Spunner. I am confident that the Countryside Alliance will continue to go from strength to strength.

Alice Barnard
Chief Executive

This week an important angling conference was held on London’s South Bank. Teams from The Countryside Alliance Foundation’s flagship Fishing for Schools project, as well as from Casting for Recovery UK & Ireland, which we fund, were both in attendance.

The conference, 'Fishing for Answers', had a strong focus on the social and youth-related benefits of angling and presented the findings from the recent Social and Community Benefits of Angling Research Project, which we supported.

The Minister for the Natural Environment and Fisheries, Richard Benyon MP, spoke passionately about his belief in fishing’s role as a “spiritual uplift” and he also outlined the Government’s commitments on numerous angling and conservation-related issues from youth angling schemes to cormorants, hydro-energy and non-native species.

The Minister also spoke strongly about over-fishing and outlined the Government’s commitment to tackling the problem, pointing out that Western Europe cannot hold itself up as any kind of conservation model while current over-fishing levels persist.

Gloria Shingler, Counsellor and Trustee for Casting for Recovery UK & Ireland also addressed the event, outlining the programme and speaking movingly about the positive difference the charity is making.

The charity, as you know, offers ladies who have, or have had, breast cancer the chance to go on a retreat at which counselling and support groups are enhanced by the beautiful sport of fly fishing. More news on Casting for Recovery UK & Ireland’s 2012 schedule will be available soon.

Attended by representatives from the Angling Trust, the Environment Agency, the Wild Trout Trust, DEFRA, Thames Water and others, this conference was a welcome opportunity to exchange news and feel positive about the many worthwhile projects currently going on in the angling world.

The National Sporting Auction is being organised by Cheffins on behalf of the Countryside Alliance. Items donated need not be of a sporting nature; Cheffins are able to deal with a comprehensive range of lots ranging from furniture, paintings, ceramics, silver and glass to contemporary design, oriental works of art and wine, all of which may be entered to benefit the Alliance with a special highly discounted rate of commission. Entries close 11th February 2012.

Representatives from Cheffins will be at Horseheath point-to-point on Sunday 5th February to discuss any questions that you may have.

For further information and to donate items please contact Martin Millard on 01223 271 983 or email: countrysideallianceauction@cheffins.co.uk

 

SATURDAY 4th FEBRUARY

COMBINED SERVICES at LARKHILL (Wiltshire)
First race: 11:30am
Admission prices: not yet supplied by meeting

SUNDAY 5th FEBRUARY

CAMBRIDGESHIRE WITH ENFIELD CHACE at HORSEHEATH (Cambs) CB21 4QF
First race: 12noon
Admission prices: £10 per person, under 17s free

MID DEVON at BLACK FOREST LODGE (Devon) EX6 8NW
First race: 12noon
Admission prices: £20 per car, £10 single occupancy

OLD RABY HUNT CLUB at WITTON CASTLE (Co. Durham) DL14 0DE
First race: 12noon
Admission prices: £20 per car & 2 people, £5 each additional passenger, £10 single occupancy

TWESELDOWN RACING CLUB at TWESELDOWN (Hampshire) GU52 8DY
First race: 12:30pm
Admission prices: £15 per car & driver - £10 each additional adult. Under 16s free