Brian (left) awards Dennis with a gift from the VAC

This years AGM saw a record turnout of 91 - almost 8% of the end of season record membership of 1160.

As new and rejoining members will read in the latest (paper) copy of Verulam News,  the AGM saw the stepping down of Dennis Bateman from the position of VAC President after 19 years and, in total, 42 years of committee service. Taking up the challange we have Brian Bangs who recently stepped down as Chairman of the General Committee.

In recognition of Dennis's service Brian, on behalf of the VAC, was delighted to present a magnificent framed print of chalk stream grayling.

Motions to extend the Rivers Only membership to include the Ivel and to raise subs by £2 (adults, others pro-rata) were passed. Also passed was a motion to move trout fishing from Riverside Road to Lake 1 at Frogmore in 2005. The motion was passed by a majority of 15 although it would seem that this result has created a number of significant secondary issues which the various VAC committees are now reviewing.

In the above mentioned Verulam News member Joe Freeman, 88 years young, writes in with some early memories and Derek Pullman, a member since 1969 harks back to film and slide show nights at the Peahen.

It would be great if our more senior members could dig through the old cake tins etc. and unearth some of those snaps of VAC days gone by.

Nothing last forever and members, fish and fisheries come and go. So why not share some of those memories and help preserve VAC history.

Send your digital submissions here - webmaster@verulam-angling.co.uk or just drop me a line if you have pictures or slides that need scanning.

Frogmore car park Pool 1996 before it was reworked - note the high n dry platforms