The KEBC Christmas dinner at the Cottage Hotel last Friday was a great success, 40 members attended and at least half of them stayed the night. Breakfast was surprisingly cheerful and some members went for a swim! Same time, same place next year??
We have been made aware of a consultation being carried out by the Devon and Severn Inshore Fishing Authority into the possibility of legalising and licensing gill net fishing within the Estuary. Full details of what is involved and how to comment on the proposals are on the Devon and Severn Inshore Fishing and Conservation Authority web site. https://www.devonandsevernifca.gov.uk/formal-public-consultation-changes-to-the-netting-permit-conditions/ .More comments and amplification can be found on the web site of the Angling Trust; go to https://anglingtrust.net/2023/11/27/statement-from-the-angling-trust–on-the-salcombe-kingsbridge–estuary-netting-proposal/ for more information. I understand that the AOB oppose the suggestion that gill nets up to 100 metres long should be legally used within the estuary for a multitude of reasons. Please make your own representations before the closing date of January 19th 2024. The best time to make your feelings heard is NOW!
Your Committee met on the 18th at the Chairman’s home, the meeting was fairly brief and they subsequently enjoyed a pleasant social supper evening wiith partners. Subjects discusssed at the meeting included the following:
Membership renewals are coming in steadily and Penny Masters is continuing to fill the role of Membership Secretary, many thanks Penny. Tide tables and membership cards will be posted soon, probably after Christmas.
The receipts from raffles at the members’ evenings have increased this year to the extent that we might be able to extend the Kids Afloat scheme to an additional two primary schools. The generosity of our members is much appreciated and it was reported that our Kids Afloat scheme is now a welcomed addition to many schools’ programmes.
On the web site the list of businesses giving discounts to members has been updated. A new addition is EML Autos who are opposite the Crabshell. For Your Eyes Only has changed its name to Huxter and Davey. On the calendar you will see that the next Members’ evening at the Regal is the annual wine tasting session with Barrel and Still on Wednesday January 17th. Application and cost details will be available beforehand.
Conversations with the Harbour Authority on mooring availability in Kingsbridge and the possibility of a dinghy rack on the Kingsbridge slipway continue. SHA is aware of the pontoon berths that, although paid for, are left unused throughout the year and are looking at ways to correct the situation.
This will almost certainly be my last communication this year so I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Tony Watson.