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Latest News Updates.
Tues 15th July 2008
new contact email address for MHAC
mhac@km-mvs.com
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Tues 25th Jan 2005
DIESEL SPILLAGE IN RIVER RAY
About 12noon today I was contacted by a friend informing me GWR Radio had announced a 10,000 litre Diesel spillage into the River Ray at Westlea, Swindon. Hearing this I immediately contacted the Enviroment Agency (E.A) for confirmation and attended the Club Lake.
The 'E.A' confirmed this was true, and I was told it was actually about 6,500 litres (still just as bad!) that had spilled out into the Ray and had so far travelled 2 miles downstream towards the Club Lake.
I was also informed, this was caused by a 'Business firms machine' breaking down and their emergency backup machine failing to work! What machine this was, I wasn't told, neither the firms name.Once I arrived at the Lake, I noticed there was an immence smell of Diesel in the air which was very noticably travelling down the River Ray, only 30 feet from the Lake.
Seeing this, brought huge concerns of the Diesel possibly getting into the lake by the overflow pipe and contaminating the water, killing Fish, Birds and other wildlife.
As a safety measure I have now blocked both ends of the overflow pipe, which runs from where the Reeds are, in the lake to 30 feet away, over into the Ray just left of the Bridge. Providing it doesn't rain to much over the next few days, the Lake and wildlife should now be safe the overflow pipe is blocked and as the storm drain only opens when the lake goes into flood anyway.The Lake goes into flood because of the water coming down from the surrounding hills to the lake, which raises the lake by upto an extra 4-5 feet and inturn opens the 'flood flap' on the overflow pipe in the bank of the River Ray.Should the lake unfortunately go go into flood now, which happens about 3 times a year after heavy rain. The flood water will still be able to escape into the storm drain over the pathway at the lower end of the lake, which it normally does during flooding, anyway. So there should be no concern for the water escaping elsewhere damaging other surrounding areas.
Incidently, the 'E.A' have been informed of the closure of the overflow pipe temporarily and are happy with this).I will be monitoring the situation very closely everyday for as long as needed, until the diesel spill is cleared with the hope of re-opening the overflow pipe as soon as possible.During the afternoon today and no doubt over the next few days, the 'E.A' have been/are constantly monitoring the situation and taking water samples at various points downstream of the River, whilst also trying to clean the spillage up.As a result of this spillage, I would be like to ask everyone visiting the Lake and River, to keep a close eye open for any Fish/Birds or other wildlife found in distress or found dead. And if so, please contact me immediately on 07776 090255 or 01793 778272 (24hrs a day). THANK YOU.I will be updating this page with any fresh news over this spillage when it arises. Kevin Maddison
First published in Evening Advertiser on Tuesday 25 January 2005:
Fuel spillage is wildlife threat
by Gareth Bethell
AN INVESTIGATION is underway to find out how 10,000 litres of oil leaked into a Swindon river.
The Environment Agency says up to 10,000 litres of red diesel has leaked into a tributary of the River Ray in Swin-don, polluting a two-mile stretch.
Officers from the Environ-ment Agency were called to an area near the Westlea Indus-trial Estate on Sunday morning after several members of the public reported seeing a large quantity of fuel coating the surface of the water.
An investigation and a clean-up operation has been launched.
Officers from the Environ-ment Agency stretched a number of booms across the river to contain the diesel and prevent it from travelling further downstream.
Initially absorbent pads were used to try to soak up some of the spill.
Since then, contractors from Adler and Allan Oil and Environmental Services have been called in and are at the site cleaning up the diesel with a tanker.
A spokeswoman for the Environment Agency said officers were investigating the cause of the pollution, the source of which is a local industrial estate, with the help of Thames Water.
Lee Horrocks, environment officer, said: "After being alerted to this incident by members of the public, we were quickly at the scene and involved in the clean up to minimise the potential impact of the pollution."
Spokeswoman for Thames Water Hilary Bennett said: "We have been assisting the Environment Agency in trying to trace the source."
Sue and Roger Hulbert from the Swindon Swan Sanctuary have been working hard to help birds caught in the spill.
Mrs Hulbert said: "We've got a moorhen but it's really quite poorly. And I'm not sure it will survive."
And Mr Hulbert said: "We're trying to catch the swans and we've heard there are a couple of dead kingfishers.
"There was a cygnet there covered in oil and some swans but we've got a way to go to catch them."
To report a pollution incident call the Environment Agency's hotline on 0800 807060.
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First published in Evening Advertiser on Friday 28 January 2005:
Source of spill found
THE Environment Agency says it has tracked down the firm responsible for a fuel leak which polluted a Swindon river.
Up to 10,000 litres of red diesel poured into a tributary of the River Ray, by the Westlea Industrial Estate on Sunday.
Emma Cassidy from the Environment Agency said: "We believe we have found the source and stopped any further discharge.
"It is now part of an ongoing investigation, which may result in possible enforcement action against the company.
He added: "At this stage we can't release the name of the company."
Ms Cassidy said the leak had killed off hundreds of stickleback fish living in the river.
Efforts are continuing to clean up the river but 4,000 tonnes of diesel remains.
A moorhen that was rescued from the river by the Swindon Swan Sanctuary is said to be making good progress towards recovery.
Roger and Sue Hulbert, which runs the sanctuary from their home in Shrivenham Road, feared the bird would not make it after rescuing it from the spill.
But Sue said the stricken bird had started to feed itself and would soon be well enough to return back to its natural habitat.
Wed 15th Dec 04
RE: Swindon Borough Council (SBC) 'Angling Enforcement Officer'
(Letter received from Swindon Borough Council reads as follows;)
During the last few years it has been noticeable that there has been an increase in injuries to wildfowl and wildlife around Swindon Borough Council owned waters, as well as an increase in angling related problems.
Although the individual Club Bailiffs regularly make checks on the lakes, it was felt that the Council could give further assistance to the Clubs by the appointment of an Enforcement Officer for Angling. Therefore, from 1st January 2005, Swindon Borough Council has appointed an 'Officer' to the post.The duties of the Enforcement Officer will be:
1. To visit all Swindon Borough Council owned waters to offer advice, and assistance to Anglers, Club Bailiffs and Angling Clubs.
2. To inspect all Permits, DayTickets and Tackle.
3. To enforce all Rules and Regulations appertaining to Angling and the maintenance of all Council owned waters.
4. To ensure the safety of all wildfowl and wildlife by way of advice guidance and enforcement.
The Enforcement Officer has the right to give warnings or ban any Angler found committing an offence.
The Enforcement Officer will notify the appropriate Club of any person who has been found infringing the rules and of any action taken.
In the event of any dispute the decision of the Enforcement Officer will be final.
Yours Sincerely,Director for Swindon Services at SBC.Wording of above letter has been slightly altered to protect Council Members names until permission is sought by the members to publicise. SECRETARYSat 23rd Oct 041. All weed in the Club Lake has now dispersed.
2. Day Tickets are no longer being sold at 'Hinders Tackle Shop'
Instead, Day Tickets will also be available from the 'Spar Shop' in Marigold Close, Woodhall Park, Swindon from 1st Nov 2004.
We are also requesting permission to sell Day Tickets at the 'Tawny Owl Pub' on Thamesdown Drive, Swindon. Which is directly opposite the entrance to the Club Lake. We are awaiting a decision back from 'Arkells Brewery'.
Sat 17th July 04
Chairman Mark Hawkins asked the Enviroment Agency for permission for our Club to stock 'Grass Carp'. This would have been one way of combating the weed situation.But unfortunately it was refused.
We are now liasing with firms & the E.A. of the possibility of getting the lake sprayed, to kill off the canadian pond weed. Though this would probably have to be done in the spring and over a few months.
Until then, several members will be making regular visits to 'rake' the weed out from the swims, helping to keep the swims as weed free as possible. Further updates on the weed problem to come.....
Mon 21st June 04
On Tuesday 22nd June 04, the 'Advertiser' for Swindon will be doing a write up on all the damage done down the Club Lake, with photos.
Don't forget to buy your copy and maybe even write-in to the 'Advertiser' to have 'YOUR OWN SAY' to try and help us put a stop to all this damage.Secretary
Tues 15th June 04
Vandalism at Lake - During the Bank Holiday W/End & on the weekend just gone - it was found that some people (presumably children aged 10 to 16yrs old) had been to the lake and caused masses of damage to; Trees that had been unearthed and thrown into the lake, platforms smashed and Guard Rails ripped off & thrown in the lake, tons of litter, the Club Notice Board vandalised and thrown in the lake and all the Cor-Fibre Rolls for bank improvement walked-on and sunk.
I have estimated the cost of damage to be about £20,000
As everyone can imagine, to see all this is very disheartening, to say the least, particulary as Mouldon Hill Angling Club have put a lot of hard work into building the Club up for all the young & old, who wish to join to fish or just visit the lake for the peace and beauty of the surrounding area.
We're not the only Club that has fallen victim to all this vandalism. As many other Clubs in the Swindon area have also been victim too, recently and as well as in the past. And we have now had enough and it WILL STOP.
The Committee are now liasing with all other Clubs and anglers in the local area to come up with support and ideas to put a stop to all this vandalism. There are going to be eyes, cameras, video cameras and many traps laid around the whole areas of the Clubs lakes and amongst the 3,000+ Angling Members, we are going to catch the people doing all this. And when we do, we are now going to prosecute without warnings being given and with the support of the Council and authorities.
Since the vandalism, I have contacted the Swindon Police and written two letters with photographs attached, to Swindon Borough Council. Which I will keep you all informed on.
If you do see someone doing anything they shouldn't be doing, please contact the Swindon Police on 01793 528111 and myself on 01793 778272 or 07776 090 255 or any other Club Committee Member.
Many Thanks, Kevin Maddison (Club Sec)
Mon 7th June 04
The Combinatin Padlock is now in place on the gate to the lake.
Members will find the Combination number in the back of their Membership Books, which is changed yearly.
Now the lock is on the gate, all keys issued for the Council lock must be returned to the Secretary please a.s.a.p, Thank you
Fri 4th June 04
Re: Combination Padlock on Gate
Swindon Borough Council have now granted permission for our Club to change the 'Lock Mech' on the Gate to the Lake. And will involve some welding and cutting for it to accommondate our padlock in addition to the Councils.
This will hopefully be done by Sunday 6th June 04.
Please note, once done, I will require all the padlock keys back that were issued.
Thurs 27th May 04
From Message Board: Grand for more fish !!
Royal Mail Sports Federation have kindly donated £1,000, of which will be put towards more stock for our lake. Many Thanks for this donation
- m hawkins
During 2003/4, Club Chairman Mark Hawkins (Employed at Royal Mail), applied for a Charitable funding from the Royal Mail Sports Federation (RMSF), to enable further fish stockings for Mouldon Hill A/C. Mark was successful with his application and received £2,250 for the Club.
Mark has recently made another application for another funding from the 'RMSF' (for 2004/5) and has again, been successful in getting the Club a further £1,000. That will also be used for further fish stockings when Mark receives the cheque in 4-6weeks time.
So on behalf of the Club, we would like to say a 'HUGE THANKYOU' to the 'Royal Mail Sports Federation' for their generous funding and helping aid us to improve our Club further, for the Members and Community that fish the Club Lake.
And a Big THANKYOU & Well Done, to Club Chairman Mark Hawkins for the success in the applications he's made. Which, since the starting of the Club four years ago - Mark has now brought in a Grand Total of £8,500 for Club Funds.
Thurs 6th May 04
If you've visited the Club Lake recently, you'll see there's a new gate at the entrance also with a height restrictor barrier in place. The Council have now put one of their own 'keyed padlocks' on the gate. And as the gate can only accomondate one padlock at a time, we've had to remove our own Combination padlock.
To enable Members continued access through the gate, the Council have now asked us to get keys cut for the Members and issue them by obtaining a refundable deposit, currently set at £5 to ensure the keys are returned. Once Members pay this, the key can be kept throughout the Season.
As you can imagine it is abit of a nuisance, particulary as we may have to cut upto 200 keys (expensive !)and complaints have already come to me because of the extra expense on top of the Membership Fees for Members.
Due to this, I have now forwarded a proposal to the Council for me to re-design the 'gate lock mechanism', so it will also accomondate our own Combination Padlock. The Council have since telephoned and said they will arrive at a decision within the next few days.
Until then, hoping the proposal is accepted, any Member requiring a key - please contact me on 07776 090 255. Kevin Maddison (Secretary)
Sunday 24th April 04
144 lb of mixed Roach & Perch (upto 1lb each) were netted from Queens Park today and placed into Mouldon Hill Lake.
Upon a joint effort to net the fish by Mouldon Hill, Liden & Shaftsbury AC - All three Clubs had equal amounts of the nettings made.
And it is now hoped another netting will be done in August from Coate Water and again split between the Clubs.
In addition to this stocking, we should hopefully also get the long awaited 250 lb of Bream (of 3lb+ each) that we ordered last year.
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1st April 2004.
New Memberships for 2004/5
are now available via one of four local Tackle Dealers in Swindon or direct from Club Secretary via post.
(Click on LINK below for Dealers addresses and LINK to Full Memberships). |
Tench & Bream Stocking
 Sat 6th March 041. A second stocking of over 155lb of '3lb+' Tench were placed into Mouldon Hill Lake this weekend. And 250lb of '3lb+' Bream are due within the next few weeks.
2. Since a recent meeting with Swindon Borough Council over future projects for the lake - For Season 2004/5, there will be an alteration to the current fishing boundary. The length of bank available to fish from will stay the same. Though, a third of it will be moved around to deeper water . This will further increase catch rates. A detailed plan of the new boundary will be in 2004/5 Season M'ship books.
3. Starting from about 8th March 04 for 8 weeks, contractors will be laying a 240yd tarmac road from the gateway down towards the lake. Following the current dirt track road. Whilst this work goes on, Members will still have access to the lake in their vechicles but please take care watching out for big dips in the construction road and machinery. The temperary parking area is 'left', just off the dirt track road before the right hand bend by the lake.
4. Annual General Meeting is being held on Sunday 22nd March 04 at the Ferndale Workmans Club, Gorse Hill, Swindon at 8pm.
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Previous Updates...
Sunday 11th Jan 04
Tench Stocking - Over 150lb of '3lb+' Tench were placed into Mouldon Hill Lake today. And a further stocking of over 100lb of '3lb+' Tench is expected within a few weeks time.
In addition to the Tench, there is also a stocking of '3lb+' Bream we're expecting to be delivered before the end of March.
Keep watching this page for further updates
Sat 10th Jan 2004
Restocking
Martin Moore fish suppliers will be attending the lake on Sunday 11th Jan 04 at 1pm. And will be placing 150lb of Tench of 2-3lb each into the lake, with a further 100lb of Tench being delivered shortly after this date.
There will also be a stocking of Bream going into the lake about March time, once the Bream have been health checked.
All P30's for above stockings are in order..
Fri 14th Nov 2003
LAKE RESTORATION
Since the request for a workparty was made to help with the restoration of the banks around the Club Lake, this is now postphoned until mid January 2004.
The Enviroment Agency(EA) have ordered the materials, i.e the Core-fibre rolls and some Eco Islands and they're now liasing with authorities to determine if there are any cables or pipes etc within the Lakes grounds, before the work commences.This will take about 6 weeks to do.
In addition to our own workparty force, the EA will also beable to help with another five staff/helpers from the EA, to aid with the project.
FISH STOCKINGS
The EA have recieved the 'Section 30' required from our fish supplier to stock more fish into the lake.
And the fish supplier have since informed us, they'll be able to get a delivery of Tench to us by the end of the month. These will be 2lb-4lb+ ,each.
In addition to this, we'll be recieving a stocking of Bream shorty after, once they have undergone a health check.
Whilst we await the precise dates for each 'stocking'- if anyone would like to watch the fish going into the lake, please give me a ring on 07776 090 255 or leave a message on my answerphone. But please be aware, these dates/times maybe at very short notice, i.e one to two days, which is what we're usually given.
Tue 16th Sept 2003
APPEAL FOR WORK PARTY.
During Sept, bamboo sticks will be placed in Mouldon Hill lake, to mark out the new fishing banks boundary line.
This is being done in preperation for when the 'Cor-fibre rolls' are due to arrive, early October.
The 'Cor-fibre rolls' will help to reform and strengthen the new banks around the lake.
With this re-developement project now starting to move quickly, there is an appeal for approx 15 people/Members to volunteer and help place the 'Cor-fibre rolls' into the lake and help with the backfilling of soil behind them.
The workparty is intended to take place on a Saturday and Sunday at short notice, within the next few weeks.
Anyone that can kindly offer to help, please forward your name and telephone number to the 'Club Secretary' Kevin Maddison on 01793 778272 or 07776 090 255 or email Kevin at mhac@communigate.co.uk
Thankyou
Sun 20th June 2003
Re: Work Party Scheduled for Sat/Sun 21st/22nd June 03
Dear Members,
Since recent discussions with the Enviroment Agency, concerning the work to be carried out by them, at the lake in Autumn time. i.e. re-landscaping the lake boundarys ect - This has now been cancelled until further notice.
Sorry for the late notice, but this was only just decided at the recent Swindon Fisheries Forum (SFF) on Wed 18th June, just gone.
The reason for this is, because the work planned for the Work Party will now be done when the EA do the work on the lake, hopefully in Autumn time.
If you would like any further info concerning this, please email me.
Meanwhile, please check out the link at the bottom of this page for 'Reed Beds' by Aqua-Science'.
This is some of the work that may be done along with marginal work around the banks of the lake.
Sun 1st June 2003
Since bank holiday weekend, Members have telephoned with complaints about swimmers down the lake.
No body is permitted to swim in the lake and the problem is being tackled as I write.
Yesterday, Sat 31st May after recieving a call from a Club Bailiff. I contacted the head of Swindon Borough Council and managed to get two Council Rangers to attend the lake, as I was unable to go down there myself.
This problem is beginning to get worse since last summer.Since the lake is now becoming known to the general public.
Therefore, we are now starting to take more drastic actions to combat this with local authorities.
And now, where possible, prosecutions will be made.
If you do experience these problems, don't forget, that as members of MHAC, you are 'ALL' Bailiffs of the Club and 'YOU' do have authority to expell people from the grounds. But please be careful and if possible call for another members help or Swindon Police on 01793 528111.
To aid in the combat of this and problems alike, we require Names and Addresses of such tyrants with contact details of witnesses.
Please forward all these to myself or any Committee Member.
(See Contacts Page for forwarding details),
Thanks you.
30th May 2003
Members, Please note there is a new 'Combination Padlock' and chain on the gateway to the Lake. With the addition of a Council 'key Padlock' too.
The Combination for the Padlock is on the reverse of your Club Permit Card.
The chain will eventually be welded to the padlock around the gate, so we don't lose it.
Please remember, that only Club Members have access through the gate with their vechicals.So please lock the gate shut, once you've gone through.
There has been alot of fly-tipping going on down the lake in past months and we do not want to lose this parking and access privilage.
Thank you.
May 2003
Club Treasurer, Colin Kinsman has stepped down from his Committee role, due to work committments.
On behalf of the Club, we would like to thank Colin for his contribution with the developement of Mouldon Hill Angling Club and wish him well for the future.
Since Colins resignation, Committee Member Pete Saunders has now taken over as the new Club Treasurer. Like Colin, Pete has been with the Club since it was developed in May 2000 and we thank him for taking on this role and extra responsibility.
Sat 22nd April 03
Bank work to enable easy access onto the double platforms for the disabled and children was completed today, by K.Maddison and Pete Saunders
Sat 29th March 03
Since the recent discovery by the Club Chairman Mark Hawkins, of a charitable funding organisation called the 'Royal Mail Sports Federation'. An application was sent to them and the Club have very gratefully received a cheque for £2,250.00, which will enable further fish stockings to go ahead during 2003.
In addition, whilst the Chairman has been very hard at work, Mark also found another organisation called the 'Jack Lane Trust' and sent an application off to them too. And recently, after the Trust gave our Club a second consideration, we have also very gratefully received a cheque from them, for £500.
A total of £2,750.00
And for even more good news - After recent discussions with the Enviroment Agency and an officer from the 'E.A' visiting the Club Lake. MHAC have been provisionally agreed a sum of upto £10,000 to be spent on the Lake to help improve the banks/plantation and the cormorant problems. And for the work to hopefully be started in Autumn.
Sun 9th March 03
Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2002/3 - is to be held on Sunday 23rd March. At the Ferndale Workmans Club, Gorse Hill, Swindon, Wilts at 7.30pm.
Any Proposals for changes to Club Rules are to be sent to the Club Secretary by letter by Sat 22nd March 03.
All Proposals must be presented at the AGM by the 'Proposer' and a 'Seconder' whom must be both be Club Members and present with Club Permits.
Mon 5th Nov 01
MHAC now operates an exchange tickets system with BCA A/C. For which members in either club may now fish each others club waters by producing their own club card.
BCA's water is on the River Cole just off the Highworth to Lechlade Road. All details will be sent to existing members in the next updated News Letter, which is being sent out in December .
Thanks to all for visiting MHAC's site.
I opened this site on 29th Sept 01, and as you can see, I still have alot of work to do, to get it up and running properly.
Until such time, please bear with me and keep revisiting when you can, as I shall be trying to get all the more important information on site first. Thank you.
ps Feel free to leave any comments (polite I hope! on the message page, also if you have any ideas or tips. Cheers.
Hope to see you on the bank.
Kevin Maddison (Club Secretary). |
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