Highlight of the TFCC seminar was to have been a talk by outspoken Brummie and angling columnist, Des Taylor, on the abolition of the Close Season on rivers – subject on which he has argued passionately many times in the past. Unfortunately, shortly after Keith Arthur, an even more forthright and familiar Angling Broadcaster and Jounalist, volunteered to put the case for retention in what promised to be a spirited debate, Des found he had an unavoidable engagement and had to pull out. However organiser, John Ellis, is delighted that he has found someone who is perhaps even more arguementative and opinionated  than Des – as anyone who has attended recent NFA Conferences will be only too aware. Trevor Johnson, Chairman of mighty Milton Keynes AA, is itching to fill the vacancy in the ring .

Trevor commented “I have no fears about going head to head with Mr Arthur – may the best argument win. That said it’s a serious and highly contentious issue…one with potential to affect the very survival of river fishing clubs and river fishing as we know it.”

The event is to be held in The Garden Room at the prestigious Hampton Court Palace on Saturday 16th February and will incorporate NAFAC AGM. Which itself promises to be a historic affair. The Seminar runs from 9.30 am to 4.15 pm with the NAFAC AGM from 12.30 to 1pm. Tickets include Coffee and Buffet Lunch and cost £12 from John Ellis, who can be contacted on 01525 381280.

TFCC Secretary, John Ellis, commented, ‘Perhaps I’d better take my tin hat so I can survive to hear the latest information on the exciting steps towards angling unity which look set to make 2008 one of the most historic years for fisheries and angling in the UK.’