Past Events


THAMES TIDEFEST 11th SEPTEMBER 2016

www.facebook.com/thamestidefest

www.facebook.com/TotallyThamesUK

www.clearwaterphotography.co.uk/tidefest2015

tidefest


Tuesday 27th May – TAC Annual General Meeting 2014

The AGM will start at 19:30 until 20:30, Talk by Duncan from around 21:00

We are pleased to announce that we have a date for this year’s annual meeting, it is slightly later than expected but has been a difficult few months.

The night will be somewhat reflective as we are missing a very important person, but it will be a chance to remember and celebrate Richard Crimp’s TAC time and more.

Duncan Green – Carping on the Thames

Our main speaker will be Duncan Green who approached us about giving a talk on his Thames fishing, it is the first time he has given a talk and we are delighted to accept his offer. Duncan was a close friend of Richard and will also be talking about their time together fishing the big river. Duncan as you may be aware is the Thames Carp and Tench record holder and has an impressive CV of big fish, he knows his stuff.

In addition Stu Keable from the Environment Agency will be giving a run down of fisheries activities during the main AGM.

Venue:

Bagster House CIU Club
Walton Lane
Shepperton
TW17 8LP
Walton Lane (the B376) is a one-way street and can only be entered from the new roundabout where it joins the A244 near Walton bridge.

Venue Map: http://bagsterhouse.co.uk/index_files/page0002.htm
Venue Phone Number: 01932 660057

Entrance is free but we will be asking for donations towards the running of the TAC.

For more information please go to the forum at: http://rivertac.org/forum

The following officials will be standing for re-election:

Chairman : David Harvey
Secretary : Ed Randall
Membership : Steve Holmes
Treasurer : position vacant due to the sad passing of Richard Crimp


Tuesday 14th May 2013 19:00 – TAC Annual General Meeting 2013 /  Q&A with Mike Wilson
The TAC AGM will take place on the 14th May at the Bagster House CIU club in Walton on Thames
The AGM will start at 19:30 until 20:30
Entrance is free but we will be asking for donations towards the running of the TAC
We are delighted to announce that from 9pm TAC Patron and Carp Legend Mike Wilson will be doing a question and answer session. Mike’s knowledge of Carp fishing history is second to none and is one of the pioneers our sport from his time on Savay Lakes.
If you have been to one of Mike’s talks before you will know how engrossing and engaging they are, we are very much looking forward to welcoming him back for another evening.

Mike Wilson

Mike Wilson with a Savay Carp C1976
Venue:

Bagster House CIU Club
Walton Lane (B376)
Shepperton (just off Walton Bridge)
TW17 8LP

Walton Lane is a one-way street and can only be entered from the Bridge end.
Venue Map: HERE
Venue Phone Number: 01932 660057
The Elected Officials for 2012/13 will all be standing for re-election:
Chairman : David Harvey
Secretary : Ed Randall
Treasurer : Richard Crimp
Membership : Steve Holmes

Thursday 29th November 2012 – from 7:30pm
An Evening with the TAC – guest speaker Martin Salter

We are delighted to announce that Martin Salter, ex MP for Reading West, TAC Patron, Angling Trust campaigns manager and a true champion of our sport is coming down to give a talk and slide show.

After leaving the house of commons Martin spent a year travelling Australia and fishing before returning to join the Angling Trust.

You can read more here Salter is back fighting for Fishing

Above all Martin is an angler and loves talking about nothing else, so should be a very good evening.

Along with fishing, Martin will be chatting about the Angling Trust and the issues that face us all today.

Hope you can join us for a great social evening.

Upstairs room at:

The Bell Inn
8, Thames Street
Hampton
Middlesex
TW12 2EA

From 7:30 pm

Entrance is free but we will be passing the donations bucket around


16th December 2012 – TAC Christmas Match 09:00 – 14:00
Details to follow…

Sunday 28th October 2012 – Pike Fish-in/Tuition Day 08:30 – 14:00

The 3rd annual TAC Pike Fish-in tutorial day will be held at Hurst Park in West Molesey.

Pike, despite their appearance, are one of the most delicate of river fish and can be very easily harmed by incorrect handling. Experts will be there to show you the correct methods of handling pike, unhooking and fish welfare. We would very much like as many juniors to attend this event as they will be the legacy for future generations of pike anglers.
We will offer expert advice on rigs and methods and check you are using the right equipment. Get advice about pike fishing and the opportunity to see experts with live fish.
Bring your scales – we have some certified accurate weights available, get yours checked and calibrated.
Pike can be caught by various methods including dead baits and lures, so bring your equipment with you.  Coaches from the Environment Agency, the Pike Anglers Club and TAC members will be on hand to give expert advice.
This is a free event and all are welcome, juniors and seniors.
Free parking at Sadlers Ride car park, Hurst Park, West Molesey, nearest postcode KT8 1SU or KT8 1ST.  (Note, some parts of this car park are locked overnight between 6:30pm – 8am).
Find us just upstream of the Hampton Ferry crossing, near the sundial area.
An EA Rod License is required if you are fishing.

3rd Annual TAC Pike Day Sunday 28th October 2012


8th September 2012 – TAC Annual Summer Day/Night Match
The 3rd annual TAC summer match is taking place on Saturday 8th September at Hurst Park in Molesey.
All are welcome whether fishing or not, juniors and seniors, any ability or style. We will need help on the night with weighing in, so any volunteers please contact us through the members forum
Entrance is £5.00
Meet on the riverside at Hurst Park, at the end of Sadlers Ride off the A3050 Hurst Road
The match will not be pegged, a draw to walk off and fish where you like.
 
Draw at 17:30 for both matches to fish:
One rod   7pm till Midnight
Two rods 7pm till 7am

 

Up for grabs are a number of Annual trophies:
David Bird Trophy for best Specimen a % of the UK record in the 7pm to Midnight
The Keith Arthur Cup for Best overall weight in the 7pm to Midnight
TAC Junior Cup for Best overall weight in the 7pm to Midnight
Lunar Shield for best Specimen to a % of the UK record in the 7pm – 7am
The Lock-keepers Cup for Best overall weight in the 7pm – 7am
The Les Webber Angling Projects Junior best overall weight 7pm – 7am
Esher Angling Junior best Specimen to a % of the UK record 7pm – Midnight

 

15th July and 22nd July 2012 – Hillingdon Family fishing fun days
An event organised by Hillingdon council in association with TAC Patron Les Webber and his Angling Projects.
Free to attend, last year saw over 500 kids try fishing
At Little Britain Lake on Sunday 15th July and Sunday 22nd July 2012. Free entry and activities!
9.30am to 3.30pm, at Packet Boat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JR
* Equipment and bait provided * Rod licence exemptions * ‘Catch of the Day’ prizes * Bird/Bat/Bug Box making * River Dipping * Bouncy Castle * Face Painting * Refreshments
Plus – speak to representatives from Angling Projects and local angling clubs.
Little Britain Lake

 

 

27th March 2012 19:30 – TAC Members Annual General Meeting 2012 /  Q&A with Keith Arthur
The TAC AGM will take place on the 27th March at the Bagster House CIU club in Walton on Thames
The AGM will start at 19:30 until 20:45, the agenda will be available here prror to the meeting
We are delighted to announce that from 21:00 TAC Honary President Keith Arthur will be talking about fishing the Thames and taking some of your questions. Keith’s knowledge of the tidal and non tidal river is second to none and we are expecting a great evening.

 

28th December 2011 – TAC Christmas Cup
Meet by Cinos snack bar under Walton Bridge from 07:30 for an 08:00 Draw
The car park is located below Walton Bridge off the A244, turn into Walton Lane, take the first right. Parking is also on the left hand side. 
Match is 4 hours  – 09:00 – 13:00

The venue is not pegged so is a walk off as soon as you have drawn. You will need to have your tackle ready to walk off straight away.

Entrance is £5 for adults, free for juniors,  with the winner receiving the ‘TAC Christmas Cup’


Everyone is welcome to take part, any ability, we would love to see some juniors

It is a great social event, we hope as many of our members can make it

Last years event ended in a ‘cast off’ and we had plenty of laughs along the way , link is here http://rivertac.org/site/?p=1138

 

4th December 2011 – Pike Fish-in/Tuition Day 08:00 – 14:00

The TAC are holding the 2nd annual Pike Fish-in and tutorial day at Walton Bridge. This is a fishing event so come along with your tackle and have a go.
Pike can be caught by various methods including dead baits and lures, so bring your equipment with you and coaches from the Environment Agency, The Pike Anglers club and TAC will be on hand to to give expert advice.
When fishing, we will be on the bank to help with that all important catch and how to handle the Pike in a safe way.
This is a free event and all are welcome, juniors and seniors
An EA Rod License is required
14th September 2011 – An Evening with the TAC and the ZSL
The TAC are delighted to be welcoming the Thames team from the Zoological Society of London for our first Autumn social evening. The ZSL do very important conservation work along the river and tonight part of the focus will be on the European Eel monitoring. Along with this a more general talk about issues concerning the Thames such as invasive species. Promises to be very interesting evening and a great chance to hear more about their work.
Venue: The Bell Inn, 8 Thames Street, Hampton, TW12 2EA
19:30 – 22:30
Entrance is free
26th August 2011 – TAC Annual Summer Day/Night Match
Promises to be another great event if last year is anything to go by. Legends were born in 2010. All are welcome whether fishing or not, juniors and seniors, any ability or style.
Entrance is £5.00
Meet at Cinos cafe under Walton bridge, fish from the Anglers pub up to and including Desborough Cut. It will not be pegged, a draw to walk off and fish where you like.
The car park is located below Walton Bridge off the A244, turn into Walton Lane, take the first right. Parking is also on the left hand side. Local map is here
Draw at 17:30 for both matches to fish:
One rod – 1900hrs till 0000
Two rods 1900hrs till 0700
Up for grabs are a number of Annual trophies:
David Bird Trophy for best Specimen a % of the UK record in the 7pm to Midnight
The Keith Arthur Cup for Best overall weight in the 7pm to Midnight
TAC Junior Cup for Best overall weight in the 7pm to Midnight
Lunar Shield for best Specimen to a % of the UK record in the 7pm – 7am
The Lock-keepers Cup for Best overall weight in the 7pm – 7am
The Les Webber Angling Projects Junior best overall weight 7pm – 7am
Esher Angling Junior best Specimen to a % of the UK record 7pm – 7am

 

26th August 2011 – Annual Day/Night Thames Match. Click here for the 2010 event
24th July and 7th August 2011 – Hillingdon Family fishing fun days
An event organised by Hillingdon council in association with TAC Patron Les Webber and his Angling Projects.
Free to attend, last year saw over 500 kids try fishing
At Little Britain Lake on Sunday 24 July and Sunday 7 August 2011. Free entry and activities!
9.30am to 3.30pm, at Packet Boat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JR
* Equipment and bait provided * Rod licence exemptions * ‘Catch of the Day’ prizes * Bird/Bat/Bug Box making * River Dipping * Bouncy Castle * Face Painting * Refreshments
Plus – speak to representatives from Angling Projects and local angling clubs.
Little Brittain Lake
14th July 2011 – An Evening with the TAC ‘Mike Wilson’ part 2
We are delighted again to be welcoming Mike Wilson as guest speaker for this special evening. Mikes first evening was such a huge success, time ran out with much more to be said.
On this second evening, Mike will be taking us through historical tackle and fishing methods from his collection. No doubt the banter will be as lively as before.
This event is unique as being held at Teddington Lock, the head of the Tideway.
Bring your fishing chair to sit on, bring and umbrella if the weather looks inclement.
Parking is in Riverside Drive, TW10, then a short walk to the Lock.
Start 20:00 to 23:00
19th June 2011 – ‘Celebration of the river season opening’
Walton Bridge riverside,10am to 3pm
To start the season of with a bang, we’re organising a rather special event.
The environment Agency have granted us a special license to enable people to try fishing for the first time.
With the help of Les Webber and EA professional coaches, we’ll be giving people their first taste of nirvana.
They will also be bringing flora and fauna displays, species in holding tanks, a launch, and enforcement officers will be on hand to answer your questions.
Other organisations will also attending
The TAC will be on hand to offer instruction in centre pin, float, lure, pike, feeder/lead, or closed face fishing, with equipment to try and a rig tying clinic.
You’ll be able to get your scales checked, as well as enter a ‘guess the weight competition’, and tricky casting competition.
19th June 2011 – ‘Make a Wish’ Charity Fishing Match
(This event is added on behalf of Luke Abel at Surbiton Angling Centre)
Walton Bridge, Walton on Thames
Walk off 3.45pm
Fishing  4.30pm- 7.30pm
£15.00 entry – all proceeds going to Make a Wish foundation UK.

24th May 2011 – An Evening with the TAC – Keith Speer

Gathering from a wealth of experience over many years, we are delighted to announce that Keith Speer will be doing a talk on fishing with the Stick Float and Pin.
Not only having an impressive record of many species to his name, the past two winters have seen an array of Barbel caught in some extreme conditions on the most balanced of tackle. This culminating last season with the biggest float caught Barbel ever seen, making news across the angling fraternity. Close friend and cohort of TAC patron Mike Wilson, Keith will be talking about his methods, this fish he has caught and demonstrating the tackle he uses. A great evening for all river fishermen.
Venue: The Bell Inn, 8 Thames Street, Hampton, TW12 2EA
19:30 – 22:30
Entrance £5.00 including a raffle

12th April 2011 – An Evening with the TAC – Duncan Charman

One of the UK’s top all rounder Anglers with a wealth of personal bests that most of us could only dream of. A journalist who is a regular in the weekly and monthly magazines plus now seen just as often on Online TV sharing his knowledge and fishing skills. As an angling guide, his customers enjoy a tailored day out whether it be by a still or flowing water. Duncan is a TAC Patron and will often be found at one of our events supporting the cause, chatting to members or giving out prizes. This promises to be a very good night.
Venue: The Bell Inn, 8 Thames Street, Hampton, TW12 2EA
19:30 – 22:30
Entrance £5.00 including a raffle

20th March 2011Staines riverside Clean up

Riverpark Ave, The Causeway, Staines, Middlesex, TW18 3AP
8:30 meet in the Homebase car park
 
Sunday 20th March we are holding a litter pick and clean up event along the Thames between Staines bridge and the Runnymead Hotel
If you live in the area or nearby and have not come along before, here is a great chance to meet up with other TAC members and non members alike.
There is a tea bar in Homebase car park for some early refreshment-All welcome, gloves, bags and litter grabbers supplied. Lots of fishy banter and some laughs along the way, a chance to see a different area of the river and make that difference.
17th March 2011An Evening with the TAC  – End of Season social
Our end of season social get together promises to be another event not to be missed.
We will be honouring our fore fathers the Thames Angling Preservation society who first met at this venue 174 years ago today.
We will hold a short slide show and chat along with rig and tackle advice, a chance to look through some member photo albums. There will be a scales check so please bring them along plus for anyone wanting to use the forum but unsure, the opportunity to get help and get involved.
Best of all the chance to meet up with some like minded Thames anglers, enjoy some great fishy banter and maybe learn a little along the way.
Venue: The Bell Inn, 8 Thames Street, Hampton, TW12 2EA
19:30 – 22:30
Entrance free (we will pass the donations bucket around)
27th February 2011Marginal river clean up
The TAC will be performing a clean up of the marginal riverside area between Turks Pier and the John Lewis building in Kingston Upon Thames. The clean up will be pulling marginal debris from the Thames and moving by boat to a barge kindly supplied by the Environment Agency. Our volunteers will be both bank side and afloat.
If you would like to join in or just come along and show your support, the clean up with commence around 8.30am.
Parking is mainly pay and display or there are local car parks.

16th February 2011 – An Evening with the TAC – Mike Wilson

We are delighted to announce that TAC Patron Mike Wilson will be giving a presentation and slide show from his wealth of Carp fishing history and angling knowledge.
Mike was a pioneer in Carp fishing at a time when it was in its infancy, his tackle innovations have become part and parcel of our normal fishing armory. His time managing Savay lake helped to push our sport to where it is and his Baiting Pyramid theory is still used today.  Mike helped to found the Carp Society and is on the cover on the iconic 1st Carpfisher magazine with a Savay fish. Mike is a is a highly successful all rounder with a penchant for big Roach so should be a very entertaining evening.
Venue: The Bell Inn, 8 Thames Street, Hampton, TW12 2EA
19:30 – 22:30
Entrance £5.00 including a raffle

25th January 2011 – TAC Annual General Meeting 2011

Venue: Bagster House CIU Club, Walton Lane, TW17 8LP

19.30 – 22.30

12th December 2010 – The ‘ TAC Christmas Cup ‘

Click here for full details

9th December 2010 – ‘An Evening with the TAC ‘

We have another event for your busy schedule in the next month, an evening with the TAC.
We have the Environment Agency Fisheries team coming down to do a talk about their excellent work on Thames. Including restockling programs, surveys and much more.
There will also be a raffle with some great prizes and of course the opportunity to meet up with other TAC members at a social event and enjoy lots of fishy banter. A great precursor to the TAC Christmas match on  Sunday 12th December
Time 19:00 – to 22:30
Open to members and non members who can sign up on the evening.
Entrance is £5.00 including the raffle.
Venue Bagster House CIU Club Walton Lane. Shepperton. TW17 8LP
31st October to 28th November – Semi Tidal Thames draw off.The Draw off is when the semi tidal section of the Thames (between Teddington lock and Richmond lock) is allowed to drain to its natural level at low tide. Wiki link to the half lock.

21st November 2010 – The Pike Angling Club and the Osprey Specimen Group in conjunction with the TAC are holding a Free Pike handling event at Walton on Thames

Anglers of all abilities are very welcome as this is a tuition event and importantly an opportunity to learn from qualified coaches how to handle and care for the biggest predatory fish.
Pike, despite their appearance, are one of the most delicate of river fish and can be very easily harmed by incorrect handling. The experts on the day will show you the correct methods of handling and care. We would very much like as many juniors to attend this event as they will be the legacy for future generations of Pike anglers.
We will do a rig check for you and check you are using the right equipment. Give advise about Pike fishing and get the opportunity to hold a fish.
It is not a fishing event where will be able to offer coaching on the bank, but will try to ensure that you next trip is safe and you have some experience and understanding of predator angling.
Venue: Thames at Walton Bridge. The event base will be in the car park below the bridge off the A244. Start time 08:00 until 13:00 View Map
Click here for our event poster
11th November 2010 – Angling Trust Thames Regional Forum open meeting
The next ATTRF meeting will held on the evening of Tuesday 9th November at Holiday Inn London Heathrow – Bath Road, Corner Sipson Way Heathrow, West Drayton,UB7 0DB
Commencing at 7 pm it will be an open meeting for Angling Trust members and prospective members and will feature special guest Keith Arthur who will give us his vision of the future of Angling Trust.
27th September to 22nd October – Tideway Tunnel Exhibitions. These exhibitions are a real opportunity to see what Thames Water has planned for the future of London’s decaying sewers. Dates
What is the Tideway Tunnel? Find out more here
25th September 2010 – The Great River Race. A spectacular boat race up London’s River Thames that attracts around 300 crews from all over the globe. http://www.greatriverrace.co.uk/
17th September– Lower Thames Championships Results
4th September 2010 –Members of the TAC attend a bankside clean up between Teddington and Canbury garden to clear to rubbish left by leaving illegaly moored boaters. Full report
27th August 2010 – First TAC annual match takes place at Walton upon Thames. This will be updated in our Events section. Fishing was hard but but the event did produce a magnificent 3lb 11oz Perch. See the full report here
9th August 2010 –TAC members attend a clean up on Desborough Island in Walton Upon Thames. 8 bags of rubbish were collected, much of it anglers but much also day trippers having little regard for the free areas of the Lower Thames
20th June 2010-TAC members go Himalayan Balsam Bashing along the river by Eel Pie Island.
17th June 2010 – TAC committee member attends meeting with Friends of Ham Lands to discuss looking after this area adjoining the river and the surrounding habitat.
10th June 2010 –TAC submit response to the Environment Agency’s Hydropower Permitting review.
9th June 2010 – TAC members join the Environment Agency for a Fish Survey at Richmond Upon Thames
6th June 2010 –TAC Clean up Event along the river between Hampton Court and Sunbury.
19th May 2010 – TAC committee members attends a Thames Water sewer inspection trip. This was a rare opportunity to see what happens down below! Full details on the forum.
11th May 2010 – TAC committee attend the Angling Trust Thames Regional Forum (formerly Thames Fisheries Consultative Council) meeting.
8th May 2010–TAC Members helped the Canbury and Riverside Association with a litter pick along the banks at Kingston.
25th April 2010–Upstream cruise with illegally moored boaters near Teddington. The TAC spent the afternoon aboard a launch belonging to one of the boaters, in an effort to understand their perspective on river life.
20th April 2010–Members of the TAC collected an office chair, a sash window clamp, 50 vodka bottles and copious amounts of timber/laminate from next to Hampton Court Bridge. 20 large black bags were also filled with rubbish. A local company offered the use of their skip for disposal of the large heavy items while Elmbridge Council collected the twenty bin bags.
17th April 2010–Members of the TAC given a guided tour by Thames Water around the Mogden Sewage Treatment works to see exactly how it operates.
14th April 2010–Litter pick completed around the Desborough Cut area of the Lower Thames.
10th April 2010–Members of the TAC committee attend the River Users Group 8 meeting at Hampton Court. Formed in 1983 to co-ordinate river activity between Bell Weir and Teddington, RUG8 acts as a conduit for information between all the authorities working on or by the river between these two locks.
30th March 2010 – Members of the TAC committee met with Fishery Officers from the Environment Agency and the Estates Manager from the Thames Young Mariners to discuss a management plan and future enhancements for the lake, which is an important fish spawning site. The provision of future angling tuition events for young people was also discussed, as were the creation of fishing swims for disabled anglers.
28th March 2010–Teddington to Kingston Clean-up. Six bin bags full of rubbish as well as a wooden pallet, half a bed base and a windsurf board and other discarded items were collected by several members and picked up by Kingston Council for disposal.
26th March 2010 – The TAC submit a completed “Waterways for Everyone” consultation to DEFRA.
18th March 2010 – A TAC committee member cleans up a large amount of rubbish alongside the towpath between Bell Weir and the M25 road bridge.
17th March 2010–Teddington Bank side Clean-up. Members collected litter and performed a general tidy up of the undergrowth and shrubbery.
16th March 2010 – The TAC attend the London and South East water recreation project – Enjoying Water – a stakeholder event run by the Environment Agency to discuss best practise for utilisation of available recreational resources throughout the region.
13th March 2010 –Radio interview with Richard Aylard, Director of Thames Water, on Keith Arthur’s Fisherman’s Blues radio show. Current enhancements to the many tideway sewage treatment works and the planned construction of the Thames Tideway Tunnel were discussed.
11th March 2010 – A TAC representative attends the inaugural meeting of the Friends of Ham Lands. Ham Lands is a local nature reserve which borders the River Thames.
2nd March 2010 –Thames21 Deep Clean Event. On the lowest tide in five years members of the TAC worked with Thames21 to help clean the foreshore at Fulham and the Isle of Dogs.
1st March 2010 –Teddington Lock Island Clean-up. Several members helped clean up all the litter on the island and prune the many species of blackberries for the forthcoming season.
28th February 2010 –The TAC Inaugural Meeting takes place at Les Webber’s Angling Projects site.
16th February 2010 –The proposed TAC committee attended a meeting with the Thames Fisheries Consultative Council to see how we could work together. The provisional outcome was the TAC taking on the remit of the free-fishing sections of the Thames, from the Staines Stone to the Dartford Crossing.
28th January 2010 –The proposed TAC committee attended a meeting with Thames Water at the Putney Rowers Club where the proposed updates to the tideway sewage works and the Thames Tideway Tunnel were discussed.