As you who read this blog regularly know; I am a keen angler. But more than that I am interested in sharing my love of the sport and to save an institution that has been around since 1893. The following article and photos appeared in the Macedon Ranges Leader last week.
Dwindling memberships threaten Kyneton Angling Club future:
- From: Macedon Ranges Leader
- March 31, 2015
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Angus, 11, John Condliffe and Lilly, 8, at Campaspe River in Kyneton. Picture: Kylie Else Source: News Limited
Kyneton Angling Club does not want to be another fishing club that got away.
One of the oldest clubs in Victoria, it dates back to 1893.But with just 15 members, president John Condliffe said the club was struggling to keep its head above water.
Mr Condliffe, who also serves as secretary, said many other active members performed multiple committee roles.
The club’s continued struggles come on the back of the Millennium drought, which saw creeks and rivers decline to trickles and local favourite fishing spot Lake Eppalock almost dry up.
“Our club is ageing a bit and we are struggling to get younger people and families on board,” he said.
“I’m not sure if younger people have bigger responsibilities with mortgages and families or just less time, but we aren’t getting people joining up like they used to.”
Mr Condliffe said the signs weren’t good — Daylesford Angling Club wound up last year, while Castlemaine Angling Club is also struggling for members
“We had a competition at Eppalock in December and no one turned up,” he said.
“We were a little despondent after that.”
On April 12 the club is having a friendly shield event at the Castlemaine club.
To learn more about Kyneton Angling Club or to join the group, go to its Facebook page or call John on 0419 397 936
Note: Ken Cooke is honorary Secretary, I am President/Treasurer.
