Date: 9 March 1901
Place: Staines
SHEPHERD’S BUSH ANGLING ASSOCIATION
SEVERAL of the members of this flourishing association, including Mr. Benwell (president), Mr. Pluckrose (vice-president), Messrs. Acton, Avon, Baldock, Ellis, Gray, Golding, Jenner, Heard, Kitsell, Ward, Payne, and Doctor Reid, journeyed to Staines on Feb. 16, in order to formally launch a new punt, which has been provided, without encroaching on the club funds in any way, by the co-operation of certain gentlemen connected with the association, prominent mention being made of Messrs. Kitsell, Gash, Pluckrose, Heard, and Wingett. Leaving Shepherd’s Bush shortly after two, Staines was reached about 3.20, and after a welcome adjournment to the Cock the party found its way to Messrs. Tims & Sons’ boathouse, where some excellent photographs were taken by Mr. E. W. J. Payne, of Shepherd’s Bush, one of which we reproduce. The punt was then christened Goldhawk by the president, with all due ceremonial, and consigned to the care of Father Thames with good wishes for its future occupants, the vice-president also taking an active and impressive part in the proceedings. After one or two trial trips, provocative of much fun and amusement, the party retraced their steps to the Cock, where they partook of an excellent tea and other refreshments, and were further regaled by some of the members with a few peculiarly interesting fishing stories. A move was made for town, which was reached about 6.30 p.m., and it must be confessed that a more enjoyable little outing has seldom been experienced. Every one entered into the spirit of the thing, with pronounced success, and the day was quite a red letter record in the annals of the association.
C. E.
