'GOD'S WAITING ROOM'
The GWR was formed in 2005 when a small group of anglers; Ray Harris, Fred Cheadle, Walter Harris, Terry Jackson and the late Mike Clayton, who were all sixty plus years old, regularly met in their local fishing tackle shop. At the time, they decided it would be a good idea to get together and arrange to fish matches between themselves. On entering the shop, Pete Simmonds, a much younger local angler, remarked on how the place looked like “God’s Waiting Room”. After the laughter died down this small band of founder members decided to adopt that name.
Thus, the GWR was born.
From these diminutive beginnings, the GWR grew rapidly and became an official club on 31st October 2007, when the inaugural AGM was held and a committee was formed. By this time, the club had become very popular in Shrewsbury and the surrounding area and boasted over 20 members, in fact, the GWR was growing at such a rate, that some of the smaller local fishing venues used by the club were unable to accommodate a full turnout.
This rapid growth led to a cap on the membership at 25 and although the GWR welcomes any angler living in Shropshire, who is aged 60 or over to join them, there is now a waiting list to become a member. If you would like to join, please contact the secretary whose details you will find below.
The GWR fish between 20 and 30 matches each year and travel to various fisheries throughout Shropshire. Over the past five years, the secretary has organised ten charity-fishing matches in aid of the Midlands Air Ambulance and to date £4956.00 has been raised for this worthy cause. In addition, over £600.00 has been raised for the local Hospice.
Presenting a cheque to the Midlands Air Ambulance
from left to right:
Midlands Air Ambulance representatives-John Dorset-John Beesty-Midlands Air Ambulance representatives-Ray Harris
The 2010 season saw the top individual weight landed in a contest of 94lbs 12oz 8dr which was caught by John Beesty.
Club Champion for 2010 was John Beesty who won the Club Accumulator Trophy. He is the clubs youngest member though, at a mere 60 years old.
The clubs 2 Charity Angling Matches during the year managed to raise £1040.50 for the Midland Air Ambulance.
The Annual inter-club match is fished between the GWR and Weston over 55's on a home and away basis and resulted in a win each, with Weston winning on overall weight.
The GWR Committee
Chairman
Dennis Jones
Secretary/Treasurer
Ray Harris
Shrewsbury 01743 352175
Committee
Tony Beckley
Bob Hill
John Dorset
Billy Ward
To see what other activities the GWR partake in, click on this link
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=jNAr2ysHsKY
