Keith Arthur’s
views on the news
THERE have been many criticisms of the Angling Trust in its relatively short existence.
Perhaps the greatest is an accusation that the organisation is ‘out of touch’. The recent creation of ambassadors, and now a group of consultants, is proof that the Trust is making a great attempt to put this right.
I’m getting on a bit now, but I think I have a broad and balanced view of angling. I’m not ‘just a matchman’ any more, and haven’t been for best part of 30 years. I speak to lots of anglers, including some at the extremes of opinion regarding our sport and its problems.
I work at the sharp end of increasing participation and using angling as a tool for good as chair of trustees for Get Hooked on Fishing, so I also get to discuss the perception of our sport with people who have never fished, and don’t always understand why we do.
You will know I don’t lack for opinions, and while you may not agree with them I only have the best interests of angling at heart, so I am delighted to have been included in the group.
The powers that be at the Trust know I’m not sycophantic, and if they need telling, I’m very happy to do so. In fact they know that already, because I’ve told them a few things. Angling doesn’t need to make enemies, it needs all the friends it can get and I will do my damnedest to protect and preserve it, through the Angling Trust. Please join and be part of it.