I went to the Upper Thames Consultative Council meeting and found it very interesting - although I was a little disappointed with the lack of representatives from local clubs.

Here was an opportunity for any problems to be raised with the people who are supposed to care and look after our interests, the Environment Agency.

One subject which should concern all of us is the destruction of spawning grounds.

An example of this destruction comes with the EA removing 25 barge loads of gravel from the backwater at the Trout pub.

Thank goodness we have a group of dedicated anglers representing us and hopefully asking the right questions and making people aware of the problems.

I spoke to John Wheeler last Sunday who fishes for Dorchester.

He went to Farmoor instead and had four fish up to 4lb 6oz, while his mate caught eight fish.

Orchid Lake at Dorchester produced seven big doubles for Oldham angler Shaun McDermott during a six-day visit.

Fishing the Alamo peg with a stiff-rigged Nash Pop up, his top catch was a common carp weighing 30lb 4oz.

Meanwhile, I can recommend the Bullstake Stream between King George's Meadow and Oatlands Road Recreation Ground for large chub.