what the backbone of angling want,
As Gibbo says there are stacks of points of view on this subject.
I have highlighted a few words in Gibbo's correspondence for a good reason. Do not the Angling Trust say somewhere that Clubs are the backbone of the Angling Trust? I am sure it does.
At the present time that is possibly correct but if this is so what will happen now? Within my job I speak on a regular basis to angling clubs; some accept the Angling Trust and some don't, - that is the way of the world.
One huge Club, it is unfair to name them, - that I was very recently in contact with did not know that the Div Two next year was on a commercial; in fact I do not think my own club have been properly informed but I have no doubt they will be.
Clubs, by there very nature, are NOT commercials. My own club (I am Chairman) of the IW(Stafford)AA are probably typical of any mid range membership club. We pay our fees annually to the Angling Trust. I am thoroughly aware of what good the Angling Trust does but the FACT is the a good proportion of Clubs manage their affairs in such a way that they can offer the opportunity for their members the opportunity to represent their Club in National competitions. With the announcement of The Div 2 National in 2013 on a commercial this has been taken away from many clubs.
Equally as important, over the years these Clubs (refer to the backbone of the Angling Trust) have supplied venues to fish National Championships on. OK the Clubs need the peg fees in this day and age of spiralling water rent charges, - it all helps.
Now the ball has been set rolling with a 'commercial' National this possibility has now been cut completely.
There is a very strong possibility (it has already been hinted to me via a handful of clubs) that they will consider the situation very carefully when the renewals come around, I know I will have to find answers, possibly to some 'awkward' questions from our membership.
Maybe this is the way forward and b******** to what has gone on since 1906.