Welcome to any new members and hello again to our existing ones. Because of work being done to the turbines at the Aigas and Kilmorack Dams over the next two seasons, water levels will be at compensation level, plus any natural rainfall, hence the lower water levels that can benefit us, during the grilse runs in particular, are expected to be present. Consequently you would all be well advised to immediately go to the gym, fitten up, and get ready for much more action than usual.

PERMITS: Please remcmber to get yours from Morison of Beauly by 30th April 2002, otherwise some of those languishing on our ever lengthy Waiting List will be replacing you soon after. From now on, our Senior Citizens who have had three consecutive years as Senior Members, need not worry about picking up their free permit in time. As long as they are able to fish, a permit will be held for them, delivered if necessary.

ANNUAL BUFFET DANCE: Because of extremely poor support in the recent past by BAC Members, this event will definitely be the last of its type unless it is properly supported on this occasion. It will be held in the British Legion Hall in Beauly on Friday 26th April at 7:30 for 8:00. Music will be by that excellent duo George and Jill. Kay will again be providing a sumptuous buffet; this year there will even be stovies provided to soak up some of that excess alcohol. The Legion's prices are extremely reasonable, so there is no need for the evening to 'break the bank'. Tickets are only £10 and are available from John 'Yorkie' Brocklehurst now on 782785. Please pay for them beforehand and don't forget that donations of any kind for the raffle prizes are greatly appreciated. I believe that there may be a minibus laid on to get some of our more outlying members safely home.

CASTING INSTRUCTION: Members, non-members, and especially Juniors, are cordially invited to join us at 11am on Sunday 7th April at Beat-3 (access is from Lovat Bridge Camp Site) in order to get instruction from the more experienced members of our club, including approved instructors such as our President Frank Durdle, who will demonstrate the more usual Spey type casts, including some more unusual ones such as the Snap 'T', the Snake Roll, etc. Seniors may get a small dram, Juniors will probably get crisps and lemonade. The event will also allow you to see/use a variety of single and double handed fly rods, plus modern fly reels and lines. You will literally be able to get sound advice about anything fishy. Being Sunday, we will obviously be using casts terminated by a little wool instead of a fly. That said, please still bring your own Polaroid or safety glasses if possible.

NITRATE VULNERABLE ZONES ETC: You may by now know that a large part of our area, including agricultural/coastal land to the North and East of us, has provisionally been designated as above. Such zones are usually confirmed in due course and will result in our waters being protected from nitrate pollution originating from agricultural practices. This will hopefully benefit our spawning burns, etc. The most beneficial thing to happen to our spawning burns lately is the blocking of the pumping station overflow at Windhill; at last no more regular fish kills! The effluent from Windhill, Beauly and Muir of Ord is all now pumped to the recently opened sewage treatment plant near Muir of Ord. It is truly state-of-thc-art and promises to make a significant difference to the cleanliness of our Firth. Well done the Water Board.

FISHY STORY: None due to lack of space. Incidentally, Ray Langley, while on yet another vacation, popped over to Vancouver Island for a spot of steelhead and salmon fishing. He's just off the plane so I must go and find out how he got on. Our video library services can of course again resume, until Rays next trip!