Hello. It seems no time since we were closing the 2002 season, yet here we are again, imploring you to get your returns in on time, reminding you to attend the AGM, commiserating with you about the poor season most of us have had, and wondering just when something meaningful is going to be done about our ongoing seal problem. When I see a group of around six seals clearing our water on their way to the better time-share water above, I begin to wonder if our continuing conservation measures are .worth the effort. Our sea trout catch, for instance, has unfortunately been the worst on record, yet seals continue to be seen catching the few sea trout that appear at Wester Lovat; they regularly alarm our fishers by surfacing close to them! Personally, I feel quite dejected about this impossible situation; I knew the Beauly when it produced sea trout and salmon a plenty. Seals were present then too, but their numbers could be, and were, sensibly controlled.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: It will be held in the Phipps Hall, Beauly at 7.3Opm on Thursday 20th November. Some of us have been on the BAC committee for quite a few years and this could be time to take stock. I will be happy to continue, but equally happy if someone is keen to take over my Newsletter, Permit, database, etc duties. Frank Durdle, for instance, has been an excellent President for 10 years. During that time the club has made great strides in terms of its administration, marketing, PR, website (Paul & Janet), video library (Ray), river improvement initiatives, casting lessons, etc. I know that Frank too will be happy to continue, but equally happy if someone suitable wishes to take over the reins; others may well be similarly minded, so do turn up and ensure that your presence counts. Incidentally, the improvements to Beat 3 arranged by himself and John Szarkiewicz, our Vice President, have proved to be successful; without the extra fish from there, our catch would have been even less than the 26 mainly grilse recorded for this season. Given the considerable extra fishing effort in 2003, our salmon catch is actually relatively poor. Jim Armitage had the biggest fish, a cracker at 14.5Ib. An attractive picnic table has just been placed beside Beat 1 by Frank Durdle; the high water lies waiting patiently to go into Beat 4 will hopefully be placed before long. Yes, our top three beats do tend to get more attention than elsewhere, however that is where we have by far the most fishing effort, and where most of our revenue is derived from, so it's surely understandable? Please let us know if you're willing to help with our ongoing river improvement work.
Rather than voting the committee back on-block, it was decided at our last committee meeting that only those members present, or those who have given their apologies, should be considered. It was also decided to have a small reminder about Rule 7 (soon to be Rule 1) erected at our three topmost beats to encourage anglers to move a metre a cast, irrespective of whether or not they are aware of anyone waiting to fish; it is not only visiting anglers that offend, or wade too deeply!

The AGM Agenda is:
1. Apologies & Minutes of last AGM,
2. Returns,
3. Trophy Presentation,
4. Treasurer's Report,
5. Election of Office Bearers & Committee Members,
6. Discussion about various costs, etc,
7. AOCB.

RETURNS: I should have reminded you all timeously to get them in by 31st October, however I delayed issue 'till now for various reasons. If you haven't done so already, would you please get your returns in now, and you might escape the fine!

BUFFET DANCE: We won't have one this year, however, we hope to have one, possibly early next year. 'Yorkie', our hard- working treasurer, will be the organiser as usual; if anyone would like to volunteer to help him with the arrangements, then please speak up. Thanks are due to George Skinner for donating two hazel Wading Staffs as raffle prizes. By the way, John reached 65 the other day, so do say Happy Birthday when you see him.

BAC BADGES: I had hoped to have them posted out with this Newsletter, however the finish to the pewter has been the subject of considerable discussion, hence the further delay. All 2003 Season members will receive the handsome badge FOC, however that is not because we are well off as a club (which we are not), but simply to reward our members in a small way for supporting us at a time when our returns continue to diminish. Extra badges will be on sale for around £3-00 shortly.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENTS: Our Committee Meeting dates (and possibly the AGM date) will hopefully be printed in our permits next season, thus avoiding some of the confusion we've had this season due to sensibly changing our meetings to the first Tuesday of the month, while missing out some monthly meetings. The new permits should be available well before Xmas.

FISHY STORY: At the risk of irritating Graham Edmonds (to name but one), can I briefly mention the 191b whopper I caught on the beautiful River Ewe towards the end of the season; using a Red 'Orca' Gold. Bill 'Silver' Sykes had fish of 151b and 171b. What scraps! What an average weight! What a day! All the fish were prime hens; all were returned.

HOUSEKEEPING: Please check your address label and drop me a line at 'Georth', Kirkhill, IV5 7NW if any of your address details are incorrect or missing. They are held on my computer for our convenience; but can be removed if you so wish.

Wishing you all an early Merry Christmas .

Ewen M Robertson, SAC Newsletter Editor