John "JR" Roberts 1940-2018
After the sad passing of our former president, former RO and continued supporter of Region 30/60 Canterbury and Thanet it was decided that a memorial trophy would be a fitting tribute to our fellow member and friend.
Our RO Nick Prior set off on a mission to secure a venue and a trophy that we could honour him with, not just this year but in perpetuity. The following is a write up of the days events. Its been a while since I put pen to paper or finger to keyboard so please ignore my rustiness.
JR was a hero to some and a mentor to many. A man with a funny story about everything. The PAC president from 91 to 94, tackle innovator, angler and conservationist. He deserves to be remembered.
The first Job Nick had was to secure a venue. Step forward Ken Crow long time friend and travelling companion of JR and owner of the Company running Bough Beech fishing. Ken was only too happy to indulge the PAC Region and went firm on a date of 16th March 2019. It was fitting that we had the fish in there as many will remember that is where the PAC's first unhooking video was made starring John Roberts and John Synuk. If ever two "stars" who had faces for radio (Johns words not mine)
Nick sorted a Trophy Salver and medals from our funds and all were informed that the clubhouse would serve a full english breakfast and a 4pm meal for all those taking part. When 30/60 go on tour we are treated like kings and our thanks to Ken and his staff for all that they did. Here ends my contractual obligations with regards the report and now onto my summary of the day. (Eds Note: Oh dear)
The Day
Canterbury Thanet Region 30/60
I was sent a text the day before from Andy Larkins with two small red dots on a map of Bough Beech. This was, according to him the going hot spot and the place to be which he has surmised using his vast knowledge of water craft and years of experience. I just threw a dart at a map and came up with a different area but who was I to argue. Now Andy and I have not fished together for a few years. I was sick and tired of getting rained on, nearly drowning, falling over, nearly arrested for poaching and being followed by the cloud of doom that seemed to accompany us on every trip we ever made so needed a break from him to be honest. But surely this would be different, Ken assured us that he had booked the day later than normal so we would be able to enjoy the fine weather that was sure to be in abundance. When we got there it was howling down with winds gusting in excess of 50mph, Its not Kens fault, this is what happens when I fish with Jonah the Larkins Boi. Anyways we had his ace in the hole "Pike Hotspot" to look forward too so all was not lost.
We entered the clubhouse to find that we had been well looked after with a full english breakfast. This was shaping up to be a great day, weather aside.
We made a decision that we would fish from the bank due to the high winds and general narly conditions. This would restrict us somewhat owing to our numbers but what did I care Andy and I had already banked on binning the boat and going with his gut. And this is where it all went wrong. Tom Lane our newest member had never fished a Ressie before and was a bit sketchy on bait fishing. He was however a lure nut and has done quite well for himself. He didn't really know anyone and his mentor/ally Richard Gibson was sadly absent having travelled to Thailand to A) fish and B) search for info for same sex marriages. But not to worry we would look after the young un. Enter the Head Bailiff for Bough Beech from Stage left. " Hello Tom your're on the boat with me I got a bait rod or two and a lifejacket and you have your lure rod so we are good to go."......What in the blue hell? Our newest member has hit the ground running with his bandit ways. It took most of us at least a season to stroke pull. Money has changed hands here or the Gibson fella has gone straight to level Dark Side with his mentoring. I despair. But hey never mind I still got Andy "Mr Reliable" Larkins and his hotspot aye.
Jeanie JR's wife and his son Scott had made the journey up from Birchington to attend as well which was a very nice gesture. Jeanie was going to spend the day with Ken and his wife while Scott as an honorary member of 30/60 was going to spend the day in a bout with Andy Brown. That was two boats going out with the rest of us playing safe and being girly on the bank. Now for the boat safety brigade I would add that had conditions been unsafe they would not have gone out. They are both very experienced boat anglers and are aware of their limitations. Having seen conditions on the lee side of the wind where the boats are kept many of us would have had no problem going out in a boat either.
In Pete's Bay was myself Andy Mick and Pete. Along the Grassy Bank was Neil, Ben, Malcolm, Harry, and Nick. The boats consisted of Andy Brown and Scott with Andy the bailiff his son and Tom. Catch returns were very very poor. John Roberts the conservationist would have been pleased that his Region looked after the pike by not catching them I think. The angler in him would have poked us all with a sharp stick. Petes Bay, or No Pike Bay as its now known. Had 8 rods in it with a boat moving across beyond our rods and onto the far overhanging margin with not a single pike showing for anyone. Highlights of the day consisted of me casting and my weak link parting ways and my nice soft roach flying off the hooks in the opposite direction. Oh how Andy laughed. The wind caught hs cast and it was amusing to watch him bring everything back including the line and bait from his other rod in one big snarly mess. Oh how I laughed. Andy's hotspot didn't produce, we both cocked something up, we both got wet, we both slipped barrowing our gear, we both got blown over, we both blanked. The M2 was shut I had a 37 mile diversion on the way home. Yep I like fishing with Jonah and the cloud of doom.
So Tom Lane won it. This year we decided to combine our Region fish in with the JR Memorial Trophy as last years was cancelled due to his passing out of respect. Tom won both the trophies and a big well done to him. He enjoyed the day and added another string to his fishing arsenal. Scott came second and won a silver medal with Andy Brown coming third and the Bronze medal. Results couldn't have been better. Our newest member starting his pike journey, JR's son Scott and his very good friend Andy Brown all winning something. He would have liked and seen the significance of that I think.
Jeanie handed out the prizes and it was great to see her there.
Tom Lane Winner John Roberts Memorial Trophy
Presented by Jeanie Roberts
Scott Roberts 2nd Placed
Presented with a medal from his Mum Jeanie
Andy Brown 3rd placed
Presented by Jeanie
And that folks was that. Regardless of the lack of pike it was all about the day and remembering a friend. I don't think I am speaking out of turn when I say that I think the venue will become a permanent fixture in our calendar. The event most certainly will.
Once again thanks to Nick for organising it, Ken for allowing it and for his hospitality, and last but not least all the members that attended not just this but all our region meetings. Stars one and all
