The 10th anniversary Terry Hermann Memorial Bass Fishing competition in aid of Cancer Research, which was held recently, got off to a bit of a staggered start.
The weather conditions in the morning, a ESE force 5-6, meant that most competitors couldn't get out of the harbour because of the rough sea state!
A few did manage it and had a very long day being rolled around.
The majority of competitors fished the flood tide in the afternoon, with boats being pushed off their moorings by eager competitors as soon as there was an inch of water under them.
The scheduled weigh-in, due to take place as always at The Hope and Anchor at 6.30 pm, was subsequently put back an hour to accommodate the late start by the bulk of competitors.
The weather did improve throughout the day, with the wind easing away early afternoon, although it was never going to be a nice day the competitors gave it their best shot, with time limited this led to a lot of zooming about in boats with everyone desperate to have something to bring ashore for the evenings weigh-in.
The evening's proceedings got under way with 'Birty the bagpiper' getting everyone's attention.
Dai the Boot then welcomed everyone and began the weigh-in. It is custom that the bass weighed-in are auctioned off in aid of Cancer Research.
With all the bass weighed-in and auctioned, Dai then moved onto the cooker lobster supplied by Richard and Sarah, of Simply Seafoods, Tenby Harbour, before a box of dressed crab, donated by Colin and Donna Brown, of Shore Seafoods, was auctioned.
A great deal of support was evident, with good prices being paid for the bass, lobster and crab by the large crowd gathered.
This year's raffle prize draw was also well-supported by both donators/sponsors and the ticket buying supporters.
The results were as follows: 1. £100 voucher for the Tenby Deli, donated by Dave and Ceri, won by Katie Jeffries, of Tenby; 2. £100 meal voucher for The Qube Restaurant, donated by Matt and Claire, won by Hairy Bob of Cardiff/Tenby; 3. £50 Sub-Urban Sport and Surf, donated by Boo Rossiter, won by Young Yobbler, of Tenby. The iPad 4 draw was won by Peter Rees, of Tenby.
Winner of the bass competition for the third year in a back-to-back defence was local plumber Phil Whittacker with a 6lb bass, winning an Abu reel donated by Iwan, Ifan and Iori Hermann Thomas (Terry's grandsons), which Phil very generously donated back to be auctioned.
Second prize went to local publican, property tycoon and philanthropist Mike Evans with a 5lb bass, winning a rod, donated by Keith, formerly of Tenby Angling in the Market.
Third prize went to Gary Walker with a 4 3/4lb bass, winning a reel, donated by Martin, of Anglers Corner, Milford.
Twelve-year-old Zack Bull won the youngest rod following in his grandfather Johnny's footsteps, winning a Sub-Urban Surf and Sport voucher, donated by Julian 'Boo' Rossiter.
Ladies' winner was Diane Whittacker, winning a Sub-urban Surf and Sport voucher, again donated by 'Boo' Rossiter, completing a very successful day yet again for the Whittacker household - they may have some followers around the bay at next years competition!
Largest other species Harvey - The North Bay 24lb tope (photo evidence - not landed) winning a reel, donated by Morris Brothers, of Tenby.
This year's event drew its best support ever in terms of main sponsors with big companies getting on board and supporting the event.
The organisers would like to thank Barclays Bank, HSBC Bank, Yorkshire Building society, Valero, Kiln Park Holiday Park, Molson Coors brewery, the Hope and Anchor, Curtis Blaine Ltd., of Whitland, and also the 58 local small business sponsors for their continued support in what has been a tough couple of years.
The organisers would also like to thank Jason and all the staff at the Hope and Anchor for their enthusiasm and continued support year on year, it is very much appreciated.
Special thanks must go to Karl Long for helping in the event organising by seeking sponsorship and designing and supplying posters and banners for the event.
Thanks also to Sally Munro, of Make Your Mark, and Scott, of Inferno Clothing, for the supply of event polos, tees and hoodies; to Boo, Tish and staff of Sub-Urban for selling these in the run up to the event; to Matt and Chris, Tenby harbourmasters, for loan and set-up of PA system on the night; and to Charlotte Martin, of Barclays Bank, for her help with the weigh-in.
As usual, there are the originators and stalwarts of this competition without whom there would be no event, these being Anthony Tromans, Dai the Boot and John Handicott.
Of late, these have been joined by Roger Miles and Karl Long, so a special thanks also to all of them.
Also during the night's proceedings, several prizes were auctioned off, which were donated by local businesses and individuals. This was a great help to the charity fundraising pot with again big sums paid, so thanks to all involved.
The event drew a very large crowd again this year, with all ages present. The organisers would like to thank the youngsters on the night for their help in bagging and running around distributing the fish, lobsters and crabs.
Also, thanks must be given to the two young ladies, Olwen Evans and Delun James, who performed a few songs unaccompanied to round the night off. This was well-received by the gathered crowd and rounded the night of nicely.
Thanks also to Julie Jones and Darrel Davies for taking photos of the event.
Finally, the organisers would like to thank the residents of St. Julian's Street for their tolerance and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
This year's total sum raised in aid of Cancer Research UK was a very apt £10,000 for the 10th anniversary, this is a great sum and one that will be put to immediate use by Cancer Research UK.
Thank you to everyone concerned and hope to see you all again next July.
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