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The
London Anglers Association -
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One of our Vice Presidents Fred French
has been awarded an MBE in the New Year's honours list (2002), for services to
angling, conservation (fisheries management), and disabled anglers.
We have Fred's blessing, as it were, to broadcast this award, not least
because of the recognition afforded to the conservation aspects of
angling. Should anyone want to interview Fred for any publication you may
be involved with, he's amenable to a direct approach and can be contacted
on (015394)32463. |
Information and history of Fred French
Fred French, MBE, FIFM
Sweden How, Sweden Bridge Lane, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9EX Tel: 015394
32463 Email fredfrench@nascr.net
Age 69 retired registered insurance broker.
Retired from Ware, Hertfordshire to Ambleside, Cumbria in 1985. Last
business position was as Operations Director with national network of more
than 120 retail insurance broking branches.
Brought up in Tottenham, North London, keen angler from the age of nine
first fishing the River Lee in North London.
Left school at age 14 to train as carpenter/joiner. |
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RAF National Service as Senior Aircraftman Organisation Clerk. 1950-52.
Started new career as insurance agent, District Inspector then into
insurance broking, apart from short period in early 1960s working full
time as Assistant Secretary to our 48,000 strong membership (London
Anglers’ Association). Holding the posts at various times of Trustee,
Treasurer, Chairman Bailiffs’ Panel and Fisheries Committee. |
Secretary of Edmonton & Tottenham Angling Society but resigned in 1964
to set up the highly successful match fishing group Defiant Angling
Society. (Which later became Defiant Mobile) Winners Thames Championships
etc several times.
Elected to Executive Committee National Anglers’ Council (NAC) in 1969
to represent London and South East England and served on Finance, Public
Relations, Angling Education and Development (Chairman), Disabled
Anglers’, Re-organisation and Water Privatisation committees. On NAC
Executive 1969 to 1990 when NAC was dissolved. |
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Appointed in 1973 by Secretary of State (and re-appointed by several
succeeding Secretaries of State) as sole representative of angling and
fisheries on the Water Space Amenity Commission, (WSAC) with
responsibility for advising the new Water Authorities on their duties to
recreation and conservation. On WSAC for its entire life 1973-1984. |
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Founder and main driver in the setting up of Lee Valley Anglers’
Consultative Association, Thames Fisheries Consultative Council and
several other angling and fisheries consultative bodies in London and the
south east. |
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Served on the Thames Water Fisheries, Recreation, Conservation and Flood
Defence Committees between 1968 and 1986. |
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Vice Captain of the 1974 Hertfordshire Federation National Angling
Championships Team silver medallists for third place in the 1st Division
Championships on the River Welland. |
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Currently Awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in New
Year Honours 2002. |
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Fellow of the Institute of Fisheries Management (FIFM) and Vice Chairman
of the IFM North West Branch. |
Founder and still the organiser of both the annual Water Industry National
Coarse Angling and Water Industry National Fly Fishing Championships, 48
events to date.
Member of the Environment Agency North West Region Fisheries, Ecology and
Recreation Advisory Committee (RFERAC), North Area (Cumbria) Area
Environment Group (AEG) and North Area (Cumbria) Flood Defence Committees. |
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Member of United Utilities (North West Water) Conservation, Access and
Recreation Committee (CARAC). |
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Chairman of Furness & South Cumbria Fisheries Consultative Association
and Chairman/Organiser South Cumbria & North Lancashire Branch of the
Salmon & Trout Association. |
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Founder and Chairman of both the North West Fisheries Consultative Council
and the Lakeland Fly Dressers’ Guild. |
Member of the National Council and Member Services Director of the
National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives (NAFAC). (Was
founder and Secretary of NAFAC’s predecessor The Standing Conference of
Consultatives)
Member of Council of the Anglers’ Conservation Association (ACA). Have
worked in close co-operation with ACA Officers for many years and hope to
be elected to the ACA Executive Committee in April, 2002.Individual
Member, National Trust, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Countryside Alliance,
Friends of the Lake District, Anglers’ Conservation Association, The
Wild Trout Trust, Freshwater Biological Association, The Fly Dressers’
Guild, The Salmon & Trout Association, National Federation of Anglers,
The Caravan Club, Camping and Caravanning Club and supporter Langdale, Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team. |
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Still a keen fly fisher, fell walker and motor caravanner, past Chairman
of Ambleside Civic Trust and current Chairman of Ambleside Probus Club.
President or Vice President and Life Member of many major angling organisations. January
2002
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