1. Apologies - Ian Nixon, Dru Lunney, Jordan Riley, Brian Banks, Mark Beresford

2. Minutes of the 2024 AGM - The Secretary read out the minutes of the previous years’ AGM, and these were accepted.

3. Any Matters Arising - There were no matters arising.

4. Chairmans Annual Report - Kevin Grocott reported that the income for the year had increased to £105,000. He commented on an investment in a small digger which will help with future work parties and on the purchase of 2 containers used to store fishery management and work party equipment. A 10-year lease has been secured for Stanley Reservoir and there is an opportunity for the Club to lease the Sailing Club building over the same period. There is now more space for car parking and the first Open Day at Stanley Reservoir will be held during the School summer holidays. The access will be improved, and work is planned in 2026 on repairing the walls, improving the pathway along the shallows and constructing a walkway in Bagnall corner. Kevin felt that the small pools were fishing well but was aware of issues with cormorants at Challinor’s pool. He also stated that the SOTAS Facebook group has nearly 6,000 members The Fishery Manager, Jason Walters, added that at Astbury and Stanley pool the fish are being fed using quality pellets and this is resulting in weight gains. He estimated that in 2026, there may be at least 6 carp over 40lb. in Astbury. Stanley pool is now producing quality tench and double figure bream. Roach have been stocked at Noels and Lodge Farm pools. He added that in the next few weeks, 15 more carp will be put into Astbury and 5 carp into Stanley. In 2026, work will be carried out on the stock pond – this will enable smaller fish to be purchased and be grown on which will produce savings on fish stockings in the longer term.

5. Treasurer’s Report on the Statement of Accounts - Andrew Riley circulated copies of the 2025 Statement of Accounts. He stated that there had been an increase in the cost of fish stockings and equipment and work party costs. As well as the purchase of a digger and 2 containers, fencing materials have also been purchased for Astbury. The increased costs of these items have contributed to the year-end deficit of £31,605. He commented that the income from deposits for the Astbury waiting list (£10,700) was carried forward and would be counted as income in the year the deposit holder was offered the Astbury membership.

6. Auditor’s Report and re-appointment of Auditor - Lee Whittaker addressed the meeting and stated that there were no outstanding issues, and he was happy to sign off the Statement of Accounts. It was agreed that this Company is re-appointed for 2026.

7. Election of Officers *1 year term ** 3-year term - The following nominations were approved:

Position - Secretary * - Name Tony Burt - Proposed by Colin Davis - Seconded by Rob Byrne

Position - Health and Safety Officer ** - Name Rob Bryne - Proposed by Dru Lunney - Seconded by Dave Rowe

Position - Astbury Manager ** - Name Roger Watts - Proposed by Jason Walters - Seconded by Jordan Riley

Position - Match Secretary ** - Name Jordan Riley - Proposed by Rob Bryne - Seconded by Dru Lunney

Position - Veterans Match Secretary ** - Name Alan Fallows - Proposed by Roger Watts - Seconded by John Davey

Position - Website Manager ** - Name Dru Lunney - Proposed by Andrew Riley - Seconded by Roger Watts

Position - Committee 1 ** - Name Daniel Snape - Proposed by Dave Rowe - Seconded by Kevin Grocott

Position - Committee 2 ** - Name Ian Nixon - Proposed by Dave Rowe - Seconded by Kevin Grocott

Position  - Vice President ** Name Roy Bailey - Proposed by Rob Byrne - Seconded by Dru Lunney

​8. Notices of Motion from Members re the Constitution - ​​​The following changes to the Constitution were approved: 14 The Annual General Meeting of the Society shall be held for the following purposes:

Add: 

The Working party programme and fish stock programme should be reported to the AGM each year

Proposer: Paul Baker

Seconder: Alan Fallows 

9. Notices of Motion from the Committee re the Constitution - The following changes to the Constitution were approved:

7. The membership shall consist of:

Remove: Disabled members – persons who are eligible to receive disability living allowance at the higher rate for mobility reasons or personal independence (mobility component enhanced rate)

Add: Temporary members – persons who are booked on to SOTAS events using the Angling Trust Event Marketplace system will become temporary members for the duration of their session

8. Any person wishing to be added to the Astbury waiting list will have to pay a fee which is non-refundable. If the offer of an Astbury membership is not taken up, the person’s name will be removed from the waiting list.

10a The Senior Officials of the Society shall be the Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Fishery Manager, Health and Safety Officer, Astbury Manager and Membership Secretary

11. The management of the Society shall be entrusted to a Committee consisting of the 7 Senior Officials, Match Secretary, Veterans Match Secretary, and not more than 12 elected Committee members.

15. The members of the Society shall appoint at the Annual General Meeting the following officers….

Assistant Match Secretary to be changed to Veterans Match Secretary

10. Notices of Motion from the Committee re Society Rules - The following changes to the rules were agreed:

 

GENERAL FISHING RULES

 

4.  Juvenile members of 14+ years of age can fish unaccompanied during the day*

* Excluding fishing for pike – see 4a

4a. A juvenile member must be accompanied by a Senior member when fishing for pike

 

10. Unhooking mats MUST be used on all Society waters.

 

42. Keepnets only to be used for match purposes on all society waters, and not used in pleasure fishing practices

 

43. Nuts including tiger nuts are not allowed on any of our Society waters

 

ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC WATER RULES

 

ASTBURY WATER PARK

 

22. When fishing for carp, if free running leads are not used, lead systems must be semi fixed either lead clips or if using helicopter rigs, the korda Heli-safe system must be used.

 

24. All carp caught over 30lbs must be photographed and weighed and must be reported to the Fishery Manager, within 7 days of capture. The catch report will be used to inform the Society's future stocking policy and can be with or without publicity

 

STANLEY RESERVOIR​

No access is allowed over the dam.

3. Members NOT in possession of a current night permit or Astbury Carp ticket are only allowed on the water during the period dawn until dusk. Those parking at Stanley Head MUST adhere to site rules of no access before 7AM and Must have left the water before 9PM.

3a. All anglers Must have pre-booked their night session by using the booking system on the SOTAS website.

3b. A maximum of eight anglers per night will be permitted to night fish.

3c. Anglers are not allowed to leave during the hours of darkness. Those parking at Stanley Head must not leave before 7AM and after 9PM.

3d. No take-away deliveries are permitted. 

4. No leger/weight more than 5 oz is allowed.

8. A maximum of 3 rods may be used in the main reservoir; a maximum of 2 rods only may be used in the little pool.

9. Radio controlled bait boats are allowed to a maximum distance of 80 metres during times when the sailing facility is not operating on the water. Members must have appropriate insurance. Bait boats are not allowed in the little pool. The new rule on allowing bait boats will be monitored and is to operate on A TRIAL BASIS.

10. Members must always use a suitable landing net. Un-hooking mats are compulsory on this water and must be carried and used by all members when unhooking specimen fish.

15. Braided mainline is not allowed when fishing for carp but can be used when using a spod or marker float.

16. When fishing for carp, above the lead there must be either tubing, lead core or a purpose made plastic flurocarbon leader, with a loop attachment of a minimum 75cm (includes chod rigs).

17. When fishing for carp, if free running leads are not used, lead systems must be semi fixed either lead clips or if using helicopter rigs, the korda Heli-safe system must be used.

18. When fishing for large carp, unhooking mats must be either a cradle or one with sides - no flat mats are allowed.

19. All carp caught over 30lbs must be photographed and weighed and must be reported to the Fishery Manager, within 7 days of capture. The catch report will be used to inform the Society's future stocking policy and can be with or without publicity. 

20. No Zig fishing allowed under any circumstances.

11. Subscriptions and charges - The following subscription changes were approved:

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Subscription Increases:

Senior Citizen Members - Age 65+ - Existing £45 - Proposed £50

Disabled Members - End Concession - Existing £45 - Proposed £70

Juvenile Members - Age under 13 years - Existing £5 - Proposed £10

Canal Only Members - Existing £10 - Proposed £15

Astbury Mere Waiting List - Deposit - Existing £100 - Proposed N/A

Astbury Mere Waiting List - Joining Fee - Existing N/A - Proposed £100

On-Line Payments postal charge - Existing £2.00 - Proposed £2.50

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Subscriptions to remain the same:

Astbury Members - £235

Senior Members - Age 19 to 64 - £70

Juvenile Members Age 14 to 16 - £10

Intermediate Members - Age 17 to 18 - £25

Non Fishing Members - £10

Night Permits - £30

Stanley Head Swipe Card - £10

Stanley Head Car Sticker - £10

Replacement Ticket - £10

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* Other proposed subscription changes relating to Juvenile members:

1. Senior members /Senior Citizen members to be entitled to one free juvenile ticket for their children/ grandchildren. Free juvenile tickets to be issued and  administered by the Membership Secretary.

2. A Non-Fishing supervisory ticket is introduced - 3 named non-fishing guests can accompany the juvenile member (parent/guardian and 2 other family members nominated by the parent/guardian)

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12. Approval of 2026 Match/Academy Programmes

(A) Club Matches (JR) – 14 matches (Sundays)

(B) Veterans Matches – 15 matches (Thursdays)

(C)  Academy Events (TB) – 9 events (Saturdays)