AGM  2008

The President welcomed 43 members and began proceedings with a minutes silence for four members who sadly passed away during the season. Daniel Murdoch, George Grant, Arthur Huyton and Jim Smernicki.

Andrew Hutchison the FAA bard, read out a home made poem regarding the ongoing plight for a rod rack at the Railway pool which was extremely funny.

The President made reference to this years poor season with high water levels most of the time, however 32 Salmon were taken in the spring and in total 129 were taken for the season.  With a very good return rate, the FAA returned 49% of all Salmon caught.  Of the 230 grilse taken, 47% were returned which again was a very good return rate.  The Sea Trout caught was 72 with a return rate of 72%.  Off the 212 Ordinary and 39 Senior members, 182 caught nothing, the majority of the remaining members retained between 1-5 fish.

Three fish weighing between 15-25lbs were returned. Despite the improving spring, the Committee has recommended to only retain one fish between Feb 11th and 30th April in an effort to further conserve the critical spring Salmon. This was approved by the members on a 40 to 2 vote. 

In an effort to further improve the Junior members, it was recommended that when Juniors move up to Ordinary membership, their permit costs would be 50% less for two years. This was unanimously approved by the members.

The prize given for this years competitions were presented by Vice President D.McBean and Competition supervisor R.Rollo to the following:
FAA Trophy for heaviest fish caught on bait for season - C Stewart 10lbs
Bob Cherry Trophy Heaviest fish in March on bait - C.Stewart 10lbs
Dickson Trophy First fish of the season - G.Munro 14lbs
W.Patterson Trophy Heaviest fish on fly in the Stoney - G.Munro 14lbs
Rettie Cup-Heaviest Sea Trout on fly for Season - J.Grant 3lbs
Ray Warner Trophy Heaviest fish in March on fly - D.Sneddon 22lbs
Murdoch Cup Heaviest bag over all Competitions - D.Sneddon 22lbs
FAA Trophy Heaviest fish caught on fly for the season - D.Sneddon 22lbs
RAF Trophy Heaviest fish over all competitions - D.Sneddon 22lbs
Nimrod Trophy Heaviest fish caught by junior in competitions - B.Hutcheson
Grant Cup Heaviest fish caught by junior - B.Hutcheson
Alistair Kelly Memorial Shield to runner up junior - J.Coveney

The President also presented a fully laden fly tying box to B.Hutcheson. This had been presented to FAA by the widow of Arthur Huyton.   The President gave thanks to R.Rollo for his very busy year on the banks and to the committee for their hard work over the season. Additional thanks were given to G.Menzies, examiner, Audrey McIntosh for outstanding service to FAA at the Opening ceremony and AGM, Rev B.Boyd as his role of Trustee Chairman and Albert Duffus, River Board Superintendant.

Special thanks were given to our new sponsors - Benromach Single Spey Malt Whisky who provided the refreshments at our Opening Ceremony.

Finally, the President thanked the two committee members retiring this year from 5 years in office, J.Stephen and R.Dustan.  Voting for two new committee members took place and J.Holloway and S.Benzie were elected. The remaining office bearers were re-elected on block.

After presenting A.McIntosh with flowers, the President welcomed Seymour Monro Chairman of RAFTS who gave a very interesting talk on the remit of RAFTS and to the sustainability of stocks and river improvements on the Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie. It was hoped that as a charitable organisation, funding would be forthcoming to commence many project to enhance our waters. Seymour was presented with a bottle of malt after question and answers.   The night was completed with tea and sandwiches .