Father and son hail benefits of fishing as angling club seeks members

Ted Rowe, 40, is a committee member as well as the head bailiff at Peatmoor Angling Club and has been fishing since an early age.

“I did a lot of fishing as a young kid, using just a simple telescopic rod, float, and whatever bait me and a few friends could muscle up,” he said.

“As I became a teenager, I drifted away from it all. It wasn't until my daughter, a few years ago, asked if I could take her fishing.

“So off we went. She was sat there with her pink telescopic rod, having fun, and it wasn't long before I started to get that buzz back. I started buying my own kit.”

Ted Rowe has been fishing from a young age and remains just as passionate about angling to this day. (Image: Ted Rowe.)

The 40-year-old is based in Swindon and mainly fishes at his local park, Peatmoor Lagoon with the rest of the angling club.

“We have a great team who are always happy to help with advice,” said Ted.

“We maintain the lake and its surroundings, by litter picking, cutting back trees, bushes, overhangs, clearing walk ways, removing snags, clearing swims for easier castability, refurbishing fishing pegs.”

Peatmoor Angling Club is ran by volunteers and one of its 194 members is Ted’s son Brandon who has already developed a keen interest in fishing at the age of 17.

Brandon Rowe is one of the club's younger members at 17 years old. (Image: Ted Rowe)

He said: “My son has followed in my footsteps and is into his fishing. We often fish together.”

Brandon’s girlfriend Sinead Davies, 16, is also an avid angler, making the pair quite the catch.

“I think it's important to show that fishing is for all genders and ages,” said Ted.

“I hope the fact that Sinead is a young female angler will inspire others.”

Peatmoor has a continued stocking program and its fish vary in sizes with some reaching over 30lb.

“My biggest fish is a 27lb common carp,” revealed Ted.

Brandon's girlfriend Sinead is just as keen on fishing as he is. (Image: Ted Rowe)

The benefits of fishing are plentiful according to the Swindon resident and the activity can even help with your mental health.

“I find fishing good for the mind and relaxing as I love being out in nature,” he said.

“I love the scenery and it's so peaceful. I also love the buzz you get when you catch as even when you get a recapture, you get to see how much it's grown. I'm always striving to beat my personal best.”

The club is always looking for new members and if you are interested in joining, memberships are available to buy from Angling Direct at Unit 3 Wyndham Road, Hawksworth Industrial Estate, Swindon, SN2 1EJ.