ARCHIVE INFORMATION researched by Humphrey Poulton

The Land and Waters

A reservoir to the west side of Dean Road Handforth (at it’s junction with Finsbury Way), four pools to the east side and fishing rights along the north side of the adjoining River Dean.  O.S.Map Reference 862.828 - as indicated on 1/2500 O.S. Plan. 

The club refers to the waters as:

1. Mill Dam or Reservoir; 

2. Walters Pool (constructed on land acquired in the 1950’s);

3. Middle Pool (named for obvious reasons when there were only three pools);

4. Admirals Hat (the name given by members due to its shape);

5. Oxbow (constructed on land acquired in 1983 which was formerly part of the river). 

O.S. Maps in the 1840’s to 1950’s indicated Mill Dams on the land under items 1, 2, 3 and 4 above, with a Mill Race to the north of the Dams, which originated from a run off the River Dean further up stream. A current day site map is shown on the page opposite. 

Formation of the Club

No member has any knowledge of this, although it is reasonable to use as a basis for the formation, the past Angling Trophy Award Winners of the club matches, as recorded in member’s membership cards. The first entry is under the Glover Cup, being awarded in 1933 to A T Glover Jnr. From this we might safely assume that the formation was in the early 1930’s. (Subs fifteen shillings - or 75p!) The Reservoir, covering an area of 110m x 50m at its widest points (1.87 acres on O.S. maps), had a narrow feeder Dam (Mill Race) to the north side with sluice gates and culvert, now disused, with some having been removed. It was rented from the 1930’s onwards until purchased by WDAA in 1961. The top water level indicated depths of about 9 feet to the west end and 7½ feet to the east end in engineer’s reports we have in 1964. This top water level (TWL) was reduced following serious flooding which occurred in the mid 1960’s and is today at this level (more on that later). This was achieved by the removal of the top section of the 12” dia. bell mouthed vertical overflow pipe to the south west corner. Originally there was said to be about 4·8 million gallons and reduced to something over 3 million after negotiation with insurers. TWL was lowered by about 3 feet and the present water level is maintained mainly by surface water only.

Walters Pool

This water was small in size (about 34m x 20m, indicated as ‘Mill Dam’ on the old Ordinance Survey Maps, with adjoining marsh land) and adjoined the sluice gate in Spath Brook. The brook not only provided a source to top up this Dam but also the main Dam across the road. This Dam construction was mainly removed in later years, and also the sluice gate. During a development/improvement programme a couple of years ago an old inlet pipe was discovered in the N/E corner providing a connection to Spath Brook, although the present water level is maintained mainly by surface water.

The construction of Walters Pool was undertaken after the land was purchased in 1955. The purchase was from a private owner, and some of the land to the north corner was sold off later by WDAA (in separate plots) to adjoining householders, who wished to extend their gardens, as the area was considered inappropriate for the new pool and was being used by trespassers and poachers.  Walters Pool today covers an area of about 97m x 22m.

Middle Pool & Admirals Hat

The Middle Pool has changed very little over the years with the water level maintained by the spring water from Hall Wood (and previously the mill race) with the spring entry point on the N.E. corner. It covers an area of about 86m x 33m.

The same applies to the Admirals Hat, with an area of about 125m x 33m and is shaped like a hat as the name implies. There is a sluice gate to the south side, which is inoperable today. However, some of our older members recall the sluice being opened to permit drainage into the river, for dredging purposes of the pool. In the Victorian days all the Dams would have been connected to the whole mill race system, and Spath Book, to supply the dye works, but there is very little evidence today. The old Ordinance Survey Maps provide the information e.g. Cheshire XXV111 1842 – 1952.  

http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore

The Angling Rights to these two waters was granted freely by the land owner (Radivern), together with permission to gain access, from the very early days until the land was purchased in 1981.

Oxbow

Over the years the path of the River Dean began to change. Up to the 1970’s the river passed directly below the Admirals Hat, as early ordinance survey maps show. Fortunately, the rivers path changed giving a greater area of land, which WDAA decided to purchase in order to form the new pool. 

It was decided to have the land properly surveyed (carried out by students from Stockport College - Building & Engineering Department) with the survey drawings superimposed with proposals for the new pool. This, together with photographs, was used in a presentation for WDAA members at the Boddington Arms Wilmslow in 1984, with development following quickly thereafter. This water now covers an area of 63m x 28m.

The name of Ox Bow was a natural choice for the pool because of the river, even though our President at the time, Gordon Adamson, took sole charge for managing the construction project. An inlet/outlet pipe was positioned in the S/W corner of the banking for overflow/flooding conditions, although the present water level is maintained mainly by surface water. (The Admirals Hat can be drained down into the Ox Bow when ever required)

History of the land which is now in the ownership of WDAA

There is little evidence when the three first pools were rented before 1937. What is very clear is that the whole area used to be part of a very large mill to the west of Dean Road with the Mill Dam being formed in the Victorian period. This dam was fed by water from Spath Brook, to the east side of Dean Road, via a sluice gate diverting the flow through a culvert below the road into the mill race, adjoining the reservoir. There was also a mill race connecting all dams together, with a natural spring originating in Hall Wood, which flows to the north side and into the Middle Pool, although this may be very difficult to see today. The boundary of the land, indicated on HM Land Registry files, shows that ownership is actually the line of the current old barbed wire and hedge fencing, with the spring water run being on the other side. Some of the older members believed that the boundary was actually one meter beyond the line of the fence (to include the spring water run) but this has since been disproved.

Some of the older members will also remember the story, with some evidence, of the land between the middle pool and the river being used during the First World War for something rather unusual, and evidenced in detail on the plaque at the corner of Welland Road.

There was a small camp to house German prisoners of war. (This was an overflow from the main camp in the Bradford Dyers buildings to the west of Dean Road). The outline of the 

hut foundations could just about be seen together with what appeared as ash piles from fires supposedly for washing and galley purposes. These were in straight lines between the hut foundations running down towards the river, below the middle pool. Much of this area was developed with the construction of the M3 quality access road and palisade fencing done in the 1990’s. However, the evidence may well still exist today between the fence line and river some distance away, although now considerably overgrown. (See photo of the Handforth Parish Council’s commemorative plaque inside the back cover).

There are records when the land containing the Admirals Hat, Middle Pool and Walters Pool were acquired, as shown on pages 7/8, from the Hon. Treasurers financial reports. Further additional land to the south and east of the Admirals Hat was acquired, in order to construct the new pool (Ox Bow) and is also clearly shown on page 9. 

The land to the west of the Mill Dam was later acquired by Linden Homes, and in 1999 much negotiation took place with these developers, who were planning to build a number of properties on the site with a new access road running alongside the south side of the Mill Dam and connecting onto Dean Road. Their engineers, also, had to satisfy themselves with the integrity of the embankment to the Mill Dam.

This area is now well established private housing, and the new access road was named Finsbury Way by the developers after agreement with the Macclesfield Borough Council.

For general information, near the S.W. corner of the reservoir there is a C.I. valve well (also called a draw-off tower) carrying 3 No. control hand wheels. These were used to supply water when required to the former Handforth Bleach Works and later Engineering Works (adjoining the Mill Dam), now demolished, and redeveloped. Adjoining the valve well is a 9” stand pipe with bellmouth inlet forming an overflow discharging into the River Dean, and is still in use today, although at a reduced height. Engineer’s recommendations in 1964 were followed to prevent any possible flooding in the future.

WDAA Records

Most of the following information has been recovered from the Hon. Treasurers Account Book entries going back to the 1930’s (which, fortunately, we still have), with additions from current members memories and recollections.

These were the first entries in our books (there would have been records going back to the formation of the club a few years earlier but, unfortunately, we do not have these).

13 January 1938

£12.0.0d was paid to Bradford Dyers Association as rent and continued annually to 1949.

28 July 1949

Wilmslow Urban District Council first levied (land) rates on WDAA in the sum of £7.6s.3d and continued annually into 1997 (rebated in full), when ratings were generally changed and did not apply to WDAA anymore, having been agreed with the District Valuer and Valuation Officer in Crewe.

31 January 1950

£7.0.0d was paid to Bradford Dyers Association as rent and continued annually to 1953.

4 December 1953

£7.0.0d was paid to new landlords, Command Land Agent, as Angling Rights (rent) and continued annually to 1961 by the War Department Land Agent. Bradford Dyers never actually carried out production in the early 1900’s in the works adjoining the Mill Dam and the War Office commandeered the premises in 1914. It was used as a military base during the war years and as a prison camp in the First World War (referred to as Handforth Depot on the auction sale map in 1961). 

26 July 1961

Public announcement for the sale of the Land with the Mill Dam by auction by the HM Ministry of State for War. Other extensive premises and a smaller works were also up for sale separately. It was agreed before the sale that the Mill Dam would be auctioned separately.

August 1961

Article in the Angling Times confirming the 75 members of WDAA had made interest free loans to the club, to cover the purchase, to be paid back over five years. Very sportingly, the Prince Albert Angling Club had agreed not to bid, until WDAA dropped out having reached their limit. That limit was reached but fortunately it succeeded – just!  We have a lot to thank our Hon. Treasurer Len Smith for as it was his skill in the bidding process, having worked as an Auctioneer in his home town in his younger days.  The Co-operative Wholesale Society acquired the land and substantial works (south side of the river) and a small engineering company acquired the (Polar) works adjoining the Mill Dam.

26 July 1961

Purchase of Mill Dam (Deposit) £80.0s.0d.

26 September 1961

Purchase of Mill Dam (Balance) £720.0s.0d.

Middle Pool & Admirals Hat

The land and pools were owned by the Radivern estate, and permission was generously granted (probably a Gentleman’s Agreement going back to the 1930’s) for the fishing rights in these waters, with rights of passage across the land for access. There is no record of Rental payments, although there could be UDC rates, but nothing very specific. Purchase of the land and waters transpired as below:-

6 January 1981 Conveyance of Land, re land adjacent pools, per David Fletcher & Co. £250.00

16 February 1981 Purchase of Land (through solicitors Goldstone, Gasket & Eva) £2,671.99.

20 September 1976 Edgerton Transport (Admirals Hat dredging work) £500.00 

Walters Pool

 31 January 1950 £10.0.0d was paid to A Boughey as rent for this land and continued until 1954.

29 August 1955 £30.0.0d was paid to a Harold Bennett (assumed to have acquired the land from A Boughey) as 10% deposit to purchase by WDAA.

14 October 1955 £270.0.0d was paid, as balance of purchase, to H Bennett.

14 October 1955 £7.16s.8d was paid pro-rata for rent until land purchase.

16 August 1961 £16.4s.0d was paid to J E Turner for Hire of Excavator. (This arrangement was made by the Hon. Treasurer, Len Smith, with the operative working on the Wates housing development across the road. Walter Warburburton took charge of this development which on completion became known as Walters Pool).

Ox Bow

8 June 1983 £1,380.00 was paid to a W Ian Partan for this land (assumed to be the agent or solicitor for Radivern) as advance payment. Referred to as “New Pool” in our records.

29 June 1983 £3,012.32 was also paid as the balance on completion of the sale.

The River Dean, again in a very high spate in 1999, caused serious flooding in the area, including overflowing into the Ox Bow. Further engineering works had to be carried out as indicated on page 16 below.

Birtles Lake – Birtles Lane at junction with the A537 Chelford Road, west of Macclesfield (Not Rented by WDAA since 1980).

5 April 1949

£30.0.0d was paid annually to a Mrs Sparrow (assumed to be the owners of the estate land and waters) as rent, or angling rights, for this new addition to WDAA fisheries. The contact was made through our member and Hon. Treasurer Neil Fletcher, who knew and worked for the Sparrow Hardwick industrial organization in Piccadilly Manchester. Rates were also paid, pro-rata, to the land owner, for the urban district council charges, although the first reference found was 8 October 1961 with an amount of £7.9s.0d. The fishing was considered good for roach, perch and bream (including pike).

May 1949

A total of £47.14s.6d was paid as capital expenditure for material for and including a hut. It also covered advertisements in three local newspapers for a Bailiff, and a tip to members installing the hut with foundation. The Bailiff was paid on a monthly basis.

In later years the pool began to seriously silt up (a small fresh water brook seemed to be causing the problem) and efforts were made to correct this as below:-

12 April 1972 C & K Evans for JCB 1st stage work on Birtles Project. £36.00

13 April 1973 C & K Evans for JCB 2nd and final stage work on Birtles Project. £23.75p.

16 October 1973 Salford University Birtles Project 1st stage £30.00.

22 February 1974 Salford University Birtles Project 2nd stage £20.00.

22 November 1974 Salford University Birtles Project 3rd and final stage £53.50.

As the secretary’s records, going back to the 1930’s, were lost in 1980, no further information is available. Clearly, no satisfactory solution had been found to improve the fishery, and the decision to terminate the rental agreement with the Landlord must have been made by the club with the final rental payment having been made on 1 May 1979. There is no record of fish being purchased for the pool.

The only alternative way of finding out full WDAA land ownership details (and any Trustees) is to pay for searches through HM Land Registry at Birkenhead, although not all land in the early part of the last century was registered. Articles could also be possibly traced through the records of local newspapers.

There is evidence of two other pools being rented in the past, one in Poynton and one in Mobberly. However, the rentals did not last long and the reasons are unclear, but are probably due to being under fished by members. 

Fish Purchases

The first evidence of fish purchases appears in the statement of accounts for year ending 1940, although little else as to where the stock was purchased from or what was bought. This appeared again in 1941 for 200 crusion carp, but not where from.

25 November 1958 £20.16s.4d paid to the Surrey Fish Farm & United Fisheries.

There was no mention what stock was bought

5 October 1963 £17.15s.0d paid to Surrey Trout Farm (as Stock Fish)

13 October 1964 £6.19s.0d paid to Surrey Trout Farm for 1,000 F/W snails

13 October 1964 £7.3s.0d paid to Chirk Fisheries for F/W Shrimps

9 December 1965 £40.0s.6d paid to Surrey Trout Farm

There was no mention what stock was bought

3 January 1989 £269.67 from Shropshire Course Fisheries

There was no mention what stock was bought

5 June 1989 £301.30 from Shropshire Course Fisheries for:

240 size 6” – 10" Roach

200 size 4” – 6” Crucian Carp

2 December 1990 £241.50 paid to Sport & Leisure Fisheries (as re-stocking)

100 size 6’’ – 8’’ Tench 

1 December 2003 £1,527.50 paid to Epperstone Park Hatcheries Woodborough

500 size 6” Tench

Some of the older members will recall that the WDAA was invited to carry out netting of the ICI Alderly Park lake before it was drained for some reason in the late 1950’s or early 60’s. The fish taken were for free, and included some large ‘black’ bream, all of which were transferred to the Mill Dam. 

Recent Purchases of fish Stocks

As our News Letters have indicated, since 2012 a great deal has been spent on fish stocks based on a very specific programme planned by the Fisheries Management Team. The financial information is already contained in year end reports as well as the news letters that members should have; however, the following gives an overall picture of those purchases year on year (and is still continuing on through 2015).

Year 2012 £1.329.00

Year 2013 £2.324.91

Year 2014 £1.178.00

For those members who have not seen or had copies of these, the following is taken from the excellent Stocking Outcome Reports prepared by our members Geoff & Liz Hayes:-

14 November 2012 Tench from Leisure Fisheries Ltd Shropshire (3-4 year groups)

Reservoir 70 size 8’’- 10’’   45 size 6’’- 8’’

Walters Pool 30 size 8’’- 10’’ 30 size 6’’- 8’’

Middle Pool 30 size 8’’- 10’’ 30 size 6’’- 8’’

6 April 2013 from Capesthorne Estate Lower Syndicate Pool for the Reservoir

Roach 410 size 2’’- 4’’   194 size 4’’- 6’’ 27 size 6’’- 8’’

Rudd   37 size 4’’- 6’’

Bream 9 specimen fish weighing 2lbs.13oz. to 4lb.14oz.

Perch  22 4’’- 6’’

9 April 2013 from Capesthorne Estate Private Stock Pool for the Reservoir

Roach 198 size 2’’- 4’’   43 size 4’’- 6’’ 5 size 6’’- 8’’ 4 size 8’’- 10’’

Rudd 7 size 4’’- 6’’

18 April 2013 Carp (yearlings) from the Neil Fuzzard - Frontfish Fish Farm Colyton Devon

Walters Pool 50 All these fish are expected to make 2/3lb. by year 3,

Middle Pool 40 a decision will be taken later whether to transfer to

Ox Bow 37 the Reservoir at this time.

11 May 2013  from the Capesthorne Estate Stock Pool

Walters Pool 38 Crucian Carp 4’’- 6’’

Middle Pool 12 Crucian Carp 2’’- 4’’

        150 Rudd / Roach 2’’- 4’’

20 May 2013 Crucian Carp from Fair Fisheries Ltd Malpas Cheshire

Reservoir                  24 size 6’’- 8’’   41 size 8’’-10’’

Walters Pool 20 size 6’’- 8’’ 30 size 8’’-10’’

Middle Pool 15 size   8’’- 10’’ 15 size 8’’-10’’

Ox Bow 20 size         6’’- 8’’ 20 size 8’’-10’’

1 September 2013 from Llynclys Syndicate Oswestry Shropshire

Roach 45 size 3/4lb. – 1lb.2oz. (into Reservoir)

           23 size 6oz. – 8oz (into Admirals Hat)

           150 size 2oz. to 4oz. – Free of charge (into Admirals Hat)

Tench 7 size 3½lb – 6lb (into Walters Pool)

           3 size 5lb – 6lb.12oz. (into Reservoir)

20 November 2014 Carp  from the Neil Fuzzard - Frontfish Fish Farm Colyton Devon

Walters Pool 40 Year Two (C2)          Reservoir 8 Year Three (C3)

28 March 2015 from the Capesthorne Estate Lower Syndicate Pool, and stocked into the Reservoir.

Roach 8lb.(in total) size 4’’ – 6’’

Bream 3size 4lb., 4lb.8oz. and 4lb.12oz.

Perch  A Few

For those members who do not have access to the internet and have never heard of some of the fish farms where these stocks were acquired, they may be interested in the following extract from one of the websites; that of the Neil Fuzzard - Frontfish Fish Farm.

‘’The farm is now well established (since 1996) with 15 ponds which produces 15 tonnes of carp each year. The new state-of-the-art hatchery was recently finished ensuring the fry have the very best possible start. The farm is in the process of increasing the number of ponds due to the ever increasing demand for these unique carp. The carp we produce are fast becoming the first choice for some of the countries premier fisheries. Most of our customers re-order time band time again due to the spectacular and varied scale patterns, great growth rates and the legendary fighting qualities these carp possess.

Evidence of the Carp species in WDAA waters

Our Fisheries Manager, Geoff Hayes, was able to provide some possible evidence of the species of some of our carp, once he was made aware of the fact that some of our earliest purchases were from the Surrey Trout Farm. He says the same species are seen in the Capesthorne Hall pools, which has long been one of the north-west's top carp waters. The fact that WDAA acquired fish stocks from this Surrey Fish Farm gives credence to the belief that some of our carp are from the same strain, said to be the fast growing Galician carp.

For those who do not have access to the internet, the following are some extracts from this article, which talks about a man by the name of Donald Leney, who almost single handedly sowed the seeds of some of the most magnificent carp and carp waters that have been seen in this country.

‘’In 1951 Bob Richards landed a 31lb 4oz mirror from the pool, the first of three consecutive British records from Redmire. Then on September 13 1952 Dick Walker, the father of modern specimen fishing landed one of the few commons from the 1934 stocking - a 44 pounder he called Ravioli (later Clarissa). The giant claimed the British record until the opening day of the 1980 season when another Leney giant - a 51lb 8oz linear- was caught by Chris Yates. Three consecutive record breakers came from 50 small carp, not all of which would have made it to adulthood - a remarkable statistic.

It is suspected that Redmire pool still holds the crown for the oldest living carp in this country, another of Donald Leney's amazing babies. A linear mirror, the last survivor from the original stocking from 1934 and probably spawned in 1932 is now, if still alive as I write, an amazing 73 years old. Although not banked for a decade, until last year was known to be still swimming around this historical venue and is thought to be around 40lb.

Over a 25 year period up until 1956 there were hundreds of thousands of Galician carp imported and stocked throughout the U K, most delivered by rail. Many were stocked into unsuitable venues and fell by the wayside. Through his beloved Galician's that prospered, Donald Leney perhaps contributed more to modern carp angling than any other.’’

The article was originally written by Colin Davidson for Anglers Mail, over ten years ago.

Major Development Works carried out in the past

In 1997, it was decided to provide vehicular access (both cars and lorries) to the waters to the east of Dean Road. Up until this time, access across Spath Brook was via a small brick-built arched bridge, and was only suitable for pedestrians. Planning permission was eventually obtained for a new reinforced concrete structure, with metal balustrading, (an access road beyond as below, plus a new access road from the highway up to new steel gates) to achieve what was required. 

A small engineering company carried out the bridge works, which was generously paid for by one of our Vice Presidents, Ron Cooper. Once the bridge had been completed it allowed the next stage of development, which was to construct the access road (M3 quality) to the far end of the middle pool. This civil work was carried out in 1998 with the final stage being the construction of the new access from the highway, both being carried out by the same small civil engineering company at a cost of £4,255.00.

The new steel gates were constructed during the road works operations, and which were generously undertaken and paid for by our member (now Chairman) David Bannister.

In the spring of year 1999 there was another serious flooding of the River Dean, and although no real damage occurred, other than overflowing into the Ox Bow pool, the clubs management committee considered that essential work had to be carried out to strengthen the river bank to prevent collapse and loss of the Ox Bow pool. 

After obtaining planning permission, including that of the Environment Agency and Cheshire Wild Life, prices were obtained for the finally agreed design of Gabions filled with approved stone, including a geotextile matting to encourage vegetation growth.

The works were successfully carried out in by P C Construction Ltd of Chester at a total cost of £11,808.75 in July 2000 and the vegetation growth virtually conceals the wall today.

The next stage of development concerned the improvement of safety and protection of our lands and waters. Fencing of the land and waters in the early days was simply wooden posts with barbed wire. This was mostly changed in 1967 onwards, to concrete post and chain link. Considerable monies, for the time, covered virtually the total renewal of all fencing. Two exceptions were to the rear of the middle pool - existing fencing and hedging retained and, the rear of Admirals Hat. In the 1950’s, the Club benefitted from the free acquisition of steel fencing, as seen today on the border with Hall Wood.

Forty years later, the chain link fencing proved to be insufficient for current-day health & safety, and protection from poaching of the waters which had been evidenced. In 2003 a decision was taken for the supply and installation of palisade fencing as replacements. As the cost would be considerable, it was decided to undertake this in stages, starting with the Mill Dam in 2003/4, following on with the run alongside the access road to the east of the River Dean. The total cost of the palisade works up to 2010 amounted to £39,390.70.

In 2011 ‘Gypsies’ took up illegal residence overnight in the reservoir car park, after forcing entry through the old gates and chain link fencing. It involved the Chairman, the police and local authority to finally remove them – at a cost of £705.00!  The car park security was then completely replaced with palisade fencing (which also involved planning permission) with new access gates, constructed to prevent high sided vehicular access. The cost of this additional work, completed in 2011, totalled £5499.25.  Over this nine year period, WDAA members gave generous donations to assist in covering the considerable costs of this and all the fencing works. 

More recently, as most members will be aware, considerable effort and expenditure has been made on Walters Pool, by regeneration, improvement of water quality for the fish and pond life, and the building of new pegs, pathways, a new access road and parking area and restocking the pool.  Planning permission was obtained retrospectively for these major works and already we are seeing the benefits, including that of holding new matches as recently agreed at the AGM.

Fisheries Management Reports by Consultants

There are two reports from independent consultants.

• The first one was commissioned in May 1958 and prepared and issued by Mr D J McKenzie, a Consultant with the Angler’s Co-operative Association, and was attached to the Hon. Secretary’s report at the end of the season. An inspection was carried out on the three waters at Handforth, accompanied by several members. It suggested five areas for all round improvement in a simple two page report.

Some of the recommendations are not really applicable today, as reference is made to the benefits of the mill race supplying the waters, and the effect this has with supplying the pools with an abundance of fish food. The only pool that still benefits in this way is the middle pool.  What it did say, however, is how to improve the waters with plants such as water lilies and watercress (Nasturtium Officinale) plus applying twice yearly super phosphate to the waters.

One more recommendation, which was more contentious with members at that time, was the recommendation for the introduction of Pike – two 2½lb. to 3lb. to each of the two small pools. It was noted that there was an excess of small Rudd in these waters, and an exchange scheme with other angling clubs was recommended for Tench and Carp.

Interestingly, the Report records that the Mill Dam (referred to as the reservoir) was about 10 Feet deep in those days, and there were only two other waters at that time, the Middle Pool and the Admirals Hat. The Report is useful in many ways today, regarding condition of waters and their improvement, fish stocks etc. The purchase of the Mill Dam by WDAA was secured at the auction held in 1961.

• The second, a much more in-depth study, was commissioned in May 1989 and prepared and issued by Fisheries Management Consultant Dr. Bruno Broughton B.Sc.(Hons), Ph.D., M.I.F.M. As with the first report, it involved a site visit (from his Ruddington, Nottingham address) to examine the fisheries, and discuss their history and previous management with members of WDAA. However, unlike the first report, it did include an assessment of the River Dean. Unfortunately, page 2 of this 14 page report is missing, but the document is still of interest to the Fisheries Management Team today.

Schedule of Old Reports from Engineering Consultants

• Undated Report prepared for the Club, by T Hall Engineer (a WDAA member at that time), on the Mill Dam 156. Ordinance Survey Plan No. 28:2 Cheshire (1935). 

This is an interesting paper and although undated, it accompanied the year end report by Derek Bower in 1957. It refers to the water depth having been lowered to about 4½ Feet. There is no indication as to why the water level was lowered. 

However, it is believed that the Council possibly required this to be done to enable the excavation and installation of a new major drainage scheme or services (possibly in the Mill Race), which was probably planned for the residential estate to be built on land to the north of the Mill Dam. The housing scheme was carried out in the early 1960’s by Wates Build.

• Report by the Hon. Secretary Derek Bower, for the year end 1957.

This refers, amongst other items, to a formal Agreement with the Wilmslow Council for the re-flooding (refilling) of the Mill Dam.

• Report on the Mill Dam carried out in 1964 by an engineer, acting on behalf of a Manchester firm of Chartered Engineers called Bertram Done & Partners, namely Mr J S Keighley. This may have been prepared following the serious flooding of the Handforth Bleach Works (used as engineering premises during the Second World War) to the west end of the Mill Dam, which had important recommendations to prevent flooding in the future. Apparently, during a serious over night storm, the normal run of Spath Brook into the River Dean became blocked with debris under a culvert, causing a diversion of the water flow across to the Mill Race and the Dam itself. This flow was obviously far greater than the overflow from the Dam could cope with into the river. It is said that the Polar Works, as it was later referred to, was under water by a few inches.

In the 1950’s there had been another 6’’ dia. stand pipe in the centre of the Dam, (ideal for the carp to snag the anglers line!) but this became broken and the engineers report in 1964 referred to this as either disconnected or sealed.

At the time the Report was undertaken, the depth below TWL, or top water level, was indicated as being 9 Feet to the west end shelving to 7½ Feet at the east end. Capacity, based on these levels, was said to be below 5 million gallons. The actual water level at the time was indicated as approximately 4 Feet below TWL.

Some members recall that the agreement reached with the Club’s insurers was that the capacity had to be restricted to a maximum of 3 million gallons (or at the level we see today). This was achieved by the removal of the top section of the overflow.

There is an interesting photo, which must have been taken around that time, when the reservoir had been emptied, and the unusual finds of munitions! Whether this photo was taken in 1957, as referred to above, or whether it was after the flooding is uncertain, although the latter is more likely. Prominent amongst the small party is Gordon Adamson, former President and Derek Bower, former Secretary and Chairman. (See copy of the black and white photo inside the back cover).

Water Abstract License (Obtained in 1993/4 from the National Rivers Authority and 

Later re-issued on 21 March 1997 by the newly formed Environment Agency)

This followed the required announcements of our application in the London Gazette and the Wilmslow Express newspaper on 22 /9/1993 and 6/10/1993.

Under the Water Resources Act 1991, WDAA hold a Water Abstraction License Serial Number 25/69/019/052, which authorises the following quantities to be extracted from the River Dean for the purpose of topping up Private Fisheries:-

30 cubic metres per hour    (approx. 6,599 gallons)

300 cubic metres per day    (approx. 65,990 gallons)

3,000 cubic metres per year   (approx. 659,907 gallons)

A condition of the license states that water abstracted in pursuance of this license shall be measured by means of a flow meter to be provided by the License Holder. It is not acceptable for extracted quantities to be calculated by simply multiplying the pump capacity by the hours of operation. This was pointed out by the Environment Agency in a letter to WDAA dated 12 May 1998. It is also essential to keep proper records on an routine basis. Annual charges will apply, regardless of whether extraction is carried out or not. 

Record of Serving Officers of the WDAA 

(unfortunately not all officers names were found from the earlier years)