Members Update

Dear members,

2020 has without a doubt been hugely challenging for all of us in many different ways. Hopefully 2021 will see a level of normality return to the world with vaccines now being developed and rolled out. The committee hope that this will result in normal service being resumed around the club next year, however we understand that this is likely to be a slow process with parts of the club likely to be reopened when it is safe to do so and when government guidelines allow.

What’s new?

Members that have been around the club over the last few months may have noticed that the committee and some members have been working away when government guidelines have allowed.

The wooden cladding at the front and side of the building has been replaced with new PVC cladding, gutters and downpipes were also replaced. We have replaced the old yellow crane with a Manitou to assist with boating and building works in the years to come. We are also currently working on replacing the heating oil fuel tank which has been relocated to behind the club house. We will continue to upgrade club facilities inside and out, and have a number of projects planned throughout 2021 and 2022.

Boat Shifts in 2021

As a result of the ongoing restrictions club facilities remain closed until further notice. However the Boating Convenor has agreed to assist with the removal of boats from the water, to be either stored outside on club premises or removed from the premises altogether. We are unable to assist with turning boats over due to social distancing restrictions.

Anybody that requires assistance with having their boat removed from the water should contact Tam McBride or any committee member.

Please do not turn up without first clearing it with a committee member as we must ensure that we are compliant with government guidelines which appear to be in a state of constant review.

Annual General Meeting

As you will be aware, our AGM is normally held in February. However this is unlikely to be possible in light of the current situation. We are considering alternative options taking into account the uncertain circumstances. We will update you as soon as possible.

With Regret

We have received the unfortunate news that some VOLDAC members have sadly passed away this year. Our thoughts and prayers are with all members and families that have experienced the loss of a loved one.

We will raise a glass to absent members during the festive period.

Seasons Greetings

The committee would like to wish all members and their families a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

We hope that you all have a great time during the festive period and we look forward to welcoming you back to your club to enjoy the facilities and good company soon.

Merry Christmas,

The committee.

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Cancellation of boat shifts & LLAIA catch returns

Dear members,

Boat shifts:

Following on from our last update we are now operating within the governments level 3 guidelines. As a result the club bar remains closed and boat shifts are cancelled until further notice. 

You may however use the club slipway to remove your boat from the water and either store outside on club premises or remove altogether. No boats are permitted into the drying shed or workshop until we are are permitted to work safely following government guidelines.

The keys for the drying shed and workshop will be removed from the locker on Monday 9th November. This gives you time to remove any belongings you may require. The engine shed keys will remain in the locker allowing you to store or remove your engines and fuel tanks.

Anyone planning to use the slipway to remove their boat from the water and store at the club must do so following government guidelines on social distancing.

LLAIA catch returns:

You are now able post your catch returns. We encourage you to do so as soon as possible. You can return by post, using the LLAIA website or by posting in the green box at the front of the club. Failure to do so may delay your membership for season 2021.

You can contact the committee using Facebook or by emailing us through our website.

Best regards,

The committee

Sunday Boat Shift - Cancelled

Dear members,

You may be aware that we have organised our first boat shift for this Sunday. Unfortunately due to the recent local lockdown restrictions that have been put in place the committee has had to make a difficult decision and cancel the boat shift this Sunday.

We will monitor the situation and continue to follow government guidelines over the next 2 weeks and update you accordingly.

If you have any queries please contact us on our Facebook page, the website or by contacting a member of the committee.

Best regards,

The committee

Loch Lomond Fly Fishing Competition 2020

Members,

The annual Loch Lomond Fly Fishing Competition for 2020 will take place on Saturday 19th September.

From the LLAIA website:

General information

This year’s event will be held on Loch Lomond on the date noted above. Angling will be from boats only and by fly only including dapping.

The competition will be open to full members of the LLAIA their guests and the general public.

Corona Virus 19

Unfortunately due to covid restrictions it has been decided not to hold a post competition BBQ.  All competitors must adhere to social distancing and hand cleanliness guidelines. Gels will be provided at registration centres and weigh in.

Times:

Registration can be at Balmaha boatyard and at Vale of Leven District Angling Club between the hours of 08:00 and 09:00.

Once registered, anglers are free to begin fishing.

Rules

  • Entry fee of £5 per angler will apply.

  • Angling will be by fly only including dapping artificial flies.

  • No trolling gear allowed in any boat taking part.

  • All participants must have a valid permit for the day of the competition.

  • All fish caught to be returned alive to the water. A tape measure will be supplied to each boat at registration and anglers should use this to measure the length and girth of any fish caught which will be used to estimate the weight. All fish must be photographed with the tape for the purpose of adjudication.

  • Salmon, trout and sea trout will all count.

  • Anglers must return for the presentation of prizes by 16:00 to the sandy spit at the North East end of Inchmurrin to declare their catches. Any angler returning after 16:00 will be disqualified.

Prizes

This year we are delighted to have the Glasgow and Edinburgh Angling Centres as our main sponsor who have generously donated the following great prizes.

  • Best overall bag – Prize “Heaviest Basket Cup ‘ + Alfa 5+ Fly Reel 

  • Best fish of the day – Salmon or Sea Trout – Prize – SA Amplitude Fly Line

  • Second best fish of the day – Salmon or Sea Trout – Prize – 50 x Fario Flies and Box

This will be the fourth such event. A raffle will be drawn and all proceeds from the day will once again be donated to our nominated charity the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat. Last year’s event raised £300.

Top Raffle Prizes

There are some great raffle prizes to be won, thank you to Snowbee and Luss Estates Company for their generosity in providing prizes.

  • Snowbee Voucher

  • Less Estates Voucher (Loch Lomond Arms Hotel)

There will be a weather watch at midday on Thursday 17th September. An update and any change of arrangements posted on the LLAIA website and Facebook page.

We would like to acknowledge and thank each of our sponsors, Glasgow and Edinburgh Angling Centres,  Luss Estates Company and Snowbee UK  for their support which is greatly appreciated.

Regards,

VOLDAC committee

Today's Work Day

Members,

The committee would like to thank all the members who turned up at the work day today and helped with replacing the cladding, painting the front of the clubhouse, cutting the grass and preparing the foundations for the new heating oil tank that will be installed in the near future.

All in all, it was a great turnout and some good progress was made. It was encouraging to see the members come together and help the club take another step forward. Your support is essential.

Hope to see you at the next work day.

Thanks,

VOLDAC committee

Work Day - Sunday 6th September

Members,

A work day is scheduled on Sunday 6th September to continue the gutter, facing and cladding replacement works that have been ongoing over the last couple of months. The club could use the assistance of approximately 6 non-committee members in order to hopefully complete these works on Sunday. A number of committee members have already volunteered to attend.

Volunteers would be required to assist with some very light labouring, preparation of exterior surfaces for painting and generally lend a hand.

Many hands make light work, however social distancing has to be observed hence the need to keep the numbers to around 12.

If you are able and willing to help out, even if only for a couple of hours please drop an email to voldacweb@gmail.com or let a committee member know. We will be starting at 9:30 am sharp.

Best regards,

VOLDAC committee

VOLDAC Members Update

Dear members,

Members fees due

A gentle reminder that the remaining club fees for 2020 are due. It is important that you make every effort to pay any outstanding balance between now and the end of August. If you prefer to pay via electronic transfer you can do so by contacting the club treasurer and Tam Dorrian will be happy to assist. The bar will also be open on a Saturday and Sunday if you prefer to leave your monies with the bar staff.

The club will be open on the following dates with committee members available to accept your fees.

Sunday 23rd August 12:30pm-3pm

Sunday 30th August 12:30pm-3pm

 

Work day planned

We have scheduled a work day this Sunday to continue the replacement of the gutters, facings and cladding. We intend on carrying out small works in and around the club facilities so a strong turnout from any available member will be appreciated. It would be good to see some new faces down to help out, you don’t need to have a particular trade just be able and willing to help out. The club is investing quite heavily in modernising and improving club facilities for its members and visitors so the club needs your help to make it “your club” for many years to come.

Best regards

VOLDAC committee

VOLDAC Members Update

On the face of it this year has been a quiet one at the VOLDAC with the facilities being closed and the fishing curtailed for a significant part of the season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, work is continuing behind the scenes to ensure that the club continues to move forward.

What’s new?

The bar has reopened

The bar reopened on Saturday 1st August. Signage, perspex screens and hand sanitizer have been made available and a one way system and social distancing measures implemented in order that the bar can reopen safely and in accordance with government guidelines.

Members are required to sign in and out of the bar and leave their contact details in the book next to the notice board at the bar entrance. The bar now accepts card payment.

Members are asked to help keep the bar open by following the guidelines at all times.

The crane has been replaced by a Manitou Telehandler

The old crane which served the club so well has been traded in for a Manitou Telehandler. Members will be aware that it would not have been possible to install the pontoons at the club without the crane. An added bonus was that members boats no longer have to be carried in and out of the water by hand. However the crane was old and it had started becoming prone to breakdown so it sadly had to be moved on for something newer and a bit more reliable.

The new Manitou will provide the capacity to perform essential maintenance on the pontoons when required and means there will be no requirement to return to the days of manually lifting boats in and out of the work sheds.

New PVC cladding, fascias, soffits, guttering and downpipes are being installed on the clubhouse

The old wooden exterior on the clubhouse is being replaced by a new PVC exterior. This is essential maintenance that will bring the added benefit of freshening the club up and making it look a bit more modern. This work is now well underway and should be complete in the coming weeks. One side of the roof has also been cleaned and a number of broken roof tiles replaced.

Following on from the replacement of the water pipe behind the work sheds and extension of running water to the drying shed and engine shed these are some areas for improvement which were identified by the committee and are now being worked through on an ongoing basis.



VOLDAC - Season So Far

It has been two months since the last update and much has happened during this time, both on the fishing front and also with regards to the ongoing improvement of club facilities - more to follow with regards to club news.

When the lockdown restrictions were eased Jimmy Hyslop hit a purple patch with five double figure fish off the loch in a week, hats off to Jimmy on what was a great start to the season. Rab Mair had some good sport with two fish of 12.5lb in successive weeks at the Fruin and Alec Doey reported a fish of 11lb off the River Leven.

Jimmy Hyslop with one of five salmon in a week

Jimmy Hyslop with one of five salmon in a week

Rab Mair with the first of two fish in two weeks at the Fruin

Rab Mair with the first of two fish in two weeks at the Fruin

Most of the fish caught up until the second week in June were encountered in the lower reaches of the loch as would be expected, however from mid-June onwards successful captures were reported around Strathcashel, Inchlonaig and further up as the fish started to spread out around the loch. Michael King, Davy King Jr and Stephen McBride were amongst those who landed fish lower down whilst Stephen Blackwood had a nice grilse just below Inversnaid.

A fish of 10lb for Michael King on the Endrick Bank

A fish of 10lb for Michael King on the Endrick Bank

Davie Henderson with a cracking fish of around 15lb which was hooked off Inchfad

Davie Henderson with a cracking fish of around 15lb which was hooked off Inchfad

Some big sea trout have also been landed as is normal for Loch Lomond with Davy King Jr and Scott Laird both landing double figure trout. Several fish in the 3-5lb class have also been reported.

An estimated double figure trout caught by Scott Laird and returned after a quick photo

An estimated double figure trout caught by Scott Laird and returned after a quick photo

A sea trout of around 4lb ready to go back

A sea trout of around 4lb ready to go back

Club members that fish the River Leven have been picking up fish recently with Alun Pryce and Robert Wilson both landing grilse whilst spinning on the river during the last few days.

With more rain forecast this week the chances of sport throughout the system should be high.

The committee would like to encourage fellow members to share your stories and successes so we can keep each other appraised of what has been happening up the loch and around the system. Please send details of fish caught, those that got away, tall tales and photographs to voldacweb@gmail.com

To receive regular updates subscribe at https://www.voldac.co.uk/

Removal of suspension of Fishing across L.l.A.I.A. fishery

Update from LLAIA website:

Removal of Current Suspension on fishing

‘I am very happy to formally announce that the suspension of angling on the Lomond system under Covid lockdown will be lifted after midnight tonight 28th of May.  I’ would like to thank our members and ticket holders for the level of restraint, understanding and support during this very difficult time. While there is now a sense of optimism and positivity that this virus is becoming under control we must remember that this move to Phase 1 of the Scottish Government’s route map has only been possible as a result of people following government advice and guidelines thus far. We therefore request that we all continue to follow the guidelines in order to ensure continued progress and relaxation of restrictions.’ Jim Raeburn, Chairman LLAIA
‘Tight lines and stay safe’

Jim Raeburn

Chairman LLAIA

Following today’s announcement by the Scottish First Minister we are pleased to announce that as of 00:01 on Friday 29th May the Lomond Fishery will be open for fishing and the previous suspension lifted.  Fishing will of course resume at this time subject to all anglers observing the current guidance and measures defined by the Scottish Government at this time in order to minimise further spread of infection.

Full details of the current guidelines that need to be observed at all time can be found on the Scottish Government website at: https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/

In summary the existing Scottish Government guidelines include but are not limited to the following:

  • Travel and fish alone or with people from your household

  • Maintain adequate social (2m min.) distancing from others whilst fishing

  • Fish locally within your own area

  • Do not share tackle, food or equipment with others beyond your own household

  • If you feel unwell and are displaying symptoms of Covid-19 – stay at home for the advised quarantine period

  • Wash your hands regularly and as soon as you get home

  • Familiarise yourself and follow any specific guidance required by their angling club members (VOLDAC)

  • Possession and production of a valid angling permit remains a requirement at all times

  • If in doubt about any of the guidelines or you have any questions then please contact reports@lochlomondanglong.com

 

Regarding the retail purchase of permits locally then most permit retailers currently remain closed with the exception of “O’Briens” at Bonhill Bridge and “Lomond Stores” in Balloch where day, weekly and coarse permits can be purchased. All membership applications and renewals continue to be available via the L.L.A.I.A. website at https://www.lochlomondangling.com/membership/. Coarse anglers should be aware that day tickets will not be generally available presently from all retail outlets, season (calendar year) tickets can again be purchased on line at https://www.lochlomondangling.com/membership/

VOLDAC Members Update

Dear members,

I hope you are all well,

With the announcement now confirmed by the first minister allowing angling to resume from Friday 29th May as long as we can do so whilst observing social distancing. This is great news for our membership meaning that we can now fish!

The first phase of our reopening of the club will now take place from tomorrow morning (29th May).

We ask that all members and users of club facilities should do so by following government guidelines when in and around the club facilities. As previously communicated we must adhere to all new measures and processes that have been put in place. Anti-bacterial hand wash, alcohol sanitiser and disposable gloves have been supplied by the club and will be situated on the sanitising station in the rod room and rod room toilets.

  • Please ensure that such PPE and consumables remain on the premises for all members to use. 

  • All used disposable gloves and tissues must be disposed of safely and thoughtfully in a bin and not left lying around the club facilities.

  • The use of face masks are not mandatory but they are government recommendation. The committee have left it to the individuals to decide on whether you wear a mask or not.

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We want all members to enjoy being able to get out angling again and use the club facilities but we must point out that we intend on following government guidelines with social distancing and sanitisation etc. Therefore we will be monitoring the situation very closely to ensure that all members adhere to this and the new measures that we have put in place for the safety and wellbeing of all members are adhered to. We will approach this with the understanding that everyone is adapting to the “new normal” but we urge you all to get familiar with the process and measures in place quickly and safely. We don’t want to have to enforce tighter measures or restrictions on repeat offenders but will enforce if we feel that your actions are risking the safety of other members using the facilities or bringing the clubs reputation into disrepute.  

The committee want all members to go out and enjoy themselves but please be safe and think about and look after one another.

Best regards,


The committee.

Angus MacFadyen of Milton of Buchanan

It is with deep sadness and regret that we inform you of the recent death of Angus MacFadyen of Milton of Buchanan.

From the LLAIA website:

“It is with our deepest sadness and regret that we wish to announce the recent death of Angus MacFadyen of Milton of Buchanan.

In his younger days Angus worked at MacFarlane’s boatyard. He built a number of beautiful clinker boats in his workshop at Milton of Buchanan and was still carrying out boat repairs when he was well into his 80’s. As testimony to the quality of his work many of his boats are still in use on the Loch today. The image below is Angus launching of one of his beautiful clinker boats at Balmaha. Angus was quite a character with a wealth of local knowledge and stories to tell.

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Nothing was ever a problem to him and over the years was a friend to many Loch anglers. A sad loss.

Our sincere condolences to Angus’s family at this sad time.”

The club extends our deepest sympathies to the McFadyen family at this sad time.

VOLDAC Members Update

Dear members,

We hope that you and your families are well,

Over the last week and since our last update things have been relatively quiet. The committee have continued to communicate and put measures in place to ensure that the club is able to function and operate whilst observing social distancing measures.

Social distancing measures: 

All social distancing requirements have now been put in place and we are very happy to confirm that once the current lockdown is eased the VOLDAC are ready to reopen parts of the club and able to operate in a safe environment. It’s obvious that things all around the world have to change and our club is no different.

When reopening we intend on doing this over 3 phases gradually opening parts of the club when we are permitted to and when it’s safe to do so. The first phase will include opening the lower parts of the club facilities like the rod room, large workshop (green shed), small workshop, engine shed and the pontoons. All areas will have some new restrictions in place like a maximum amount of persons in an area at any one time. All new temporary changes and processes that are in place must be adhered to at all times. For obvious reasons the new changes will be monitored closely by the committee and we would expect all members to adhere to and police accordingly given the national health risk at stake. We must do all we can to minimise the risk of spreading COVID-19.

We will have a sanitising station set up in the rod room at the entrance were the club will supply alcohol sanitizer and disposable gloves. There is also an additional sanitising dispenser outside the rod room toilets. All members entering and using any of the facilities must follow government guidelines on washing your hands, sanitising and observing a minimum of 2 metres from anyone else using the clubs facilities.

Moving boats in and out of the water and work sheds.

With it being very difficult to observe social distancing when lifting and moving boats around the facility we have yet to confirm what measures we will implement when carrying this out. We are aware that we still have around 8 boats in the large work shed at different stages of repair once the boats are finished and ready to be launched we would ask that the member contacts one of the boat convenors to arrange for the boat to be moved. No boat should be removed or enter the workshop without a boating and building convenor being made aware and confirmation that this can be done safely.

We will work with the members that still have boats being worked on to ensure that you are able to complete the works and return the boat to the water ASAP. Once the club reopens please ensure that you contact the boat convenors to make arrangements for you to commence working on your boats. 

What’s next?

With the Scottish government continuing lockdown until at least the 28th May we must look towards this date with anticipation. 

 For now it’s down to playing the waiting game counting down the days until the lockdown is eased and angling resumes. We are all looking forward to getting back out fishing whether it be back on Loch Lomond trolling, fly fishing or fishing one of the many rivers or lochs that we treasure. 

Until then we ask that you all stay safe by following government guidelines.

Best regards,

The committee.

VOLDAC Members Update

Dear members,

We hope that you and your families are safe and well.

As we continue to navigate through these uncharted waters and times of uncertainty it’s important that we as a committee continue to closely monitor the government updates. The information given over the last few days including this evening (Sunday), positive steps have been made in London to allow sports to be undertaken in England unfortunately the Scottish first minister has decided that Scotland will follow on with current lockdown measures in place for at least the next 3 weeks. We must monitor the situation and prepare the club and its facilities in order for the club and its members to follow social distancing when we get the green light to reopen parts of our club and its facilities.

Since our last update on the 28th April the committee have continued to work away behind the scenes holding internet meetings to discuss how when the time is right to reopen parts of the club to allow members to continue fishing and work on their boats in the work sheds. Some members may have seen some movement around the club over the last few days. 

What’s new?

New water mains pipe installed

Over the last few days some of the club committee and members of VOLDAC have been down working at the club carrying out some essential works. The mains water pipe that supplies our club with fresh water ruptured at the rear of one of the work sheds and had to be replaced. Although this repair and now replacement of the pipe has been an issue for some time now it was essential that the works were carried out and completed. Whilst the works was being completed we decided to install running water to both the engine shed and large workshop this will be a welcomed addition for many of our members that use the facilities regularly. Thank you to all volunteers that were present and helped out with the works. This was a huge task undertaken and completed with good team work and endeavour.

Social distancing measures

Following on from 2 internet committee meetings to discuss implementation of social distancing procedures some members have started to carry this out on the facilities. We have added 2 metre distancing markers to the rod room and the entrances to the workshops. We will also be installing sanitising stations in both the rod room and workshops this will continue throughout the club and its facilities in the coming days to ensure that the club its ready to reopen safely when it’s time to do so.  

General grounds maintenance

Whilst the club has been closed we have continued to maintain the grounds cutting the grass, weeding and a general tidy up around the grounds. We have also upgraded our security systems by adding new cameras to bolster our security keeping the club and the member’s belongings safe.

So what’s next?

We are confident that by next weekend the social distancing works will be completed and the club will be ready to reopen once we have the green light.

Fishing Loch Lomond when lockdown is eased

With it being likely that angling will be allowed to continue before motorboat cruising the park authorities have made it very clear that only boats that are fishing will be permitted on the loch. This will be policed by both Police Scotland and the national park authorities.

Some of our members have not yet been able to register their boats for the 2020 season and therefore will not be in procession of the 2020 national park badges that we require to have when fishing on the loch with a boat. We are in discussion with the park authorities at the moment to have an agreement set up allowing our members to continue fishing without being potentially put off the loch. It’s likely that the VOLDAC committee will collate the information required for the park authorities to allow you to fish with 2019 badges until the park authorities offices reopen and catch up with the back log.

How do I obtain permission to fish the loch from a boat?

All members, if you wish to fish the loch we would therefore ask that you email our VOLDAC email address on our website prior to lockdown being eased. We will require your name and boat registration number to be emailed to us confirming that you plan to fish so we can inform the national park authorities.  For members without email facilities please contact a member of the committee with the information required.

  • Remember if you’re not registered you’re not permitted to fish Loch Lomond.

  • Members must be reminded that government guidelines must be adhered to whilst on and using club facilities once we have reopened. We must respect all member’s safety and wellbeing.

If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact a member of the committee. We have several contact email addresses on our website. We will respond as soon as possible.

Stay safe,

Best wishes,

The committee.


VOLDAC Members Update

Dear members,

I hope all is well with you and your families.

The last few weeks have been monumental times for us with the VOLDAC being closed for a period of time since it first opened in 1974. With this being unprecedented and unheard of we find ourselves in uncharted waters. The committee have had to adjust and adapt like all members to the “new normal” as it’s been described by the government. VOLDAC have followed and respected the guidelines around managing and minimising the risks to COVID-19. The committee had to make some calculated but prompt decisions like closing the club and its facilities until further notice I would like to thank all members and staff for their support and understanding which led to us being cut off from our livelihoods, hobbies and for some a way of life, our routine!

What’s next for VOLDAC, the staff and their members?

We will continue to take the advice from the government and implement the measures set. We are conscious and hopeful that as the latest 3 weeks of lockdown approaches the end on the 7th May the government may look to ease restrictions we believe that non-contact sports like angling and golf maybe considered and allowed. This will allow us to look at how we start to reopen and in what capacity.

What happens when lockdown is lifted?

Although lockdown measures will be reevaluated on or around the 7th May it has been made clear that some form of restrictions like social distancing will remain for the foreseeable future. The committee must have the safety of all staff and members as their first priority this means that we must look at the club and how it currently functions and operates. Changes and new processes will have to be drawn up and implemented to ensure that the club and its facilities can operate safely and continue to follow government guidelines. We are monitoring the situation closely which will allow us to be proactive and prompt in ensuring that when the club and its facilities reopen we have social distancing measures in place as well as sanitising equipment etc.

As a committee we are keen to get back out angling again as soon as possible and I’m sure all of our membership feel the same. Whether it be fishing on our rivers within the LLAIA membership, fly fishing on the many hill lochs or club fishings.  For most getting back out on the loch where many of our members spend their free time, some are on the hunt for Atlantic salmon and some just love to go for a sail with the fishing sticks out enjoying the wonderful scenery which is backed up with a sense of tranquillity. Not to forget the camping trips on the many islands on Loch Lomond.

What has the committee been doing whilst in lockdown?

As you can appreciate many of the committee’s responsibilities and duties are still relevant and important even when the club is closed. The club finances are the lifeblood of the club and our treasurer has been working tirelessly to ensure that the club fees are paid to allow the club to survive whilst we are closed. This coupled by ensuring that all bills are paid and continuing to manage finances in general. Some committee members have contacted all vulnerable and ageing membership to ensure that everyone is ok and to offer help and assistance where possible. For some members it was just good to get a catch up and feel part of something more than just a club or a membership. We have carried out some essential works around the pontoons with the water dropping to summer levels over the last few weeks the pontoon bridges and platforms were lodged on the banks of the river making easy access to our pontoons and boats for some opportunists. We have also tried to maintain the grounds as best we can like cutting the grass and weeding around the club buildings and pathways. This ensures that the club remains maintained for all to see from the very busy cycle path.

I hope some of you find this of interest and it gives you confidence that the club is still very much alive and kicking! We look forward to seeing you all very soon.

“Stay safe”

We are all in this together.

Best regards,

The committee.

Sailing Club Break-ins

A number of boats were broken into at the Sandbar Sailing Club on the River Leven last night. Craft owners reported the theft of personal items and damage sustained to their boats.

A reminder not to store valuable equipment or personal items on your fishing boats.

Members are also reminded that the CCTV cameras at the club can be monitored by any member at any time by downloading the app on your mobile phone. Contact a committee member for further details.

If any suspicious behaviour is witnessed please notify the police.

Stay safe.

The committee.

Important: Reminder

Dear members,

I hope that you and your families are safe and well at this difficult time for all.

This update is a gentle reminder to all members that the club and its entire facilities are closed. As you are all aware VOLDAC have been following and adhering to government guidelines which includes Sail Scotland and LLAIA guidelines for some weeks now. The following instruction must be adhered to by all members of VOLDAC.

Information provided on behalf of the government and Sail Scotland is that no craft whether it be Leisure or Pleasure can be used in Scottish Waters unless for essential use. The LLAIA have also suspended all angling, and the VOLDAC and its facilities remain closed. It’s reasonable to accept that members will need to check that their boat is secure from time to time so as long as you’re wearing your life jacket whilst on the pontoons this remains acceptable. Hand sanitizer is available on the wall next to the toilet in the rod/locker room.

Members, I would urge you all to observe and follow the above guidelines. The committee understands how frustrating this is but we are all in the same position. Most if not all members would love nothing more than to go for a sail or carry out some maintenance on your boat or engine. Unfortunately this cannot happen until further notice.

If you require any further information or clarity please contact a member of the committee using the contact details on the website.

“We are all in this together”

Stay safe all.

The committee.

Annual Membership Fees

Many thanks to all members who made the effort to stop by and pay their annual membership fees today.

For those with fees outstanding, please bear in mind that payment is due by next weekend, either half payment or full payment.

The option to have your fees collected still stands, please contact a member of the committee if this would help.

Stay safe!

Your Committee