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54 Phonebox Magazine | March 2025Well, we%u2019ve managed to fi sh three matches in the last month, but as far as silvers go, it has been incredibly diffi cult.Fish such as roach shoal up in the colder months, so if they are feeding and you are lucky enough to fi nd a shoal, then you could be in for a great day. Unfortunately, in two matches, no one has managed to fi nd a feeding shoal, and the weights have been poor.Three weeks ago, Mick Stanley was the only angler to weigh in more than 1lb, winning the Two Brewers Open with 2lbs 9oz. Our second match for the Spooner Cup was also fi shed in freezing conditions, and results suff ered again. Graham Prince claimed the victory whilst only catching two fi sh. Luckily, one of them was a chub of 5lbs 8 1/2oz, which was heavier than everyone else%u2019s weights combined!In between those two matches the second leg of the pike and perch series was fi shed. Unlike the silver fi sh matches, all the anglers caught fi sh, but it was Barney who came out on top. COUCH TO 5K IS BACK!Bethan Courtman from The Olney Way To Run recently got in touch with Phonebox to let us know about the upcoming C2-5k programme. It%u2019s a not-for profi t programme which is supported by volunteers, with a donation being made to a local charity.The programme, based in Emberton, starts on Monday 14th April at 6.15pm and culminates on Saturday 5th July. The cost is %u00a350 and includes two weekly coached sessions, a private Facebook group and lots of tips and advice to keep you engaged, with support from fabulous volunteers, many of whom have been through the C2-5k programme themselves.Bethan has been leading the programme for 10 years, and as a running coach and %u2018older%u2019 woman (her words!), she is keen to promote the positive impact it%u2019s had on so many lives. She writes: %u201cIf any of the following resonates, maybe this is the programme for you%u201d:There%u2019s NO WAY I could run for a bus, let alone 5kI%u2019m way too unfi t/old/tall/small/weak/heavy/frightened/hairy to runI%u2019ll be too slow/rubbish/look terrible in lycraRunning isn%u2019t for me; it%u2019s what %u2018other%u2019 (weird) people doBethan is keen to stress that this programme is suitable for anyone who feels brave enough to step out of their comfort zone and take a few risks. It%u2019s for %u2018new%u2019 runners, %u2018returning from injury%u2019 runners or %u2018had a prolonged break%u2019 runners: %u2018%u201cExercise The last match should be a thriller with four anglers in a position to win the overall series.Due to the unparalleled fl ooding this season, our wooden structures, such as platforms and bridges, have suff ered greatly, with some needing repairs and others needing to be replaced. This is an expensive and timeconsuming exercise, but one that needs doing now. Therefore, I ask any able-bodied OLNEY & CLIFTON FISHING ASSOCIATIONmembers to watch out for work parties as this will be a long-term project which will benefi t all our members.So, only a few weeks until the season ends on 14th March. Let%u2019s all try and make the most of it, and here%u2019s to some great catches to end the season.Cheers, Damon.LOCAL SPORT ROUNDUPcan be a fabulous vehicle for enabling you to do things which bring you joy. This doesn%u2019t mean you have to run marathons, it could be as simple as being able to get outdoors and enjoy the local countryside. Joining this programme could ignite something within you. It doesn%u2019t mean you have to become a runner, but it may give you the opportunity to learn about yourself and be the platform for having the confi dence to try something else.%u201dIf you would like to sign up or fi nd out more, you can email Bethantowtrun@gmail.com.