CHESHIRE Angling has closed its doors for the final time last weekend and I among many others will miss the banter and advice from England international Helen Dagnall, her dad John and mum Dot.

There was always something going on or a tale to tell, and the bait was second to none.

Helen is still in the angling trade as she now manages what used to be Challinors Sports Ltd, trading under Challinors Ltd, at 146-8 Padgate Lane in Warrington.

On Saturday evening a robbery took place at Warrington Tackle and Guns in Parksway, Woolston, during which a member of staff was injured and required hospital treatment. If anyone has any information please contact the police on 101.

In true angling spirit, it is business as usual this week.

Both our Saturday and Sunday River Mersey matches were cancelled.

Mindful of poor results the previous week and with the river carrying extra snow water, expectations of getting a bite were not great.

However anglers have reported some cracking winter roach being caught further upstream behind Grey Mist. The fish were not there in numbers but the quality more than compensated. All were taken on feeder tactics.

Our bailiffs and working party volunteers started a winter clean-up on Grey Mist Mere, where a tiny minority who have the gall to call themselves anglers had taken more trouble in hiding their rubbish than it would to take it home like decent members.

Winter of course had exposed their outright disregard for their club, nature and surroundings. I often wonder what sort of conditions they live in at home. The team have also trimmed overhanging branches and removed the tree that had blown into the fishery.

The cold weather doesn’t bother Danny Rhodes, who reports catching a tench from the Mist on Friday.

I chatted to him on the bank on Saturday in a biting wind that froze me in minutes, so I beat quick retreat to Warrington Tackle & Guns for a cuppa.

Danny had another of around 7lbs on Saturday evening too.

Our disabled and over 60s match was one best forgotten as Derek Bibby needed only 14ozs of roach and a few perch to win, 12 anglers turned out on the Dead Length but two thirds did not weigh. Runner up George Barber worked hard for his 9ozs of tiny perch and a solitary gudgeon.

The rumour mill is in overdrive with the story of a 32lbs pike caught from Grappenhall and I am informed there is a photograph doing the rounds. Any information is welcome.

If you have moved address and haven’t yet informed us, then you have until early next week to do so, as the 2015 memberships will then start to hit doormats.

E-mail catch reports to frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk or ring me on 01928 716238.

Headquarters at 52 Parker Street are open every Friday for two hours from 7pm to 9pm for subscriptions, new memberships/night permits, and any queries.

n Result: Disabled & over 60s: 1, Derek Bibby 14-0; 2, George Barber 9-3; 3, Graham Belton 5-0; 3, Alan Brown 4-10.

n Forthcoming events: Saturday, Mersey Sweepstake: draw 9am, through iron gates at Mersey Walk. Sunday: Mersey Sunday Series: draw 9am, Victoria Park Allotments.

Monday, disabled & over 60s: draw 10am, at Walton Church. Contact John Dagnall on 01925 630765.