^{"Wednesday 9th July weather Report}
Flash floods have begun to hit south Wales with more warned for the south-west, south, and south-east parts of England as heavy rain continues. There are six flood warnings in the South West and Wales, while 35 "flood watch" areas are being monitored, including 11 in the Thames Valley. Other areas hit by heavy rain include Cornwall and Oxfordshire - both of which have seen rainfall reach 10mm. Other regions suffering downpours include the Midlands and Humberside."

For those of you who did not go on the Annual Old Ben / ACE Fishing Festival; well this weather report may not come as a surprise. For those of you who did turn up for the Festival, you can vouch for its accuracy.

The very wet and windy conditions meant that all boats were confined to fishing in the massive harbour and as we set off from the usual Poole Quayside, it was apparent that venturing beyond the safety of the harbour wall would be more than just uncomfortable, it would be dangerous. The number of boats sponsored this year was only 15 which was well down from the number that used to venture out in good old days of  this event.

It was good to welcome more than the usual number of ladies at this years event as it's normally dominated by men. They also showed that they are more than capable of winning a trophy in toughest of fishing conditions.

Andy, the bait supplier had to change the normal bait packs replacing the deep-sea-bait and weights for smaller weights and nibbles such as hermit crabs, that would be suitable for shallower depths of the harbour.

Despite the appalling conditions, fish were biting for some boats and quite healthy numbers were being recorded. The majority of fish being pulled out were Sea Bream, Wrasse and Bass with the odd Mackerel. The fishing continued until 3pm when boat skippers turned their bows landward and began the relatively short journey back to the quayside.

The prize giving presentation venue was once again the Poole Thistle Quay Hotel. After guests had dried out and sampled the refreshments, the usual £5 draw and raffle took place. Mike Newman - the 2008 Old Ben / NewstrAid Festival Chairman presented the trophies and prizes to all the winners. Also in attendance was Alex Van Straubenzee, CEO of NewtrAid, who had spent the day fishing as a guest on one of the Dawson News sponsored boats aptly named: Crimson Tide.

The sense of achievement was heightened by the weather conditions and this spectacular event was once again a great success.

 

More photos can be found here