Huge thanks to all who came along and supported the event, especially Bronwen Fraser, project manager for the River Allen Landscape Recovery Project (RALRP) and Vikki Slade, Liberal Democrat constituency MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole.

Starting with a quick meet in the bar at the Poole Hotel du Vin, we moved upstairs to a private room for lunch, after which Bronwen updated the group on the priorities and progress of the project in this critical 2 year initial phase Bronwen talked enthusiastically and positively about the initial work being done to establish the viability of the RALRP, the support from numerous local stakeholders, notably local landowners and farmers, and the steps ahead to get to the next critical 20 year delivery stage.

Bronwen highlighted the project website (riverallenlr.com), and reviewed the enormous amount going on bringing together many different parties to evaluate project inputs and outputs, before (hopefully) the 20 year implementation plan. Critical to the success of the project is the support and involvement of landowners across the Allen catchment, comprising landowners large and small, and farms of all shapes and sizes, brought together with growing sense of just how special success with the scheme could be.

We were also delighted and honoured to have local MP Vikki Slade talking about her close involvement across a big and varied constituency, her close involvement and understanding of the issues both current and historical that have brought us to the present challenges with water quality. Vikki highlighted how engaged she is, working collaboratively with all stakeholders, notably including neighbouring MPs, on achievable changes that potentially can make a real difference. We can’t change the past, but there’s much that can be done to improve the future, and the event highlighted the importance of local groups engaging acting and working together.

A huge thanks to all who came along, we hope you found it worthwhile and had an enjoyable time. Massive thanks to our speakers Vikki and Bronwen, of course to Dan, compère and Chair, to past Chair Mike, whose energy and enthusiasm made it all happen, and most especially to everyone who came along – your time, support, engagement and involvement is appreciated – we hope you found it worthwhile – and had fun!

And finally 😊:  The lunch was a great success – bringing together a diverse group who share a common interest in the preservation and enhancement of a remarkably beautiful chalk-stream, but who naturally also have different perspectives. Getting together, chatting (over a glass of wine or two) increased all our understanding of some complex issues, strengthening our appreciation of both the potential of the Allen recovery project, and the wider challenges of water provision and quality. In speaking with Committee members and guest afterwards, there was a strong sense that we left the event better informed about numerous issues – not just the RALRP, but the work being done by Bronwen with the support of so many, and, the great variety and complexity of life as a local Member of Parliament from Vikki. Huge thanks to all.

Thanks for reading, and, don’t forget, there’s some amazing, interesting chalk-stream fishing on the River Allen, whether you’re novice or expert, please do get in touch with any of the committee – we’ll happily show you round the stretch and get you started, and give you some hints and tips. It’s a great, cost effective way to experience some proper wild brown trout chalk-stream fishing!