A POWYS angling club has changed its name and issued a mission statement, in order to recognise the “fundamental importance” of rivers that the pastime depends on as it marks its centenary year.

Llandrindod Wells Angling Association was formed on January 15, 1923, and is still providing local people and visitors with the opportunity to fish on about five miles of the River Ithon.

But as it marks its centenary the club is to be renamed Llandrindod Angling and Ithon Conservation Association to reflect concerns over the impact of sewage, climate change, microplastics and pharmaceuticals on Welsh rivers.

County Times: A stretch of the River Ithon near Landrindod Wells A stretch of the River Ithon near Landrindod Wells (Image: None)

A 2020 Natural Resources Wales (NRW) study finding that more than half the River Wye failed to meet targets on pollution.

The Wye and Usk, the latter flowing through much of the south of the county, were 14th and 12th respectively on a list of worst offenders according to recent data measuring the hours of sewage discharge into waterways in 2021 across England and Wales.

“At its recent AGM at the Llanerch Inn, members decided on a name change and to issue a mission statement,” said secretary Bryan Price.

“The association will now be named Llandrindod Angling and Ithon Conservation Association, to recognise the fundamental importance of the river environment upon which our pastime of angling depends.

“The association will continue to do what it can, and in collaboration with others, to protect and enhance the natural environment of the river at a time when it is under threat.”

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The club also plans to create an archive of the Ithon, and is hoping to reel in photographs, memorabilia, records and stories from local people.

The club has dwindled in size over the years, with just seven current members, but Bryan hopes the group can still have a big say over the river’s future.

“We have our own small archive collection, including its minute book dating back to 1923 along with the original cash book," he said.

“We are appealing for contributions to this archive from anyone with experience of, or interest in, the River Ithon, whether from an angling perspective or otherwise.

“This could be in the form of photographs, memorabilia, records, stories, testimonials, or descriptions of wildlife relating to the river’s past, present and future.”

County Times: The rise in chicken farms in Powys has been given as a reason for the decline of the county's rivers. Picture: Ian Burt The rise in chicken farms in Powys has been given as a reason for the decline of the county's rivers. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Renowned Llandrindod transport entrepreneur Tom Norton was instrumental in setting up the club.

The man behind the town’s famous Automobile Palace launched one of Wales’ earliest public bus services in 1906 and eventually became the Welsh dealer for Ford and Austin cars, as well as Ferguson tractors.

Mr Norton was chairman of the association until 1949. Bryan’s father, Walter Price, a former chief executive of the Radnor District Council, was chairman from 1957 to 1997; Martin Nosworthy has been chairman ever since.

Bryan has been secretary since 1984. His ambition is to create a record of the river over the years which hopefully can be posted online or as an exhibition in conjunction with the museum.

To contribute to this celebration of the river and raise its profile as a conservation area and valuable local natural asset email lwanglingithon@gmail.com. Alternatively, phone Bryan on 01597 823539.