We present the Bernard Venables Award to recognise those who, voluntarily, have given epic service to wild trout conservation and to WTT and whose vital work, perhaps unusual, sometimes outstanding, often goes unrecognised.
The 2019 winner is Paul Jennings of the River Chess Association.
While Paul’s focus has been on his home river, the Chess in Buckinghamshire, his work and influence (all voluntary) stretches along the rivers of the Chilterns and north London and further to the chalkstreams of Yorkshire. He fights and lobbies for those rivers at many levels: local and national government, regulators, water companies and won changes for the better. On the Chess, he teaches children with learning need how to fish and he leads groups bug hunting in the river; he’s hugely popular with the kids and their teachers.
Paul couples energy and enthusiasm with a big personality and a great deal of charm; he has an ability to communicate and engage with a wide audience, from school children to Members of Parliament. His network of senior contacts listen to and respect his views. Paul is invariably keen to share what he has learned, doing so on many occasions with fellow WTT supporters.
Paul will receive a Sage fly rod of his choice in recognition of his contribution to wild trout conservation.
