Launch of the Teifi Rivers Trust – March 2007

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The Teifi Rivers Trust was officially launched on Saturday March 24th 2007 on a beautiful spring day at the Porth Hotel, Llandysul.

Around eighty people attended the launch and listened to a programme of talks about the Teifi and its wildlife, and the benefits of Rivers Trusts to their catchment areas. The Trust is indebted to everyone who attended the launch and made it such a positive day.

Donald Patterson, Teifi Rivers Trust (TRT) Chairman, acted as Master of Ceremonies for the launch and gave an introductory talk on the formation of the TRT and its aims for the future. Donald particularly thanked all those that had made the Trust viable through their contributions.

The opening address was given by Moc Morgan, OBE a figure much associated with the River Teifi. His talk, interspersed with poems recited in both Welsh and English, lent an elevated and enjoyable tone to the proceedings. Moc concluded his address with a song on the Teifi, adapted especially for the Trust, accompanied by Julia, his partner.

Arlin Rickard, Director of the Association of Rivers Trusts, explained the philosophy of the Rivers Trust Movement, and illustrated some of the ways the Teifi catchment will benefit from the formation of this new Trust. The Trust is indebted to Arlin for his attendance at the launch. Details of the work undertaken by the Association of Rivers Trusts described in his talk can be accessed from their web site  theriverstrust

 

Following Arlin’s talk, the Teifi Rivers Trust welcomed Dr Dafydd Evans, Environment Agency Head of Fisheries. Dafydd gave an interesting talk on the objectives of the EA in their partnership with Rivers Trusts to explore the various issues facing river habitats, such as channel structures, siltation, water quality, water quantity, exploitation and obstructions.

The final talk was given by Dr Graeme Harris, Wales’s leading authority on sea trout. He delivered a fascinating presentation entitled ‘Sea Trout – the Fish of the Future’. The talk focused on how the sea trout could be the saviour of Welsh fisheries if its stocks were to be properly managed. The presentation was peppered with interesting facts about this enigmatic fish.

A raffle held on the day raised £298.00. Thanks to all those who generously donated a tempting selection of prizes and those who contributed by buying the tickets. The proceeds were used to help to meet the costs of the launch.

The launch was an auspicious start for the Trust, made particularly enjoyable by the excellent service provided by the owners and staff of the Porth Hotel.

Posted on: 12 Dec 2008