It's the end of an era for Paignton Angling Club

It's last orders at Paignton Angling Club on Cliff Road on November 23 as the club closes its headquarters of the last 40 years.

The bar, weigh-in station, and office space are now too big for the club’s needs, and the building is likely to return to residential use.

The association, founded in 1956, moved to Ravenswood in 1985 from smaller premises on Paignton harbourside. Now it’s looking to return to the same area when an opportunity arises.

Vice chairman Mike Adkins said: “Ravenswood was a lovely headquarters, but it’s just too big for us now. Membership has reduced as angling has become less popular and the COVID lockdowns affected the social side of our membership. The sale of the building will secure the future of the club, and we look forward to exciting new opportunities.”

On November 23, we are inviting members, friends, and family who have been properly signed in to gather for a farewell and then look forward to greeting them all again when a new HQ opens.”

Above: Memories of past catches Brian Taylor in 1986 with a 112lb blue shark

Disposing of the contents of the club has posed a problem for the club as the walls are adorned with full-size mounted British record fish and numerous photos of big catches going back 70 years.

Mike said: “If any members want to take away some of our framed photos, then they are welcome. Whatever new club HQ we acquire is unlikely to have the wall space for them all. Many will have to be stored or disposed of.”

On a temporary basis, the club is partnering with the Palace Place Social Club to provide space for scales and other admin needs.

Above: Paignton Sea Anglers  on the harbour on winning the Torbay Shield in 1965. Back from (l to r) H Ellaby, A G Eager, G Walkeer, L Saunders, V C Thorne. Front row A E Sears, H Cove Clarke, E W Stiles

Mike added: “It will also be a place where we can meet socially, which has always been part of the fun of being a Paignton angler, whether sea or coarse fishing. Palace Place is looking forward to welcoming us.”

The club farewell gathering starts at 7pm when the doors open. If anyone wants to join Paignton Anglers Association email: susantonydeeks@gmail.com