HOW DO YOU PUT IT INTO WORDS THIS TIME OF THE YEAR?

THANK YOU, FOR OPENERS.


At a time when most people are thinking of others more than themselves, we find ourselves at a loss to give proper thanks to the many supporters of our environmental efforts.

The latest gestures in support of the Ted Knott Chapter of Trout Unlimited have gone far beyond the norm. For the six years of our existence, we have grown accustomed to seeing a level of giving from Grindstone Angling through John Valk’s fabulous Open House promotions. These events have generated revenue and created many new members for our chapter. By a rough estimate, this program has represented over $7,000 in new member discounts provided by John and his outstanding group for our cause. 

Grindstone has become the “place to be” and as John Walker so aptly put it: “ The spiritual center of fly fishing in Ontario”. These are presumptuous words, perhaps, but worthy in the eyes of many. John Valk’s values are reflected in the attitude of his entire staff. We owe a new debt of gratitude to him with the latest donation.

When John was asked to help dispose of a treasure trove of quality fly fishing equipment and books for an anonymous donor, he suggested the funds generated be earmarked for the Bronte creek restoration program under the sponsorship of our chapter. His efforts to date have generated over $2,500. There is even more to this story.

Included in the above donation was an excellent quality can rod blank. The equally generous donation of creating a special “Ted Knott style” cane rod should generate substantial funds. This beautiful rod was created from the donated blank by Grindstone staffer (and Livingston Rod Works founder) Dave Towers. It will be offered at a raffle prize at this year’s Fly Fishing Forum.

In summary, we can only extend our most sincere thanks to our good and gracious friends at Grindstone. We hope that as the 2012 season moves on, that they, with our support, enjoy the greatest and indeed, most prosperous of New Years. They deserve it.




Bill Christmas, president,
Ted Knott Chapter
Trout Unlimited Canada