Mexborough and Swinton Times, May 6th, 1932
Anglers Joy
Fisheries Board Grant To Wombwell
Canal Restocked
Operations, the sight of which would have gladdened the hearts of enthusiastic anglers in the district, were performed at Wombwell on Sunday afternoon, a consignment of coarse fish brought from private waters at the other side of York being liberated in the canal with the intention of re-stocking it for angling. This is the outcome of repeated representations by local angling societies and a tribute to the efforts and influence of Mr. J. Billington (picture) , of Chapel Avenue, Brampton, who is the local representative for the distribution of Fishery Board licences.
The new stock consisted of 1,000 roach and perch and 42 tench, the last mentioned varying in size from four ounces to four and a half pounds. The glittering creatures were brought over to Wombwell by road by Messrs. H. R. Hargreaves, of York, and W. Ward, of Harrogate, inspectors of the Yorkshire Fisheries Board. They were carried from the cars in which they had been transported to the towing path at the bridge in Broomall Lane, and were liberated from their large tanks were all in good health and fettle. Not a single fish had died on the journey. Mr. Billington assisted in liberating then. The nominal value of this grant from the Fisheries Board is £5, but the actual value is something like £10, at least this is what the consignment would have cost had it been purchased from a hatchery.
In conversation with a “South Yorkshire Times” representative, Mr. Billington said he had been endeavouring for many years to persuade the authorities to restock the canal in the Wombwell area, and has frequently pointed out the injustice to anglers in having to pay licences locally and go elsewhere for their sport. This section of the canal had not been restocked for six or seven years.
Mr. Billington said that prior to the arrival of this consignment there was a fair supply of roach in the water but the presence of a super-abundance of natural food made them very shy of the book. He believes that the presence of the new fish will revive the old stock and reduce the available food. He said if there was more boat traffic on the canal the weeds would be disturbed and the waters would become greatly improved from the standpoint of the angler. The canal between Wombwell Junction and Mitchell Main, which this new stock will replenish, was at one time the best fishing stretch in the area and it was no uncommon thing for an angler to “grass” as much as stone of fish in a day. He said the tench would create new interest, for never before has this variety been available in the canal at Wombwell. The fish arrived in five cans, and according to Mr. Billington’s description they were a “grand sample”. They ranged from yearlings to five years.
Local anglers have cause to appreciate Mr. Billington’s efforts, for apart from this consignment he has replenished the water at Wombwell Junction with some 300 roach and perch taken with rod and line from “navvy hole” at New Wombwell. He is endeavouring to get a further supply from the Sheffield and District Anglers’ Association. Coarse fishing will be resumed in the district on 1st June.
Mr. Billington is well known in the Wombwell district for his activities in connection with the British Legion. He went through the South African War and the Great War and was awarded the Military Medal for an act of gallantry in Flanders.