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Last
Thursday, 10th April, 2008, I was privileged to represent the
CSSC Angling Council at the funeral of our President, John Bell. I
feel honoured to have been there, not just as a figurehead from
the Angling Council, but also as a friend.
Any
of you who knew John will realise that this was not going to be an
ordinary funeral. We were met at the crematorium by a New Orleans
style jazz band which set the tone for the day. When the
mourners had taken their places the band, with a standard bearer
from the British Legion, made their way to the front of the chapel
followed by John's wicker coffin. His family was in the basket
trade for generations. The preacher said a few words and we sang
'Swing Low Sweet Chariot' accompanied by the jazz band. John's son
and daughter then paid their tributes by reading poetry. I was
called upon to say a few words and the band played another number.
John's
generosity was highlighted in the revelation of his other
voluntary works other than his posts in the CSSC. It continues
after his death as six people have benefited from his carrying a
donor card and allowing his body to be used to help them
after his death.
After
the service a buffet had been provided at the Holiday Inn in
Histon where more words were said by the family, including a
written tribute from John's wife, Sylvia. Tony Cliff, the
Treasurer of the CSSC Angling Council made a very moving, but
humorous speech which was very well received.
I
am sure that you will all be pleased to know that John had the
kind of funeral which he would have both wanted and enjoyed. The
family was really comforted in the knowledge that you all
feel the same affection for John as we do. They were also touched
by knowing that he was such an influence on your lives, in that he
made it possible for you to enjoy the sport you love to a degree
which would not have been possible without him.
The family have requested no flowers at the funeral but you can if you wish make a donation instead to The Manderson
Trust,
a cause very dear to John.
Should you wish to record your memories of John please forward them
to the Secretary, Jim North, and he will include them on this
page. Book of
condolence
It
was with shock and regret that I heard of the death of my
predecessor as Chairman of the Angling Council, John Bell.
He
was instrumental in the setting up of the Angling Council and
totally committed until the last. John was one of the old school
of volunteer who only asked what he could contribute to CSSC, not
what could he get out of it.
He
will be sorely missed by all who knew him and Council meetings
will never be the same again.
John made a hugely positive contribution to CSSC for over 30
years, initially as Chairman of Cambridge Area Association, a role
he took on in 1975 and continued with until 1980.
1982 saw the introduction of the CSSC Angling Council. John as a
founder member of the Council was in the forefront of promoting and
successfully developing the Council firstly as Secretary and then as
Chairman.
In 2000 John was awarded a CSSC Merit Award in recognition of his
outstanding contribution to CSSC.
John’s health had prevented him from being more actively
involved of late. John was, however, a classic example of a person
who took their responsibilities of being a volunteer seriously.
Despite difficulties which he would make light of he remained active
especially as Eastern Regional Angling organiser; a role he had held
since 1975.
John’s contribution was unarguably distinctive. He applied his
unique style to all issues questioning the official line without
fear or favour when he considered it right to do so. He was one of 4
or 5 people who were crucially instrumental in making CSSC angling
the successful activity it is today. John would be quite surprised
to learn that he will be so sadly missed.
Hedley Featherstone
CSSC HQ
I first met John at the
1985 event on the R. Severn and have spoken with him nearly every
year since.
He was one of the reasons
the Angling Council has been so successful, without his enthusiasm
and passion we would not be in the situation we find ourselves in
now.
I was speaking with him at
the hotel bar prior to the Magiscroft event, he was shaking his head
at the prospect of another ’commercial‘ event. ‘What
would some of these do if the water moved from left to right and
caught fish that were silver’. Those words still stick with me.
I may not be at this years
event but am sure that those were fortunate enough to know John will
miss him, those that did not know him have indeed missed out.
Steve Guy
Northern Region
As Pike Fishing Organiser for CSSC Nationally and for Eastern Region
I would like to pay tribute to John.
I last saw and spoke to John at this year's National Pike Match on 6
March. It was a very windy day and quite cold, yet John came for the
draw and stayed all the way through to the presentation of the
trophies.
I remember being with him at one of the Regional CSSC Conferences,
during one particular discussion, he said in his distinctive voice
"Of course there are only three sports in the World, hunting,
shooting and
fishing - all the rest are only games". A sentiment I share
with him.
Anyway John, I hope that St Peter will find you a nice stretch of
river, with plenty of fish in it, and that your line will always be
tight, your rod always bent and your keepnet always full.
Nick Meekins
Eastern region and National Pike angling organiser
Traveling up the A1 north of
Cambridge it always seems as if I still have John's presence with me
in the passenger seat giving running commentary on areas we pass and
reminiscences of his life, so in a sense for me John has not passed
away by continues to sit beside me, guiding and entertaining me.
Life just would not be the same without quotes from the Goon
Show!
Jim North
Secretary
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