Witherington Farm call it what you like it is a place that has seen both success and controversy. It polarizes opinions of Anglers that frequent it; and to me I call it an Enigma,Paradox, conundrum, mystery or riddle.
It is something that is not easily explained or understood. There was a time in its early days when, it was at the forefront of the modern angling scene. Riding on the crest of a wave in this new world of commercial venues. A day ticket water, something new, no need to find out where you could get exchange tickets, not syndicated, open to all.
As it grew and more lakes were added the local and angling press began to take an interest. Novel approaches like hot food being delivered by a guy in a little electric golf cart type vehicle added to the growing reputation of both good carp and good match weights increased its popularity.
It seemed to have everything going for it. One of the best tackle shops in the south west (Reids) on site, a cafe, toilets and a mile of parking virtually on the bank. You could only see it getting better and stronger except it didn't hence the paradox..............why?
Some may disagree, but in my view the place stagnated. Other venues took the winning formula and copied or improved and raced forward leaving "good ol Withy" to fall into the shadows looking tired. Now I am no fishery expert, but I know what I like and once you have seen and tasted better you start to expect more.
I noted today on my weekly pilgrimage to Reids how many people were there, and it gladdened my heart. This was tempered slightly to know that it was because Mayo had arranged a knock up, and the new forest juniors were being coached on Barnmoor.
It made me think, why, if not for Reids, Mayo and co the place would be nearly barren. When other commercial venues with less attributes are bursting at the seams.
I have hope though. Recent times have seen green shoots of recovery. Colin and Lin Selwoods partnership with Reids saw an improvement with the Cafe and I was gutted to see it not last. I miss Lins home made cakes.
Other green shoots have been enabled by Eastliegh Angling club and a five year re stocking plan. Added to this some work has been done on repairing platforms and trimming the vegetation around pegs etc. Maybe just maybe, Witherington Farm is on the rise again.
Lets look at what it has going for it, and what anglers want today.
1. Parking. When an Angler gets to the venue he wants good parking and plenty of it near the peg. There is after all so much gear to get to your peg. Tick in the box Withys got it.
2. Lakes. Plenty of variety in lakes for all. Another tick in the box Specimen lake Barnmoor, Pleasure / knock up Match lakes Selwood and Cottage. One of the biggest match Lakes (commonly known as the Snake) with up to 90 pegs on it!!! Big enough for even major competitions like Fishomania.
3. Tackle. Anglers need bait and if they are a tackle tart like me, new gear. Still the best tackle shop in the west - Reids - wealth of knowledge on all aspects of angling and competitive prices. Quality bait etc etc nuff said.
4. Grub. Whilst we all used to draw on the bank and do the results under a tree or brolly. Today the Angler wants a breakfast and somewhere warm after the day or match to have brew and tell tales of the one that got away, or collect trophies and winnings. Withy has this a big area for the draw prizes and a cafe. The Cafe is an odd one, it has been very good and very bad. To be honest I have seen worse and I have seen a lot better.
Rachel and Glen on the right track welcome you to Withy Farm
What I will say is the latest incarnation is a step in the right direction. Rachel and Glen, what a breath of fresh air. They have cleaned the place up, its light and airey, new table-clothes net curtains. Red hot freshly cooked food from an immaculately hygienically clean kitchen. They have listened to what the anglers want, slimmed down the menu, bought a cappuccino latte machine. I had breaky there this morning and I don't think it could be bettered by any fishery or eatery in Salisbury.
5.Club House. Another tick in the box. Plenty of room for that paperwork and Trophy awards.
6. Are there any fish? Probably the most important. Anglers wont come if the float don't dip. Eastleigh are in the early stages but they are getting a grip, good on em. Reids cost cutter matches, Mark Blakes Festival and Mayos regular knock ups are bring people back. Big weights are coming back.
7. Toilet facilities. Basic and functional is the best you can say. I have seen a lot better lately at different venues. Look at the Carp Society at Lechlade, and Johns at Dandys Ford. Clean sweet smelling bright and hygienic. Compare - Withys Ladies have been decorated (according to wife, but could be better) the Gents - frankly needs major work. Give anglers better and they will look after it honest.
8. Cost of Ticket. In these tight for money times, value pegging or day ticket cost.
Summary................
Definite green shoots. Withy is on the rise again in my opinion. Most of the people involved in the fishery are pulling together; after all they are symbiotically connected.
They all want it back as the fishery that's first choice (not an afterthought) when organising fishery events. Fishing in general has faced bad times recently; yet this fishery keeps going - just.
All the ingredients are there lets hope the owners don't sit on their past success and move with the times and keep improving.
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