27/08/2026
CLUB STATEMENT.
Name change and successful grant application.
Thornhill Angling Club is proud to announce our exciting rebrand - we’ll be known as Lower Hopton Angling Club from mid September onwards
This change marks a new chapter in our club’s story, reflecting our deep roots in the Lower Hopton and Mirfield community. Alongside our fresh new name, we’re absolutely delighted to share that we’ve been awarded a substantial grant for fish - fantastic news that will transform our waters and secure a bright future.
We are incredibly grateful to Mirfield Town Council for their generous support, having supplied the grant funding, which we have matched to make this project possible.
It’s important to be open that we are not a cash rich club by any means - we run entirely on a shoestring, and there is a long list of much needed improvements waiting to be made across our site. These include a brand‑new website, essential pump upgrades, further otter fence improvements, clear new signage, and the installation of duckweed booms to help tackle our ongoing challenges.
Please note: this grant and our match funding are dedicated specifically to our restocking programme, and will not be used for these wider improvements. Those upgrades remain priorities we are working towards separately - but this combined funding is still a huge step forward for our club, and every penny will go directly where it’s most needed for our fish and our future.
THE PLAN
RESTOCKING THE BIG POND - OUR NEW CARP LAKE
Most fish will be moved to the small pond, apart from our larger residents — they’re staying right where they are! We’re adding 90 top‑quality carp, sourced from VS Fisheries — widely recognised as one of the country’s very best fish farms, famous for healthy, robust fish and exceptional breeding standards.
We’ve carefully selected 40 × C4s (around 12.5lb) and 50 × C3s (around 6.5lb) — chosen for their health, hardiness, and ideal size. This gives us the perfect mix: our impressive existing fish alongside premium new stock, creating an incredible fishery from day one. These fish will grow and mature together, forming the foundation of a truly special water and giving our members fantastic fishing for years to come.
We’ve taken this decision for clear, practical reasons - all to give our fish and our club the very best future:
• We’ve also faced real challenges from cormorant predation, with large numbers visiting regularly and taking fish, especially smaller species. Restocking with these larger, stronger C3 and C4 carp means they’re far less vulnerable, giving them the very best chance to grow on and thrive, while keeping our fishery healthy and productive for everyone.
• By focusing the Big Pond as a dedicated carp lake, we can get the very best from both our waters creating two distinct, high‑quality fisheries where each pond supports its stock perfectly, rather than trying to force a mix that doesn’t suit our conditions. It means healthier fish, better growth rates, and consistently better fishing for all.
• A dedicated, carefully managed feeding programme will be put in place, designed to support healthy growth, maintain excellent water quality, and keep our fish in peak condition. This tailored feeding plan will ensure our new arrivals and existing residents thrive, providing consistent, top‑quality sport for our members throughout the year.
STOCKING THE SMALL POND
We’ll be carefully relocating the fish from the Big Pond to establish a wonderful, balanced fishery in the Small Pond giving us two fantastic venues for our members to enjoy. It will become our dedicated mixed‑species water, offering plenty of variety and something for anglers of every style and experience level to enjoy. Two ponds, two different experiences - both brilliant in their own way.
RIVER CALDER STRETCH
And it’s not just our ponds! We’re incredibly proud that our stretch of the River Calder has been fully strimmed along its entire length, opening up the banks and creating a clean, uncluttered environment for everyone to enjoy. It’s never looked so good. What really sets us apart is our access and quality fishing - we honestly believe we have the best access around, with level paths, wide, accessible pegs and minimal obstacles throughout. It means our river fishing is truly open to everyone, whatever your age, ability or mobility.
POND MANAGEMENT & DUCKWEED - Our Commitment to Improvement
We are very conscious of the ongoing duckweed problem across our ponds, and want to be open with all our members that we have exhausted every practical step we can take to try and clear it, we’ve explored every option. To tackle this and all our ongoing maintenance needs more effectively, we are looking to put together a dedicated, regular maintenance team rather than calling on members on an ad‑hoc basis. This way, we can maintain consistent, year‑round care of our waters, keep on top of everything and ensure both ponds and the river remain in the best possible condition - without placing that burden fully on our members. It’s all part of our commitment to creating the very best environment for our fish and the very best experience for our anglers. A separate Facebook post will be asking for interested members. Please send me a message on 07876 507329 if you would like to become part of the volunteering Group.
From mid September 2026, we proudly become Lower Hopton Angling Club - and whether you love chasing carp on the Big Pond, exploring the variety of the Small Pond or enjoying the river, there’s a warm welcome waiting for you.
NEXT YEARS MEMBERSHIP 2027
Will go on sale at the end of November to allow for existing members TO RENEW FIRST for the following year.
We can’t wait to see you all enjoying our waters under our new name, as we build on everything we’ve achieved so far and look forward to many more years of great fishing, great company, and great times ahead.
Tight Lines.
This statement is principally from the Chairman Paul Moorhouse, with the full agreement and backing of the Committee.
