National PSUK Angling Championship Thursday 18th September 2025

The event started on Wednesday 17th September at our HQ Sketchley Grange hotel, Hinckley. Registration started from 1pm for teams to book in and settle down. That evening the captains gathered to draw their team pegs which was followed by the reserve draw. This was followed by a presentation by Andy Findlay an angling great and a local Leicester lad. His knowledge of both Makins and the Glebe is second to none. He was joined by Dave Henry a Leicestershire Police Angler and together they presented a very knowledgeable and humorous session which was enjoyed by all present. At the same time raffle tickets were being sold in aid of COPS. This charity supports the families of Police Officers who have lost their lives whilst on duty. The raffle had some very prizes and tickets sold quickly. 

On the day of the National it was an early breakfast where the conversations were on what pegs had been drawn and trying to get last minute information on them. The anglers left to the to their respective fisheries ready for them10.30am start time. The day was overcast with sunny spells, dry and warm in fact a very pleasant day be it breezy.

The all in was called at 3.30pm and the weighing in started, with the new rules the competitors did not know how they did in their respective sections and would have to wait until the presentation dinner.

Come the presentation dinner the tension could be felt in anticipation as to who would be crowned winners. Ian Butler welcomed our guests and Adam Streets Assistant Chief Constable of Leicestershire, welcomed all competitors to Leicestershire. So, to the presentation of prizes.

 The reserves were first to come up to receive their prizes in 3rd place was Glyn Barnes, Leicestershire, 2nd place Terry Wright, Leicestershire and the winner George Wishart of North Yorkshire. 

The individuals were next to receive their prizes in 3rd place was Steve Beard with a weight of 166lb, Warwickshire, 2nd place Adi Shakespeare with a weight of 171lb and the Individual Winner with a magnificent 184lb was Al Wilson of Lincolnshire.

Finally, the team results in 3rd place the Metropolitan Police on 24 points, 2nd place West Mids Police White on 22 points and the 2025 Team winners Essex Police Black on 19 points an excellent achievement.

Finally, the Raffle was drawn and an incredible £1,700 was raised, at the conclusion of the evening the competitors retired to the bar to congratulate the winners and catch up with old friends to end off a thoroughly enjoyable day. 

Already looking forward to next year's competition at Westwood Lakes which is being held by Lincolnshire.