TAWE DISABLED FISHERS ASSOCIATION

The Tawe Disabled Fishers Association (TDFA) was formed in 1976 with the purpose of providing angling opportunities for disabled anglers in the Swansea Valley. It was hoped that this venture would help to improve the quality of life for many participants.

Membership of the TDFA allows the members to fish the waters of the Pontardawe and Swansea Angling Society (PASAS) which is a partner Society. Each month during the trout fishing season, a visit to a trout fishery is organised and members can fish at no charge, or at a heavily subsidised fee. In all, seven venues are provided, and fishing can be fly or worm fishing.

We visit five private fisheries, and are guests of Hamdden (the Leisure arm of Hyder) at Llys-y-Fran reservoir near Haverfordwest, and the Usk Reservoir near Trecastle. At Llys-y-Fran we have stationed our own Wheely-boat (the "Howard Hopkin" Wheely-boat). This is a craft specially designed for wheelchair anglers, or anglers with severe walking difficulties. The Wheely-boat is free to any disabled angler provided notice is given to the rangers at Llys-y-Fran.

Currently, membership of the Association is £15 per annum, and an application form for membership may be obtained from the secretary.

We hold friendly competitions at each fishery we visit, and each visit is marked by a particular Trophy as follows:-

March	Lower Lliw Reservoir	The Mary Rozenberg Trophy
April	Maesgwyn Trout Fishery	The Alan Perrins Shield
May	Eglwys Nunnydd Reservoir	The Aubrey Smith Shield
June	Llys-y-Fran Reservoir	The Linnard Cup
July	Lower Lliw Reservoir	The Alan Davies Shield
August	Usk Reservoir	The Williams-Grey Shield
September	Cefn Mably Lakes	The Cwm Tawe Trophy

At the Cefn Mably venue, the "Fisherman of the Year" is decided.