Hastings Fly Fishers: From Car Park to Community
The Beginnings
Hastings Fly Fishers came about due to a small group of friends chatting in a car park.
Those friends were Bob Dove, Ben Hicks and his brother Rod, John Macleod, Alan Rogers and Brian Walker — later fondly known as the Car Park Six.
As passionate fly fishers, they began discussing how they could promote the sport with the ideals and standards they valued. Bob said, “We need to form a Club that meets the standards we believe in.” Everyone agreed, and the idea quickly gained traction.
Two weeks later, the group reconvened with the original six joined by Dave Cavanagh and Ben’s wife, Imogen. After much discussion, there was enough enthusiasm to move forward. Bob offered to underwrite the initial costs, Imogen volunteered to set up a bank account, and Bob also undertook to investigate incorporation and insurance. Ben accepted the role of finding a meeting venue, while each of the others took on practical tasks to ensure the new Club could progress beyond the planning stage.
Brian Walker suggested the name Hastings Fly Fishers, and members quickly adopted it. Within six weeks of that first car park meeting, an inaugural gathering took place at Ben and Imogen’s home. Incorporation had been finalised and insurance secured. Alongside the Car Park Six, Imogen and Dave attended, joined by Dave and Pat Wiggins, and Tony and Terena Druce.
We need to form a Club that meets the standards we believe in.
Soon after, Port City Bowling Club became the meeting venue, a home for many years. Within eight weeks, Hastings Fly Fishers was fully incorporated with the minimum number of members required for recognition. The first Executive included John Macleod as President, Bob Dove as Secretary, Imogen as Treasurer, and Ben Hicks as Vice President and Club Captain. Bob also launched a monthly newsletter, while Brian became Public Officer. Every member took on a role to ensure success. The Club was officially underway.
