Charles Jardine honoured at CLA Game Fair

The prestigious Arthur Oglesby Award was presented to Charles Jardine at this year's CLA Game Fair at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire on Sunday 20 July. The highly coveted award is given to individuals who have made a lifetime contribution to the sport of fishing and who have made a particular impact in the last year. Past winners include household names such as Bernard Cribbins, Sandy Leventon and Andy Murray.

The three judges, Trout & Salmon editor Andrew Flitcroft, Salmon & Trout Association director Paul Knight and the Angling Trust's Martin Salter were all unanimous in their decision. The award was presented to Charles by CLA Director General Helen Wooley, at the end of a typically absorbing casting demonstration when he gave the Leeda Wychwood rod he was using to a youngster in the crowd.

Author, instructor and writer Charles commented: "This news has not really sunk in to be honest. To be recognised by my peers in this way is the highest accolade possible. I am absolutely thrilled to bits."

CLA Game Fair Head of Fishing, Chris Ogborne added: "Throughout his life, Charles has been a figure of respect. He is a true angling guru, as well as being arguably the best fly caster I've ever seen. His demonstrations have delighted crowds at game fairs for two generations as he is an entertainer as well as a spectacularly good fisherman. Beyond that again, he cares deeply about the future of our sport and his current work with The Countryside Alliance Foundation's Fishing For Schools project is exemplary. I am privileged to have known him for 40 years and even more proud to say that has been a close friend for all that time. I, and I suspect the angling world, salute a genuine master."