Mark Brinkman, Anglian Water Angler of the Year 2024
A massive congratulations to Mark Brinkman who has been awarded with a free season ticket for the huge contribution he has made to angling as nominated by you!
We received many fantastic nominations and worthy winners but submissions for Mark kept coming in and we agree his contribution to angling particularly at Grafham really has been exceptional. We are delighted to be able to award Mark with a season ticket for all of his efforts over the years.
Mark has made a fantastic contribution to the community of Anglian Water anglers firstly by his efforts in running Grafham Water Fly Fishing Association. Mark has many decades service on the Grafham Water Fly Fishers committee, serving in many roles including Chair (multiple tenures), Club Captain and latterly as Membership Secretary. Over those decades he has been tireless in encouraging participation from experienced and novice anglers alike with a “can do” positive attitude to improve everyone’s experience of angling at Grafham.
Mark’s drive even continued during covid where he organised Zoom meetings and continued to promote angling at Grafham when in person social events were not possible. GWFFA membership continued to increase even during this difficult time which Mark had a huge contribution towards by digital promotion and his encouraging and welcoming attitude.
Over the last four years Mark has been the instigator and driving force behind the comprehensive programme of bank clearance sessions, which has contributed hugely to keeping Grafham’s position as a premier bank fishery alive by ensuring access to the water for bank anglers. Marks planning and organisational skills have been second to none along with his open, positive communication with the team at Grafham Water. The bank clearance over the years has undoubtedly opened up areas for more anglers including those with disabilities.
Mark’s endless enthusiasm, hard work and of course good humour in all weathers really has made a enormous contribution to the water for anglers. What’s more Mark’s positive attitude makes working with him and the GWFFA volunteers particularly enjoyable. This positivity has also made a real difference to encouraging beginners, improvers and organising social events and the competition scene within GWFFA.
Congratulations Mark – an extremely worthy winner!
