The Teifi Rivers Trust was officially launched onSaturday, March 24th on a beautiful spring day at the Porth Hotel, our base on the banks of the River Teifi.

Initially the expectation was that the glorious weather - it was probably the best day of the year so far - would keep people away but a good crowd of around eighty arrived to listen to a programme of talks about the Teifi, it's wildlife and the role of river trusts. We're indebted to everyone who attended the launch, the atmosphere was great, thank you all for making it such a good day.

Donald Patterson, T.R.T. Chairman acted as Master of Ceremonies for the launch and gave an introductory talk on the formation of the TRT and it's aims for the future. Donald particularly thanked all of the groups that had made the Trust viable through their contributions.

After the introduction the initial address was presented by Moc Morgan, OBE . If anyone can be said to be synonymous with the River Teifi it's Moc, and his talk on the Teifi, interspersed with poems recited in both Welsh and English, set an elevated and enjoyable tone to the proceedings. Moc polished off his delivery with a song on the Teifi adapted especially for the Trust accompanied by Julia, his partner

.

Next in line was Arlin Rickard, the seemingly tireless Director of the Association of Rivers Trusts. We're very grateful to Arlin for his endeavours to attend the launch which involved a long drive up from Bodmin in Cornwall that morning. Details of the work undertaken by the Association of Rivers Trusts described in his talk can be accessed from their web site,

www.associationofriverstrusts.org.uk .

Following Arlin's talk The Teifi Rivers Trust welcomed Dr. Dafydd Evans, Environment Agency Head of Fisheries. Dafydd gave an interesting talk on the objectives of the EA in their partnership with rivers trusts to change the various problems facing river habitat, namely channel structures and siltation, water quality, water quantity,exploitation and obstructions.

Last on the agenda, but by no means least was Dr. Graeme Harris, the leading authority on sea trout, delivering a fascinating presentation titled "Sea trout. Fish of the Future". Basically the talk concentrated on how the sea trout could be the saviour of Welsh fisheries if it's stocks were to be properly managed, a matter that hasn't been addressed seriously up to now. The presentation was peppered with interesting facts about this enigmatic fish. If you enjoy sewin fishing and have the opportunity to hear Graeme talk on this subject in the future just go to it, you won't be disappointed.

A raffle held on the day raised £298.00, thanks to all those who generously donated a tempting selection of prizes and those who contributed by buying the tickets.

It was an excellent start for the Trust, made particularly enjoyable due to the preparations and service provided the owners and staff of the Porth Hotel, we are very lucky and very grateful to have our base in such a friendly place.