Equality at last

The Flyfishers’ Club in London has changed its rules to allow women to become members for the first time.

Its male membership voted for the change after the club received significant criticism this spring from prominent female anglers, including Marina Gibson, Lucy Mantle, Amie Battams and T&S columnist Dani Morey. The 140-year-old club’s ban on female members was described as discriminatory, elitist and failing to reflect modern fly-fishing.

The issue made national headlines following similar criticism levelled at another men-only London club, The Garrick, which also has now voted to allow women to become members.

According to a report in The Guardian, the club’s management committee recommended the change and it was supported by 75% of members.

The club is based in rooms leased from the Savile Club in Mayfair and has a highly regarded library,  historic fly collection and memorabilia linked to its famous past members, who have included GEM Skues, Arthur Ransome, Hugh Falkus and Richard Walker. Its patron is HM King Charles III.