Britain’s oldest fly-fishing club is facing a Garrick-style protest from women anglers over its men-only policy.
Marina Gibson, a fly-fishing instructor and guide, has asked to be allowed into The Flyfishers’ Club in Mayfair, which counts the King as its patron.
Established in 1884, it is “a club for gentlemen interested in the art of fly fishing” and currently has around 600 members. It also has a male-only guest policy, except in the case of events.
Ms Gibson, who has written a book about her passion for fly fishing, has called on the club to embrace change. Her plea comes weeks after the Garrick Club bowed to pressure and voted to admit women members.
“I would absolutely love to join The Flyfishers’ Club,” she said during an appearance at the Hay Festival.
“I don’t go to London that often but if I did, I would just love to go and sit and read a book and talk about fishing to other fishermen.
“I think a lot of people have a difficult time with change and I completely understand that people want to keep it as it is, but I think that there are so many really hardcore women anglers out there and they would all love a chance to go and sit there at lunchtime – because we’re not allowed in at lunch – and just chill.”