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Chapter Nine, Bearwater Life.
With all the properties sold and occupied, it was not long before friendships
were forged and common interests enjoyed. A Residents Association was
formed and Bob Thomae from number 24 was elected first Chairman. The
idea was to present a common view to Beechcroft Trust, Bearwater’s
managers, to deal with individual concerns and to organise social life.
Understandably, the lake attracted those with an interest in fishing and
here we see Ray Stebbings teaching his brother Neil how to cast, in October
1987. Behind them the softwood windows, doors and sun rooms were still in
their original light stain finish.
Pike in the lake were at once a nuisance and a sporting
challenge. This 24lb monster was caught in the winter
of 1987. It was one of many. Residents were encouraged
to enjoy pike steak, a delicacy which may have been
new to some, but to decline the offer of freshly caught
fish could be regarded as discourteous! The head of
each large pike was, in accord with tradition, nailed to
one of the surviving mature trees, presumably to
discourage their brethren from invading Bearwater
Lake!