Horsham Angling Club celebrated its centenary, 1908-2008, on November 2 with more than 65 people, whether members or the general public, on hand to celebrate.

Club president Laurie Lister said the day was a `huge success' which included a sit-down scotch fillet steak lunch and dessert, followed by presentations and reminiscences over a beer or a cup of tea.

"There was plenty of discussion, and we had various speakers," Lister said.

"Horsham councillor Gary Bird was there and he told us a lot of information all about the soundshell and the building of our rooms."

Lister said a highlight was life member Bob Carine unveiling a plaque to commemorate the occasion.

He said the unveiling held extra significance for him because of all the help Carine had given him as club president.

Lister said all except three living life members attended.

Lister said some of the outsiders who attended had been surprised at how formal the event was.

"It was the first time I have dressed up in a shirt and tie for I don't know how long," he said.

"We had a couple of representatives from Horsham Garden Club, who are the most consistent hirers of the clubrooms. They have been using them for 10 years so they came along.

"We had all the tables set up and helium balloons up, and one of them said `Oh this is done beautifully. I thought coming to an angling club show meant we would be standing about with a sausage in bread'."

The club did extensive research into its origins. Lister said that while some believed the club had formed in 1901, their research suggested it was 1908.

•Lister said the club would be holding its Vin Fitzgerald Memorial Redfin Competition at the weekend.

He said it would be an open water competition with participants allowed to fish anywhere within a 100-kilometre radius of Horsham from noon tomorrow until 3pm Sunday.

Lister said registrations would be taken at the Horsham Angling Club rooms between noon and 1pm tomorrow.