Tom Mason
7 Jul 2026
Sunday 28 June was a special day in HAHAS history, as members gathered on Hampstead Heath to pay tribute to a dear friend and dedicated volunteer, Alex Hansen, who sadly passed away in January 2026.
The occasion was the first annual competition for the Alex Hansen Memorial Trophy. This event will become a regular fixture in the HAHAS calendar, in celebration of Alex’s warmth and generosity and his enduring legacy in supporting young people and helping them to experience the joy of angling.
Alex was a founder member of the HAHAS and is remembered with great fondness and respect for his commitment to the Society, and for his kindness and good humour as a fellow angler and coach. His work with the HAHAS enabled a great many young people in London to experience angling for the first time, and to learn more about the natural history and ecology of Hampstead Heath. His memory continues to inspire the society’s coaches and all members who were lucky enough to know him.
The match took place on Sunday 28 June, with anglers selecting pegs on both the men’s bathing pond and the model boating pond. It was a very successful day’s fishing, with roach, perch and some hefty carp all coming to the net in an atmosphere of good humour and gentle competition.
At the final whistle, the match winners were declared as David and Vito, both of whom were awarded trophies by Alex’s wife Sonia who was kind enough to attend on the day and to share some memories of Alex over a drink in the Duke of St Albans pub afterwards. We hope very much that Sonia will continue to join us over the years as guest of honour as the Alex Hansen trophy becomes a special part of HAHAS’ history.
The HAHAS remain committed to the preservation and enhancement of angling on Hampstead Heath, and Alex’s legacy will live on in every cast, every smile and every person helped to enjoy and appreciate angling here in London.