Fishing in the rain with the MTSFC

Flaming June! Well not on 25th June, when the Warwickshire Branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity hosted 10 students from Ninestiles School, based at Acocks Green (www.ninestiles.org.uk) for a day’s coarse fishing at Broadacres Fishery in Hanbury.

The rain lashed down all morning, but nevertheless, the children all had a wonderful time, they assured us. With the help of the volunteer casters, every child caught various types of coarse fish, with the top rod netting 37 in total! A magnificent effort. Broadacres Fishery at Hanbury was the venue and our thanks go to them for donating the day in the cause of charity. It is a super venue, with a variety of lakes, stocking carp, bream, perch and a range of silver fish. It is so wonderful to see the children’s faces when they catch fish. Such days cannot happen without the helpers and casters who volunteer their time on such days and our grateful thanks go to them. We would very much appreciate any volunteers who can help with our fishing days, particularly casters (both fly and coarse anglers). If you would like to be on our helper list, please contact Bill Brown, on wr.b@icloud.com.

The rain eased off just as we brought the children in from the lake to have a lovely lunch, provided by the on-site catering staff, which was enjoyed by all. After lunch, there was an awards ceremony, when each child received a certificate and special awards were given for most fish caught, best caster and best maggot handler!

After the ceremony, the children went back to school, looked after by three teachers from the school, co-ordinated by Steve Croxall, son of one of the Warwickshire MTSFC committee members, Bob Croxall. A great day was had by all, despite the weather. The joy experienced by the children, teachers and helpers is wonderful and makes all the hard work more than worthwhile. We thank the Warwickshire Lodges and individual masons who have donated to the Masonic Fishing Charity to make such days possible. The next day we are organising is on August 29th, when we will be hosting the Warwickshire Young Carers Association, at Lavender Hall Fishery. Let’s hope it’s not raining!

Eric J Rymer MTSFC

Area Representative