WARWICKSHIRE BRANCH OF THE MTSFC ‘THE MASONIC FISHING CHARITY’

For ten children supported by two teaching staff from Woodlands School, Coleshill, a school for special needs children, the 11th October 2018 was a special day that they will remember for some time. Not only was it the day of an organised outing away from regular school classes, but a day when they were introduced to fishing with a rod and line. To enable this to happen we were supported by five fishermen, registered with the Masonic Fishing Charity, who taught the children the basics of how to catch and release fish. For most of the boys and girls this was the first time that they had experienced coarse fishing.

At the start of the day the children were presented with goody bags comprising safety equipment including hand wipes, a bottle of water, safety glasses and a hat. Our venue was Lavender Hall fishery in Warwickshire where we enjoyed a few hours fishing on an

exclusive lake within the fishery, for the second time this year. After the early morning cloud

disappeared to reveal a fine, mild/warm autumn day the excitement of the children was aroused when the first few fish were caught and released. As the day progressed all of the children caught fish and, while some of them were reluctant at the beginning, an unbelievable amount of enthusiasm and enjoyment was expressed by all. Carp and silver fish were caught with individual fish weighing-in at up to more than 11 lbs.

As is usual at our events, after a lunchtime meal at the fishery all participants were presented with certificates acknowledging their attendance on the day. Additionally, four special medals were presented; the biggest fish, the most fish and two, to the most reluctant participants. The children were waved off in their mini-bus in the late afternoon.

Thanks go to those who acted as fishermen and to those who acted as helpers on the day, all of whom are registered members on the MTSFC website. The Warwickshire Branch is organised by W Bros Ian Hart, Nigel Bullimore, Bob Croxall, and his wife Julia. The area representative is W Bro Eric Rymer, Past Asst PGM and the Chairman is David Macey, PGM.

Our thanks also go to the generosity and support of Warwickshire Freemasons who enable us to hold these events for the benefit of children with special needs.

This is the fourth and final event of our 2018 season.

Nigel Bullimore,

Secretary and Event Organiser, Warwickshire Branch of the MTSFC