East Kent Fishing Charity’s Final Event of the Season

As if we needed reminding of the fact that the summer had slipped away; when the strident tones of the alarm announced the arrival of the day of the final East Kent Fishing Charity’s event of the season, it was still dark – groan! However, all gloomy thoughts of short days were dispelled on the journey to the Chart Fisheries in the beautiful Weald of Kent as we enjoyed a morning of clear blue skies, a warming sun and pockets of mist trapped in the low ground – as Len Hopson remarked after extensively quoting Keats, "not even a coarse fisherman could fail to be moved by the beauty of the day"!

Yes indeed, this was to be the last of four events, in a highly successful season of fishing for disadvantaged young people. With a now well established and enthusiastic team, all of the usual routines had swung effortlessly into action, as preparations were made to receive fishing partners from the Portal School Dover. At the stroke of ten and exactly on cue, a group of very excited young men disembarked from their transport, each one keen to learn and anxious to get started.

The prize for the most unusual specimen - What a story!

From the outset, the competition to be the most successful young fisherman of the day was fierce and, in barely no time at all, excited cries heralded the first of many catches. The school staff in attendance were surprised and amazed in equal measure by how attentive the young people were and how they remained focussed on what they were doing. It was also heartening to witness the obvious rapport being generated between the casters and their young charges; evidence, if any were needed, of the benefits of our work within the community.

We were very pleased to receive the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Roger Odd, who met with all of the young people and kindly agreed to award the certificates of achievement and prizes.

A big thank you to all of our casters

In his closing address, Roger paid tribute to the members who gave their time so freely in support of such a worthwhile cause and for the happiness they generated.

But particular thanks to four very special people: Ray Smith, Event Organiser (extreme left) Len Hopson, Caster Manager (2nd from Left) Pat Flanagan, Branch Secretary (2nd from Right) and Tim Pierpoint Branch Treasurer (extreme right) - thanks guys for all of your hard work in preparing for and delivering a wonderful season.

30 November 2011

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