David Barr, Assistant Provincial Grand Master attended this second event at Pheasants Wood and together with Harry Cox, volunteer caster and Great Arley School governor, they were both delighted to present framed certificates of achievement and medals to all the nine pupils from Great Arley School. Harry said, “Toby was the student who thought he'd been forgotten at the presentation, then when his name was read out he ran up celebrating vocally for his medal and certificate. It certainly brought a tear to our eyes”.
Bob Malcolm, Secretary and Safety Officer of the Masonic Fishing Charity said, “Fishing lasts from 10.30am to approximately 1.00pm, at which we stop for lunch; which is usually burger and chips and a drink for everyone. After lunch we present the framed certificates and medals which is the highlight of the day; seeing the joy and emotion on both the students and the volunteers, as they've all been Catching a Smile. We used to go back to the water after lunch for an hour, then do the presentation, but most of the schools have a fair way to travel, so we realised that it was better to let them finish earlier rather than be late in returning to school”.
Bob Malcolm continued, “Each branch is responsible for purchasing a marquee, chairs and tables. There is a trailer to transport all this to our events, and with the help of the West Lancashire Masonic Charitable Foundation we were able to purchase all of these. We have since bought small fishing poles (whips), landing nets, spare fishing chairs and umbrellas for the participants and all this is kept in the trailer and transported to each event by Steve Plevey, Committee Member. The marquee is usually erected on the morning of each event, the casters turn up early to help Steve do this, followed by the safety brief by myself to every volunteer caster, whilst everyone has a bacon sandwich and a drink.
The school usually arrive at about 10.00am where they are welcomed by Gareth Harrison, Event Organiser and Caster Manager, accompanied by Janetta Mitchell, the Schools Liaison Officer. The students are presented with a welcome pack of goodies and a hat and safety glasses if they need them. (It is a strict rule of the Charity that everyone in attendance including any visiting VIPs, MUST wear glasses and a hat).
Gareth then introduces the students to a caster, who they will fish with and converse with throughout the day.
Gareth Harrison said “The cost of the events vary with each event, depending on how many participants and teachers come, which also dictates how many volunteers we need. An average cost is £450, which includes us contributing to the national MFC HQ in Middlesex the amount of £11 for every student that comes to the event. This supports the funding of the goody bags, hats, glasses whistles, medals, frames for the certificates. It roughly works out at a cost of £48.50 for every student that attends, with most donations coming from lodges and chapters within the Province of West Lancashire. Over the years we have had a few anonymous donations of £20, £50 & one was £100. We send an official letter of thanks to all lodges and chapters, requesting them to read it out in open Lodge. It is our hope that any visitors will pick up on it, and mention it to their respective groups”.
Gareth continued, “We were delighted to receive the following letter from the Headteacher of Great Arley School” …..
Subject: Brilliant Fishing! – Just wanted to let you know that students and staff were all buzzing on their return from the fishing trip today. They had a brilliant experience, learnt new skills and for some, could be the start of a new hobby. Thank you and please pass on my thanks to your colleagues who made it such a valuable experience for everyone who was there. Kind regards, Peter Higham, Headteacher, Great Arley School.
Dan Mitchell is the MFC Treasurer, email address: janettamitchell0706@gmail.com
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