On the 18th July 2024 at the Ringstead Island Fishery, the Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire Branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity (MTSFC) held their third event of the year, with local participating schools and organisations involving 13 people to fish alongside MTSFC volunteers.
Here is an account of the day from new MTSFC local Chairman, WBro Peter Chown ;
The day started very early for some, getting the marquees set up for the day and other jobs such as the Health Safety walk round to ensure all areas were compliant.
7.30 a.m. - Many of the casters arrived to get their pegs set up and well baited. All presentation certificates were signed, countersigned and put in frames ready for the participants.
8.00 a.m. - WBro Darren Garley arrived and started the breakfast butties, along with the water for the hot drinks. WBro Jim Annetts could now have that much needed coffee.
9.00 a.m. - The Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Mark Constant, an avid supporter of the charity and official visitor for the day was welcomed. It means a lot to the MTSFC that Mark attends so many of the events throughout the year.
10.00 a.m. - The participants start to arrive, greeted by WBro Dave Etty and Chairman WBro Peter Chown, name badges are handed out and casters assigned. One unfortunately was unable to attend leaving WBro Guy Gifford-Tiny to have a day's fishing on his own!
Within the first few minutes, shouts start to ring out “Got one!” a very nice Crucian Carp and so it went on, good catches by all. The PGM and Chairman Peter walked the fishery, enabling them to speak with all those attending. Jim Annetts and Warren Murton made sure everyone was kept hydrated and that all Health & Safety requirements were being adhered to - Hats, Safety Glasses & Whistles etc.
11.00 a.m. WBro Albert Bareham arrived to take over the grill and prepare for lunch. Walking around, MTSFC Chairman Peter met one participant who enthusiastically informed him that he had caught four! Smiling to the caster, he quietly confirmed “no he's caught ten!”
WBro Peter Chown explained, "This is my first event as Chairman, I cannot praise the committee members and volunteer castors highly enough. It was an extremely successful day and a testimony to the conviction the volunteers have for the work of this charity”.
The MTSFC is very much looking forward to hosting its next event due to be held at Browns Farm in Addington, Northants on 19th September 2024, with Deputy PGM WBro Tim Almond making his first official visit to the charity in that role.
Anyone interested in coming along or volunteering, please contact WBro Peter Chown via email:-
A gallery of images (with thanks to Trevor Pywell) from the day can be viewed by clicking here.