Masonic Fishing Charity - Help Needed!

20 02 19 mtsfc logo

The aim of the Masonic Fishing Charity (MTSFC) is to bring an interactive fishing and countryside experience to people with special needs.

Unfortunately, the Charity's Northants & Hunts branch has lost three of its committee members due to illness and is keen to recruit replacements as soon as possible.

Notwithstanding that fishermen and helpers are always welcome, the branch desperately needs committee members who can support the Charity with communication, liaison and planning skills.

Regular tasks involve:

  • Contacting the special schools supported by the Charity and arranging fishing days
  • Keeping in touch with the fishing venues and making the necessary bookings

The branch tries to arrange four or five events over the summer. Three committee meetings are held each year.

Anyone wishing to get involved should contact the branch secretary, WBro Steve Squires, via the Provincial Office using the contact form available by clicking here.

About the MTSFC

MTSFC achieves its aims by running coarse and fly-fishing events and inviting participants with special-needs to join-in. This includes anyone over 11-years of age who:

  • Has mental or physical disabilities, or
  • Is disadvantaged, or
  • Has suffered trauma

Each event is run such that:

  • A fisherman or helper is available every participant, usually on a one-to-one basis. The fishermen will try to involve their charges in all aspects of fishing including casting and retrieving, hooking and landing. All fishermen and helpers are required to complete a DBS disclosure with us.
  • Lunch is provided for all participants, helpers and fishermen with a vegetarian option available on request.
  • A certificate of achievement is presented to all participants
  • Medals for Biggest Fish, Best Caster, Best Retriever, etc., are awarded when available
  • Participating organisations or individuals are provided with risk assessments
  • Health and safety instruction is given to all helpers and fishermen
  • Some game fish caught may be kept by the participants
  • A qualified first aider always on hand.

The Charity very much hopes to ‘Catch The Smile’ along the way!