Charity

MTSFC - The Masonic Trout and Salmon Fishing Charity
I'd like to report the events that took place on the 13th May - Fishing Day at Ringsted with 15 special needs children. 2 schools were involved, Wrenn Spinney School and Corby Business Academy School. But let me take you back to the day before and the events that lead up to this special day!

Past Master and Chairman of the Northampton and Huntington branch, Worshipful Brother John Mackenzie, myself Keith Barrow (the chef) and the events coordinator Brother John Kemp also a chef, and volunteers and helpers met up the day before and erected the two marquis and set the stall out in readiness for their special day. After which, we retired to the local public house where we all participated in a nice glass of red wine, compliments of John Mackenzie and recapped for the day to follow.
The day came, the 13th May. Beautiful day and fishermen started to arrive in all their gear, BBQ's were being warmed up ready for breakfast. The bailiff of Ringsted Fishing Facilities was also on attendance and Mr Harold and Mrs Rosemary Foster made the day a free day for our special needs children, whilst also donating the Cup for the Best Caster (which the bailiff won). St John's ambulance were on attendance for the day and joined us for breakfast and the sunshine.

Once breakfast was over, the coaches arrived. All fishermen at the ready and after a safety briefing off they went around the lake, starting to fish along with their helpers and freemason fishing casting team. And still the sun shone. We could not have had a more beautiful day. Fish were being caught, big fish were being caught. We could hear cheering, shouting with enjoyment and a good time, a great time, was had by all.

Dinner time arrived and guess what? We all had burgers and bangers in a bun, crisps and fruit. Done perfectly if I say so myself and as far as I'm aware, I haven't poisoned anybody with my cooking!! After dinner, we were supposed to give out the prizes, but oh no. The fishermen and their participants went back out to fish and caught more fish. We could not stop them fishing. In the end, we had to gather them all in by the whistle and start presenting a cup for the biggest fish, medals and certificates and photos as you can see below. Prizes were presented by Assistant Provisional Grand Master Wayne Williams.
Personally and I know my fellow brethren and helpers, got tremendous satisfaction from the day. Again, a great day - the sun shone.

We will be organizing another event later on in the year.

Thank you to all that have helped and all the people behind the scenes as well as the Saint John's ambulance personnel.

The Masonic Trout and Salmon Fishing Charity (MTSFC) is a Registered Charity and has the aim 'to bring an interactive fishing and countryside experience to people with Special Needs'. This includes disabled and disadvantage children, young people and adults. Fishing events are held up and down the country and particpants invited from Special Needs Schools, Adult Day Centres and similar places to attend. Participants are introduced to fishing by an experienced fishing guide and helpers and lunch is provided for them and their carers or teachers.

Apart from 'Catch The Smile' the Charity has adopted the slogan of:

"The Masonic Trout and Salmon Fishing Charity's aim is to bring an interactive fishing and countryside experience to people with Special Needs".

It achieves this by running fishing events, both coarse and fly, at various fisheries and inviting participants from specialist schools and centres to come and join in.

The Charity provides:

A fisherman or helper for every participant usually on a one-to-one basis. The fishermen will involve their charges in all aspects of fishing, to have a go at casting, retrieving, hooking and landing the fish. (All fishermen and helpers will have been required to fill out the disclosure form for CRB clearance.)
Lunch typically consisting of barbecued burgers, sausages and maybe some fresh trout (at flyfishing events)! Soft, non-fizzy drinks, sandwiches, fruit and snacks. Lunch and tea, coffee and soft drinks is provided for all participants, helpers and fishermen.
A 'Certificate of Achievement' for all participants.
Medals for Biggest Fish, Best Caster, Best Retriever etc.
Risk Assessments.
Health and safety instruction to all helpers and fishermen.
All game fish caught may be kept by the participants.

If you are interested in donating or more information please contact us.

Branch Address:

John MacKenzie

Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire Branch

Riverside Manor, The Drive, Horton, Northants

NN7 2AY

Tel: 01604 871040

Mob: 07802463924

Email: john.mackenzie@mtsfc.org.uk

Web: www.mtsfc.org.uk