On 13th May 2010 the Surrey Branch of the MFC invited a number of children with ‘Special Needs’ who have Moderate Learning Difficulties ‘MLD’, these young people with their carers came from West Hill School Leatherhead Surrey and joined us to spend a day in the country, so that each of them could learn from fishing with an experiencing fly-fishing caster for this special occasion.

This event was sponsored by ‘The Bond of Friendship Lodge’ which is based in Croydon, Surrey. The Worshipful Master of this Lodge accompanied by other senior Lodge members and their wives also attended.

Although quite a cool the participants enjoyed a delightfully dry day, with sunny intervals and we had mid-day temperatures in the mid teens, for this our first event  of 2010. This year the MFC has again grown as a charity; it’s spread over many counties across England and Wales and has already organised, or will be running over 46 events in various provinces/counties this year. In these events we try and give these challenged children and young people a very special day out.

It’s what we call a: ‘Countryside experience’ Our latest event was held at one of the most beautiful lakes in Surrey called ‘Vale End,’ Allbury near Shere, with two professionally stocked lakes all maintained for the debenture holders and members, which is also let out for corporate & charity events. If anyone wants to join the MFC it’s not necessary to be a mason, however most are, or soon join.

All the funds for these events are usually raised by donations and raffles that mainly occur in the local Masonic Lodges and other such Masonic fundraising events within the Province. In order to be a volunteer or a friend of the charity, anyone can join, however all the organising committee are from Lodges based in Surrey.

He we see a splendid prize that one of our young guests has retrieved. It’s so rewarding that many of the participants manage to learn the basics of casting, as well as retrieving, sometimes within a couple of hours of arriving! Often displaying that for some, these fishing skills can be passed on with the right teaching to those who are really keen to learn, after which they can practice freely using our caster’s equipment.

A great catch is proudly displayed by our young caster seen here, who took it home for dinner. Every guest is normally offered one sizable fish to take back as proof of what a good day’s fishing they had.

A day with us generates a very therapeutic and relaxing feeling, not only in our participants but in their carers and our other guests. When the children get their first bite on the line, they’re then taught how to strike with the rod, to then proceed with the exciting process of landing the fish. This is all the more intensified in such a tranquil setting.

We usually invite two, sometime three schools to join us, but on this occasion we carefully selected just one school to attend: West Hill School, Leatherhead Surrey. Our twelve participants were escorted by just 2 carers who arrived in their Variety Club Sunshine coach, as our only stipulation is that schools must provide their own transport to and from our events.

Initially our casters demonstrate how to cast, we invite our guests to pull in the line for each cast, when a fish has taken the fly-baited hook, they then assist in the exciting process of retrieving and netting the fish which are kept submersed to keep them fresh.
The fish that are caught are later distributed. Some participants, who are more able, are then taught how to cast the line and then invited to practice this very skilled aspect of fly-fishing.

On this Thursday, after fishing in the morning we invited our guests and their carers to a freshly cooked barb-e-que lunch. This was followed by a choice of healthy fruit desserts with soft drinks and individual bottles of fresh water.

Lunch usually take place in either one of the club’s marquees, or under one of the awnings provided by the venue, where juice, tea and coffee are freely available throughout the day.

During the latter part of the morning’s fishing we encouraged our casters and guests to enter into a friendly competition to see who could not only catch the most fish, but also the ‘Best Retrieve,’ and the largest ‘Catch of the Day.’

On the right above see one of our young competitors being presented with his personal trophy. All our young guests are given certificates of participation.

In the photo below we see them holding their special souvenirs, whilst we thanked them for attending; all of whom when asked, wanted to be invited again!

Our committee would again like to express their thanks to all our casters, carers and to the sponsors of this fun day’s fishing.

THANK YOU.

Would you like some more information on future events or maybe join or support this charity?

Please contact Fabian Brewster - Surrey Branch Secretary on: 07767 333111 or email him as follows: -
fabian.brewster@mtsfc.co.uk