Euxton Lodge supports the Masonic Trout And Salmon Fishing Charity whose national aim is to “bring an interactive fishing experience to those with special educational needs, including disabled and disadvantaged children and adults.” The nationwide programme of events is delivered under the “Catch the Smile” banner. In West Lancashire Province, five organised coarse fishing events are held annually, at suitable venues, with invited participants attending from schools or specialist centres within the catchment area. We provide an entertaining day in a safe and caring environment, to ensure that the experience is stimulating and rewarding both to the participants, teachers, carers and our volunteers.
The 5 events in 2019 took place at venues throughout the West Lancashire Province;
- Partridge lakes Fishery – Culcheth
- Whitmore Fisheries- Preston
- Manor House Fisheries – Garstang
- Charity Farm – Wrightington
A total of 84 participants from across West Lancashire, were able to take part in these events.
Our Euxton Lodge authorised ‘caster’ participated in 4 of the 5 events for 2019, and also assisted the Cumbria & Westmorland Branch in May, at one of their fly-fishing events.
A new venue for West Lancashire Branch was included at the Partridge Lakes Fishery, Culcheth near Warrington. This provided the opportunity for guests from the Southern part of the Province to be included in the programme for the first time. It was a hot, sunny and wind-free day at this venue but some good fishing was experienced by the participants. All the fish caught were returned to the water immediately (as is the Policy of the programme) but allowing the young people participating, to experience and appreciate wildlife and nature at first hand.
Two events were held at Whitmore Fisheries, Preston in June and once again they provided great days out for participants from a number of local schools. This venue continues to be very popular and is particularly suited to participants living with assisted mobility.
In July, the next event was held at Manor House Fishery, Garstang. Once again, it was a hot and sunny day at a location with no shade from the sun in this particularly isolated location. These events are thoroughly risk-assessed and the Branch has its own marquee to provide shelter when weather is a factor, thus allowing some respite on an exhausting day. ‘Burger and chips’ lunch proved particularly popular with the participants! An enjoyable days fishing was had by all and senior members of the Province conducted the prize-giving ceremony, at the end of the event.
Our last event was held at Charity Farm, Wrightington in September and proved hugely successful, with good catches at this popular venue. Prize-giving was again conducted by David Ogden, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, which added a great sense of achievement for the participants.
Each event follows a similar schedule, with fishing commencing at 10.00am after a health and safety briefing and about noon, a nourishing lunch is served, not only for the participants but also the teachers, carers, casters, and helpers. Following lunch, the participants go back to the lake for a short session of fishing before closing with a prizegiving ceremony. Every participant is included in the day to make sure that they get the best experience possible, appropriate to any disability. Even the teachers and carers are encouraged to get involved and many go home having unexpectedly, caught a fish for the first time!
The MTSFC is a Masonic initiative and is therefore funded entirely by voluntary donations from Freemasons, Masonic Lodges and Provinces. In 2019, the Worshipful Master of Euxton Lodge included a donation to the West Lancashire Branch of MTSFC from their annual charitable collections. This funding will go towards the cost of delivering the 2020 ‘Catch the Smile’ season for the benefit only of participants in West Lancashire.
There is absolutely no charge to any of the participants or their schools or centres for taking part. The only cost to participants is to provide their own transport to and from the event and any specialist food that any of their charges may require. (We do cater for a vegetarian/vegan option on request.)
To find out more, please visit the MTSFC website:- https://www.mtsfc.org.uk/index.htm
