The members of the Devon Masonic Fishing Society finally managed to carry out a day out fishing for the first time this year. Their first planned day had to be cancelled due to appalling weather in the Tavistock area. Putting a 10-foot carbon pole in a child’s hand when there is lightning around is not a good idea.
In early July, the team of Masonic volunteers and their families gathered at Upham Farm Fishery near Exeter to give nine youngsters from the Ellen Tinkham School for children with special needs, based in Hollow Lane Exeter, a day out to remember. The owner of the fishery, James, was very happy to give them exclusive use of the match lake for the day. It holds a lot of fish, from very small to some very large carp.
They set up the cook tent and dining area and then laid out all the fishing gear. They were using a completely new set of kit, very generously donated by Paul, the owner of Milemead Fishery in Tavistock. Each child had a 3-metre elasticated pole, landing net and unhooking mat, all essential for the safe handling of fish.
The children arrived at 10 am, and after the usual safety briefings, they started fishing under the close supervision of the team of volunteers who helped the children throughout the day. Every child soon started catching fish, and after a very short time an 8lb carp was hooked – to shouts of delight. In a very short space of time, another four 8-pounders came out, and then the fish of the day – a lovely 12 lb common carp was landed.
Lunch was taken at midday with the usual healthy burgers and hot dogs, all expertly cooked by John McMillan, their new team member, but even with such delicacies on offer, the children wanted to get straight back to the fishing. More fish were landed, and we finally called a halt at 2.40 pm, as they had to get back to the school. Medals and certificates were presented, and the children and staff left, all with beaming smiles all over their faces.
Heartfelt thanks go to the team, Keith and Ros Bower, Steve Hart, Mark Burton, Gordon Richards, Dave Lang, Nigel Bird, Mike Latham, Steve Newman, Mike Spencer, Phill and Julie Niles. Their tireless efforts and dedication to these events are truly commendable and greatly appreciated.
Keith Rigby, the Chairman of the society and an Exmouth Freemason, said,
“I am also very grateful to the Devonshire Provincial Masonic Charity, the Masonic Shooting Association and Elms Lodge for their very generous donations to the charity. We are now financially secure for the foreseeable future. We are, however, short of volunteer helpers. You don’t need to be an expert fisherman or even a Freemason. If you can give up a couple of Fridays a year, we would be pleased to see you. If you can help, please email Phill Niles at [email protected].”
