The Chigboro’ Fisheries at Heybridge, Maldon where the event was to be held had suffered a serious mortality of fish stock due to the exceptionally hot weather but, Sam Tallowin, who runs the Fisheries, promised she would re-stock a week before our day and true to her word, did just that.
Nigel Horobin offered to provide and cook a breakfast - a bacon & egg bun in preparation for the children and their teachers arriving at 10.30am. They were all very eager and so they were paired with a suitably equipped Caster. Having also been supplied with their own safety glasses and hat, the children went dangling.
The practice is, they show the children how to cast and retrieve, and if they express a wish, let them retrieve. Many of the kids progress on to try to cast, and some manage to hook, play and bring a fish into the net.
After 2 hours, a whistle was blown, to call everyone to a ‘Burger and Salad’ lunch, provided barbeque style at the fishing lodge, by the fabulous host, Sam.
The children were all presented by the Essex Provincial Grand Charity Steward, Chris Hicks, with an individual certificate of achievement in a wooden frame and a gold medal with the club’s logo stamped on it, advertising their service to the community. Also, a ‘Bass’ bag with some goodies and room – for those who wished to take home – a 2lb Rainbow trout to the delight/annoyance of their parents.
Everyone then assembled for a group photograph before waving the children goodbye, as they went back to school, leaving all those who assisted a feeling of great satisfaction from the children’s delight especially as this was far better than being in the classroom.
Thanks was given to those who assisted and especially the backroom people who typed, ferreted, packed boots, fished, cooked and with special thanks to Nigel Horobin, Ken Birnie, Chris Clark and of course Sam Tallowin.
A very successful and rewarding day.
By Vic Crowhurst
