On 26 April, with the weather probably more suited to the fish than the fishermen, the Northamptonshire branch of the Masonic Trout and Salmon Fishing Charity held its spring event at Ringstead Grange, giving a dozen or so young people with special needs a day to remember. This continued the good work done by the Charity in the past.
Chairman WBro John MacKenzie and his team organised a day's fishing and a barbecue lunch. The APGM, WBro Norman Pope, then presented certificates to all the fishermen and in medals to those who actually caught fish. The winner was a boy who caught a splendid rainbow trout literally seconds before the closing whistle was blown.
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The winnin catch |
Also present was WBro Jim Higham, a trustee of the Strangward Trust which helps disadvantaged children. The trust has pledged to provide £2,000 a year to the Charity over the next five years, a wonderful gift which will secure its activities locally well into the future.
It was at times difficult to tell whether it was the fishermen, their pupils or the spectators who enjoyed the day the most. What is certain is that all present intend to be back next year for more of the same.