A ‘Char’-ming fishing lecture and taster session was just what was needed at the first meeting of this new Masonic season for the members and visitors of Country Pursuits Lodge of West Lancashire No 6615, with almost 40 brethren attending the Masonic Hall behind the Newby Bridge Hotel in Cumbria.
Master of the lodge, Ian Heyes efficiently led the officers through the lodge business and warmly welcomed four new joining members following the requisite ballot. The main item on the summons was to receive a lecture by David Kellet, of the Province of Cumberland and Westmorland, entitled ‘Char fishing in the Lake District’.
David was introduced by Ian Heyes and he swiftly started speaking to the lodge about his long association with the sport and characteristics of this quite small fish. Also, the specific fishing techniques required of char anglers and the places where char can be found in significant numbers such as Windermere, Coniston, Buttermere and Crummock Water.
David brought a number of pieces of equipment with him that enable him to be a successful char angler and he described how split cane has been used over many years as a base material for rods and landing nets. It was fascinating to hear how bright shiny metals serve as char bait and he detailed how lead weights and bait configurations can be used to maximum effect when one understands the particular depths of water in our Lake District.
During his presentation, David Kellet requested a number of stewards to retire from the lodge and bring inside the room a serving for everyone of freshly cooked char, alongside a serving of chilled potted char. As David continued his delivery, all brethren tucked into the taster samples of char which many commented looked and tasted like salmon.
The lecture was concluded with David passing round numerous artefacts from his char fishing days, including a scale model of his clinker design rowing boat that had been berthed for many years at the south end of Windermere. Brethren were also fascinated with an original scaled plan of Windermere which indicated water depth against notable landmark areas around the coastline. David commented that the future of this sport is highly dependent upon younger men and women coming forward to practise their char fishing skills, gain knowledge and thus help keep the interest for this aspect of conservation alive. A vote of thanks was extended by Ian Heyes and all brethren gave a rapturous round of applause to David.
Mike Casey, immediate past master, announced that an amendment to Rule 1 of the bye laws will now read that the lodge shall meet at The Masonic Hall, St Annes on Sea and hold regular meetings on the last Wednesday of January (installation), April, September and November at such hour as the master shall direct. This amendment is necessary following the closure of Poulton Masonic Hall.
Next on the agenda, the master of the lodge Ian Heyes had the delightful to present a Grand Lodge Certificate to Colin Hetherington.
Prior to closing the lodge, Ian Heyes spoke of the change in date for the initiate of Country Pursuits Lodge of West Lancashire to be passed to the second degree, by officers of the Old Huttonian Lodge No 7614. This ceremony of passing will now take place on Saturday 2 November 2024 at Hutton Grammar School, Hutton, Preston, PR4 5SN. Please contact cmsec.7614@gmail.com for further information and to secure a place at this ceremony and unique festive board.
A festive board meal then followed in the Newby Bridge Hotel, which was a simple two course menu and enjoyed by all. A superb raffle was conducted by lodge treasurer Andy McClements and other officers raising a significant amount of £320 for Masonic and non-Masonic charities. The first prize was won by lodge member John Topping who requested the antler-headed beating stick, this prize had been created and kindly donated by Bob Reeves, Assistant Director of Ceremonies. The raffle proceeds, when added to the charity plate figure of £151.50 totalled a magnificent sum of £471.50, much to the delight of charity steward Richard Dennison. A great night, enjoyed by all.
Pictured left: The festive board in full swing. Pictured right: Lodge almoner Bob Malcolm (left), in conversation with visiting brethren.
Report and pictures by John Topping.