The Masonic Fishing Charity’s aim is to bring an interactive fishing and countryside experience to people with special needs. It is a charity completely run by Masonic volunteers and is a non-profit making enterprise. The local West Lancashire Masonic Fishing Charity held its first event of 2024 at Whitmore Fishery near Kirkham, Preston. The Freemasons hosted this event for 12 participants and five staff from Ashton Community Science College, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston.
The Secretary of the Masonic Fishing Charity, Bob Malcolm said: “Six of the students were deaf and were accompanied with two signing staff; the remaining six young people were autistic to a greater or lesser degree. The day couldn’t have been any better, as the weather was excellent and everyone seemed to be catching plenty of fish. To host an event such as this will cost in excess of £400; this includes hiring a lake for the day solely for our participants, along with lunches (burger and chips) and drinks for everyone involved, including our VIPs. At this event we were pleased to welcome Duncan Smith and Harry Cox from the South Fylde and North Fylde Masonic Groups respectively, who presented the medals and certificates to all the young people.”
Duncan Smith said: “It is really good to see the smiles on their faces as they receive awards for their achievements. Our motto within the Masonic fishing charity is ‘Catch the smile’ and that’s what we always aim to do.”
Bob Malcolm concluded by saying: “We would not be able to hold fishing events for our community members without donations from across the Province of West Lancashire and we would like to send a big thank you to all the lodges and chapters who have very kindly supported us. We are also very grateful to Gerry’s Fishing Tackle Shop on Marine Road, Morecambe for supplying all the bait for each event since we first started in 2016.”
The Masonic Fishing Charity is planning to hold four more events this year and they will be in a number of coarse waters geographically from Bolton-le-Sands to Warrington. If there are any interested community groups that would like to support this worthy cause that helps young people, we would welcome your donation being sent to the treasurer, Dan Mitchell, 23 Camborne Avenue, Carnforth, LA5 9TS. It is very important that the wording on cheques are as follows – MTSFC (West Lancs Branch).
The Masonic Province of West Lancashire has recently introduced a specialist lodge, Country Pursuits Lodge of West Lancashire No 6615, that meets in various Masonic halls, introducing new members to Freemasonry as well as welcoming joining members who are already Freemasons. The lodge includes activities such as clay pigeon shooting, conservation, fishing and a varied social programme of events. For more information on becoming a Freemason and the Country Pursuits Lodge of West Lancashire, please email Chris Tittley at chris.tittley@gmail.com