Almost 50 brethren and guests of Country Pursuits Lodge of West Lancashire No 6615 packed the lodge room of Rowley Court in Lancaster to receive a fascinating and historical insight into the Masonic Fishing Charity (MTSFC) and in particular the workings of the West Lancashire Branch.
The meeting of Country Pursuits Lodge of West Lancashire was opened by the WM Martin Swarbrick and the single item on the summons was to receive a presentation by Gareth Harrison, Events Organiser of the West Lancashire Branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity. The lodge was closed and a gentleman was admitted prior to the lecture commencing.
Gareth Harrison was introduced to the brethren in attendance. He started by mentioning a number of brethren in attendance who each make a significant contribution to the local and national Masonic Fishing Charity, namely Steve Roberts, CEO of the national Masonic Fishing Charity, Keith Kemp (West Lancashire Branch Chairman), Bob Malcolm (Secretary and Health and Safety Officer), Richard Dennison (Fundraiser) and Dr Keith Lowson (Medical Officer).
Commencing his talk, Gareth explained that the nationwide charity was born from the Lodge of Opportunity No 9777 in the Province of Hertfordshire in 2004 and was originally referred to as the Masonic Trout and Salmon Fishing Charity. Currently there are 33 Provinces from across nine areas of England and Wales now involved with this charity. There are over 1,200 helpers / casters on their database and in 2024 over 1,000 youngsters benefitted from fishing events. He gave details of events being held nationally from Hampshire to Durham and in our Province from Warrington to Carnforth. Gareth said: “In West Lancashire, we exclusively offer coarse fishing as it is really inclusive. The commercial fisheries that we visit are disabled-friendly and love to be able to help out the charity.” He added that the bond of friendship between a youngster and the caster / helper can be seen very clearly and the laughter and banter help to make it such a great experience for all involved.
The charity tries to hold four events per year; at the Whitmore Fishery, Greenhalgh near Kirkham, Pheasants Wood Fishery near Hambleton and the prestigious Partridge Lakes at Culcheth, Warrington. Gareth commented: “The fisheries really understand our needs and help every step of the way, so that we can give everyone a day to remember and memories that last a lifetime.” A typical event day normally starts at 8:00am with the committee members usually being the first to arrive. Casters/helpers starting to arrive from 8:30pm when the marquee is erected and tables and chairs are put out.”
Gareth continued: “Fishing equipment and safety wear is arranged and placed by the fishing pegs in time for the youngsters to arrive by 1:00pm. Following a safety briefing and the issuing of baseball caps (for safety), named wristbands and rain ponchos, the youngsters and staff move to the lake to be received by casters/helpers who introduce themselves with a glowing smile and friendly chat.”
Gareth mentioned that the fishing days are sometimes visited by dignitaries from across the Province. Over recent years they have been delighted to receive Past Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison, accompanied by his wife Maureen and more recently the present Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. Mark was very impressed by how the day was organised and he commented on the happiness he could see on each and every face of the young people there.
In his presentation, Gareth Harrison outlined all the key timings of a typical fishing event day with lunch being around 12:30pm, and then at 1:30pm, the marquee being a lively buzzing atmosphere with excited youngsters each receiving a framed certificate of attendance along with a green goody bag. He spoke about the increasing costs of running a typical fishing day and that it can cost anything between £550 and £700, which is simply for the lake fee and the catering. An additional cost of £10 per pupil has to be paid as a levy to the Masonic Fishing HQ.
Making his concluding remarks, Gareth Harrison said: “Wouldn’t it be great for each and everyone here tonight to explain, or even come along to an event so you could spread the word through your lodges and chapters of the great work we try and do. Just think, instead of £10 at installation time, maybe giving a donation of £20 would be massive for this charity. Imagine the smiles and laughter the kids will have in knowing that the brethren are right behind them, cheering and supporting this brilliant Masonic fishing charity.” Gareth completed his presentation by showing a selection of slide images of fishing events, capturing the smiles and happiness of many young faces.
The WM Martin Swarbrick thanked Gareth Harrison for putting the presentation together and for inspiring brethren and gentleman. The brethren and gentleman showed their appreciation through a resounding applause which was followed by Gareth Harrison and Keith Kemp, presenting a framed certificate to Martin Swarbrick and the Country Pursuits Lodge of West Lancashire.
A festive board took place immediately following the lodge meeting and lecture, where brethren and gentleman enjoyed a substantial plate of hotpot, mushy peas, red cabbage and pickles. A ticket-raffle draw along with a lucky number whisky draw raised the magnificent sum of £520. Towards the end of the evening, WM Martin Swarbrick presented Gareth Harrison with a donation of £100 which will go towards the next Masonic Fishing Charity event day.
Report derived from the presentation notes of Gareth Harrison. Edited notes and pictures by John Topping.