Are you interested in forming a South Wales branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity?
If so, please email the Provincial office at: office@nullprovince.org.uk
Further details about the charity may be seen at www.mtsfc.org.uk
Our aim is to provide an interactive fishing and countryside experience to anyone above the age of eleven with special needs – this includes the disadvantaged or those who have suffered trauma. Typically a day’s fishing will consist of the following:
- 07.30 am – Branch members arrive (set up venue and Health & Safety briefing);
- 09.30 am – Guests arrive and receive H & S briefing before being introduced to their Caster/Helper for the day who will involve them in as many aspects of fishing as their condition will allow;
- 10.00 am – Fishing starts;
- 12.30 pm – Free BBQ lunch for all;
- 13.15 pm – Fishing restarts;
- 15.00 pm – Weigh in/Presentation [Certificate of achievement to all participants and medals for biggest fish, best caster, etc]/closing address by VIP/guests depart; &,
- 15.30 pm – Debrief and feedback from all helpers.
Our Patron is the Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master, Peter G Lowndes, while our President is RW Bro Roger Croome, Q.P.M., Past Pro Prov Grand Master of Middlesex. A board of eight Trustees chaired by W Bro. Mike Purdey oversees the workings of our CEO, W Bro. Steve Roberts (assisted by his Deputy) who is responsible for the day to day running of the charity through the Area Co-Ordinators and thence to the Branches.
The charity is organised and staffed by volunteers both male and female, anglers and non-anglers and Masons and non-Masons. The only stipulation is that volunteers must be CRB/DBS cleared [paid and applied for by the charity] as we work with children and vulnerable adults.
There is absolutely no charge to any of our participants, their helpers, or their schools or the centres that sponsor them. The organising authority is only responsible for the costs of their transport to and from an event and any specialist food that their charges may require.
Branches have their own officers and bank accounts, and are responsible (within the guidelines of the charity) for making their own decisions in terms of how many events they hold, whom they invite and where they hold them. Although the charity is an independent Masonic initiative each branch will keep the PGM and his Executive informed of future events and branch news through a Liaison Officer appointed by the PGM.
The establishment of a branch is not difficult and would not require manpower resources to be diverted from existing projects as I would assist/advise/mentor branch officers in all branch fishing matters until such time as the branch is fully functional.
Each branch is responsible for raising its own funds which come from donations from individuals and Lodges, fund raising events & sales of merchandise. Similarly each branch is responsible for all other administrative and support matters (kit, Health & Safety, first aid support, insurance etc) which must comply with existing charity rules and regulations.
The Masonic Fishing Charity really makes a difference to those in need and has the full support of the highest echelons of Craft Freemasonry – for instance, the Most Worshipful, The Grand Master, HRH The Duke of Kent and Rt. W. Bro. HRH Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO, ProvGM both support our charity and where possible attend events.
Sir, I trust that the above is to your satisfaction and that you will give the matter of forming a branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity within the Province of South Wales for your consideration.
May I close by citing my own PGM’s words (which he permitted me to use) as to how delighted he is: ‘to have this project running in the Province of Devonshire. The actual fun and satisfaction of the fishing, the joy of seeing the guests from all walks of life getting a sense of achievement and reward from the day, the generosity of the members taking part and the media attention gained from the event – It is a win –win situation!’
Yours Sincerely and Fraternally,
W Bro. Graham Snell, PProvSGD, TD, BA (Hons)
Deputy CEO of The Masonic Fishing Charity