That’s right anglers, it’s that time of year again for the famous golden balls charity event at Hawkhurst fish farm, Kent. 76 carp and match anglers including children from the age of 10, took to the lakes 12th-13th September to try and catch as many fish as they could in order to win the famous GB trophy and raise money for the Cancer Research UK charity.
The event included four separate matches of 1 junior match, 2 senior matches and 1 24 hour carp match over the two days. This years matches were all organised by the golden balls committee, where 12 juniors competed side by side in their match for 6 Hours. … So how did they get on?
1st George Bolt 44lbs
2nd Ross Macauley 42lbs 10oz
3rd Ash Cornish 26lb
Whilst the juniors were competing, the first senior match also made a start at 9.00 am. Dave Sage came in 1st place on Saturday’s match having a total weight of 156.9 lbs. so how did the runners up do?
1st Dave Sage 156.9 lbs
2nd Vic Elmer ` 148.0 lbs
3rd Daren Chaston 126.12 lbs
As the sun went down, and a new day arises the second senior match got on the way. With the cloudy skys holding off the rain Paul Lamb came in fist place with the following not too far behind him:
1st Paul Lamb 148.3 lbs
2nd P Ollernshaw 114.14 lbs
3rd Mark Breckall 110.4 lbs
So after these successful three matches, how were the anglers getting on in the 24 hour carp match that started on Saturday at 12pm…with the eager anglers getting their rods in and their bait scattered all round their swims, Ashley Izzard got the reel spinning catching the first fish in the match automatically taking him to the lead with a 10lb carp. But as the night drew nearer the real excitement started. The specimen lake became very popular with Daniel Warren catching a 26lb mirror and Dale Cassell catching a 29 lbs not too far behind him. So who was the lucky angler to win the famous golden balls trophy?
1st Dale Cassell 55lb 10oz
2nd Ashley Izzard 43lb 8oz
3rd Frank Wheeler 31 lb
Heaviest fish trophy sponsored by rigmarole also went to Dale Cassell of 29lb 2oz.
So up to the marquee for the famous raffle, presentations and grand total to be announced, all the match and carp anglers including juniors had their raffle tickets ready and braced themselves to hear that magic total they helped raise go towards Cancer Research UK. There was an overwhelming number of prizes donated for the raffle, and tombola that also took part during the day times over the weekend. The raffle wouldn’t have been so successful if it wasn’t for our generous sponsors (see below). These were very much appreciated by all the golden balls team and organisers, not to mention the lucky winners who won fantastic holidays ranging from a weeks fishing holiday at Sky Lakes to a wide range of fishing equipment from Fox, Warriors and so on. The golden balls committee along with Cancer Research UK representative Helen Waters and David and Wendy Dukes (Mayor of Tunbridge Wells) addressed the eager crowd who all took part, how much they had finally raised. The honour was left to Ben Wilkinson to announce the grand total of £17,500 as all their faces lit up with pride, from raising such an outstanding figure for the one event. What an amazing achievement and have to take our hats off to all that played a part in yet another successful weekend. Speaking to Barry Cale the founder of golden balls charity moments after said he was very thankful to everyone that took part and couldn’t believe how much they had still managed to raise with the current climate. This is now the 4th golden balls charity event he has organised with his committee to be at the amazing grounds of Hawkhurst fisheries, Kent. Barry and his family including two daughters Stacie Hudson and Hayley Cale who also arrange their own yearly charity events based around dancing would personally like to thank everyone who played a part in the event, from people simply buying raffle tickets to our wonderful marshals Tony the tench, John Crundwell and Will Izzard. They all deserve praise for giving us their time and effort over the weekend. Not to forget our great number of sponsors and Hawkhurst fish farm for letting us use their complex. None of this could have been so successful without them, and it’s great to know all the money raised will help find a cure for the disease that effects so many of us.
Should you wish to make a donation to Cancer Research UK after being inspired by this magnificent event, you can do so by entering this link into your web browser. www.cancerresearchuk.org You can also contact them on 0207 2420200 for further details. Next years event will be taking part at the same picturesque complex of Hawkhurst fish farm 11th-12th September. If you would like to take part or would like to find out more details, please visit our new website www.gballs.webs.com or you can contact Barry cale on bnccale@hotmail.com or 07860491478. well done again to everyone and good luck for next year.
Hayley Cale
Golden Balls Secretary
A Few Photos From The Event
Anglers of the 24 hour carp match
Ashley Izzard, aged 13 with a 26.8 carp taking him to 2nd place overall
Ross Macauley holding a 12.6lb carp from junior match
Dale Cassell with a 29.2 lb carp. Winner of the 24 hour carp match and heaviest fish
Dave Sage dressed down for the Saturday evening…
