Despite the poor weather conditions and the cancellation of the CLA Game Fair at Belvoir Castle, National Fishing Month 2012 began in style with a celebrity launch. Fisheries Minister, Richard Benyon, was on hand to open activities at a special event organised by Reading and District Angling Association (RDAA) at Longwater Lake, Green Park, Reading on Friday 20th July.
School children from the local area enjoyed one on one coaching sessions from Les Webber MBE (Angling Projects), Danny Williams (Angling Trust) and Will Barnard (RDAA), and the teachers even joined in! The Minister spent time talking to all the participants and their coaches and he then joined the team for a celebratory picnic.
Richard Benyon said: “National Fishing Month is a fantastic opportunity to introduce thousands of new people to the benefits of angling. It was great to see youngsters from Reading getting into the sport at Friday’s launch and I hope the next four weeks are a great success.”
Martin Salter, Angling Trust Campaign Manager added: “The Angling Trust is proud to be a partner and strong supporter of National Fishing Month which does so much to inspire people to take up fishing. We were delighted to be able to help organise the launch with the Minister and show him just what a great project this is. “
Each child received a goody bag and certificate and left with a big smile and a better understanding of the enjoyment of fishing.
Further east, a National Fishing Month event organised by Rutland Water Fly Fishers and supported by Angling Trust Regional Officer, James Roche, proved to be an inspirational experience for everyone involved. Eighty four young anglers plus forty two boatmen took to Rutland Water in Cambridgeshire for the 2012 Rutland Water Fly Fishers Youth Day held on Sunday 22 July. It was declared a fabulous success and a great reflection of the efforts put in by the organising committee over the previous nine months.
National Fishing Month Co Coordinator and Angling Trades Association Chair, Naidre Werner, said: “We couldn’t have hoped for a better way to start National Fishing Month particularly with the terrible recent weather that caused the cancellation of so many outside events in the preceding weeks. The feedback from the first weekend’s activities has already been extremely positive, illustrating the huge achievements that can stem from a dedicated focus on the sport of angling. I’m confident that we will build on this excellent start in the weeks to come.”
She added: “On behalf of everyone involved in this important initiative, I would also like to offer my sincere thanks to the Fisheries Minister for taking time out to launch National Fishing Month 2012.”
With more than 300 events nationwide listed online at www.nationalfishingmonth.com, there’s plenty of opportunity for people to have a go at fishing at a venue near to home.
Details of events that are scheduled already are listed on the National Fishing Month website www.nationalfishingmonth.com and can be accessed by postcode. The nearest events and their details will then be revealed.
National Fishing Month began on the 20th July 2012 and concludes on the 27th August 2012.
Minister receives certificate from NFM participants
Back Row, left to right: Danny Williams (Angling Trust), Will Barnard (RDAA), Martin Salter (Angling Trust), Naidre Werner (Angling Trades Association), Les Webber MBE (Angling Projects)
Front Row, left to right: Richard Benyon (Fisheries Minister), Bradley Brown, Ori Nguru, Rowan Richardson
