The Masonic Fishing Charity of West Lancashire has held two events during 2025. During April, the charity invited children from the Sir Tom Finney School in Preston to a fishing event at Whitmore Fishery, near Kirkham. Following the fishing, framed certificates were presented to all attendees by Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Barr and Peter Taylor.
During May, the charity met with pupils from Great Arley School, Thornton Cleveleys, at Pheasants Wood Fishery at Out Rawcliffe. It was a beautiful, warm and sunny day and most of the nine youngsters caught at least one fish. Some caught many small varieties of roach, rudd, and perch.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Barr attended this second event at Pheasants Wood and together with Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master Harry Cox, volunteer caster and Great Arley School Governor, they were both delighted to present framed certificates and medals to all the nine pupils from Great Arley School. Harry said that Toby was the student who thought he’d been forgotten about at the presentation, then when his name was read out, he ran up celebrating vocally for his medal and certificate. It certainly brought a tear to the eyes of those present.
Secretary and Safety Officer of the Masonic Fishing Charity, Bob Malcolm, said that the fishing lasts from 10:30 am to approximately 1:00pm, when lunch is served, which is usually burgers and chips and a drink for everyone. After lunch, the framed certificates and medals are presented, which is the highlight of the day, seeing the joy and emotion on both the students and the volunteers, as they’ve all been ‘catching a smile’. Bob said that they used to go back to the water after lunch for an hour, then do the presentation, but most of the schools have a fair way to travel, so it was realised that it was better to let them finish earlier rather than be late in returning to school.
Bob continued to say that each branch of the charity is responsible for purchasing a marquee, chairs and tables. There is a trailer to transport all this equipment to the events and with the help of the West Lancashire Masonic Charitable Foundation, the branch was able to purchase all of these items.
The charity has since bought small fishing poles (whips), landing nets, spare fishing chairs and umbrellas for the participants and all this is kept in the trailer and transported to each event by committee member Steve Plevey. The marquee is usually erected on the morning of each event and the casters turn up early to help Steve do this. This is followed by the safety brief by Bob to every volunteer caster, whilst everyone has a bacon sandwich and a drink.
The students usually arrive at about 10:00 am, where they are welcomed by Event Organiser and Caster Manager Gareth Harrison, accompanied by the Schools Liaison Officer, Janetta Mitchell. The students are presented with a welcome pack of goodies and a hat and safety glasses if they need them. (It is a strict rule of the charity that everyone in attendance, including any visiting guests, must wear safety glasses and a hat.) Gareth then introduces the students to a caster, with whom they will fish and converse with throughout the day.
Gareth said that the cost of the events varies with each event, depending on how many participants and teachers attend, which also dictates how many volunteers are needed. An average cost is £450, which includes a contribution of £11 for every student that comes to the event, to the national Masonic Fishing Charity headquarters in Middlesex. This supports the funding of the goody-bags, hats, glasses, whistles, medals and frames for the certificates.
It approximately works out at a cost of £48.50 for every student that attends, with most donations coming from lodges and chapters within the Province of West Lancashire. Over the years, there have been a few anonymous donations of £20, £50 and one was £100. An official letter of thanks is sent to all lodges and chapters, requesting them to read it aloud in open lodge. It is hoped that any visitors will remember it and mention it to their respective lodges, chapters and groups.
Gareth was pleased to announce that the charity was delighted to receive a letter from the headteacher of Great Arley School, Peter Higham, who said that the students and staff were all ‘buzzing’ on their return from the fishing trip. The children had a brilliant experience, learnt new skills and for some, could be the start of a new hobby. Peter thanked everyone involved and requested that thanks are passed to those who made it such a valuable experience for everyone who was there.
If anyone would like to support the Masonic Fishing Society, please contact the treasurer, Dan Mitchell. His email address is: janettamitchell0706@gmail.com
Anyone wishing to make an online donation can do so by sending it to;
Account Name: Masonic Fishing Charity – West Lancashire Branch
Sort Code: 30:84:85 Account No 33026360. Please add a reference (eg lodge name and number).
Edited report and pictures by John Topping.