http://www.disabled-angler.co.uk

Can you lend a hand with
Skylarks fishing fortnight?

by Ian (Slacklines)

I went along to help the Skylarks at one of their "matches" last year, the people who fish them are real characters! Although they might not be as agile as some, they more than make up for this with their vocal chords!!!!
Vitalise is a charitable organization that provides holidays and respite care for people with physical disabilities at its five centres around the country. One of these centres is Skylarks, a thirty-six bedded unit situated near the national water sports centre at Nottingham.
During the year they have specialised holidays as Horse racing, where they go to different meetings. Cricket, to see the test match at Trent Bridge, craft weeks, shopping weeks and the one I am involved with, Fishing Fortnight.
Although the centre is staffed with nursing and care staff, the holidays would not be possible without the many people who like me, give up their time to help as a volunteer. These volunteers help get their guest up in the morning and go on the fishing trip to help them.
As a volunteer I organise the fishing. This includes acquiring fishing tackle and equipment to provide the fishing experience asked for by our guests. Booking venues that can safely accommodate up to thirty disabled people, mainly in wheelchairs. The competition side of the fortnight is a light-hearted affair over the eleven days of fishing as the main aim is to give the guests a good days sport.
At the end of the fortnight every one gets a medal and an array of fourteen trophies for Champion, Best Lady & Gent, Biggest fish and Best Tangle and others are given out.
Along with the volunteers at the centre we need help from fishermen and women who can give up a day to sit with a Guest and fish with them or for them at the venues listed below.
There is no need to bring tackle as this can be provided. Drinks and food will also be brought round so all you need is suitable clothing and something to sit on.
We arrive at venues about 10 am and start fishing approx 11-30 when the coach has arrived and stay till 5 ish.
The venues for this year are :-
SUNDAY 3RD SEPT - JANSON FISHERY ,ELTON
MONDAY 4TH SEPT - STRAIGHT MILE FISHERY, DINNINGTON, SHEFFIELD
TUESDAY 5TH SEPT - LAGOON, LAKE VIEW , MELTON MOWBRAY
WEDNESDAY 6TH SEPT - AVON POOL, MAKINS
THURSDAY 7TH SEPT - SPRINGWOOD FISHERY, MELBOURNE, DERBYSHIRE
FRIDAY 8TH SEPT - WILLOW LAKES FOSTON
SUNDAY 10TH SEPT - NORTH SCARLE DUCK FARM
MONDAY 11TH SEPT - STRAIGHT MILE FISHERY, DINNINGTON ,SHEFFIELD
TUESDAY 12TH SEPT - SERPENT, LAKE VIEW, MELTON MOWBRAY
WEDNESDAY 13TH SEPT - PEACOCK LAKE, GUNTHORPE
THURSDAY 14TH SEPT - WILLOW LAKE , FOSTON

Any help will be appreciated.

More information if required can be obtained by emailing big.brian@btinternet.com or Chris on christhefish@msn.com

Ian (Slacklines)
http://www.disabled-angler.co.uk