Service is at the heart of what they do

Reflections on my time with the Durham Branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity;

Saturday 13^th July 2024 turned out to be a cold, wet and miserable day weatherwise but for those of us who attended Aldin Grange Fisheries in Durham to support the Durham Branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity, it turned out to be one of our most heartwarming experiences. The motto of the Charity is ‘Catching a Smile’ and by the end of the day, when seeing the smiles on the faces of the young people who came along to fish it was clear why.

The day clashed with the Durham Miners Gala and many of our members were committed to supporting the Gala. A call went out on Social Media to ask if there were any Brethren free to support the Charity either as caster helpers or just to be available to keep the children company whilst they fished. Never having fished before, I asked my wife Julie if she wanted to go fishing and explained why. We both decided to give it a go and we are so pleased that we did.

The day started with an introduction by Ken Newton and a debrief for us from Kevin Wise and David Frew who talked about Health and Safety and Safeguarding and fish care before doing the same for the young people from a local Scout Group. I was immediately struck by the professionalism of the Brethren and their desire to make sure that everyone had a good time. At no time did Julie and I feel that we were a spare part but indeed we were made to feel welcome and looked after just as much as the youngsters were.

The experienced fishermen were keen to impart their knowledge and skills and ensure that everyone, young and old had the chance to learn how to cast and would not end the day without catching a fish. Julie and I, as well as the youngsters learned the difference between Coarse and Fly Fishing and how casting differs in the two sports. We learned how to handle fish safely and to look after the welfare of the fish.

It was nice to spend time talking to the young people about themselves, their aspirations and interests. We saw how these young people, who were initially shy came out of their shells and by the afternoon were chatting, laughing and smiling comparing notes on their fishing deeds during the day.

The hours passed quickly and ended with them being presented with a trophy, medal and certificate as mementos of their day and with smiles on their faces.

Julie and I had such a great time with the team, not only learning new skills and the satisfaction of being of service to the youngsters but also enjoying the company of all the Brethren who really made us feel welcome. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we decided to attend the next session on 17^th August where we shared the same experiences with those from the Young Carers Trust Tyne and Wear.

The service lead for young people, Carol Watson, talked about the work of the Charity and how they support Young Carers who take on significant responsibilities to support loved ones who are struggling by helping them with daily tasks for some, emotional support. She explained their responsibilities can affect many aspects of their day-to-day life. Durham Freemasons Charity has been very supportive of the Carers Trust having previously made a grant to the charity and a further grant to support a trip by some young people to London. 

On this occasion the Mayor of Sunderland Alison Chisnall came along in the afternoon to see the work of the charity  and I found myself enthusiastically talking about the work we do. In the main picture are L-R Andrew Moule, Eric Heaviside, Carol Watson, Alison Chisnall, Alistair Thomson, David Grey and Rak Bhalla.

The Mayor has a great interest in charities and was so impressed that she expressed a wish to come back as a volunteer in the future and was delighted to make the presentations at the end of the day.

I started by talking about our principles and the importance of Service. Much of what we can achieve is only possible through the support and hard work of our Brethren and I am sure the members of the Durham Branch are indebted to the friendship and support offered by WBro Brian Hodgson of Agricola Lodge who allows the use of the facilities of Aldin Grange Fisheries.

Before I sign off, never having fished before Julie and I thought we would try something new and we are so pleased we did. The Charity is always looking for helpers and if you would like to help young people ‘Catch a Smile’ and maybe catch one yourself, then please contact David Frew at [email protected]

WBro Rak Bhalla (A hooked supporter of the Durham Masonic Fishing Charity).