The day started with a group of guests from the 2nd (TRG) AAC Training Regiment, Army Aviation Centre at Over Wallop. A mix of veterans and new recruits under the guidance of Cpl Horseman who organised the day for them. The usual Scoff and H&S review and intro to Mentors was promptly followed by a rush to the waterside with comments like” I want to get some of this” and “that big one is mine” left me in stitches. The enthusiasm to try something new was great to see especially when the jostling for position near fish accompanied by a few ungentlemanly remarks caused laughter up and down the bank. The first fish caught was followed by “I was after that one” and the reply was something akin to a reference to large Bullocks in the adjacent field. At least I think that what he said.
The weather was not too kind with a strong wind making casting a test accompanied by a sharp drop in temperature. That said, they continued to persevere, and fish came to the net at regular intervals. The Mentors did an excellent job when the fish went off for a while as they do and they focused on casting techniques and several guests were soon casting unaided, so their dedication paid off and to several guests cast, hook, and land a fish brought applause from all at the waterside.
Numerous fish were hooked and lost which is usual but those in the net were all over plate size and would feed a family well. Lunch was an excellent meal accompanied by loud ribald discussions between mentors and guests of fish bagged, lost and techniques that could have been used and it was obvious all thoughts of work had been left at base which gave me a quiet sense of pride.
Angling is simple and is widely recognised by the medical profession as a superb therapeutic aid to those who for whatever reason have high stress levels and those who cannot take part in contact sports.
We must give our sincere thanks to the Sponsor for the day Imtech Technical Services who have supported FFF for several years, the Mentors for dedicating their time and the Meon Team, Greg and Co for the Fish, Hospitality, and an excellent meal.
Engraved Tankards for the winners were awarded to;
Biggest Fish of the day that weighed 3.8lbs and went to Cpl Horseman (Mentor Phil Penberthy).
Biggest Bag of the day consisting of 4 fish that weighed 11.12lbs and went to Cpl Thorne (Mentors Mike Edwards & Steve Cupples)
I was extremely priviliged to receive a beautifully engraved paper weight from the lads (see pic), a very useful gift as I am often snowed under paperwork and it will stop the paper ending up on the floor.
As usual a lot of happy smiling faces upon departure even with the odd blank but that is why it is called Fishing not Catching and the same question was asked by guests “when is the next one”.
At FFF we will do our best to organise as many events throughout the year to make sure we get as many of our wounded, serving and veterans to the waterside.
Another successful day according to the guests. Mission accomplished.
Bill Howell (Founder, teaboy , dogsbody etc)
The weather was not too kind with a strong wind making casting a test accompanied by a sharp drop in temperature. That said, they continued to persevere, and fish came to the net at regular intervals. The Mentors did an excellent job when the fish went off for a while as they do and they focused on casting techniques and several guests were soon casting unaided, so their dedication paid off and to several guests cast, hook, and land a fish brought applause from all at the waterside.
Numerous fish were hooked and lost which is usual but those in the net were all over plate size and would feed a family well. Lunch was an excellent meal accompanied by loud ribald discussions between mentors and guests of fish bagged, lost and techniques that could have been used and it was obvious all thoughts of work had been left at base which gave me a quiet sense of pride.
Angling is simple and is widely recognised by the medical profession as a superb therapeutic aid to those who for whatever reason have high stress levels and those who cannot take part in contact sports.
We must give our sincere thanks to the Sponsor for the day Imtech Technical Services who have supported FFF for several years, the Mentors for dedicating their time and the Meon Team, Greg and Co for the Fish, Hospitality, and an excellent meal.
Engraved Tankards for the winners were awarded to;
Biggest Fish of the day that weighed 3.8lbs and went to Cpl Horseman (Mentor Phil Penberthy).
Biggest Bag of the day consisting of 4 fish that weighed 11.12lbs and went to Cpl Thorne (Mentors Mike Edwards & Steve Cupples)
I was extremely priviliged to receive a beautifully engraved paper weight from the lads (see pic), a very useful gift as I am often snowed under paperwork and it will stop the paper ending up on the floor.
As usual a lot of happy smiling faces upon departure even with the odd blank but that is why it is called Fishing not Catching and the same question was asked by guests “when is the next one”.
At FFF we will do our best to organise as many events throughout the year to make sure we get as many of our wounded, serving and veterans to the waterside.
Another successful day according to the guests. Mission accomplished.
Bill Howell (Founder, teaboy , dogsbody etc)
