I was all ready for a tranquil day by the lake and not even the weather was going to mess it up.
Most of August was a washout. Activity days were planned only to be cancelled at the last minute. Not all of them though. Fortunately, fish like it wet.
Last Saturday was Get Fishing, Ladies Day at Boggart Hole Clough and I was booked in. The Clough is blessed with a boating lake, alas no boats, and a fishing lake, with lots of fish. The lakes sit side by side separated by a promenade and a café, aka The Lakeside Café.
My coach for the session stepped forward with a smile and introduced herself as Emma. She went through the basics of preparing the rod, showing me how to attach the bait and keep the ‘float’ in the right place ready for a curious fish to be tempted. I settled in.
There were several other participants being shown what to do nearby. The rain kept coming but no-one seemed to mind. The cafe generously kept us supplied with hot drinks and food and we sat quietly, waiting and listening to the sounds around us, chatting now and then.
It wasn’t long before there was a stir of activity as someone felt a ‘tug’ on their line. “A fish! I’ve got one.” They shouted. Coaches were ready with a net and helped bring it in. Then a quick photo shoot of the lucky angler with their ‘catch’ before it was placed gently back in the water to carry on its day.
A fish
I loved the atmosphere. It was friendly, exciting and the setting was lovely.
In the afternoon, I got the chance to chat to coach, Duncan Mottershead. I’d met him before at another event called ‘Spring into Fishing’ and asked him why do one just for ladies.
“The Society has approximately 70 members but only 5 are women” he told me. “We want to show that angling is accessible to anyone; male, female, young and old alike.”
Apparently, Emma Jenks was from the Angling Trust and had come along to help out just for the day. She was a Ladies England International.
Coaches Emma Jenks and Julia Mottershead (with face paint!)
“We have several coaches who volunteer their time and expertise. They’re fully qualified and we ensure all permits, fishing regulations, including health and safety etc., are adhered to. On Saturdays there’s always someone around to help beginners.”
I’m an avid follower of the TV programme ‘Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Fishing’. It ticks a lot of boxes. The relationship between the two comedians is delightful; it’s interesting, funny and informative. The filming is inspired and the settings are serenely beautiful.
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Boggart Hole Clough fishing lake is ‘up there’ too. I’d taken for granted how pretty it was but Duncan explained it takes a lot of careful planning, hard work and maintenance. The water is carefully monitored and, of course, the fish have to be kept stocked up and healthy.
We weren’t the only ones fishing that day
I was impressed. I’d had a lovely morning, tried something new and would encourage anyone, including any woman, to give it a go. The day was topped off with a goody bag, compliments of Lakeside Community CIC, full of brilliant stuff. The ladies did themselves proud.
I didn’t catch a fish, in case you were wondering. Never mind. I’ll get one next time!
To find out more about King William IV Angling Club and future events just click here. They have a juniors section on Facebook too.
The Lakeside Cafe are on Facebook. You can find out more about the Lakeside CIC by clicking here and keep up to date with what’s going on in Boggart Hole Clough.
Fishing can provide both mental and physical health benefits. The angling club supports initiatives such as Tackling Minds and Fishing for Life (for people with breast cancer) as well as many other organisations.
What have we done?
Another person who is passionate about the centre is Michael Green. Michael’s been involved here for many years and we’ve built on his walking group and coffee mornings. It’s safe to say you won’t meet many kinder people than Michael. His groups are thriving but always looking for new members.
We also have a monthly Night Owl Walking Group, our sensory room is amazing and we’re planning a Halloween Party later this month, as well as a coach trip to Blackpool.
My vision
Far away on the other side of the world the Amazon rain forest was a place I read about at school or saw on TV documentaries. A permanent fixture so ancient and vast, it would always be there and always flourish. Then, there’s the oceans, all that plastic rubbish… and dying fish.
But it doesn’t end there. Moston and the neighbouring areas have art, music, dance, theatre, a radio station, football stadium, fishing, cycling and running. With a range of social clubs to entertain and activities to engage all ages, whether you’re a cub scout, on a diet, a boxer, gardener, a champion bowler, love photography or a gripping game of chess, there’s something for everyone.
Not to forget the parks, several large open green spaces, the Rochdale Canal, Moston Brook. Even a nature reserve; our very own piece of countryside.
As for me, I nipped across the fields to the Nature Day. The carrot cake on the cake stall was to die for. A young lady, who I thought was there to help serve them up, delivered a pitch that would have had Alan Sugar ditching his diet.
Back across the fields again and through the park. The sun was out and it looked glorious.