Get Fishing, Ladies Day – with King William IV Angling Society

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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Broadhurst Community Centre

I work for 4CT, a charity based in East Manchester, and 12 months ago we were offered the opportunity to turn the old Broadhurst Park Surestart into a community centre!What have we done?

It’s very difficult without money to make things happen but I’ve been very lucky to have had the support of many within the Moston community. My initial focus was to concentrate on getting the centre busy and above all recognised as a community centre for all ages.

It was clear that the building was fondly thought of amongst local parents so we looked at developing some classes for the younger children. A local parent got in touch called Sarah Foster. Sarah is multi skilled and qualified in childcare. She shares my passion and visions for the centre and we now run numerous stay and play sessions throughout the week. They’re very popular and have developed a real sense of community.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.

A key focus of the centre is health and fitness and we’re very proud to have our own Broadhurst Community Running Club. It runs twice a week with one session focused on family fitness. We also offer two Hiitstep classes every Monday evening run by the amazing Leonie Painter from Mostonian Coaches. Definitely an energising way to start the week.

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.

In December we’ll be giving the ‘Manchester Christmas Pudding 5 Mile Dash’ a bash and have lots of activities planned in the run up to Christmas. Further ahead there are plans for a small allotment to complement our outside play area, which is perfect for sunny summer days.My vision

It’s been an amazing ten months but we have a long way to go. My vision is for the centre to be used seven days/evenings a week, offering activities that meet the needs and interests of local people. For it to be known by everybody in the community (some still don’t know we are here) and be self-funding.

I am extremely proud of the work we’ve done so far and the team I have around me.

Last but not least I’d love the Broadhurst Community Running Club to complete a race in 2020.

Looking forward to seeing you.

Mark O’Pray

Broadhurst Community Centre is located on Lightbowne Road, M40 0FJ, close to FC United.

As some activities need to be pre-booked and incur a small charge please get in touch or call in for details. Information can also be found on our Facebook page.

Sarah’s ‘Baby Needs’ facebook page can be found by clicking here and to read more about Morriso Health click here.

Taking nothing for granted

I rarely read newspapers or watch news programmes. Truth is I avoid them. Now and then, though, something catches my attention, like the fires raging out of control in the Amazon.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.

I took these places for granted.

I’m very lucky. I live a short tram ride from an amazing city and am free to enjoy all it has to offer from theatre, music, shopping, cafes and bars. The nearest airport is half an hours drive. Most of the best known supermarkets are within easy walking distance… and I take all that for granted too.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.

How lucky are we? This weekend alone there’s been:

A Nature Day event next to the Lower Memorial Park.

FC United drew against Atherton Collieries in an FA Cup match.

Wayne Jacobs broadcast live reggae from the Miners Club Radio.

North West Theatre Arts Company performed at Openshaw’s Festival

At Boggart Hole Clough Simply Cycling were out in force. As were North Manchester Fitness walking group (one of their members was elsewehere at the Great North Run) and King William IV Angling Society Juniors were, oh yes, angling. The cafe was busy as ever.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.

Birds from Vale Royal Falconry put on a fabulous display, you could cast a fishing line, try your hand at wood carving, weaving, all sorts.Back across the fields again and through the park. The sun was out and it looked glorious.

I don’t take it for granted.

If you’ve been busy, missed out and want to find out what’s going on, have a nosey at the noticeboards in the supermarket and library. Or search Facebook and check out some local groups. Here’s a few:

Moston Brook Friends Group,  Lakeside Cafe – Boggart Hole Clough,  Miners Community Arts,  Broadhurst Community Centre,  Harpurhey Neighbourhood Project – The Centre,  Simply Cycling,  North Manchester Fitness, King William IV Angling Society,  Forever Harpurhey and Moston,  NWTAC,  Vale Royal Falconry.

Photos: Vale Royal Falconry, Piccadilly Gardens Manchester, the guys from King William IV Angling Society, Lower Memorial Park Failsworth

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