All Things Piscatorial

Disabled Coaching Day - Saturday 1st July 2006.

The following details were supplied by the Godalming Angling Society.

We were blessed with a hot sunny day for the first of this years special coaching events. Fortunately the weather did not stop the fish from being caught regularly throughout the day even when the temperatures topped 28C.

There were 9 coaches on hand, (6 supplied by our friends at the Environment Agency and 3 from within the club). During the day 17 disabled youngsters and adults arrived for coaching. Each of them was booked in by our lady helpers at the "Welcome" station (Bernice, Dora and Thelma).

Parental consents needed to be completed advising us whether there are any allergies or medical problems we need to be aware of and whether we can take photographs of the children fishing. The parents have to sign stating that they understand that coaching will involve physical contact with the coaches. All coaches have CRB clearance. Participants are then issued with name badges before being taken to the coaches, 5 of whom are wheelchair bound themselves.

The coach is advised of any special needs or medical issues before coaching commences. The BBQ staff (Sandra & Graham) were advised of the nut and glutton allergies so they could cook special foods in the kitchen rather than on the BBQ and avoided using the sesame seed buns. This overall approach will be used at all future coaching events and Junior Club. 

Everyone caught fish. The largest was around 3lbs ( a Tench) plus a number of small Crucians to 2lbs. Roach and small Tench were the most obliging.

The BBQ sent wonderful aromas of onions burgers and sausages drifting across Hill Pond and not surprisingly all disappeared very quickly along with the salad and fresh fruit. 

 We are now all looking forward to next weekends "Ladies Day".

Well Done to Godalming AS..

Steve Gray