P R E S S R E L E A S E

1 October, 2001 Release: Immediate

Getting Hooked on Fishing

The Countryside Alliance, in partnership with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and Phoenix Sports and Social Club, is offering youngsters aged between 10 and 14 years old from schools in the Rotherham area the opportunity to try their hand and experience the pleasures of angling.

To be held at Ravenfield Park Lakes, Ravenfield, near Rotherham on Monday 22^nd October from 11am to 3pm, the day follows a highly successful ‘Fur, Fin and Feather’ young field sports day piloted at Dearnford Hall Trout Fishery at Whitchurch, Shropshire last February.

Youngsters, both boys and girls, will be given expert tuition in all aspects of coarse fishing from Countryside Alliance fishing guru, Charles Jardine, and other well-known instructors from the National Federation of Anglers, in Ravenfield’s seven well stocked lakes. Tackle and tuition will be provided free of charge.

In addition, guided countryside walks will be available for the youngsters to explore the beautiful and diverse woodland surrounding the Lakes, which provides a variety of habitats for a host of animals, birds and insects. Countryside displays and refreshments will also be available.

The aim of the day is to offer youngsters, those who perhaps wouldn’t normally be given the chance, an opportunity to try their hand at fishing, receive expert tuition and enhance their understanding and appreciation of the countryside.

Director of the Countryside Alliance’s Campaign for Fishing, Charles Jardine, commented, “In the wake of the very successful ‘Fur Fin and Feather’ day in Shropshire, I am delighted that this brave new community initiative will bring the joy of angling to youngsters in the region. The benefits of angling far outweigh the actual doing it and offer youngsters from all walks of life a unique insight into the natural world – and catch some fish!”

Editors Notes:

Ravenfield Park is a beautiful and productive fishery and is controlled by Phoenix and Parkgate Angling Club, with membership being open to the general public. It provides anglers with the opportunity to catch Carp, Tench, Rudd, Chub, Roach, Perch and Bream.

The event is also being supported by the Environment Agency, The National Federation of Anglers and the Durham Angling Community Education (DACE) project encouraging youngsters from inner city areas to take up angling.

Members of the press are invited to attend the event on October 22^nd and Charles Jardine the Director of the Alliance’s Gone Fishing campaign will be available for interviews.

For further information, please contact John Haigh on 01845-522237

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