Masonic Fishing Charity Event – Chart Hills Fishery
Thursday 10th July 2025
Masonic Fishing Charity Event – Chart Hills Fishery
Our third event of the year found us back at the much anticipated Chart Hills Fishery and it was another bright and very hot day, again requiring lots of sun screen and water! We hosted the Five Acre Wood School on this occasion and the bus duly arrived at 10am as scheduled.
We were pleased to have APGM, Duncan Rouse, to make the presentation and also welcomed many distinguished guests: Peter Brooshooft, Roger Odd, Mark Costelloe and, of course, our very own team members Miki Smith and Colin Barden, Charity Stewards in Craft and HRA.
We were quickly paired off with our charges to set forth for the delights of this very pretty Fishery. Everyone easily caught decent sized Carp, around the 3-5lb range, with one or two a little larger.
When the lunchtime whistle sounded around 12.15, we made our way to the BBQ tent for the eagerly awaited Burgers, Sausages and very welcome liquid refreshment so everyone was re-charged and ready to get behind the rods for the afternoon session.
There were some interesting and heart-warming stories during the day. The first was Miki Smith and the student who accompanied him, quote care of Miki Smith.
“We really must congratulate ourselves for what we do at these events we brighten the lives of others who have not been so fortunate as ourselves.
The enjoyment on the faces of the students will live with us forever. The young lad who I had today was partially sighted he could not see the float so I got him to fish by feel by holding the line, it was joy to hear him exclaim “I can feel it” and gently reeled in a nice roach, which he held with glee.
After lunch, I set him up for floater fishing with a bright orange bobble float on his small rod and a floating dog biscuit, he still couldn’t see the float but he certainly felt it when a 4.5lb common carp shot off with his bait, he yelled “I can feel that”, and the smile on his face was electric and he played it like a real pro, brought it the bank and I netted it we then un-hooked and weighed it, he then held it and I took a photo on his phone for him, he looked at me and said thank you, I loved that.
I had to hold back the tears, he was such a lovely young man and I couldn’t have been more proud for him when he got his certificate at the end. I am sure you all have similar tales to tell, but today was a special day for me, one that I will always remember.
Thanks to all that organised today and you guys for making it possible.”
And the slightly amusing story of the disappearing rod ! Pat “anyone seen my rod ?” Todd had left a spare rod baited up somewhere in the lake and while he was attending to help his partner, the spare rod disappeared, skimming across the lake never to be seen again. Hook, Line, Sinker, Rod and reel….the lot ! Although some thought they had seen the Chart Nessie !!
Miki Smith with one of the Students
Before we knew it, the final whistle sounded around 2.15pm and off to the tent we went again for the exciting finale.
After words of thanks and congratulations, APGM Duncan Rouse made the presentation of Angling Ability Certificates and Medals to all of the Students who took part and that, as always, is accompanied by loud cheering and hearty applause!
The next event of the East Kent Masonic Fishing Charity is at
Longshaw Fishery, Sturry, nr Canterbury on
Thursday 11th September 2025
We are always looking for more Anglers, so would love you to join us. All tackle is supplied
but you can bring your own if you want. If interested, please contact: Richard Dixey at –
