Veterans from across County Durham swapped everyday routines for rods, reels and good company on Saturday 15 August, as Durham Freemasons brought them together for their annual Veterans Fishing Day at Aldin Grange Fishery in Bearpark, Durham.
Participants had the opportunity to try both coarse and trout fishing, with tuition, equipment and encouragement provided by volunteers from Durham Freemasons, Chester-le-Street Anglers Lodge and the Durham Branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity.
Away from the competition, the relaxed surroundings provided the perfect setting to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new ones. As lines were cast across the water, stories and experiences were exchanged among those united by the shared bond of military service.
The initiative was first launched for veterans after members of Chester-le-Street Anglers Lodge saw first-hand the positive impact of sessions delivered for children with special needs through the Masonic Fishing Charity. Inspired by those results, they wanted to create the same opportunity for the Armed Forces community.
This year’s event was sponsored by the Durham Freemasons Armed Forces Network, with an additional contribution from Flambard Lodge, whose members raised money at a recent social evening to provide the bait for the day’s fishing.
There was plenty of friendly competition on the banks, with RAF veteran Andrew Somerset taking the prize for Most Fish Caught after an impressive haul of 48 fish.
Andrew said:
“It’s been a brilliant day. The fishing has been great, but what really makes days like this is being together with other veterans, having a laugh and enjoying each other’s company. Catching 48 fish and winning a prize was a bonus — although I’ll probably be reminded about it for a while!”
The prize for the Biggest Fish went to former Army medic Paul Calvert, who landed an impressive rainbow trout. Paul served on active tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan before being medically discharged and has since faced the challenges of PTSD and adjusting to life outside the Armed Forces. He had not fished since going with his dad as a boy.
Paul said:
“It’s a pleasure to be here — I’ve really enjoyed myself. I haven’t fished since I was a boy with my dad, but today I’ve found a sense of peace I haven’t felt for a long time. I’ve also been able to sit and connect with someone I’d never met before in a way I haven’t done for years.”
On hand to congratulate Andrew and Paul were Mick Turfrey, Worshipful Master of Durham City-based Flambard Lodge, and David Grey, one of the Lodge’s senior members and Chair of the Durham Branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity.
Mick said:
“When we heard about the Veterans Fishing Day, our members were keen to get behind it. We had a great social evening, raised some money and were delighted to put that towards the bait for today. Seeing everyone enjoying themselves and each other’s company makes it very worthwhile.”
Also supporting the proceedings — and taking the opportunity to fish himself — was Mike Donne, a Durham Freemason, member of the Durham Freemasons Armed Forces Network and a leading figure in the Bishop Auckland veterans community through his work with SSAFA and the Bishop Auckland Veterans Club.
Mike said:
“Days like this bring veterans together in a relaxed setting. The fishing is enjoyable, but it’s the camaraderie, conversation and friendships that really make the difference.”
The annual fishing day forms part of the wider work of the Durham Freemasons Armed Forces Network to strengthen connections with serving personnel, veterans and their families across the Province.
Through initiatives including veterans’ breakfast clubs, community events and support for organisations working directly with former service personnel, the committee aims to provide opportunities for veterans to meet, talk and maintain the sense of camaraderie that can be so important after leaving the Armed Forces.
As the rods were packed away, the catches may have provided the competition, but it was the friendship and conversation around the water that once again proved to be the real prize.
A full set of Images from the day can be viewed here
A full set of Images from the day can be viewed here
