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Vitalise is a charitable organization that provides holidays and
respite care for people with physical disabilities at its five
centres around the country. One of these centres is Skylarks, a
thirty-six bedded unit situated near the national water sports
centre at Nottingham. During the year they have specialised
holidays as Horse racing, where they go to different meetings.
Cricket, to see the test match at Trent Bridge, craft weeks,
shopping weeks and the one I am involved with, Fishing Fortnight.
Although the centre is
staffed with nursing and care staff the holidays would not be
possible with out the many people who like me give up their time
to help as a volunteer. These volunteers help get their guest up
in the morning and go on the fishing trip to help them.
As a
volunteer I organise the fishing. This includes acquiring fishing
tackle and equipment to provide the fishing experience asked for
by our guests. Booking venues that can safely accommodate up to
thirty disabled people, mainly in wheelchairs. The competition
side of the fortnight is a lighthearted affair over the eleven
days of fishing as the main aim is to give the guests a good days
sport. At the end of the fortnight every one gets a medal, and an
array of fourteen trophies for Champion, Best Lady & Gent,
Biggest fish and Best Tangle and others are given out.
Along with the volunteers at the centre we need help from
fishermen and women who can give up a day to sit with a Guest and
fish with them or for them at the venues listed below. There is no
need to bring tackle as this can be provided. Drinks and food will
also be brought round so all you need is suitable clothing and
something to sit on.
We
arrive at venues about 10 am and start fishing approx 11-30 when
the coach has arrived and stay till 5 ish
Dates and venues for 2008 :
SUNDAY 31st AUG NORTH SCARLE DUCK FARM
MONDAY 1ST SEPT STRAIGHT MILE FISHERY
TUESDAY 2ND SEPT LAGOON, LAKE VIEW
WEDNESDAY 3RD SEPT CANAL LAKE, PORTLAND WATERS
THURSDAY 4TH SEPT AVON POOL, MAKINS
FRIDAY 5TH SEPT ASH LAKE FOSTON
SUNDAY 7TH SEPT NORTH SCARLE DUCK FARM
MONDAY 8TH SEPT STRAIGHT MILE FISHERY
TUESDAY 9TH SEPT SERPENT, LAKE VIEW
WEDNESDAY 10TH SEPT JANSON FISHERY
THURSDAY 11TH SEPT HAWTHORN LAKE , FOSTON
Just a thought …… this is the 26th year of fishing fortnight… I
have been involved for to many years to mention. Weights have gone
up…. We have better venues…. More guests book for the holiday
The one thing that would finish it off for me is for a well known
professional angler or celebrity angler to come for a day and
support us….If you know of anyone who could help please let me
know.
Hope to see some of you in August/September
Any help will be appreciated. More information if required can be
obtained by emailing Chris on
christhefish@msn.com |
