Despite strong wind and rain, two tents being blown over in the early hours of the morning, and a power cut, 40 children from six local primary and secondary schools enjoyed a fabulous day of angling activities at the Fishing for Schools eastern region's open day on 5 October, at Lenwade, near Norwich.
This was the third annual open day at the same venue - providing learning opportunities to a wide range of young people of all abilities in a peaceful waterside setting.
The successful outdoor event was held by kind permission of the Lenwade Pike Club members and was a taster session of the eastern region's educational programme, which has been operating in local schools since May 2016.
Activities on the day included:
- Fly fishing, with coaches Mike Smith and Jim Gill
- Rig making, with Chris Oakley, Glen Hales and David Burnley
- Knots, with Tony Hull of the Norfolk and Suffolk Flyfishers and Albert High
- Entomology, with Glenn Wiseman of the Norfolk Rivers Trust
- Coarse fishing with members of Lenwade Pike Club
- Cookery with Charles Jardine, director of Fishing for Schools
- Fly tying with Richard Slaughter, Steve Beckham, Terry Lawton and Dave Pitchers.
- A carp fishing masterclass from Hassan Khan from local fishing industry giant Angling Direct
Pupils attended from the Clare School, Norwich; Edward Worlledge Ormiston Academy, Great Yarmouth; Fred Nicholson School, Dereham; King Edward's Academy, King's Lynn and the Taverham Academy.
Organiser Sally Acloque said: "The children thoroughly enjoyed the day and there was a great buzz of excitement, particularly when they caught a fish!
"Local sponsors and the more than 40 volunteers enjoyed the enthusiasm of the children, and the day was encapsulated by a young girl from the Edward Worlledge Ormiston Academy who said "this is the best day of my life"."