In the last newsletter I highlighted the vital role that ambassadors bring to what we do at both, Fishing for Schools and increasingly, Castaway.
Continuing that theme I am thrilled to bring you three further luminaries of our sport.
This month the theme is entirely game fishing but before I lead into the introductions, I would just like to say that we do not just pick our ambassadors on their reputations alone.
Far from it.
Our Ambassadors are a cherished part of our family. “Yes”; naturally they spread the “word” and play a pivotal role in promoting what we do. And that is fabulous.
But not the only reason they have been chosen – and asked.
Ambassadors are grounded, and very aware people. Fishers who are not only celebrated but keep pace with an ever changing angling world; not listening to their wisdom would be, frankly, madness. We listen: intently.
They are both our angling barometer and compass. We are incredibly grateful and proud to have them on board
First, my dear friend of some forty seasons, David Profumo (The Prof). David will need little, if any introduction. David is by far one of our finest – if THE - finest writer and chronicler of the sport we have. He has variously embellished, Country Life, The Field, Telegraph and hosts of other journals with angling wisdom, wit and passages that convey our sport so appositely. David’s current book The Lightening Thread belongs on every anglers bookshelf…actually anyone’s bookshelf who wishes to celebrate writing and imagery of supreme ability.
And David cant ‘alf fish a bit, too!
“‘I have admired and supported Fishing for Schools since its very beginnings, and feel privileged to be associated with it, in however modest a fashion. There are two reasons. First: it uniquely offers young people who might never otherwise get out into the real countryside a valuable chance to experience a day in the Great Outdoors, and to learn something of the joy so many of us know from being at the water’s edge. Fishing is Good For You! It’s a fact. And, secondly: Charlie Jardine, who is a force of nature and a man of almost infinite dedication and resourcefulness, is one of my very oldest friends in the angling world (or indeed any other) and he has built up a team second to none, with similar levels of energy and dedication , which only brings good to others. Onwards as ever! ‘”
Next, is one of our very finest young Fly Tiers and a guide of growing reputation, Phillippa Hake. Pillippa is from Yorkshire and lover of all things fly fishing. Phillippa’s demonstrations at various shows are breath-taking and her quiet unassuming nature masks a fly fisher of tenacity and creativity …and she is entirely happy plucking trout and grayling with consummate ease from the River Don under the shadow of Sheffield’s industrial centre as she is on the Dove and other waters in the area. Phillippa is the new generation of fly fishers….informed, conservation aware and wholly responsible when she fishes: be that the actual water or the quarry.
I am personally delighted to have, this rather wonderful young lady, as part of our team of Ambassadors.
"Living in Yorkshire, I have some lovely rivers and streams right on my door step. River fly fishing for me, is my passion! I love nothing more than a few hours after a stressful day at work - or life in general, to give me a little break and connect with nature itself; especially when attempting to catch the beautiful wild brown trout on my own flies.
I’ve always had an interest in fishing, since a young age I’d go and mess about on the local river and canal, not really knowing what I was doing. If I could go back and change anything It would have been great to have more people in my local community encouraging the younger generation to get them into angling. We face a future of electronics and online gaming, but nothing really beats being out in the fresh air! It’s vital that we all do our part and get them kids outside fishing. After all, All it takes, is one fish and they’re hooked!"
Lastly – and certainly – not least, Ben Beckwith.
Ben is one of the brightest Fly fishing talents we have produced in this Country; it is not that he can catch fish…he catches an awful lot… but he embodies the ideology of spirit that many think is not present in young people; they are wrong.
In Ben you have someone who not only does not take himself or fishing too seriously, but is kind, generous and the best company, whether one is fishing or not (if his mother reads this she may not recognise her son…but I promiser her (and you) that it is all true) . Ben is kindness personified.
And…I should just mention one of the best fly fishers and fly tiers I have seen in action.
I am so glad we have Ben as an Ambassador.
“I have fly fished since the age of four. My journey began with my grandfather on his local river where I found a love for all things fly fishing and wildlife. As I progressed, I fished different water types and discovered a passion for fishing on lakes and reservoirs. After honing my skills over a few years I was lucky enough to earn three England youth fly fishing caps culminating in captaining the team in 2017. Ever since, I have taken a step back from competitive fishing, preferring a more relaxed day on the water with friends and family.
Angling in all disciplines is a hugely powerful tool that can be utilised for educational purposes. Especially when teaching those who may struggle with traditional teaching styles. Angling can be applied to teaching a plethora of subjects from maths to sciences. However, it doesn’t just apply to academic learning. Angling also teaches children patience and resilience. Furthermore, it provides children with a skill that doesn’t necessarily require an academic mindset if they struggle in school. It offers them an escape from a normal school environment whilst providing them space to think and feel at one with the outdoors. Thus, allowing them to feel more comfortable in their learning environment leading to a more positive learning experience. Furthermore, the angling community is incredibly inclusive. It offers a way for children to make friends if they feel isolated at school, as they have something to share with their peers.
Gone are the days when the outside was the sole source of fun for children. Nowadays, technology has taken over the younger generation, and the buzz for an outdoor adventure has diminished. Considering the younger generation are the world's future minds, we must help them rediscover an appreciation for our waterways and the wildlife that calls them home. If they learn about nature's beautifully diverse offerings, they will drive to protect it for years to come. Young hearts and minds are the future of British waterways and wildlife.”
