Over 40 anglers from four Provinces competed in Northern Region, Provincial Fly Fishing Competition on Saturday at Aldin Grange Fishery in Bearpark, ending penultimately in Durham taking home the first prize.

The various teams from around the region started arriving at the Venue shortly before 9.00 am to register and be greeted by the Durham organisers.

After a short induction, the team pegs were drawn and the fishing started at 10.00 am with the Yorkshire North & East Ridings teams, made up of members around their Province. The Northumberland teams were supported by Ian Craigs, their Provincial Grand Master. Cumberland & Westmoreland teams were led by their Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Bill Morely and the Durham teams were supported by John Paul Thompson, the Provincial Grand Master.

Although the weather conditions were not ideal for fly fishing, the competitiveness was fierce, but light-hearted, in a Masonic way! 

When the fishing ended at 2.30 pm everyone retired to a barn, during which the scrutineers checked the scorecards and the fishermen tucked into a well earned buffet and refreshments.  After the buffet and raffle, presentations were made by John Thompson and the event sponsor, a non-Mason, Mr John Mounter, the Managing Director of T.O Mounter & Sons, who are suppliers of heat treated pallets and packing crates from Willington, in County  Durham. With Durham taking home the first prize.

The organiser of the event was Maurice Errington, who is the northern regional coordinator

For The Masonic fishing charity.  Maurice’s initial idea was to encourage those Provinces, that had not already done so, to start up a branch of The Masonic Fishing Charity in their area. This has now been achieved as both Northumberland and Yorkshire North & East Ridings are now looking to start their own branches.

The day had been a great success, with many new friendships made and talk was abundant about when the next event would be! This just goes to show that people sharing a common passion for Freemasonry and Fishing are #strongertogether.

Here are some of the social media posts on the day;

 ‘We had a great day at the Northern Region Provincial Fly Fishing Competition on Saturday at Aldin Grange Fishery in Durham’.

‘It was a great turnout and good to see it supported by neighbouring Provinces ‘

‘Great morning with the Durham Branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity. Over 40 anglers from four Provinces competed for the trophy, with Durham taking home the first prize. for my part, I didn’t catch a single fish, in fact, I didn’t get so much as a nip on my line but I did win two prizes in the raffle though!’

‘A Great day out in great company’.

Stronger Together