Eleven delighted youngsters, a 10lb carp and a day filled with smiles — the Middlesex Masonic Fishing Charity proves once again that fishing is about far more than catching fish.
There are few things quite like the excitement of catching your first fish. For eleven youngsters from Garston Manor School, that excitement became a reality when the Middlesex Masonic Fishing Charity treated them to a very special day beside the water at Watford Piscators.
And with every child catching a fish, including one remarkable 10lb carp, it was certainly a day to remember!
For more than 25 years, the Middlesex Masonic Fishing Charity has been making a difference to young lives, giving over 1,000 children with additional learning needs the opportunity to escape the classroom, discover the countryside and experience the simple pleasure of fishing.
The charity’s latest event, held on Tuesday 29th September 2026, was its first visit to Castles Lake at Watford Piscators — and what a wonderful choice of venue it proved to be.
A Big Catch and Even Bigger Smiles
With the autumn sunshine providing a beautiful backdrop, the children arrived to find everything ready for their fishing adventure.
Each youngster was paired with an experienced angler who would act as their personal mentor, offering encouragement, guidance and a helping hand throughout the morning.
For the next two and a half hours, the banks of Castles Lake were filled with excitement as floats disappeared beneath the surface and fish were carefully brought to the bank.
Roach, rudd, perch, gudgeon and bream all made an appearance, ensuring that every child experienced the thrill of catching a fish.
But the catch of the day was undoubtedly a magnificent 10lb carp, landed by one of the youngsters using tackle more commonly associated with much smaller fish!
It was a remarkable achievement and one that will surely be remembered for years to come.
Yet the day was about much more than what was caught. Surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the lakes, the children had the opportunity to enjoy the wildlife, discover the natural environment and develop new skills and confidence.
For youngsters who have limited opportunities to enjoy activities outside the classroom, experiences like these can make a lasting impression.
Twenty-Five Years of Making a Difference
Behind every successful fishing day is a dedicated team of volunteers, and this event was no exception.
The morning began early, with organisers W Bro Peter Lawrence and W Bro Geoff Cullingham overseeing preparations. Between them, Peter and Geoff have devoted an extraordinary 45 years to supporting the charity, having been involved for 25 and 20 years respectively.
Once the fishing stations were ready, the volunteer anglers and helpers enjoyed a hearty breakfast before receiving their health and safety and safeguarding briefings.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for — the arrival of the school bus!
Anglers from Watford Piscators joined experienced Masonic fishermen to ensure that each child received individual attention and the opportunity to enjoy the day at their own pace.
The youngsters were a credit to Garston Manor School, approaching the experience with enthusiasm, courtesy and a willingness to learn.
The Real Reward
After an exciting morning beside the water, everyone gathered for a well-earned cooked lunch, with vegan and halal options provided.
For those volunteers attending one of these events for the first time, lunchtime offered perhaps the clearest demonstration of why the charity’s work is so worthwhile.
The children chatted excitedly about their catches, compared experiences and proudly recounted everything they had learned.
The smiles, laughter and animated conversations said more than words ever could.
Following lunch, Geoff Cullingham explained the significance of the certificates and medals awarded to each participant.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master W Bro Warren Gell then had the pleasure of presenting the awards, accompanied by enthusiastic cheers and applause.
Teachers captured photographs of the presentations, giving every youngster another special memento of their day.
A Fantastic New Venue
The visit also highlighted the excellent facilities available at Watford Piscators.
With four lakes, the River Colne running through the complex, accessible fishing positions, permanent toilet facilities and a secure gated environment, the venue proved particularly well suited to hosting an event of this nature.
W Bro John Clarke, who organises the Hertfordshire section of the charity, also attended and was so impressed that he hopes to arrange future events at the venue, potentially including a combined Middlesex and Hertfordshire fishing day.
Special thanks go to Watford Piscators and W Bro Daniel Richardson for making the facilities available and arranging for club members to assist with the fishing.
The charity is hopeful that this will be the beginning of a lasting relationship, providing further opportunities for youngsters to enjoy fishing and perhaps inspiring some to become the next generation of junior anglers.
More Than Just a Day’s Fishing
The wider Masonic Fishing Charity operates under the wonderfully appropriate motto “Catching the Smile”.
Its mission is to provide interactive fishing and countryside experiences for people with additional needs, disabilities or those who have experienced trauma or disadvantage.
Through coarse and fly fishing events, the charity helps participants build confidence, overcome challenges, develop friendships and enjoy experiences that might otherwise be beyond their reach.
Entirely volunteer-run and operating on a not-for-profit basis, it demonstrates the difference that a little time, patience and kindness can make.
The Middlesex team has already enjoyed another successful event this year at Wood Lane Fishery in Iver, where the Pro Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro David Allan, attended and presented certificates and medals to the participants.
Both occasions have shown just how much can be achieved when Freemasons and local fishing communities work together.
Could You Help Us Catch a Few More Smiles?
Although the Middlesex Masonic Fishing Charity has a loyal group of anglers and helpers, its continued success depends on attracting new volunteers.
After more than 25 years of invaluable service organising catering for the events, Kathy Loveridge, the wife of a Freemason, has recently stepped down from that role. The charity is enormously grateful for her remarkable dedication over so many years.
Her departure also highlights the importance of bringing new people into the team.
You don’t need to be an expert angler to make a difference.
If you have some experience of coarse or fly fishing, can lend a hand with catering, or are simply willing to give a few hours of your time to help organise these wonderful days, the charity would be delighted to hear from you.
The team is also keen to identify additional fisheries and schools across Middlesex that could benefit from hosting or participating in future events.
Every new volunteer, venue or school creates another opportunity to bring happiness to someone who might otherwise miss out.
If you would like to get involved, please contact W Bro Peter Lawrence or W Bro Geoff Cullingham.
Because, as the children of Garston Manor School so wonderfully demonstrated, the greatest catch of the day isn’t always the fish.
Sometimes, it’s the smile.
Photographs accompanying this article show the children enjoying their day at Watford Piscators, together with images from the charity’s earlier event at Wood Lane Fishery, Iver.
