British First for North East Lincolnshire Anglers

Anglers will go into the record books this weekend by hosting a unique event at Cleethorpes Boating Lake.

During an angling taster day this Saturday (July 19) participants will have a chance to try all three angling disciplines: coarse, sea and game angling at one venue, all in the same day.

The event, co-ordinated by the National Federation of Anglers, has been organised to give new anglers a taste of the unique facilities which Cleethorpes offers - allowing anglers the opportunity to try sea angling, alongside coarse and game angling.

A number of local organisations jointly recognised the positive impact that an involvement in angling could have on our local community and a local Angling Development Group was developed.

The partnership consisting of the National Federation of Anglers, North East Lincolnshire Council, through it's Sports Development Unit, the Environment Agency, the Joint Angling Governing Bodies, Grimsby & District Amalgamated Society of Anglers (GYDASA) and the Community Youth Programme have worked together to promote and provide long term sustainable opportunities for the local community to become involved in angling.

The taster day is aimed at people that haven't had the opportunity to try angling. Participants on the day will be coached in the basic skills of angling by 40 qualified angling coaches provided by the Joint Angling Governing Bodies and the Grimsby & District Amalgamated Society of Anglers (GYDASA).

All angling activities are free to participants with the coaches providing all equipment and bait and the Environment Agency providing a block licence for the day.

Glyn Williams, Angling Development Officer for the National Federation of Anglers, said: "Angling is a unique sport, as it has no barriers to participation. People of varying backgrounds, ages and ability can take part in angling activities, whether just for fun and enjoyment or whether competing in a formal fishing match."

Councillor Geoff Lowis, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Community Learning, said: "Not only does angling get people out of their homes and into the great outdoors it offers people an educational opportunity to learn more about local wildlife and vegetation."

The taster day is one element of a co-ordinated approach towards the development of angling. Seventeen local anglers from the GYDASA have recently completed a national recognised angling coaching qualification.

The Community Youth Programme and the Environment Agency funded the candidates to complete the award. The course covered a number of practical areas as well as topics covering risk assessments, child protection and first aid training.

Roger Chapman, Chairman of the Grimsby & District Amalgamated Society of Anglers, said: "The Taster Day is the first of what will be many opportunities for the local community to participate in the sport of angling. Following the day the GYDASA, in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council are offering regular coaching and competitive opportunities for all those who get hooked on angling and who wish to continue in a fun and friendly environment."

16 July 2003

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