Angling society hooks cash for equipment

Connor Hoaken is presented with the Ann Metcalfe Memorial plate by her daughter Emma Metcalfe

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Rochdale Township has awarded Whitworth Valley Angling Society £2,000.

The money will be used to buy specialist fishing equipment for children and teenagers, in order to help attract more young people from the borough to the club.

The donation came after the late Councillor Ann Metcalfe suggested to the club that it approach the Rochdale Township Communities and Engagement Priority Group.

Councillors Shefali Ahmed and Hilary Rodgers were so impressed with the youth work undertaken by the society that they have contributed a further £845 and £500 respectively from their Members’ Funds.

The club also held its annual presentation at Whitworth Football & Cricket Club on Sunday 15 December  and a special trophy was presented in Councillor Metcalfe’s memory by her daughter Emma.

Councillor Ahmed said: “The benefits of angling for children and people with disabilities are both physical and mental as participants have an opportunity to get outdoors, develop an appreciation of the natural environment and it helps them to focus and concentrate.

“I strongly support this project because it is an intergenerational activity which brings people of all ages and families together.”

Councillor Rodgers added: “Angling is the perfect way to develop young people who will have an opportunity to learn a wide range of skills. I particularly wish to encourage vulnerable young people, who may also have a chaotic home life, to share the peace and quiet of nature and the outdoors with different generations.”

Whitworth Valley Angling Society provides coaching to children and local people with disabilities and encourages involvement in fishing matches to build confidence and self-esteem. The money will be used to buy angling equipment for children and people with disabilities. A competition shield and trophies will also be purchased to be presented to junior members following fishing matches and for those showing the greatest skill at the sport.

Graham Smith, secretary of the society, said: “The club is extremely pleased to be awarded this amount of money. We hope to teach and encourage as many people as possible to take up this opportunity and to help and assist disabled and able bodied people to enjoy an outside environment and sport.

“We would like to thank all the councillors but especially Councillor Rodgers and Councillor Ahmed for the contribution in funds and the trophy presentation to the juniors.”