Following sixteen years of preparation study and planning by Project Director, Paul Hammond, Trussons Mere finally became a reality following the purchase of 400 acres of land at Darsham thanks to the support of NatWest Bank, the British Disabled Angling Association and the local community.


L – R Terry Moseley, Nigel Brown, Paul Hammond and Andy Beesley of the Handicapped Anglers Trust with the Wheelyboat2 which allows up to four disabled anglers to fish from anywhere on the lake.
The Trussons Charitable Trust will base their new facilities around a purpose-built traditional ‘Old English silver fish’ four lake complex which is to be made fully accessible to disabled anglers, who will work together with wildlife conservationists and bird watchers to produce a fully integrated site beneficial to all. Fish stocks to be used in the three coarse lakes will include roach, tench, bream, crucian carp, rudd and perch, while a special game fishery with rainbow and brown trout will aim to introduce anglers to the gentle art of fly fishing.

The British Disabled Angling Association have been instrumental in drawing up plans that will ensure that the Mere and it’s parklands will have full wheelchair access with low-line ramps to all buildings, easy to use information technology suites with audio and touch sensitive screens and virtual reality displays.

Paul Hammond said: ” This is a dream come true. Having worked on this project for 16 years, it is really exciting to see everything coming together. The support of Nigel Brown, our NatWest Business Manager, has been invaluable. It was so refreshing to find a Business Manager that was eager and prepared to don wellies ‘n’ waterproofs to get a ‘birds eye’ view of the project. Without his support and understanding, it could have been another sixteen years before Trussons Mere became a reality!”

Paul continued: “Trussons Mere is for everyone, both able-bodied and disabled, for anglers, nature lovers, bird watchers and conservationists to enjoy and learn from. It has been hard work, but the support of family and friends, in particular, Terry Moseley, Secretary of the British Disabled Angling Association, we can now start to make it happen.”

Nigel Brown, Paul’s NatWest Business Manager said: ” Paul’s dedication and commitment to Trussons Mere was evident from day one. I am thrilled that the project is now underway and I look forward to visiting the completed park in the not too distant future. NatWest understands the difficulties of starting up a business, and knows just how much hard work it takes. We provide every small business customer with a dedicated Relationship Manager who will remain in place for four years. Additionally, our free Business Service Review provides an ideal way to help customer’s plan for the future.”

Full details of the complete Trussons Mere project can be seen on www.trussons.org.uk.

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