S.A.F.E. was formed by City Waterways Advisory Management Group inOctober 2000. From research carried out in and around Stoke on Trentit highlighted that a large number of children and adults werelooking at the prospect of becoming involved in angling but requiredguidance, advice and structured training.
The group itself consists of 13 clubs from the Stoke on Trentarea, plus representatives from the City Council, Environment Agencyand local press who assist in an advisory capacity.
The total number of members therefore within the group through theclubs equates to approximately 7000, this includes a varied mix ofchildren, adults and disabled members of both genders.
As part of the group’s objective, every month a different clubfrom the group holds a “Have a go at fishing” day which consists ofthree, two hourly sessions at their local water or alternatively anycommunity waters within Stoke on Trent. Each event is supervised byexperienced anglers, which allows up to a maximum of 36 participantsto attend. S.A.F.E. provide both the tackle and bait free onorganised events, then encourages participants to book one to onecoaching at later dates with an Instructor.
In order to ensure the correct information is being given out thegroup is in the process of having a nominated member from each clubtrained as a fully qualified National Federation Angling Coach. Oncethe training is complete each Coach will receive a recognisedNational Vocational Qualification, which will allow a structured andconsistent approach at all times.
Members of Stoke Angling For Everyone Stoke, a.k.a. S.A.F.E fromStoke on Trent are celebrating today after receiving a grant of£4885 from the National Lottery’s “Awards for All” programme.Group Chairperson Mr. Peter Fieldhouse said: “We are thrilled to getthis award today. For a Group like ours this is a large sum of moneyand it will allow us to help local people plus utilise the 10 sets offishing tackle donated to S.A.F.E by the Environment Agency.
“Its time for the real work to start!”
For further information please contact David Bulger on Tel/Fax01782 871699.
Our next “Have a go at Fishing” is on the 6th May at Jammies Pool,Bucknall
Secretary: D Sloane-Bulger
