Our third Fish Fest programme was a remarkable event filled with excitement and enthusiasm, especially with the impressive performance of 8-year-old Rose. She showcased exceptional talent and determination, outshining her peers by securing three out of the five prizes available. Rose's passion for fishing was evident as she effortlessly reeled in one catch after another, demonstrating a deep understanding of the sport.
Rose's journey into the world of fishing began alongside her brother Will, who had previously claimed victory in Fish Fest 2. Their shared love for the activity not only strengthened their sibling bond but also served as a valuable learning experience. By participating in the programme, Rose not only honed her fishing skills but also gained valuable insights into the importance of engaging in positive activities from a young age.
Witnessing Rose's success served as a testament to the benefits of starting such activities early in life. Her dedication and perseverance not only earned her recognition but also inspired other young participants to follow in her footsteps. Through her achievements, Rose exemplified the rewards of passion, hard work, and a positive mindset, setting a shining example for aspiring anglers of all ages.
Fish Fest3 took place over the weekend on July 20th and 21st, at Monk Lakes in Marden and Sams Lakes in Headcorn. The event was not without its challenges as the air pressure fluctuated, making fishing a demanding task. Despite the obstacles, Rose, showcased exceptional skill and determination throughout the competition. Her remarkable performance saw her emerge victorious, outshining her nearest rival by an impressive margin of 12lb 6oz.
Rose's success was built on a solid foundation of consistent catches over the two days. At Monk Lakes, she managed to reel in 9lb 5oz of silvers, complemented by a 2lb 8oz carp specimen and a 7lb 8oz carp. By the end of the first day, Rose had accumulated a total weight of 16lb 3oz, securing her a strong position in the competition. Following closely behind her was none other than her brother, Will, who achieved a respectable second place with a total weight of 12lb 8oz. Will's catch included 2lb 7oz of silvers and three carp weighing a combined 10lb 1oz.
All the fish caught on the first day were landed using a 4m Battlecore Whip provided by Angling Direct. The competition at Fish Fest3 not only tested the participants' angling skills but also served as a reminder of the joys and challenges that come with the pursuit of this beloved pastime, leaving all participants with lasting memories of a weekend well spent by the lakeside.
During the second day of fishing at Sams Lakes, the anglers faced a challenging day with very few fish being caught. The catch mainly consisted of silvers, with the exception of a single carp that was landed. It was Rose who ultimately managed to land the impressive carp, weighing a substantial 10lb 5oz. This catch not only added a significant weight to her total but also brought a sense of achievement and satisfaction after a day of perseverance.
Rose's success was even more remarkable considering that she had already caught 1lb 10oz of silvers earlier in the day.
Meanwhile, Archie also had a respectable day of fishing, securing the second spot with a total catch of 7lb 1oz. Although he was outshone by Rose's impressive carp, Archie's performance was commendable, showcasing his own angling abilities and adding to the competitive spirit of the day, and gave him second overall.
Overall results:
When evaluating the day, all participants were asked to reflect on their experiences and provide feedback. This process involved an assessment of various aspects of the day's events, including the activities, discussions, and overall atmosphere. Participants were encouraged to share their thoughts on what worked well and what could be improved for future events. By gathering this feedback, we gained valuable insights into the participants' perspectives and preferences, enabling them to enhance the quality of future engagements. This evaluation not only helped in gauging the success of the day but also served as a tool for continuous improvement and refinement of the participant experience.
All participants reported that they had:
Enjoyed Fish Fest
Found the classroom sessions helpful
Learned new skills
Found the staff friendly and helpful
All participants also felt that the programme had helped with their mental health and that the programme will help them to stay out of trouble with the police.
Regarding their relationship with the police, it is evident that the participants' perceptions underwent a significant transformation as a result of their involvement in Fish Fest. The statistics reveal a remarkable shift in attitude, with an overwhelming 87% expressing a newfound positive view of law enforcement. This shift is particularly noteworthy considering that a majority of 62% acknowledged that their initial perceptions of the police had evolved over the course of the event.
It is fascinating to observe how community engagement initiatives such as Fish Fest can serve as catalysts for changing entrenched attitudes and fostering greater trust between individuals and law enforcement. The fact that such a high percentage of participants experienced a positive shift in their perceptions speaks volumes about the power of experiential learning and direct interaction in reshaping perspectives.
This data underscores the importance of initiatives that bridge the gap between communities and law enforcement agencies, highlighting the potential for positive change when individuals are given the opportunity to engage with each other in a meaningful and collaborative manner. The impact of Fish Fest extends beyond just a recreational event, demonstrating its capacity to foster mutual understanding and promote positive relationships between the police and the community.
To view more images from the day visit Videos | Cast A Thought
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