Welcome to the RNC Angling Club
Located at the Royal National College for the Blind (RNC)
On this site - an introduction to the RNC Angling Club, frequently asked questions section, and various examples of visually impaired angling experiences to show how angling can be important in peoples' lives.
Barry Morris is Lead Project Officer for Enrichment Support at RNC, and has created the RNC Angling Club in partnership with Dreamstore UK and the British Disabled Angling Association.
Having been a keen angler for over 40 years, and having taken a few students fishing, I decided that it would be good to learn how to teach fishing to others. In 2006 I attended the Dreamstore Academy at Pershore College, and qualified as a Level 2 coarse angling coach, after which I was able to obtain a full coach Licence.
I decided that I would like to specialise in angling for the visually impaired (VI), as it seemed as if no-one was else was taking a lead in this area. Through this idea, I became involved with the British Disabled Angling Association and Dreamstore UK. These provided me with new fishing kit from Browning, and a modest budget from Dreamstore UK to pay for our basic costs; so that any visually impaired students, or staff, wanting to learn to fish, can do so for free. Through the Environment Agency we have been able to secure free rod licences for our activity.
Thanks to Dreamstore, we have been able to create this website, to extend our ability to give help, advice, and tips for VI anglers across the country.
RNC and the BDAA receive lots of enquiries from social services, PCTs, RNIB and the public about how to start or where to get help. So our website, and especially the Frequently Asked Questions section, will hopefully provide valuable information and inspiration for all VI anglers and their helpers.
We have students at the College who are regular anglers and many more waiting to have a go. I have been joined in the RNC Angling Club by Terry Harding, who assists me with some sessions, so we can take more students on these occasions. With his expertise in fly fishing, we are hoping to expand next spring.
Angling is a wonderful enrichment activity. The wide range of age groups passing through the college means we have extended Every Child Matters to Every Person Matters. Angling fulfils every aspect of EPM, as well as providing a recreational activity that learners can continue as a pastime after leaving the College. I would love to coach the first VI angler to be part of a National Angling Team …Dreamstore's help could ensure my ambition is fulfilled!
Rose Cottage Lake
1 November 2011 and the RNC Angling Club witnessed the final element to a lake loaned free of charge for the Club's use. We have taken delivery of an accessible portaloo donated by 'Andy's Loos'. Coupled with a £500 donation from Cargill Meats Europe, we will be able to have the toilet serviced, repaired and emptied for the next couple of years.
Rose Cottage Lake belongs to Herefordshire College of Technology. The College has given us the use of this lovely water containing tench, perch, roach, chub, gudgeon, plus a few old and wise carp. The Environment Agency installed a roadway to the lake, a strong gate and turning circle, plus level paths to 3 accessible platforms with rails. Although the lake cannot be accessed independently, as the heavy gates would be a challenge to open, the rest of is great and ideal for RNC Angling Club use.
The Club can now offer fishing sessions to all at my college. And we have a queue of lads, as well as young ladies, some of whom are wheelchair users. This completes a year of hard work by all mentioned, plus staff at the RNC. A huge thank you from RNC Angling Club to everyone involved.
