Society Helps Fishing Friends

A GROUP of disabled anglers from Tyneside is looking to net an international fishing trophy thanks to help from Newcastle Building Society. Alan Carr Fishing Friends was awarded £1,200 from the Newcastle, and has now raised enough funds to enter the Jack Charlton International Angling Competition for disabled people. The contest will be staged this May in Ireland.

Set up in 1996 Alan Carr Fishing Friends provides recreational fishing and social activities for disabled people in Gateshead. It has around 20 members and organises fishing trips once a month.

As well as providing funds for the Ireland trip, Newcastle's donation will help pay for general transport costs, fishing permits and volunteer expenses. It will also go a long way in the club's fund raising appeal for the regular hire of two minibuses which can cater for people with disabilities.

Frankie Brown, from the club, said: "This money from the Newcastle has certainly made things a lot easier. For many of our members these fishing trips are the only outings they get. Being together as a group is also great company.

"We have won a few trophies in the past and we now have a chance to win some more in Ireland. Entering these competitions and traveling to the venues is expensive. The donation from the Newcastle has made a big difference."

The club's fishing trips are generally in Northumberland and Durham. But it has also ventured into Yorkshire, where it has landed some prize-winning fish. On one such trip club member, Jane Ross, hooked a 7lb 3oz rainbow trout. Keen anglers will know this is catch to be proud of.

The club costs around £6,000 a year to run and receives all its funding from subs, fundraising efforts and applications to trusts and charities. Newcastle Building Society was more than happy to help out.

Each year the Newcastle Building Society donates around £60,000 to local communities. This is in addition to a wide range of other projects and organisations the Society sponsors of helps out financially.

In anyone would like to apply for a donation for the Newcastle's Community Fund they should contact the Community Foundation on 0191 222 0945 or by writing to the Community Foundation: Percy House, Percy Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4PW.

ENDS

PRESS ENQUIRIES: Contact Rik Kendall, Media Relations Manager, om 0191 244 2024 or rik.kendall@newcastle.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

The Newcastle Building Society Community Foundation meets quarterly to decide on appropriate donations. The committee includes members of the Society. The Society's project is to hep project which:

• Help to train and educate the young and not so young
• Encourage fresh new talent
• Help protect and improve the local community