First Angling Club in Northumberland Gains National Quality Mark Recognition
Hirst Park Trout Ticklers (HPTT) have been awarded ClubMark, Sport England's cross sport quality accreditation for clubs with junior clubs and are the first Angling club in Northumberland to achieve this prestigious award. This demonstrates a real commitment by the club to developing young anglers and providing high quality opportunities to local young people.
The Angling Development Board's ClubMark scheme is based on a three year award system on which clubs are assessed annually on their ability to provide a safe, effective and child friendly environment in which young people can acquire and develop their angling skills.
Steve Peterson, Game & Sea Marketing Manager for Hardy & Grey Ltd presented young members of the club with the ClubMark certificate and Greys GRXi 8" 6# rod so thanks to Steve & Hardy & Greys Ltd for their support.
Cate Middleton said "This is a significant achievement for HPTT and all of its members who are passionate about fishing. We were informed about this award during the last fly-tying session at our partnership school, Hirst Park Middle School Sports College on Wednesday 2 March when external assessors Stephen Parsons from Northumberland Sport and Ben Thompson from the Angling Development Board visited the evening class. It is recognition of the high standards that the club has set, will maintain and the welcoming environment that has been created for junior and adult members. As a member of HPTT, individuals have the opportunity to take up this sport for life and can learn how to fly-tie and fish with fly and bait on still waters and rivers."
Bob Smith, Founder and Honorary President of the HPTT added "I am extremely proud that our club are the very first club in the county to be given ClubMark status. The club committee have worked very hard over many months, attended numerous courses, and implemented many policies to take the club to a new and higher level. Many congratulations to all the club members who have helped to achieve this prestigious award.
Ben Thompson said "the club has been established for some time now and have been providing quality opportunities for their members and this is recognition of their effort and hard work. The club are involved in the local Angling Action Plan designed to develop angling within Northumberland set by Northumberland County Angling Action Group (CAAG). They are also delivering angling projects in their local community and have a number of very dedicated volunteers who are committed to seeing the club develop further".
Stephen Parsons, Northumberland Sport's Club & Coach Development Officer, who helped assess the application said "It is a testament to hard work put in by the volunteers at the Hirst Park club that they are the first accredited 'Junior Angling Club' in the county and it is a massive achievement and sign of the clubs continuing development. I hope that Hirst Park Trout Ticklers are the first of many Angling clubs to achieve the award in the coming months and years."
To find out about opportunities available in your local area please email Ben Thompson, Regional Angling Development Officer at ben.thompson@anglingdevelopmentboard.org.uk
