(Image: Keith Blundy – Durham Freemasons)
Veterans from across County Durham cast off for a day of fishing, friendship and support at a fishery event organised by Durham Freemasons.
The annual Veterans Fishing Day took place on Saturday, August 15, at Aldin Grange Fishery in Bearpark, offering veterans the chance to unwind, reconnect and enjoy some friendly competition by the water.
With rods in hand, participants enjoyed both coarse and trout fishing, supported by volunteers from the Durham Freemasons, Chester-le-Street Anglers Lodge and the Durham branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity.
Paul Calvert finds a sense of peace through fishing
(Image: Keith Blundy – Durham Freemasons)
Equipment, tuition and encouragement were provided throughout the day, with many veterans sharing stories and experiences in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Andrew Somerset, an RAF veteran, won the prize for Most Fish Caught with an impressive haul of 48.
Mr Somerset said: "It’s been a brilliant day.
"The fishing has been great, but what really makes days like this is being together with other veterans, having a laugh and enjoying each other’s company.
"Catching 48 fish and winning a prize was a bonus – although I’ll probably be reminded about it for a while."
Mike Donne tries his hand at pole fishing
(Image: Keith Blundy – Durham Freemasons)
The event’s roots trace back to the Chester-le-Street Anglers Lodge, whose members were inspired by the success of similar sessions run for children with special needs by the Masonic Fishing Charity.
They decided to create a similar experience for the Armed Forces community, seeing first-hand the positive impact such days could have.
This year’s event was sponsored by the Durham Freemasons Armed Forces Committee, with additional support from Flambard Lodge, whose members raised funds to provide bait for the day.
Celebrating the winners of most and biggest fish
(Image: Keith Blundy – Durham Freemasons)
Paul Calvert, a former Army medic, won the prize for Biggest Fish after landing a sizeable rainbow trout.
Mr Calvert served in Iraq and Afghanistan before being medically discharged and has since faced challenges with PTSD.
He said: "It’s a pleasure to be here – I’ve really enjoyed myself.
"I haven’t fished since I was a boy with my dad, but today I’ve found a sense of peace I haven’t felt for a long time.
A delighted Paul Calvert with his first fish of the day
(Image: Keith Blundy – Durham Freemasons)
"I’ve also been able to sit and connect with someone I’d never met before in a way I haven’t done for years."
Mick Turfrey, Worshipful Master of Durham City-based Flambard Lodge, and David Grey, a senior lodge member and chair of the Durham branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity, were among those who congratulated the winners and supported the event.
Mr Turfrey said: "When we heard about the Veterans Fishing Day, our members were keen to get behind it.
David Grey, Andrew Somerset, Mike Donne, Paul Calvert and Mick Turfrey
(Image: Keith Blundy – Durham Freemasons)
"We had a great social evening, raised some money and were delighted to put that towards the bait for today.
"Seeing everyone enjoying themselves and each other’s company makes it very worthwhile."
Mike Donne, a Durham Freemason and member of the Armed Forces Committee, also attended the event.
The veteran group was delighted with the day's activities
(Image: Keith Blundy – Durham Freemasons)
Mr Donne, who is active in the Bishop Auckland veterans community through his work with SSAFA and the Bishop Auckland Veterans Club, said: "Days like this bring veterans together in a relaxed setting.
"The fishing is enjoyable, but it’s the camaraderie, conversation and friendships that really make the difference."
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Paul Calvert received tuition
(Image: Keith Blundy – Durham Freemasons)
The fishing day is part of the broader work of the Durham Freemasons Armed Forces Committee, which supports veterans, serving personnel and their families across the region.
Their activities include veterans’ breakfast clubs, community events and support for organisations working directly with former service personnel.
As the day drew to a close and rods were packed away, many agreed that while the catches were impressive, it was the connection and conversation that mattered most.
Combating stress through a shared fishing experience
(Image: Keith Blundy – Durham Freemasons)