John Griss Charity Open Day

Six year old Willow Blackmore learning how to fish in the Bolham Pool with instructor Scott Johnson.

Thirty three young people had coaching  in the Bolham Pool  at Hartsmoor Fishery at the John Griss charity open day on September 1.

Scores of people came to enjoy this second open day held by the charity and organisers were pleased a good day was had by all. Rain threatened but held off until the end of the afternoon. People were taken on guided tours of the five lakes to see the enormous improvements made in their maintenance and upkeep since they were left to Clayhidon Parish Council three years ago.

The charity’s  adviser, Andy Don, who organised the instructors, said later it was great to see so many young people take advantage of the coaching and multiple age groups enjoying the site.  He thought a good day was had by all.

Charity chairman John Kidner agreed, and said he had plenty of positive feedback.

The Hartsmoor Fishery lakes are now leased to Paul and Rory and being constantly improved. They will provide income for the charity and parish council in future.

At the moment  investment is being made in a new website, a trackway, bird hide, car park, fencing, an office and toilet block, and more fishing platforms with disabled access. Grants are also being sought to improve the facilities. The charity trustees are also planning to have a picnic area and to erect a memorial stone to the man who created the lakes, JohnGriss.

During the afternoon visitors enjoyed music from the band The Bird Dogs, a free barbecue and a bar provided by members of the Clayhidon Village Hall charity.

Clayhidon Parish Council and the charity also inherited John Griss’s home in the Bolham Valley, which was demolished and has since been developed to include two new low cost homes for local people.

The profit has been invested and will be the subject of more discussions in the near future.