The Angling Trust celebrates Black History Month

The Angling Trust celebrates Black History Month 2023, which runs from 1-31 October and celebrates and reflects on the commemoration of moments in history, achievements and contributions of Black people from African and Caribbean communities in the UK. Founded in 1987, the month is inspired by the US original that takes place in February.

This year’s theme is “Celebrating our sisters and honouring Matriarchs of Movements”, recognising the achievements of Black women throughout history.

Passionate angler Ian Wynter-Charlton welcomes this, particularly as his mum played a key role in his angling story, which he has shared with the Angling Trust to mark the start of Black History Month.

Ian says: “I’ve always lived near water, whether the turquoise seas of the West Indies or the freshwaters of the River Trent and Thames.”

“My mum definitely played a role in getting me into fishing. It’s something that has been in my family and as soon as I was encouraged to try, I was hooked.”

Credit: Ian Wynter-Charlton

“Angling has always been a part of ethnically diverse communities but it’s not something that has been profiled or discussed often enough.”

“There are so many opportunities, reasons and ways to fish and for any angler, it’s about more than catching a fish. We all have different experiences and when we share them, it encourages others to give angling a try.”

“For example, someone might not think river fishing is for them, without realising they’d actually enjoy sea fishing more.”

Ian continues: “Sharing advice from different perspectives and experiences is part of what it means to be in the angling community. We all benefit from sharing the rich culture of angling stories to inspire the next generation of anglers to take part.”

Ian is passionate about encouraging the next generation of ethnically diverse anglers through venues across London. He recently donated bait to Get Hooked on Fishing in Ealing thanks to support from Wraysbury Baits, who Ian says plays a ‘major role’ in what he achieves and shares with angling communities.

He adds: “It’s really important to me that more stories are heard and profiled by the Angling Trust and wider angling industry during Black History Month because there are so many angling success stories yet to be shared with the next generations.”

Clive Copeland, Head of Participation at the Angling Trust said: “We are committed to supporting Black History Month and we hope to continue this support all year round through our We Fish As One community campaign and Get Fishing events that work to champion community inclusion to get more people fishing more often .”

If you would like to share your angling story with the Angling Trust during Black History Month, or would like to become a We Fish As One campaign champion to support angling outreach in your community, please email clive.copeland@anglingtrust.net

Find out more about We Fish As One here.

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