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Keeping it Reel in Oxford
Released on 2 Jul 2008
The Environment Agency and Oxford Safer Communities Partnership (OSCP) have jointly funded a new position of Angling Development Officer to promote the sport of angling to the young people of Oxford.
Active ten20, an Oxford-based charity with over 50 years' experience working with young people will have responsibility for the post. The charity will deliver a programme of angling activities throughout the year.
The Development Officer will be working with young people that are socially excluded or at risk or on the fringes of crime and disorder in Oxford. By encouraging them to take up the sport, it will hopefully divert them away from crime and help them discover its health and recreational benefits. The project will be working with young people, however friends and family will be encouraged to join in.
Ian Horrocks, formerly of Thame Tackle, is thrilled to have taken up the post and says: "I have fished all my life and now I have the chance to pass on some of my, skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to others. Angling is such a healthy and relaxing activity, it can really improve your quality of life.
"Initially we are aiming to reach out to 10-19 year olds within the Oxford City Council area. We hope that once they get their feet wet and realise just how much fun fishing can be, they might then be inclined to form small clubs of their own or introduce other family members to the pastime."
Neil Holman, Active Communities Partnership Manager will oversee the project and says: "This is another initiative which OSCP has funded to provide activities for vulnerable young people that are at risk of committing crime or anti-social behaviour.
"OSCP is a multi-agency partnership that is committed to making Oxford a safer place to live and work."
Fisheries Officer Tom Sherwood said: "Often people want to have a go at fishing, but just don't know where to start. We hope that after people have learnt the basics they will carry on fishing.
The Environment Agency has also been supporting ongoing angling projects all over the area to get people hooked on fishing.
"This is a great opportunity for Oxford people to try something new and we hope it will create both social and environmental benefits for the local area."
A range of events will be organised with local partners over the summer, however, an angling event at Hinksey on the 13 August will be open to everyone. Residents interested in taking part can call Ian Horrocks on 01865 467332 or phone Tom Sherwood from The Environment Agency's Fisheries Division on 01491 828358.
Oxford Safer Communities Partnership is a partnership set up to tackle crime and disorder in Oxford. The partners are Oxford City Council, Thames Valley Police, Oxfordshire County Council, Oxfordshire PCT, Thames Valley Probation Service, Youth Offending Team, Oxfordshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team, Crown Prosecution Service and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
For more information about this and other schemes funded by OSCP for young people, visit OSCP website.