'Promoting positive health & wellbeing, happiness and opportunity for all ages and abilities.'
Active Burnley Awards 2024 Health and Wellbeing Award Winners
Active Lancashire Awards 2024 Health and Wellbeing Award Winners
'Making life better by water.'
Team
Mark Smedley
Founder/Licenced Angling Coach/Teacher
Mark is the founder of MS Angling & Education and has always had a passion for sport and angling. He is a qualified angling coach and teacher, and has been delivering angling sessions since 2017; promoting positive health and well-being, happiness and opportunity for all ages and abilities. Mark has been coarse fishing for over 30 years and also thoroughly enjoys fly fishing and sea fishing.
Allan Cole
Licenced Angling Coach
Allan has been coarse fishing from early childhood and thoroughly enjoys the sport, bringing an abundance of fishing experience and knowledge to the sessions. He is a qualified angling coach and has been assisting in the delivery of coaching sessions with MS Angling & Education since 2019.
Dave Buckley
Licenced Angling Coach
Dave has been fishing since childhood and since recently retiring he has been sharing his fishing knowledge, experience and expertise with the anglers of the future as well as guiding the adult groups during our 'Feel Good Friday' and 'Wellbeing Wednesday' sessions. Dave is a match angler and enjoys taking part in coarse fishing matches in and around Lancashire in his spare time. Dave does fish regularly at Cornfield Farm Fishery and knows the waters very well, therefore his knowledge and experience is invaluable when assisting in the delivery of the fishing sessions to our regular groups. Dave successfully completed his Level 1 Licenced Angling Coaching Programme in August 2023 with the Angling Trust.
Robbie Smedley
Licenced Angling Coach
Robbie is currently studying Sport and Exercise Science at Burnley College, intending to pursue a career in the Sport and Exercise Science Field. His ambition is to become a Royal Marine Commando. His studies will help him to develop self-confidence and practical scientific knowledge of the sport and exercise industries such as Sports Therapy, Rehabilitation and Sports Management ready for work experience, learning sector specific skills such as Fitness Testing, Training and Programming with Exercise Physiology and Sports Nutrition. Robbie has been coarse and sea fishing from an early age, spending many hours on the bank, learning all about the sport. He thoroughly enjoys supporting the team, sharing his valuable knowledge and experience with others. Robbie successfully completed his Level 1 Licenced Angling Coaching Programme in August 2023 with the Angling Trust.
Euan Plowes
Volunteer
Euan is a competent and keen young angler, who is keen to pass on his fishing knowledge to young and new anglers, to help bring more people into the sport. He helps out with our Saturday AM Parent/Child sessions and is always willing to lend a helping hand whenever possible. Euan has spent countless hours on the bank with his brother fishing for a variety of species. He's never happier than when he catches a pristine carp. Euan is a member of several local angling clubs; Hyndburn and Blackburn Angling Association, Pendle and Burnley District Anglers and enjoys fishing with members on local Kingfisher Angling Club waters. Euan will shortly be enrolling on his 'Licenced Angling Coaching Course' with the Angling Trust, to help further enhance his skills.
Charles Smedley
Licenced Angling Coach/Health and Safety Officer
Charles is a part-time Health and Safety Officer/Quality Systems Manager for Lakeside Travel Services, Keighley, West Yorkshire. Charles brings many years of angling experience and knowledge to the bank together with his invaluable experience of project/business management and health and safety. Charles successfully completed his Level 1 Licenced Angling Coaching Programme in Autumn 2023 with the Angling Trust.
Paul Andrews
Volunteer
Paul was referred by his GP into the 'Fishing Therapy' sessions delivered by MS Angling and Education in 2021. Paul thoroughly enjoyed the blocks of 'Fishing Therapy' sessions he attended, benefiting greatly from them. As a result of this, Paul now volunteers and helps deliver the 'Feel Good Friday' and 'Wellbeing Wednesday' fishing sessions. He really enjoys sharing his knowledge and experiences with the anglers of the future who attend. Paul is available to pass on his course fishing knowledge and experiences, as well as share the mental, emotional and physical wellbeing benefits that angling has brought him over the years . Paul thoroughly enjoys helping deliver the 'Fishing Therapy' sessions to those attending as a result of them being referred into the sessions from their GP's and social prescribing link workers. Paul has over 50 years of invaluable knowledge and experience of angling and has been a member of many local angling clubs over the years.
Get Fishing For Wellbeing Approved Partner - MS Angling and Education
Anyone who has been fishing will know how beneficial angling is at boosting mental health and wellbeing.
The Angling Trust are championing a number of quality assured organisations in the North of England which includes MS Angling and Education to Health Service Professionals and Social Prescribing Link Workers so that consistently high-quality experiences and benefits of angling activity can be prescribed to people with mental health and wellbeing needs.
Information regarding our latest projects being delivered can be found on our social media site X (Twitter) @MSmed4. To get involved or for further information, please contact Mark Smedley at mark@msanglingandeducation.co.uk.
What is Social Prescribing?
Many things can affect our health and wellbeing – and sometimes these problems cannot be fixed just by medicine or visiting a doctor. That’s where social prescribing comes into play by connecting people to practical and emotional community support, through social prescribing Link Workers based in GP practices. In this way, social prescribing provides people with greater control over their healthcare in a way that suits them, and it can especially help people who:
- have one or more long-term conditions
- need support with their mental health
- are lonely or isolated
- have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing
In Summary: Social prescribing links people to activities that are typically provided by voluntary and community sector organisations, for example, volunteering, arts activities, group learning, gardening, befriending, cookery, healthy eating advice and a range of sports and pastimes, including angling.
Promoting Positive Health & Wellbeing
Fishing has a huge range of benefits, from the physical aspect of playing a fish or walking with your equipment to the ideal spot, right through to the mental health aspect of self-achievement , giving our minds a sense of joy and thus respite from the busy daily issues we all endure.
Fishing provides an opportunity for some head space, some mindfulness - something that we all require and deserve.
Fishing is like flight to a bird, it gives you freedom to be you and think soulfully. Fishing gives you time out, to unplug, to unwind, to de-stress, and is proven to give your body and mind time to focus on oneself and to recondition our mental health.
Personally when I'm fishing and surrounded by wildlife and nature, it helps me understand how important it is that we give our heads a rest and just allow ourselves to be consumed by all that fishing entails.
Why not give fishing a go - you'll be amazed at the health and well-being benefits it can bring to you and all the family.
Opportunities
Educational Opportunities
MS Angling & Education offer a variety of fishing opportunities for primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities as well as alternative provision schools. 'Well-being Wednesday' and 'Feel Good Friday' Fishing Sessions are delivered throughout the academic year and are required to be booked in advance. Fishing sessions can be tailored to suit individual needs, for example: linking to curriculum topics, enrichment/outdoor education activities, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, CAST Awards.
Mindfulness - Promoting Positive Health & Wellbeing
MS Angling & Education currently offer 'Well-being Wednesday' and 'Feel Good Friday' fishing sessions. We are proud and privileged to be working in partnership with Cornfield Farm Fishery, the NHS, East Lancashire Social Prescribing Teams, Lancashire Constabulary, Together an Active Pendle, East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group, Sport England and the Angling Trust. If you would like to get involved in the fishing therapy sessions, please get in touch with your local GP, Social Prescribing Teams or simply give Mark a ring on 07908856092 or send him an email at mark@msanglingandeducation.co.uk.
Birthday Parties
Why not come fishing with your friends for your birthday? All necessary equipment, bait and terminal tackle is provided. You provide the cake and the refreshments and we'll provide a fun fishing session for you all to enjoy. Birthday parties are unique and can be tailored to your requirements - please just ask and we'll do our very best to help. Birthday parties require a minimum of 10 participants; we can deliver parties with up to a maximum of 20 participants. Party costings include: 10 fishing pegs/stations equipped with all necessary equipment, bait and tackle; use of our 'Lakeside Cabin' for the duration of the party; x2 experienced licenced angling coaches, and some fun fishing games/matches/competitions decided on the day by the party host. Please email mark@msanglingandeducation for further information.
Support Groups/Team Building/Days Out
A fantastic opportunity for your organisation or friends to go fishing. All necessary equipment, bait and terminal tackle is provided. Sessions can be arranged to suit your needs whether it be a fishing match, a fun 'Bingo Fishing' session, competing for a prize individually or as a team, or simply just to relax and unwind in the great outdoors. We are very flexible and will always do our best to suit your individual needs.
Saturday AM Parent/Child Fishing Sessions
Saturday morning parent and child fishing sessions at Cornfield Farm Fishery, Cornfield Grove, Burnley, BB12 8UB. An opportunity to bring your child fishing for a few hours - all necessary fishing equipment, terminal tackle and bait provided on site. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Come and have some fun with your son/daughter. A great way to start the weekend. Arrival from 9:20am onwards please; ready to begin the session at 9:30am. Fishing will finish at 11:45am for tidy-up, weigh-in and session feedback. A Licenced Angling Trust Coach will be present at all sessions to support where necessary.
Saturday morning parent and child fishing sessions at Cornfield Farm Fishery, Cornfield Grove, Burnley, BB12 8UB. An opportunity to bring your child fishing for a few hours - all necessary fishing equipment, terminal tackle and bait provided on site. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Come and have some fun with your son/daughter. A great way to start the weekend. Arrival from 9:20am onwards please; ready to begin the session at 9:30am. Fishing will finish at 11:45am for tidy-up, weigh-in and session feedback. A Licenced Angling Trust Coach will be present at all sessions to support where necessary.
Saturday morning parent and child fishing sessions at Cornfield Farm Fishery, Cornfield Grove, Burnley, BB12 8UB. An opportunity to bring your child fishing for a few hours - all necessary fishing equipment, terminal tackle and bait provided on site. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Come and have some fun with your son/daughter. A great way to start the weekend. Arrival from 9:20am onwards please; ready to begin the session at 9:30am. Fishing will finish at 11:45am for tidy-up, weigh-in and session feedback. A Licenced Angling Trust Coach will be present at all sessions to support where necessary.
Saturday morning parent and child fishing sessions at Cornfield Farm Fishery, Cornfield Grove, Burnley, BB12 8UB. An opportunity to bring your child fishing for a few hours - all necessary fishing equipment, terminal tackle and bait provided on site. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Come and have some fun with your son/daughter. A great way to start the weekend. Arrival from 9:20am onwards please; ready to begin the session at 9:30am. Fishing will finish at 11:45am for tidy-up, weigh-in and session feedback. A Licenced Angling Trust Coach will be present at all sessions to support where necessary.
Saturday morning parent and child fishing sessions at Cornfield Farm Fishery, Cornfield Grove, Burnley, BB12 8UB. An opportunity to bring your child fishing for a few hours - all necessary fishing equipment, terminal tackle and bait provided on site. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Come and have some fun with your son/daughter. A great way to start the weekend. Arrival from 9:20am onwards please; ready to begin the session at 9:30am. Fishing will finish at 11:45am for tidy-up, weigh-in and session feedback. A Licenced Angling Trust Coach will be present at all sessions to support where necessary.
Saturday morning parent and child fishing sessions at Cornfield Farm Fishery, Cornfield Grove, Burnley, BB12 8UB. An opportunity to bring your child fishing for a few hours - all necessary fishing equipment, terminal tackle and bait provided on site. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Come and have some fun with your son/daughter. A great way to start the weekend. Arrival from 9:20am onwards please; ready to begin the session at 9:30am. Fishing will finish at 11:45am for tidy-up, weigh-in and session feedback. A Licenced Angling Trust Coach will be present at all sessions to support where necessary.
Saturday morning parent and child fishing sessions at Cornfield Farm Fishery, Cornfield Grove, Burnley, BB12 8UB. An opportunity to bring your child fishing for a few hours - all necessary fishing equipment, terminal tackle and bait provided on site. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Come and have some fun with your son/daughter. A great way to start the weekend. Arrival from 9:20am onwards please; ready to begin the session at 9:30am. Fishing will finish at 11:45am for tidy-up, weigh-in and session feedback. A Licenced Angling Trust Coach will be present at all sessions to support where necessary.
Saturday morning parent and child fishing sessions at Cornfield Farm Fishery, Cornfield Grove, Burnley, BB12 8UB. An opportunity to bring your child fishing for a few hours - all necessary fishing equipment, terminal tackle and bait provided on site. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Come and have some fun with your son/daughter. A great way to start the weekend. Arrival from 9:20am onwards please; ready to begin the session at 9:30am. Fishing will finish at 11:45am for tidy-up, weigh-in and session feedback. A Licenced Angling Trust Coach will be present at all sessions to support where necessary.
Saturday morning parent and child fishing sessions at Cornfield Farm Fishery, Cornfield Grove, Burnley, BB12 8UB. An opportunity to bring your child fishing for a few hours - all necessary fishing equipment, terminal tackle and bait provided on site. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Come and have some fun with your son/daughter. A great way to start the weekend. Arrival from 9:20am onwards please; ready to begin the session at 9:30am. Fishing will finish at 11:45am for tidy-up, weigh-in and session feedback. A Licenced Angling Trust Coach will be present at all sessions to support where necessary.
Saturday morning parent and child fishing sessions at Cornfield Farm Fishery, Cornfield Grove, Burnley, BB12 8UB. An opportunity to bring your child fishing for a few hours - all necessary fishing equipment, terminal tackle and bait provided on site. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Come and have some fun with your son/daughter. A great way to start the weekend. Arrival from 9:20am onwards please; ready to begin the session at 9:30am. Fishing will finish at 11:45am for tidy-up, weigh-in and session feedback. A Licenced Angling Trust Coach will be present at all sessions to support where necessary.
Saturday morning parent and child fishing sessions at Cornfield Farm Fishery, Cornfield Grove, Burnley, BB12 8UB. An opportunity to bring your child fishing for a few hours - all necessary fishing equipment, terminal tackle and bait provided on site. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Come and have some fun with your son/daughter. A great way to start the weekend. Arrival from 9:20am onwards please; ready to begin the session at 9:30am. Fishing will finish at 11:45am for tidy-up, weigh-in and session feedback. A Licenced Angling Trust Coach will be present at all sessions to support where necessary.
Saturday morning parent and child fishing sessions at Cornfield Farm Fishery, Cornfield Grove, Burnley, BB12 8UB. An opportunity to bring your child fishing for a few hours - all necessary fishing equipment, terminal tackle and bait provided on site. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Come and have some fun with your son/daughter. A great way to start the weekend. Arrival from 9:20am onwards please; ready to begin the session at 9:30am. Fishing will finish at 11:45am for tidy-up, weigh-in and session feedback. A Licenced Angling Trust Coach will be present at all sessions to support where necessary.
Saturday morning parent and child fishing sessions at Cornfield Farm Fishery, Cornfield Grove, Burnley, BB12 8UB. An opportunity to bring your child fishing for a few hours - all necessary fishing equipment, terminal tackle and bait provided on site. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Come and have some fun with your son/daughter. A great way to start the weekend. Arrival from 9:20am onwards please; ready to begin the session at 9:30am. Fishing will finish at 11:45am for tidy-up, weigh-in and session feedback. A Licenced Angling Trust Coach will be present at all sessions to support where necessary.
'Feel Good Friday' Fishing Taster Video
Educational Lakeside Cabin
The facility will be used to support the delivery of our range of 1:1, small-group/large-group educational coaching sessions, holiday fishing clubs, junior anglers sessions, and our 'Fishing Therapy' sessions delivered throughout the year. We provide weekly 'Fishing Therapy' sessions for individuals referred into MS Angling and Education by local GPs, Social Prescribing Link Workers, and Health and Wellbeing Coaches. For further information about our sessions, please contact Mark at mark@msanglingandeducation.co.uk.
We are an Angling Trust 'Fishing for Wellbeing Approved Partner' currently working with Primary and Secondary Schools in the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Districts, as well as offering alternative educational opportunities to schools and colleges across Lancashire and North Yorkshire. MS Angling and Education are an affiliated supplier for Lancashire County Council and have been since 2019.
The 'Educational Lakeside Cabin' will provide a warm, dry, spacious environment where classroom-based learning can take place for our primary and secondary school sessions, and it will provide further opportunities for adult learning courses linked to the 'Fishing Therapy' sessions - promoting positive health, happiness and well-being. We have a fantastic outdoor learning area situated lakeside which consists of a large tranquil greenspace; perfect for reading, socialising, learning, artwork or simply just to sit and relax watching others fishing, listening to the birds singing whilst catching up with like-minded people.
Fishing, the great outdoors and all that those interested in fishing brings, has such a huge positive influence on improving mental, physical, and social health and wellbeing.
All sessions we offer and deliver promote positive health, well-being, happiness and opportunities for all ages and abilities and continue to be extremely rewarding for us delivering them and very beneficial to those taking part in the sessions.
MS Angling and Education would like to say a huge thankyou to all that have supported us since 2019. The 'Educational Lakeside Cabin' will be a fantastic addition to the organisation which will provide many more additional opportunities to the community and beyond.
Progress pictures of the project, from start to finish, can be found on the website gallery by clicking the 'Education Lakeside Cabin' link.
Press/Magazine Articles
Active Lancashire 2024 'Health and Wellbeing Award Winners'
Burnley's Health and Wellbeing champion Mark Smedley, of MS Angling and Education, triumphed in the county- wide health and wellbeing category at this years Active Lancashire Awards evening. Mark, founder of MS Angling and Education, was absolutely delighted to have won the award, in which there was a total of eleven nominees across Lancashire.
Read More
Burnley Leisure and Culture Active Burnley Awards 2024 Health and Wellbeing Award 'Winners'
The annual celebration awards evening pays tribute to those who show dedication at a range of sporting, health, and wellbeing activities at all levels, and those who work tirelessly to support individuals or community clubs, for the love of the sport and their community. Eleven winners were announced at a glittering ceremony at Burnley Mechanics on Thursday 27th June 2024 hosted by BBC sports presenter and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, Mike Bushell.
Read More
Burnley Lifestyle 24 Magazine (Page 93-95) March 2024
Lakeside opportunities, conversations and wellbeing sessions delivered by MS Angling and Education continue to promote positive health, happiness and wellbeing to the local community and beyond.
Read More
Burnley Express - Gone Fishing!
Burnley teacher using his passion for angling to cast net wide to help hundreds improve their mental health and wellbeing.
Read MoreGallery
Testimonials
Contact
- Burnley, England, United Kingdom
- BB10 2SP
- +44-07908856092 - Mark Smedley/MS Angling & Education
- mark@msanglingandeducation.co.uk
- Mon-Fri - 08:00-19:00