The High Sheriff of Northumberland has taken off her hat and put on her waders to help local youth groups. The Youth Against Crime Awards Scheme is supported by the High Sheriff’s Fund which this year seeks to fund raise with a difference by highlighting one of the nation’s most popular, but sometimes least publicised, sport of fly fishing.
This year the fundraising was started with a national raffle and auction of Tyne fishing beats which were generously donated by riparian owners, including the Duke of Northumberland and Lord Allendale. Some of this fishing is often inaccessible to the public. With ten beats on offer in the raffle and over ten in the auction, this was one of the best opportunities for securing prime fishing on the river Tyne for 2013. Both events ran online and simultaneously closed on the 19th October 2012. FishPal hosted the auction and the raffle was promoted through the High Sheriff’s website and drawn at a drinks reception. A grand total of £4966 was raised.
Harriet Benson, High Sheriff of Northumberland, said. “These groups are sometimes the only after school activities these children take part in and are often the only place to go. The leaders of these organisations are doing everything they can to encourage and support young people in the local community, many working for little or no wage. I am thrilled at the generosity of the riparian owners and all the people who entered the event. I look forward to seeing the fund provide more opportunities for local groups”.
Many youth groups and organisations across Northumberland are supported by the scheme and rely on this financial support to stay open and continue their outstanding work. The scheme supports everyday running costs, such as equipment, catering, heating and lighting. With a simple application process groups can quickly gain access to funding, which might otherwise lead to their closure.
It is still possible to contribute to the fund through contacting the High Sheriff directly.
For more information, or to schedule an interview with the High Sheriff of Northumberland, email Emily at hs2012@chestersestate.co.uk or telephone 07833228220