John Wilson's Legacy to live on through daughter's new project
THE DAUGHTER of the greatest angler to ever live is set to follow in her father’s footsteps thanks to an initiative which will see thousands of juniors introduced to fishing for the very first time.
The ‘John Wilson Fishing Enterprise’ is the brainchild of Lisa Wilson whose life’s passion has been to improve the lives of children and young adults currently under the social care umbrella.
Now the mother of four, who is a highly qualified Social Worker, believes there’s an opportunity for fishing to provide a pathway for these kids which will open doors that weren’t previously available to them.
Jo is looking to continue her father’s legacy through the ‘John Wilson Fishing Enterprise’
Lisa told Angling Times: “The John Wilson Fishing Enterprise will provide fishing opportunities that will give disadvantaged children and young adults the chance to connect with the outdoors and provide therapy through the art of fishing, as well as the additional option of ‘bush craft’ activity.
“There are so many ways that fishing can have a huge impact here.
“Interaction with coaches and other angling participants can help improve communication as well as the chance to learn through practical experience – not to mention the ultimate reward of landing a fish!
“My dad loved to pass on knowledge and was passionate about educating as many people as possible about fishing, so I’m very proud to be continuing his legacy and to be raising awareness for mental health at the same time.”
The John Wilson Fishing Enterprise will initially focus on Lisa’s home county of Norfolk where she is now working alongside local fisheries, authorities and government organisations to bring her initiative to life – although it’s clear she also has her eye on wider development.
“I’m really passionate about growing the JWFE and in the future I would like to see this running nationally – making this a part of social care for more young children,” she added.
“I also see this as beneficial to others such as adults with post-traumatic stress disorder as well as vulnerable people who are often isolated and lonely but are still able to take part in an activity like fishing.”
To bolster her fishing knowledge for the enterprise Lisa has begun training for her Level One coaching certificate and has even become an ambassador for the Angling Trust.
Her move has been widely welcomed by officials across the angling community and none-more-so than Jamie Cook – Incoming Chief Executive for the Angling Trust.
Lisa’s project was welcomed by Angling Trust CEO Jamie Cook
He said: “Angling is the gateway to the outdoors and can provide young people with so many skills and opportunities both on and off the bank.
“John Wilson was a huge influence on thousands of anglers, as well as myself as I grew up, and Lisa’s approach is a fantastic legacy for John, and I am hugely appreciative to Lisa for her work in this much needed area.”
Panel: What we know about the John Wilson Fishing Enterprise
Lisa is looking to officially launch the enterprise in March 2020
A JWFE website is currently in the pipeline
Juniors can be booked on to attend a John Wilson Fishing Enterprise session
Sessions will be held at fisheries within East Anglia but may be extended nationally in the future
Lisa and a team of licenced coaches will attend each session to provide fishing tuition
A ‘Fishing Passport’ will be given to the younger anglers – this is an educational booklet that will provide details about the environment they’ll be fishing in, including the fish, bird and plant species they may encounter.
Panel: How you can help Lisa
If you’re a fishery owner or licenced angling coach and would like to contribute to the John Wilson Fishing Enterprise, please email Lisa at lisa@jwfe.co.uk
