Hi all,

I just made a post replying to someone that was giving some flies away and it got me thinking.

I am a war veteran and go to a couple of places, Hollybush House (Combat Stress) and Gardening Leave. Gardening Leave was set up a few years ago near Hollybush House as a sort of extension for veterans. Now the handy thing with that is it's based at Auchincruive which has the river ayr running behind it.
There was a fishing club set up for the veterans last year as Annbank angling club were gracious enough to donate 2 permits but what little tackle that was donated has gone walkies over time. We now have a volunteer to look after the club and make sure any gear used is returned but there isn't much of anything.

So, the reason for the post is to ask if anyone can donate anything they have lying around, and I mean anything. There are 2 permits, so only 2 people can fish at one time and ideally we would like to get enough to have 2 full setups for both fly and spinning, we also need little things like lures, flies, line, leader, priests, well pretty much everything as there really isn't much there. I have given them what I can but as a war veteran I don't have a lot of money.

Gardening Leave is a charity and relies mainly on donations and as a veteran myself, fishing is the only thing that gets me up in the morning to be honest so if anyone can help we would be extremely grateful.

Now before anyone goes thinking this is a scam (after reading what I've typed back, I can see it could be construde as that) here is the link to Gardening Leave Gardening Leave, I don't want anything sent to me directly, I am just making this request as I have been going to Gardening Leave for some time and although I have my own gear, there are just so many veterans that go to Gardening leave regularly that would like the opportunity to fish but can't because there just isn't the gear there. So, if you can donate anything, use the contact link on the website and address your enquiry for the attention of Anna Baker Cresswell, mention me (Tam Anderson) and that I made a plea for donations, otherwise she won't have a clue what is going on. I'm sure that she will be able to foot the bill for postage if need be.

Well, I think that's all. Sorry for rambling and tight lines

P.S. If you have any questions, I'll try and answer them as best I can.

Will get some trout and salmon flies off to your guys, the least I can do.

Lest we forget.

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It is in truth not glory,nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting,but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with his life.(Declaration of Arbroath, 1320)

Thank you so much maharg.

Forgot to mention that Gardening Leave has a big birthday party in the gardens of Auchincruive every year (I think it's April). BBQ and it's great venue. Anyway, I'll speak to Anna tomorrow and make sure she gets contact details of anyone that donates so that invites can go out to them.

So, if you have already made contact through the website and not included your details, just send another email to Anna.

Will see what I have that I don't use.

Jim

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The Fishermans Friend is the Flirty Fly,Fickle Food for Fleeting Fish.

Same here will send some off this week. Anything to help our boys

Hey Tam,

If this is fair dinkum,

I'll send a few bits - leader and flies as well as a 9ft, 7wt rod...
with a cover note to Mrs Baker.

just give us a little time mate as it's coming from Ireland and I need to wait for pay day.

Look after yourself too mate and many happy seasons fishing
to all the lads fishing through Gardening Leave.

Cheers,

Brent.

Thanks so much guys, I didn't expect so many quick responses. Brent, If you contact Anna using the contact link on the Gardening Leave website and mention my name and that you intent to send some tackle, she will give you all the info you need (address etc) and I'm sure there must be some way for her to cover postage costs. I know Gardening Leave have a credit card and if I'm not mistaken, you can send a payment through paypal using a credit card even if you don't have a paypal account? if someone can confirm this?

Cheers again all

well as an ex serviceman myself i think its a great cause and i am more than happy to send a rod,reel and line that does not get used by myself or my son hope it gets some good use.

After a slip up on the tinterweb I ended up with enough tapered leaders to last me for years so I havnt got much but ill send you some of these...

A big thank you to everyone. With Ryan666 and Joey1 willing to donate a rod each that covers the most important thing needed. At this rate it won't take long to finally have enough so that the guys can finally get out.

I think we will still need a reel and line if anyone has any cheap ones lying around and if at all possible, landing nets and waistcoats/vests. I know it's a big ask but it's worth a try

Once again, a huge thank you to all that have already offered to help out. You have no idea how much of a difference it will make.