Stoke Angling for Everyone

or 'SAFE' as it is more commonly known as, is an organisation set up to bring fishing into the community. The study came to my attention when i called the council, believing that the lake within Hanley park was their responsibility, however i was directed to 'SAFE'. Having spoke to project co-ordinator Desiree Elliot, it's clear that 'SAFE's ambitions are not only to get youngsters fishing but to demonstrate the social, healthy and economic values that fishing brings into the community. 'SAFE' have introduced 15 coaching pegs and have notably developed pegs that are safe for disabled anglers (pic below). It is worth stating that 'SAFE' do have first choice on these pegs in particular; Desiree wanted it known that they are free to the public when not in use by 'SAFE'. They also work to improve the wildlife in Hanley park, planting lilies in the smaller pond; hoping to bring dragonflies and butterflies, and have also installed bird boxes within the wildlife area of the park. They have also recently taken responsibility of the stretch of canal running through the park with the intention again of improving the awareness of angling to the community, and i for one think that it's just terrific.