What a pleasure it was to be able to follow the historic recording of Fred J Taylor and Fred Buller, two of the all time angling heroes, with another pair of iconic figures. Professor Barrie Rickards, famous throughout the world as a predator angler, (although Barrie's experience is much broader than that) and Des Taylor, another household name, who has been a key figurehead in angling for the last couple of decades through his column in the Angling Times. Des and Barrie have known each other for years, and the mutual respect that they have shone through during the recording session, which lasted four hours.
We are not going to give anything away, but as with the first interview; Recollections I, this will also be transcribed into a book (also containg the CD's) and we are referring to it as Recollections II.
I cannot finish without thanking both anglers who gave their time free of charge, as they both share our belief that we must preserve angling history. Whilst the items of tackle will always be there for all to see, what really matters is people and their memories. By recording such figures, it gives an appreciation of how angling has changed over their lifetimes, and also sets its role in context when reviewing the social history. By coupling this with letters, photographs etc, it will leave a multifaceted archive for future generations, and ensures that these great characters will never be forgotten.
If you are interested in the work of Angling Heritage (UK), or may be able to help, we would always be glad to hear from you. The website should be on line in the very near future so watch out for it.