Sunday 9th June 2013
The Barbel Society Conference this year was held at Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth and Angling Heritage (UK), together with River Reads, had its first outing at this well-attended event where contributors to their latest publication were on hand to sign copies of the book: ‘Barbel Tales’.
Speakers at the conference included one of AH’s trustees, Des Taylor who packed the auditorium with people eager to hear his ‘no nonsense’ talk on barbel fishing and judging by the laughter and applause, it was very well received. Keith, Reg Talbot and I were there to tell people about the work of Angling Heritage and on display was my own copy from the Recollections’ series of books and recordings.
The book caught the eye of quite a few people and we’re happy to report that the author of ‘Rainbow’s End’ Phil Smith expressed a wish to be recorded for the series. Then Peter Wheat joined us and said that he’s now ready to be recorded following a bout of illness which led us to postpone an earlier recording with Dave Stueart. He went on to record with Bob Church last year. With Pete Reading’s agreement to conduct the interview, this latest pairing is in the early stages of being organised and will become No. VI in the Recollections’ series. But, as I explained to Peter Wheat, the books and recordings take several years to reach fruition and the one I’m currently working on is No. III, Bob Buteux and Len Arbery which I hope to have finished later this year. That just leaves the recording with the late John Goddard and Brian Clarke, and the one with Dave Steuart and Bob Church with Pete Reading as the interviewer, but as Peter Wheat said of his recording ‘at least it will be in the bag’.
We were pleased to see Bob Buteux at the conference with Tony Meers, and our most recent participant, Dave Steuart was also there and in fine form. He sat with us for a while and I wish I’d had the sound recorder running such was the banter between him and Des, the main topic being Des’s favourite fishing reel, the centrepin! We also met John McAngus who’s mentioned by Des in Recollections’ II.
We purchased 10 copies of ‘Barbel Tales’ which is a compilation of chapters by various authors. We have signed copies in the shop although, as you would imagine, they are selling fast to customers who weren’t able to make this special event.
It was a good day out for us and provided us with the opportunity to spread the word about Angling Heritage (UK) and its membership scheme which continues to generate interest and funds for future recordings. We enjoyed the event so much, we’ve already made a note in the diary for the 2014 Conference and will look forward to seeing friends, old and new there.