On Saturday, 20th September 2008, people travelled to North Devon from Oxford, Aylesbury, Hertfordshire, London, Somerset, Plymouth, Nuneaton and Kent, especially to meet angling icon, Chris Yates. He was visiting River Reads' bookshop in Torrington to sign copies of his latest gem, Out of the Blue, and judging by the smiles on people's faces, they weren't disappointed by their meeting.
One customer remarked that 'it was like visiting Santa in his Grotto,' and for each one, Christmas had indeed arrived early as Chris chatted to his eager visitors, and listened with great interest to their fishing-related tales. They left, more than happy with their signed copies of the book, and a photo of themselves seated alongside this legendary angler and author.
You can listen to part of the interview conducted with Chris conducted by Matthew Clatcher of publishers, Penguin/Hamish Hamilton on Chris's biography page. The book is a runaway success and was already on its second print run by the end on the month.
Customers were charged £2 for a signature which raised over seven hundred pounds for WATERAID.
On the previous day, Chris had been interviewed by Wayne Thomas, the angling reporter of the North Devon Journal and all-round angler, and also Charlotte Cross of Lantern radio. Excerpts of the latter were broadcast on the day of the book signing.