The event-wrecking freezing weather of January 2010 seemed a distant memory as spring sunshine welcomed smiling visitors to the book-signing at Brobury House on Sunday afternoon.
The main attraction was the presence of two of angling’s most eminent authors and fishermen, Fred Buller, MBE and Chris Yates. They were our guests at a celebratory dinner, co-hosted by Brobury House owners, Pru & Keith Cartwright in honour of Fred and his award. They were also there to take part in the first Trustee’s meeting with everyone present; a great photo opportunity for the history of Angling Heritage.
Originally, the purpose of the event was to hand Recollections I to purchasers, but the precious books had already been despatched and the latest get-together presented a great opportunity to raise funds for Angling Heritage (UK) to fund future recordings. A select group of people were invited to bring their books for signing by Fred and Chris and we relieved them of around £2 per signature which they were more than happy to donate. The initiative was a great success and over £300 was raised, which will be used to fund future recordings and acquisitions for the archive.
Feedback from people who’d travelled especially to meet Fred and Chris was great - it was a real ‘Red Letter’ day for some who’d driven quite a distance, so my sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to support the event. In return, each person received a dated certificate signed by the Trustees, and Fred as Patron. One gentleman very kindly asked me to sign his copy of Recollections, which I did with trembling hand – I sincerely hope it doesn’t devalue it! The two hours allocated for signing passed quickly and I hope it wasn’t too arduous for our honoured guests whose presence made it a very special weekend.
One of our visitors is a member of Dunstable Angling Club and he brought along fishing magazines, and booklets on the history of his Club which he donated to Angling Heritage. I mention this because one item on the Agenda for the Trustees’ meeting was future projects.
When Angling Heritage was founded, I remember saying to Fred that we would grow the Trust from ‘little acorns.’ In producing the Recollections’ series of recordings, we’ve made that all-important start on preserving angling history.
During the Trust meeting, we discussed ways to expand what we’re aiming to preserve and one of the ways to do this is to feature Angling Clubs, Societies and Associations and their history. We all feel that each has a wealth of information to offer, not only in terms of the characters involved, but in what has been achieved by past trophy winners whose catch records can help provide a vital source of information, charting the species of fish and management of rivers, lakes and pools.
What Angling Heritage would like people to do is contact us with their details and if agreed, we will feature your organisation on our website, together with relevant photographs and a brief history. If you or your Club would like to take part in recording this important aspect of angling history, please contact us – we’ll be happy to hear from you. Email: Keith Armishaw on keitarmshw@aol.com for more information.
Finally, I can tell you that I’ve just started work on transcribing the recording made last July between Des Taylor and Professor Barrie Rickards. Please remember that it took me 3 years to complete Recollections I, but I’ve learned a lot from that experience and would hope to have Recollections II ready for printing by the end of 2010 for release this time next year.
You may also be aware that the recording between Bob Buteux and Len Arbery was made on the 26th March, 2010 and Peter Wheat and Dave Steuart are scheduled for recording in May, so as you can see, lots to do!
On a personal note, Bob Buteux is shortly having an operation and we wish him the very best of health – I know that he is looking forward to the special event of his Recollections’ book launch, and I’m equally looking forward to organising it and inviting you all to join us.
Sandy Armishaw
Angling Heritage (UK)
www.anglingheritage.org
17th April, 2010