Angling Heritage (UK)
This is a charitable trust established in 2009. Its aim is to preserve angling history through recordings, photographs, letters etc. The idea first arose when recording two of the all time greats; Fred Buller and Fred J Taylor talking about their lives, how they met, people they has fished with etc. This was transcribed into a book called "Recollections" containg CD's of the recordings enabling you to read whilst listening to their conversations. Sadly, Fred J passed on shortly afterwards, but it was a joy to still be able to hear and read about his life and times. This inspired Sandy to start the charity, aided by fellow Trustees Chris Yates and Reg Talbot, with Fred Buller becoming Patron.
The next recording undertaken was between the late Prof. Barrie Rickards and Des Taylor. A website has been started to detail the Traust's activities and what you can do to help, your support would be greatly appreciated
www.anglingheritage.org
The Roach Club
A club for individuals who wish to preserve this species of fish. Founders, Trevor Harrop and his mentor 'Budgie' Price, are dedicated to preserving the habitat, thus enabling roach (rutilus rutilus) to breed in the middle reaches of the Hampshire Avon. If you can help, either financially or by donating your old keep nets, which are then attached to boards on which roach spawn, please contact Trevor on
www.avonroachproject.co.uk
Des Taylor Angling
Des is one of the great characters in angling today. Through this site you can arrange a days fishing with Des on land or in a canoe, or simply walk the banks with him as he talks about the river and its wildlife. Des is also arguably the best speaker on the angling circuit today and has a wealth of angling stories guaranteed to have you in stitches. An opportunity not to be missed. Contact him at
info@destaylorstackleden.com
India Angling
This is the organisation the arranged our second trip to India on the Ramganga River. We had always fancied fishing the Northern Indian rivers so approached Chris Summers, but as our partners were coming along too we wanted to include a bit of sightseeing at the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort of Agra, plus safari in the Corbett Tiger Reserve. This was readily accommodated, as can any special requests or level of accommodation, and we were looked after from arriving at the airport throughout our stay, and all transport, accommodation and meals were well organised, even a visit to the silk shops. All we took was £60 converted locally into rupees for miscellaneous items and tips. The fishing isn't easy but you will see your quarry, and as with most wild unstocked fish, they are not easy to catch. I would have no hesitation in recommending this company, in fact I have already asked them to arrange another trip in the near future. (Be aware that other organisations steal their photographs of fish so be careful who you book through).
www.indiaangling.com
Caught by the River
In their own words,
Caught by the River is an 'antidote to indifference.' This fascinating website is an eclectic mix of angling with contributions by some of our greatest writers, teamed with angling history by John Andrews, music, drink, cake and much, much more. The content is constantly changing, and is regularly updated. In my view, it is one of the best websites in its category, and well worth a visit. (For details of the special edition of Chris Yates's Out of the blue, visit
www.riverreads.co.uk, or
www.caughtbytheriver.net). SA 2008.
Art by Ted Andrews
Teddy Andrews is a man with an extraordinary talent for interpreting his customers' requirements and translating them into humorous first-class drawings. When I asked him to produce two drawings for the special edition of
Recollections due for publication in February, 2009, I was so impressed with his work, that I've commissioned more. But you don't have to take my word for it, visit his website at:
www.tedart.co.uk and see for yourself. SA 2008.
Taxidermy
For those of you seeking a piece of taxidermy, or in having something preserved in this way, we would recommend that you go to Chris Elliott, one of the outstanding taxidermists in the UK today, not surprising when you realise he was trained by Rowland Ward, probably the premier taxidermy company of the 20th century. The picture is of an alligator gar, one of the more unusual pieces that Chris has mounted recently being seven feet long, but shows the quality of his workmanship.
Avondale Gallery
The website of Trevor Harrop shows off his beautiful artwork. Trevor is one of the outstanding wildlife and fish artists of the generation, and his work would grace any wall. Take a look www.avondalegallery.com
Angling Projects
Established in 1976 by Les Webber MBE to 'get kids hooked on fishing, not drugs or crime,' by providing young people with an alternative and enjoyable environment which fosters a reflective view of their lives. The organisation works with Police, youth projects and community-run special needs' programmes. This voluntary organisation is supported by patrons such as Chris Tarrant, John Wilson, Keith Arthur, Bob Nudd, Des Taylor and many others. If you can help in any way, please contact Les Webber at
www.angling-projects.org.uk
Combe Martin Sea Angling Club
We are fortunate in North Devon to have such a beautiful unspoilt coast for tourism, but it has also retained its status as one of the premier areas for sea fishing in the country. If you would like to know more, or live in the area and would like to meet kindred spirits, then contact the Combe Martin Sea Angling Club, one of the premier clubs in the area. They fish all along the Somerset, North Devon and North Cornwall coast, so have a wealth of knowledge on the local venues. You can contact them on
www.cmsac.co.uk
Trufflepig Films
Angling history is a fascinating subject, and Andy Heathcote and Heike Bachelier's film, 'The Lost World of Mr. Hardy,' has become a significant part of that.
This wonderful DVD which explores the history of Hardy Bros. features in-depth interviews with Jim Hardy, now in his eighties, and the dedicated craftsmen whose skills built the company's reputation as a world-class manufacturer of fishing tackle. The film ensures that, though this iconic company has changed immeasurably with the passage of time and a changing market, all that they achieved in the 20th Century will not be lost.
It is a 'must have' item for those keen on angling history, and an invaluable source of information for collectors of House of Hardy fishing tackle. You can obtain your copy by visiting:
www.trufflepigfilms.com
Bucks TV
If you are at all interested in one of the foremost anglers and writers of the 20th/21st Century, this link is worth a visit. It is the film footage of Fred J. Taylor receiving his MBE from the Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, in the Judges' Lodgings, Aylesbury on the 15th February, 2008. Fred chose not to receive his award at Buckingham Palace so that close friends and family could be present. To view this ceremony, click on the following link
http://www.buckstv.co.uk/mbefredjtaylor2.html