The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

I was busy down on Bartonsham meadow today with my loppers and shovel. Just a bit of early Autumn gardening and collection of a black bin liner full of bottles, cartons, discarded clothing and other slightly more unpleasant items. Before I got to the bank behind the farm I could hear all sorts of shouts, laughter and giggling from the river. Dozens of people were afloat on a whole variety of different 'boats'. Some wore fancy dress, others were busy trying to sink each other, yet more trying to stand whilst paddling a large plastic giraffe.

Obviously I didn't know anyone, they must have assembled somewhere above Hereford city. I wondered whether, unbeknown to me, some TFF members were gathering for a 'fish in' downstream. Impossible I thought, its so sunny and the river's far too low and clear to attract any serious piscators.