The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

Just back from Redditch ... and it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces ... far too many to mention, and I probably missed a few, too ... and more of a delight was to meet some of the chap's Ladies ... positively pulchritudinous !!!

Sorry to the stall holders that I had to go with (mostly) empty pockets ... but I was able to collect my pre-ordered "Millbrook" from Mr. Gary Mills himself ... and what a delight it is !!! No. 32 of a production run of 40 ... beautifully oiled mahogany ... 3 and 5/16th inches of skillfully engineered and assembled precision, as we've come to expect from this superb artisan craftsman ... Merry Christmas to me, Hurrah !!!

Just back myself. Loads of the usual suspects in attendance at a very busy fair. I walked away without spending as much as a shilling which is definitely a first for me. Sorely tempted by one or two items mind you. Plenty of chat though and that's always important.

Lovely to seem you Mal, looking so resplendent as usual

AshbyCut wrote: ↑Sun Nov 19, 2017 12:34 pm Just back from Redditch ... and it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces ... far too many to mention, and I probably missed a few, too ... and more of a delight was to meet some of the chap's Ladies ... positively pulchritudinous !!!

Sorry to the stall holders that I had to go with (mostly) empty pockets ... but I was able to collect my pre-ordered "Millbrook" from Mr. Gary Mills himself ... and what a delight it is !!! No. 32 of a production run of 40 ... beautifully oiled mahogany ... 3 and 5/16th inches of skillfully engineered and assembled precision, as we've come to expect from this superb artisan craftsman ... Merry Christmas to me, Hurrah !!!

Hi Mal , I'm the proud owner of No. 15 of that production run . It's a most delightful little reel and you're sure to delight in using it .

Also home and unpacked.
So many well known faces with a few new ones mixed in. Some terrific conversations with smiles and laughter sprinkled in.

Just a snap taken of Mal, Tony and myself putting the world right!

Couldn't go this year chaps so missed seeing and chatting to fellow forum members. Hope to be at the next one!

I had a great day - all of my money has gone and almost nothing to show for it!

Actually, that could do with some explaining.

Mrs. B. Wanted to buy me an Altex no.1 to go with my Wanless, as a Christmas gift (officially I don’t actually know for sure what it is - it’s a surprise!) but the one we found was far nicer than we had anticipated, and more costly too, so my meagre cash pot was plundered to make up the difference.

The I renewed my Fallons subs, and bought an issue I was missing, a couple of floats from LuckLuca and a reel-bag, destined to become two-reel-bags from Wagtail.

I did have, at this point, plenty of cash left. More of that later.

Before then, the reel bag - I wanted to give that Altex (or whatever it may be) a nice place to live, and this stood out on Alex’s stall



When we got home, Mrs. B needed to retire to her sewing room to wash the fishing out of her head, so I followed and a few minutes work with her trusty unpicker



And I had two reel bags!



One for the Altex (or whatever!) and the other for my Mitchell 308. Marvellous.

Finally, I was just congratulating myself on only spending a tiny amount of cash when I happened upon Andrew J Davis and his stall of far too many temptations.

I bought, almost immediately a well-restored Hardy Palakona which will be my heavy-ledger rod, for a bargain-tastic price and once more congratulated myself upon keeping most of my money in my pocket.

A five minute conversation with the man and my wife proved my downfall. It’s a significant birthday for me next year and I’d planned a significant rod purchase to celebrate. I shan’t reveal the outcome of our conversation, but let’s just say that most of my cash reserve now resides with Mr. Davis and I have a treat to look forward to next year.

In the closed season!

Still, at some point I should get my money back as it’s a gift from Mrs. B for my birthday.

We've all had days like that Dick - we are but flesh and after all That's why I was so amazed at my 'escape' with wallet in tact today. Mind you, I'm very jealous of your purchases

DickBrowne wrote: ↑Sun Nov 19, 2017 6:16 pmFinally, I was just congratulating myself on only spending a tiny amount of cash when I happened upon Andrew J Davis and his stall of far too many temptations.

The man is a Wicked Tempter, Sir ... having had one of his "Nottingham Style Roach" rods thrust into my hand so that I could 'feel the action" ... knowing I would fall in love with it ... and add it to my "Most Wanted" list !!! I managed to scurry away (or as close to scurry as I can manage at my age) before committing myself !!!

It was great to attend Redditch today, back to the original venue that I remember from a few years ago. Both myself and John (Fredline) found it hard going although our prices were fair. I managed to find several of the alloy "Reynolds" reels that Wal is fond of and he presented me with three lovely floats which I will treasure, the wound paper examples are particularly wonderful, thank you Wal I managed to sell several rods to some regular visitors from Germany and a last gasp flurry of other sales saved the day! Thank you everyone that stopped to say hello, it was a pleasure to see you! After getting up at three this morning, I am off to bed tired but happy!