I like it Nobby, but, can't take the credit; plenty of like-minded souls fished Barnes Pond during the time I was a child, and not all youngsters by any means.
One boy, who had his broken leg in plaster, could be often seen one summer kneeling on an old lorry innertube, complete with already assembled rod and reel, paddling out to fish from the island. I used to see him whilst waiting for the No9 bus to take me to school. Oh! How I then wished for a similar injury; you wouldn't believe how much I envied him.
Hello Tench Dreamer,
When visiting 'BB' most, if not all of our conversations centred on carp, and Redmire Pool in particular. Therefore, I fear, I have no 'BB' tench stories to pass on.
When Kevin Clifford and I were collecting material for our book, 'Redmire Pool', Dick Walker was a terrific source of knowledge and inspiration. Dick it was who suggested 'BB' be contacted and passed on his address. Therefore, perhaps, you may just understand why we never got around to discussing much else.
Here's one of my favourite photographs of 'BB'; plainly taken long before we met.
Fred J. Taylor I knew for much longer, and I really grew to love him. Yes, he had his idiosyncrasies, (don't we all?) and he didn't suffer fools gladly. I like this story Chris Tarrent tells:
As a youngster, Chris visited the Kennet for, I think, the first time. An older, more experienced angler, noticed Chris struggling and took him under his wing. Pointing out what to look for, likely fish holding areas etc. This 'more experienced angler' turned out to be none other than Fred J. Chris couldn't believe it; here was one of the most famous coarse anglers of the day, a friend and confident of Dick Walker, one of the famed 'Taylor Brothers', a member of the inspirational Carp Catchers' Club, taking the time to put a young, then unknown of course, boy on the right track. Chris, Like you TD, has never forgotten that incident and Fred's kindness, and often mentions it.
Here's a picture taken on another never to be forgotten day: The occasion being when I picked-up and took three angling legends, Peter Stone, Fred J. and Maurice Ingham, to Redmire Pool for the day. This was 'Stoney's one and only visit, and Maurice's first trip for many years. Halcyon times!
Besties,
Len.