The National Vintage Fishing Tackle Fair Redditch

[Kevanf1]

Guys, I am so sorry I woke this morning and if there was a joint it was hurting, if there wasn't a joint that was hurting too I don't know if I have the same bug that my wife has had for the last few days or if it is just the arthritis kicking in. Whatever, it has totally scuppered my plans to go the tackle fair. I was really looking forward to this and now all I have is a day of sitting having to watch bloody 'Friends' DVDs on tv. I cannot abide the programme but my youngest daughter loves them... over and over again.

So, I hope those that did manage to go happened upon some bargains, please, tell us about them. Maybe next time in a few months time....

[AshbyCut]

So sorry you couldn't make it Kevanf1 ... it was a wonderful morning.

Needless to say it was great to make contact with too many TFF members to name individually ... (and the delightful Mrs. Loop).

I had the privilege of watching Gary Mills 'fettle' my Ambidex, and confirm that it's a very special one ... and he refused any payment. Not only that, but he's going to sort me out with a spare spool.

I had the supreme pleasure of meeting Ryan Burns, and looking at his superb rods ... of which more in the "Harvey Torbett" thread as soon as I've finished this.

I had equal pleasure in meeting up again with "James" ... aka Andrew Davis ... and can confirm that his latest rod is indeed a thing of beauty and will no doubt be a joy forever to the lucky person who nabs it. It sits as beautifully "in the hand" as it looks to the eye.

The day was capped by the generosity of Bob Brookes ... which will be explained in the "Knocker Norris" thread.

If you missed this one ... make sure to be there for the next.

[Kevanf1]

AC, I was really looking forward to this. It's just about typical and my health has meant the last two fishing sessions I had planned with a friend got the order of the boot too I don't like this arthritis thing, can I have a new body please? I'd even settle for a carbon fibre one.....

[Snape]

I was an enjoyable morning but as always I spent too much money. Mostly due to the beautiful display of Andrew Field floats which I couldn't resist
I dropped off a couple of rods to Ryan Burns for a refurb and Garry Mills tweaked my Aerial - thanks. I also came home with some of Garry's oil, a couple of Andy Batchelor's floats, a Pridex fly reel and a variety of lures. I could easily have come home with some of Andrew Davies's rods but the budget would quite stretch that far, beautiful as there are (as good as Barder in my view) .
It was good so see a few familiar faces and meet a few more.

[Mario]

I must admit I thought it wasn't as good as last time I went there was a few stalls missing from the last time I went no Paul Cook and fisher men's emporium were not there either I like browsing the book stalls I thought there wasn't as many as times before on the plus side Andrew field was there but I could get near as he was mobed most of the time I also like looking at the artwork and stuffed fish but there wasn't much of that either but I did come away with a fine bone china mug with a painting of pike on I now have the carp one and the salmon one in the series and I got some free post card from cocky buddy books one from the Poles apart book the other was Maurice pledger one

[Dave Burr]

Its always a good day when you are up to your armpits in fishing gear Like Loop I had my better half as my rod carrier leaving me two hands to rummage - that's not a reference to Mrs Loop by the way ( well, not when he was looking )

Loop relieved me of a rd surplus to my requirements and I immediately set about spending the money . I bought a very nice little Abu 40, some spinner baits (not exactly vintage but I love using them for pike and the price was ridiculously low at £12 for 5). Two books found their way in my bag and I met my mate Andy and collected my Floatcaster and a cane lure rod that he's been refurbishing. All in all a good day

It was good to meet up with AC, Snape, Merlot, Teme Lad, Gary Proctor, Steve, John and Andy (from the Fennel weekend) and to have a cuddle with Mrs Loop. If I've missed anybody out forgive me and I'm sorry I missed Bob Brookes, I'd like to have had him rub some of his perch luck on to me

[Bob Brookes]

Missed you too Dave, where were you?

[Dave Burr]

All over the bleedin' place Bob. Perhaps next time we should wear pink carnations.

[Loop Erimder]

I had a great time, picked up an aerial allcocks of Ryan Burns, Dennis Pye Rod off our Dave and also 3 floats off Andrew Field. Met a few more fine chaps, Bob Brookes, Gary Proctor, TemeLAD, Andrew Field, Ryan Burns, Steve Middleton and met a few of the old favourites, Merlot, AshbyCut, Snape, Hermit, Andrewe Davis, Andy Bachelor apologies if I missed anyone

[Mario]

You spent more than me loop by the way I think I spoted you outside by the teas shop