The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

I went down to Chapman's last week to pick up a new tip they had made for my dads 1947 10'6 Modern Arms Medway. I was very pleased to find that the rod had been given a check over,markings made for which spline the rings should go, the other joints straightened and a very nice surprise that the ferrules and butt cap had been 'blued' John supplied the rings and green whipping silk I needed, I mentioned that the original reel bands had been brass but in a moments folly I had replaced them with alloy, John's brother suddenly appeared with a pair he found and said I could have them for free, John offered to 'blue' them if I had half an hour and fancied a cuppa but I had to refuse as I was late for a work meeting, I went away a very happy angler. The restoration job will be started soon and I will post before/after pics on here, the rod should be bending this summer providing I get the 'work life balance' right !!. My journey saw me crossing the Lea, Ouse, Nene and Welland and passing a few still waters so a fishy day indeed !

Tight lines
Dave

They're lovely chaps, and make some of the best split cane around!

I must say that the service provided by Chapman's is second to none.

When ordered over the phone, it's delivered, usually the following day,
well packed. I ordered a bulk spool of Gudebrod when they had just
changed over to their new website and they had made a mistake in the
pricing (I believe it was their buying in price) but John honoured the
order at the advertised price.

Also the advice is always given so freely, I sometimes wonder how they
make a profit with the amount of time John or Brian spend on the phone
answering my queries.

As Nobby has said, we can all rue the day when they retire.