One of the most pleasing things about the Chatsworth show, on Saturday at least, was that the ground was dry and you could walk around in boots, shoes, trainers and other comfortable footwear. I can remember doing the Chatsworth show, both as visitor and exhibitor, for many years when you struggled to walk around in Wellington boots due to the thick mud generated by lots of feet on very wet ground. So, for most of Saturday at least, it was a pleasure to walk on dry grass on a sunny, pleasant day.
The main entertainment was the usual forums, demos, fly tying exhibition, river walks, and casting competitions from angling’s experts on coarse, game and sea fishing, and although I didn’t have time to see all of these shows I’m told they were very enjoyable. The line-up of stars included Bob Nudd, John Wilson, Ian Heaps, Barrie Rickards, Frank Warwick, Charles and Alex Jardine, Lisa Isles, Clive Mitchelhill, Glyn Freeman and Paul Proctor.
There were some genuine bargains to be had on many of the stalls, better bargains than I’ve seen in previous years. I know of at least three FM members who walked off with a Rover Brolly, which was a very nice olive green golf brolly, with handle and spike, contained in a well made Cordura type case with carrying handle that cost just a fiver. Excellent for those days when you’re not sure what the weather is going to do and for any time, fishing or not, when you just may need a brolly. Like my mate Dave said, you couldn’t afford not to have one.
Several FM members met in the fly tying marquee to watch Neil Thomas tie up a few flies, including one for me, a foam beetle, while Ed and Ron looked over his shoulder making ‘helpful’ remarks that Neil managed to ignore and still tie a good fly. Dave Stocker came along which led to an interesting discussion about the site and fly fishing. Dave, who has previously been an out and out game fisherman declared that FM had given him an urge to try coarse fishing.
The day was quieter than usual, but this was not too surprising considering it was FA Cup Final day. I expect Sunday was a lot busier. |
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