Yates and Buller at Recollections Launch

 The event-wrecking, freezing weather of January 2010 seemed a distant memory as spring sunshine welcomed smiling visitors to the book signing at Brobury House on Sunday afternoon, 11th April.

The main attraction was the presence of two of angling's most eminent authors and fishermen, Fred Buller MBE, and Chris Yates. They were our guests at a celebratory dinner, co-hosted by Brobury House owners Pru and Keith Cartwright, in honour of Fred and his award. They were also there to take part in the first full Trustee's meeting, a great photo opportunity for Angling Heritage.

Originally, the purpose of the event was to hand Recollections I to purchasers, but the precious books had already been despatched and the latest get-together presented a great opportunity to raise funds for Angling Heritage (UK) to fund future recordings. A select group of people were invited to bring their books for signing by Fred and Chris and we relieved them of around £2 per signature which they were more than happy to donate. The initiative was a great success, with over £300 raised.

Feedback from people who'd travelled especially to meet Fred and Chris was great, it was a real 'red letter' day for someone who'd driven quite a distance, so my sincere thanks to everyone who took time to support the event. In return each person received a dated certificate signed by the Trustees with Fred Buller as Patron. One gentleman very kindly asked me to sign his copy of Recollections, which I did with a very trembling hand - I sincerely hope it doesn't devalue it! The two hours allocated for signing passed quickly and I do hope it wasn't too arduous for our honoured guests whose presence made it a very special weekend.

One of our visitors is a member of Dunstable Angling Club, who bought along fishing magazines, and booklets on the history of his club which he donated to Angling Heritage. I mention this because one item on the Agenda for the Trustees' meeting was future projects.

When Angling Heritage was founded, I remember saying to Fred that we would grow the Trust from 'little acorns'. In producing the 'Recollections' series of recordings we've made the all-important start on preserving angling history.

During the Trust meeting, we discussed ways to expand what we're aiming to preserve and one of the ways to do this is to feature Angling Clubs, Societies and Associations and their history. We all feel that each has a wealth of information to offer, not only in terms of the characters involved, but by what has been achieved by past trophy winners whose catch records can help provide a vital source of information charting the species of fish and the management of rivers, lakes and pools.

What Angling Heritage would like people to do is contact us with their details, and if agreed we will feature your organisation on our website, together with relevant photographs and a brief history. If you or your Club would like to take part in recording this aspect of angling history, please contact us - we'll be happy to hear from you. E mail Keith on keitarmshw@aol.com to dicuss things further.

Finally, I can tell you that work's progressing well transcribing the recording made last July between Des Taylor and Professor Barrie Rickards.  Please remember that it took three years to complete Recollections I, but I've learned so much from that experience and hope to have Recollections II ready for printing at the end of the year for release this time next year.

You may also be aware that the recording was made between Bob Buteux and Len Arbery on 26th March 2010, and Dave Steuart and Peter Wheat is scheduled for late May, so there is so much to do.

On a personal note, Bob Buteux is recovering from an operation and I know that he is looking forward to the special event of his Recollections II book launch, and I'm equally looking forward to inviting you to come along then too.

Sandy Armishaw