Just a Thought

Hello again everyone and welcome to my blog.

This time of year holds a very poignant moment for me. I have been reflecting on it and realise that I share my experience with so many people in the world. I thought that maybe if I share my thoughts with you all I hope it may give upliftment to those who need it, and be cathartic for me, so here goes.

Many people in times of distress hold their hands up and say, “Why has this happened to me? What good can come out of it?”

Maybe it is due to the passing of someone close. It could be that someone close to you, or even you yourself could be having health issues. Whatever the circumstances, I believe that nothing happens in this life without a good reason.

Those that only take the negatives out of such an event are likely to carry them around forever and remain in a well of unhappiness. If, however, they try to look at the positives, and I know it’s hard, they will find their burden lifted to a degree and in many cases find out who they really are.

I know Cheryl won't mind me telling you all but in January it was the anniversary of my first wife Rachel’s passing.

At the time I was totally bereft and alone. I had not only lost my wife of 30 years but my best and closest friend. I could not cook, not even boil an egg. I did not deal with the household finances and didn't even know anything about the bills I had to pay. If you had asked me then what I thought, my message to those above would have been unprintable. I might as well have been stranded in the middle of a desert without food or water.

Unlike being stranded though, I discovered that I had many friends, who rallied round to help me. Indeed some people I did not even know were my friends turned out to be so. There was my first lesson. I had always thought that the world was an uncaring, hostile place to be in but I was shown that there are many people who are good and kind, offering help to those in need without the expectation of reward.

As the time went on, with my own determination and the help and patience of my friends, I learned to cook and clean, to wash and iron and everything to do with household finances.

I never thought that I would ever meet anyone special again until Cheryl came into my life. So from being totally breft and alone, I now realised how lucky I was.

Looking at the events now I realise that Rachel’s passing released her from much pain and misery bravely borne, and I believe that she is now watching from spirit, totally amazed at my progression. I have also discovered myself and have hopefully learned many lessons too.

Cheryl was sent to me, I am sure, to help and guide me further.

Yes I will always remember Rachel and still shed a tear sometimes, but it is not disrespectful to those we have lost to move your life along, quite the contrary. The past is a memory locked inside of us and cannot be changed whatever you do. The future lies ahead waiting to be shaped. It is up to each of us to decide if we should take the negative path and languish in the doldrums forever, or to use the lessons of the past to direct ourselves to a bright and happy future. Don't look to others to determine your destiny, they can only help and advise through a situation. Ultimately we shape our own destinies and you and only you can decide on which path you choose.

New Year's Resolutions

Well, it’s the beginning of a new year and this is the time when most of us resolve to do better than the last. Invariably the vast majority of us have probably already failed dismally.

This made me start thinking, why do we have to wait for the beginning of a new year to look to be a better person?

I realised that whatever you do in life there is always an appropriate reward waiting for you as a direct result.

Just consider if you have overspent on your credit card “buying happiness” for Christmas. Your reward will be a mighty bill later on, which may then impinge on your happiness for a long time to come.

You may have decided not to spend and so your reward will be a healthier bank balance.

This kind of logic can be applied to all of us throughout our lives. If you do a good deed, look at it as money in the bank. The more you do the more you accrue. Eventually, and maybe at a most unexpected moment, your reward will present itself to you.

Alternatively if you choose to send out nothing but negativity then that will accrue in your life bank and will eventually jump up and bite you on the bum.

We all have choices in life, choices that we are free to make, that will undoubtedly affect our well being as well as others.

This coming year we have been warned over and over again that it will be one of austerity, but we need not be economic with love and goodwill as it costs not a penny.

Try to make your choices this year positive ones. If you fail at any given point in the year just recognise you are only human and resolve to try again immediately.

Don’t wait for the next new year to start!!

Bargain Hunt - The Sequel

After spending a great day buying our three items the day of the auction finally arrived. It was to be the moment of truth for us all!!
The auction was to be held at the Canterbury Auction Galleries, good for Cheryl and me as it's only a few miles from home.
We arrived early and went off to a little cafe for a rather naughty breakfast roll and tea.
Afterwards we made our way to the auction house where we were greeted by Alex from the Bargain Hunt Team who directed us to the Green Room.
As we passed through some of the lots I couldn't help but wonder if a skip lorry had just disgorged some of it's cargo here. Ahead were the stairs which lead to the basement and the Green Room.
I think we were the first contestants to arrive and we found ourselves in this small room packed which was being used to store lots. The chairs on which we sat and even the rugs we stood on were lots to be sold. It was a small room but full of character and a wonderful atmosphere and energy.
The other contestants started to arrive . Our opposite numbers Yvonne and Brian arrived and we greeted each other with the customary hugs and handshakes. Cheryl and I considered ourselves so lucky to be against such a warm and friendly couple. Yvonne gave Cheryl a red bead bracelet that she had made. What a kind and lovely gesture that Chery really appreciated. Brian and I both write and record our own music and we exchanged CD's. Brian's CD had been reviewed in a music magazine so how impressive is that!!
Dick and James Strawbridge were the last to arrive with just five minutes to spare. I jokingly said to Dick, "Only just made it", to which he replied, smiling and showing me his watch, "Five minutes early...... on time" We all found Dick such a great and friendly character.
Tim arrived and came into the "Green Room". He greeted us all individually by name. What a gentleman and consummate professional!
Once everyone was finally settled the programme producer explained that they referred to the day as Bargain Hunt - The Sequel and went on to advise us all of the day's schedule.
First there would be the "reveals", the part where each team's expert would show their "bonus buy". After that would be the auction. Each team would be lead upstairs to watch their items go under the hammer. Our only instruction for both parts, "We need to see you react please". I started thinking, "I just hope I don't let out an expletive if an item bombs"
When that was done it would be lunch, followed by the last part of filming called the "wraps" (Well being a TV veteran now I am familiar with all the terms!)
Setting up for the "reveals" began. Experts Catherine Southon and Mark Stacey were "miked up". Catherine came in a little concerned that her mike pack was protruding through her dress at the back. We all assured her that it was okay and as she left Dick said,"If you need a hand adjusting it....." We all laughed and he smiled with that customary glint in his eyes saying, "Well you all thought it!!!"
The "reveals" began, the red teams first followed by the blues. As they progressed we craned our necks like naughty schoolchildren trying to see over the neighbours fence, attempting to snatch a glimpse of each "bonus buy".
When James and Dick had their "bonus buy" revealed by Catherine, we all heared his reaction. "Well it looks like a wooden box!" I saw Dick open the door in it to show nothing more than a wooden shelf inside. "It IS a wooden box!!" he said, incredulously.
Cheryl and I were the fourth team. We stood in front of the cameras and lights. Tim chatted and joked making us feel at ease. Then came the "reveal" Mark whisked the red cloth aside to expose a beautiful object d'art. He explained that it was a Victorian inkstand. He passed it to Cheryl who lifted the lid of the inkwell only to ask,"Where do you put the candle?" That was the cue for everyone, including the crew, to fall about in hysterics. Cheryl immediately realised her gaffe and not only started laughing loudly but her face turned a similar crimson to that of the reveal cloth. In amongst fits of laughter, she apologised profusely to everyone, but was reassured that, "This will make brilliant telly".
Our "reveal" now done, we returned to the sanctuary of the Green Room.
Once this part of the filming had been completed all that was left to do for us all was to wait for the auction. Dick and James milled in and out, Len Goodman went for a walk then sat quietly reading his newspaper whilst Ola stayed in the Green Room chatting.
We all, at some point left the green room to look at some of the lots then look them up in the catalogue to see the price. Good game, good game!. There was a tatty old rug in the Green Room which, in my opinion, was late for an appointment with the recycling plant, showing in the catalogue for a guide price of £75 to £100. It made me wonder how much my old tat, sorry, antiques and object d'art, was worth. You can tell that I know nothing about antiques and that as a complete and utter self confessed pleb, came ill equipped for our Bargain Hunt challenge.
Finally, the first team were called for their appointment with the man and gavel, Ola and Len. Then Dick and James.
Gradually, one by one, the teams were led away.
Then came our call. We sat outside the auction room with Mark, just like two naughty school children waiting with the head prefect to see the headmaster.
After a wait of what seemed an eternity we were taken into the room. My first impressions were that it was much smaller than I had imagined and there were so few people.
Tim briefed us and our first lot came up. We saw the picture of it on a large tv screen adjacent to the auctioneer. Bang, the hammer went down. Our next two lots followed and it was over almost as soon as it started. We then had a couple of lots to decide whether or not to go for the "bonus buy". We made our decision and the hammer fell again. It was done! "Don't tell the blues", Tim instructed us.
Yvonne and Brian went in next as we returned back to the Green Room.
Once our blue rivals had returned we were given the okay to dive into a splendid buffet lunch.
We all started comparing notes about our experience with the auction, all of us taking care not to reveal our profit or loss to each other. Brian and I decided that if our contest was a draw we might have to fight to determine the winner (ha ha!!)
The production team decided that they had exhausted the locations within the Auction Galleries and the wraps would be shot in a nearby gardens.
The production team set off and we followed on, wending our way through the streets of Canterbury. You would be forgiven for thinking this was some kind of school outing as we marched in twos, sporting our red or blue Bargain Hunt tee shirts.
Once we arrived at the gardens the team began setting up the cameras on a lawned area.
The public took a great interest as to what was occurring and they watched intently, taking photos and videos. I played my part and acted as the nonchalant, matter of fact celeb, unaware of the continuing fuss.


In the gardens was a huge tree, the species of which I had no idea. It's massive bulbous trunk was of gargantuan proportions. Someone, I have no idea who, suggested that we all gave the tree a hug. Suddenly I found myself swept up in a wave of tree hugging hysteria, as we all linked hands and surrounded this tree. If the tree could speak I think it would have questioned our sanity and considered this the strangest occurrence it had witnessed in it's millennium of years. I understand photos were taken and are to follow! Oh deep joy!!!
At last the cameras were set and ready to roll. Each set of blue and red contestants were called down so that Tim could give them the auction results starting with Len, Ola, Dick and James.
Cheryl, Yvonne, Brian and myself were last to be filmed. Tim gave us the result and we all reacted on cue.
(No I am not going to reveal the results!)
There was nothing left to do now but thank everyone on the team, including Tim, Mark, Catherine and all the crew for what was for us a unique and probably never to be repeated experience.
Yvonne, Brian, Cheryl and I walked back to the green room where we gathered our belongings and our thoughts. We had been so lucky to be paired with Yvonne and Brian and I am sure that this was just the beginning of a long and happy friendship.
We changed out of our Bargain Hunt tee shirts which we folded and packed in our bags, trophies of our TV experience. I suggested to Cheryl that we should wear them at Herne Bay Market. I could make a camera out of a shoe box and toilet roll and pretend to film her. I am sure that we could con the stallholders into giving us a good discount. She is not so sure.
Anyway, the wraps now wrapped we returned to our cars to journey home.
My final comment as I complete this blog is only to say,"Join us again soon for more Bargain Hunting yes??? YES!!!!"

Tight Lines Granddad

What a joy it's been to spend a couple of days in the company of my 10 year old grandson Bradley. (Well 11 in September)

Grand parenthood is so different to parenthood. The pressures of being a parent are great, well at least I think so. Being a grand parent is just fun!

Nowadays there is increased pressure on parents to appear politically correct in a world that we know is far from it. The paranoia that seems to be promoted to the effect that the world is an unsafe place for all children is not present in my psyche. I think childhood and the world is wonderful and there to be enjoyed!

No, I am not irresponsible. I came from a world where children were not wrapped up in cotton wool, but one where a few bumps and scrapes were considered part of our growing up experience and not an opportunity to sue.

Day one started early. In fact we had to get up at 5:30am to get ready for a day fishing. It was so wonderful to see the excitement bubbling up in Bradley as he rushed to get ready for his first experience of fishing. It reminded me so much of my younger days getting ready with my dad to go to Mote Park Lake.

I was very excited too with the thought of introducing Bradley to a sport I enjoy.

My wife had asked the question,"How long do you think he will sit still for?". "He'll be fine", I replied.

At 6:15am we set off for the lakes on a bright and beautiful July morning. We arrived at the lakes at 6:50am and entered the Tackle Shop. With mine and Bradley's adrenalin now pumping I said, "One adult and one junior day ticket please". Wow, can't believe what I have just asked for!

The tickets were stamped and paid for and at last I held them in my hand. "A pint of maggots and a tub of worms please", I asked.
"What maggots do you want, white, red or a mixture?". We had a mixture. Here came Bradley's first fishing tip. The man told him to put one of each colour on the hook and whichever one was sucked by the fish, that was the colour they were biting on for the day.
I watched as he listened intently and processed the information into his brain's knowledge file.

Now let's get to the lake and fish!!!

First things first, let's get Bradley fishing. I explained how we set up the gear and he chose the float he liked the look of. I showed him how to attach it, clip the weights on and tie on the hook.
We then had to check the depth was set right and I cast out. Once that was done came the time to bait the hook. Unlike my youth when my pockets were stuffed with all manner of creatures and unpleasant stuff, Bradley, being raised in our new sterile society, had not had a close encounter of this wriggly kind before. Bradley touching maggots or worms was going to take time.

I baited his hook then showed him how to cast out, a skill he picked up with remarkable speed. With his chair in place, his rod rests in position, he donned my fishing hat to begin the day.

Almost an hour and a half after arriving I managed to sit down to fish myself.

The time ticked by as Bradley and I chatted. He asked me questions about fishing and I was only too happy to pass on the knowledge acquired since my boyhood. It was a wonderful experience for me, sitting with my grandson, together at the waters edge, with nothing but the wild birds and creatures to distract us from each other.

Then, my line went. I reeled it in and on the end was a roach, about 6 inches long. (That's Granddad speke for 15cm) I let Bradley reel it a bit to get the feel of a fish on the line. I could see his excitement as the vibrations of the wriggling fish transferred to his hands through the rod.

One nil to granddad.

The morning wore on and Bradley cast and then recast when his float came near to the bank. Finally a bite! He reeled in a small roach. He was clearly delighted with his catch and his joy was multiplied in me a thousand fold.

Of course came the obligatory photo. Again, Bradley's lack of contact with things flappy and slimy meant that holding this fish was out of the question. Instead I had to place it on the grass and he put his head in the shot. Suddenly the fish flapped! Bradley was up and at the back of the bank faster than an Olympic sprinter.

The morning gave way to the afternoon. Bradley was really enjoying the day. He continued to catch a few roach, commenting after each one, " You are the expert fisherman Granddad and I'm catching more than you on my first day!" I smiled back, thinking to myself how perfectly it had turned out.

Later in the afternoon Bradley hit a "purple phase". He hit into a shoal of roach. Within seconds of casting the float was under. Some he caught, some he missed. I became Bradley's Bait Boy!

Finally, at just after 4pm we decided to call it a day. Bradley could have stayed for much longer, but at a score of Bradley 13 roach and 1 perch to granddad's single roach he decided to be kind to me and let me off any further humiliation.

Bradley and I really enjoyed our day, not only fishing but being together without any distractions from other people, computers or telly.
In addition Bradley did manage to hold a fish with me to put it back into it's watery home and succeeded in touching maggots. Both experiences were received with a modicum of caution, but they were experiences none the less.

We headed back home, both of us looking back at a wonderful day together. Our experiences were so different but equally rewarding.

Bradley told me, "You are really cool Granddad", and gave me a hug.

He couldn't wait to tell my wife Cheryl about the day, which he did at length when we arrived home.

A good night's sleep ensued and the next day Bradley, Cheryl and I spent the day together at Wildwood Animal Park in Herne Bay. Again a wonderful experience for all three of us but so different from the day before.

Bradley wants to go fishing with me again and I can't wait.
So many people fear the onset of years with the high cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension. Despite all that, for me the joys of my mature years are so wonderful and so enhanced by my grand children.
My advice is, keep taking the tablets, embrace your advancing age with both hands and enjoy passing on your joy of life to others. As a result I guarantee you will receive an immeasurable bounty of satisfaction and happiness no money could ever buy.

Long live grand parenthood!!

A Day Out with Gloria!

Saturday for me is just a normal working day. This particular one was no different and I was booked by Elaine to attend the Samphire Centre Summer Fun Day for Sure Start Dover.

Elaine had organised the whole day herself and what a fantastic job she had done. There was mask making, bouncy castle, petting area with sheep, goats, calves, chickens and a baby lamb that needed feeding from a bottle, duck fishing, play your cards right, a dog display and much much more.

As I was getting set up for my contribution I noticed some cars nearby and the people, all dressed in maroon sweatshirts, removing what appeared to be glass tanks. "What did they contain?", I asked myself. As always, and despite my better judgement, curiosity got the better of me, so once I was set up and clear of my role for the day, I went inside to seek out the secrets of the mysterious tanks.
It didn't take me long to find out! As I entered the building, the first room I came to, aptly named the Sunshine Room, gave up the secrets I was seeking. CREEPY CRAWLIES!!.

It was a close encounters roadshow presented by the Invicta Arachnid Club. I gingerly entered. Those that know me will be aware that I am a creepy crawlie whimp, so going into the room was something of an achievement.
I gazed around in awe. There was a tank with scorpions, hardly moving. They were black and shiny and you could be forgiven for thinking they were made of plastic.
A tank with huge millipedes, some curled up and others stretched out to their full length. I watched as there multitudinous legs rippled as if performing some kind of Mexican wave. Becky was standing there with a beautiful golden yellow snake wrapped around her neck. She told me that it was a corn snake and a constrictor. I felt it's tail and it curled around my finger. I could feel the power for those few seconds, then it released.

There were so many tanks with so many different creatures. Then I saw it. The SPIDER!
I have had a major fear of spiders since I was about five or six years old. I was in bed one night and I felt something tickle my foot. I pulled the covers back to reveal a huge hairy black spider sharing my bed. I screamed and my parents removed it but it was sometime before I would lay down to sleep again. Such was the trauma of that experience that I still remember it clearly to this day. I am convinced that this was the point in my life when my extreme phobia of spiders began.

Chris was in charge of the desk with a selection of tanks, including one with a female Mexican Red Kneed Tarantula called Gloria. All of the creatures were there for people to hold under Chris's expertise and he would photograph you with them for a modest fee. I knew this was an opportunity to have a go.
I told Chris and Becky that I would return later to hold Gloria and went off to entertain the children that were now arriving.

In my mind I still didn't think I would actually go through with it, but as I continued my "mix 'n' mingle" I was somehow drawn back to the Sunshine Room. Becky and Chris kindly gave me some interesting information about the animal I feared which slowly began to ease my irrational fear.

Finally the moment came! I sat at the desk and told Chris I was ready. He carefully lifted Gloria from her tank. She immediately dashed across his hands and I instictively jumped from my seat and took a couple of hasty paces backwards. Gloria was calm. Chris reassured me and I sat back at the desk and placed my hands in position as instructed. He gently placed Gloria onto my hands. I felt no fear and no panic. Chris and Becky had given me such confidence.

Gloria sat in my hands, and as she slowly moved I could feel her gentle movement. This was not a creature to be afraid of but one to admire and wonder at.
After Chris had taken the photo he gently lifted Gloria from my hands and placed her with care back into her home. I did not feel relief but a great disappointment that my encounter was all over.

This was followed by a feeling of total and absolute exhilaration. I did it and what's more had photographic evidence. As I walked around I said to everyone, "Look at my picture! Look what I have just done!" Some were impressed, some thought I was brave and others that I was stark raving mad.

Anyway, I continued my day, still buzzing from the adrenaline rush until finally it was over.

Elaine had done a brilliant job organising such a wonderful day and the Dover Sure Start Team as ever supported the event with a 100% effort. I am so lucky to be, as Elaine said to me afterwards, "One of the Family". Thank you Elaine it was such a lovely comment to make and one I truly appreciate.

I also have to thank the Invicta Arachnid Club for helping me have the experience of a lifetime. If you have an event do consider booking them. With their knowledge and warm, friendly approach they are certain to be a hit. They were with me! (www.invicta-arachnid-club.org.uk)

As I finish I have one question to ask myself. "When the next spider appears in the bathroom will I run or will I pick it up and move it?"
I'll let you know

Bargain Hunting

A few weeks ago Cheryl and I went to Tunbridge Wells to audition for the TV programme Bargain Hunt.
A couple of days afterwards we were called and told "You are through!" The date for our filming would be Wednesday 21 July at Ardingly, we would be the Red Team and our expert Mark Stacey.
Cheryl and I looked at each other and both said simultaneously, "What have we done?"

The weeks went quickly by. We were contacted a couple of times by the researcher Hannah to prise from us the last morsel of juicy info for the programme.

On 20 July we set off for Hickstead Travel Lodge where the BBC had kindly put us up for the night. (at last some return on my license fee)

The morning of 21 July came and we set off for the South Of England Showground, still wondering what we had done!.

Upon arrival we found that we were at the wrong gate so after driving around the ground twice found ourselves driving through the pedestrians looking at the stalls. I knew I had to avoid hitting them otherwise our place in the show could be compromised. Ram raiding a stall for a cheap bargain Cheryl advised me would not be considered fair play.
I suppose it would put a new slant on the show. Bargain Blag starring Tim the Tie Wonnacott, Ram Raid Reggie, Smash and Grab Cheryl and their expert Mark "Fingers" Stacey. The object of the show to get three items in an hour and come back still holding the £300.

Anyway, back to reality (tv). We arrived at the green room and were greeted by the people making the show. Tim was rushing around but took the time to greet us and wish us well.
We also met the Blue Team, Yvonne and Brian from Bexhill. What a nice, friendly couple. We had some interesting conversations whilst waiting for the participants of the previous show to get back. It was a special show being recorded for Children In Need.
The Red Team arrived back first, Len Goodman and Ola Jordan of Strictly Come Dancing. Len came over and told us that he had bagged all the bargains and there would be nothing left for us. He was extremely genial and even more relaxed and laid back than he appears on telly.
Then the Blue Team came back, Dick and James Strawbridge. I am sure that if given the chance Dick could out chat me. He was approachable, warm and charming.

We sat and waited our turn to go out and buy our three items. Mark Stacey arrived and he introduced himself to us. What an absolute number one guy. You could see the twinkle of mischief in his eyes. The beautiful, elegant, classy and intelligent Catherine Southon arrived and introduced herself too. Wow!

Time to go out and buy!! Off we went, Mark, Cheryl, me, the producer, cameraman and sound man.

The producer held the stopwatch to time our hour. Yes you REALLY only get an hour to buy three items. The watch was stopped every time we did a "piece to camera" (I know lots of technical terms now I am a luvie!)
After 34 mins we still had not bought our first item. It looks so easy on telly but in reality it is so difficult.
Mark was a star, guiding, advising, joking and making us at ease. Cheryl and I knew when we picked less valuable objects as Mark would comment, "You don't want to look at that Reg E Mental" or "Don't pick that up Cheryl Turtlemoon"

Finally we got our first item! Then ever onwards to find two and three.

As we went round the fair, most stall holders allowed us to film at their stalls. Only one or two refused and one lady was quite rude! Oh well, takes all sorts!

People walking around the fair waved at us and wished us well. We felt almost like celebs for a while.

Suddenly we were given the "fifteen minutes left guys". We still had only ONE item.
Finally we found item two. We had to toss a coin to decide the price. We lost and had to pay the higher.

Finally, after looking and dithering we got our last item. I managed to haggle a big discount but Mark tried and got a bit more off. So, totally worn out we returned to the green room for lunch. As we walked back I said to the sound man that the time goes very quickly. He smiled at me and said, "It does for you." I returned the smile and nodded that I understood. The crew that followed us around had been brilliant and we had felt relaxed and natural in front of the cameras.

After lunch we had to go outside to film the "left over lolly" sequence. If you watch the show you will know what I mean. If you don't, well watch our show.

Another short break and we had to shoot the show's introductions. Amazing to see that the first part of the show was the last bit to be done!

Time now for goodbyes. The crew loaded the equipment into the van, Mark wished us well as he left and Catherine waited for her taxi. "See you at the auction" Brian and Yvonne said and we exchanged handshakes and kisses. (Well once a luvie always a luvie!)
We left in opposite directions to find our cars ready for the long trek home. The sun was low now and the shadows long, and we watched as Yvonne and Brian disappeared through the now dwindling number of stalls.

We have no idea what the Blue Team bought or what our Bonus Buy is.
That will be revealed at the auction on 3 Aug, as well as the results of the sale of our "Bargains".

I am not going to tell you what we bought or how much we spent, that will be our little secret until the show airs.
We have no date for that but will blogg it as soon as we know.

It's hard to imagine how the snips that were filmed will be transformed into the programme and we can't wait to see the result.

Thank you everyone on the Bargain Hunt team for your kindness. What a great bunch!

We owe a big Thank You to Hannah for everything she did prior to and during our foray into the world of TV.

Finally a BIG BIG Thank You to Miki and Debbie for putting us forward for the show. We hope we did you proud.

A Good Day's Carping

The day started like any other normal fishing day. Arrived at Cottington Lakes near Sandwich at 7am. Got the day ticket and off I went to my favourite Alder Lake.

Only a couple of pegs were taken so which one should I choose?

Suddenly I noticed that peg 11 was empty. Peg 11, where the last couple of times I have been to the lakes I have seen the anglers catch fish!

With my heart in my mouth and a bound in my step, I dragged my trolley of gear ever closer. I was there, me on magic peg 11!

Next thing was to set up the gear, getting a line out as quickly as possible. I had been reading about catching carp on a method feeder, so I had purchased these and sat to consider just how they fitted. With that job done it was now time to concoct my fiendish method mix!

Armed with an old kitchen bowl, in went the base powder, followed by a tin of sweetcorn (not in the tin), a couple of handfuls of fish pellets and half a tub of chilli powder. With a dash of lake water added I was left with this sticky and rather pungent mix.

Now to catch fish!!

With two rods out, just sat for a few hours admiring the wonderful scenery. The baby geese I had seen just a few weeks ago were now almost as big as their parents.

The sun continued to shine and the day became hotter. More anglers arrived and set up but I had peg 11. Two anglers I suppose aged in their late twenties or early thirties set up a couple of pegs along from me. Up came the bivvies and all the other paraphanalia we are lead to believe you need to catch fish. Even a stove to cook and brew tea on! What ever happened to a flask and a pack up of sandwiches?

It was just before 1pm that it happened. I had just cast my line out and was adjusting my my carp alarm when the fish took the bait, Reg's own method mix and a coconut boilie. (coconut flavour not size).

Instinctively I struck. IT WAS ON, IT WAS ON!!

I suspect that as the take was so quickly after casting I must have landed the whole ball of method mix on the fish's head and in a dazed condition it took the boilie.

With the fish hooked, my next thought was, "Oh dear now what do I do?"

I could feel the power of the fish as it made for the bank to my left. I could not reel it in as it's power was so great. The two young anglers to my left saw me and one asked, "Are you in?" Bloody silly question I though as I am out for the day. Fisherman's hat Reg, he means,"Do you have a fish?"

"Yes", I replied, subconciously thinking that using too many words may in someway impair my bringing this beast in.

They both came over to view the spectacle. This was the first take of the day anywhere on the lake and it was MINE!

"Need a hand", one asked. "Yes please", I replied and he duly took station with the landing net whilst his mate positioned himself as a spectator.

My heart was thumping and the adrenaline rising, unlike the fish that just continued to dive with increasing power.

After what seemed like hours the fish came near the surface. It did not ascend sufficient to catch a glimpse but the water swirlled as it turned and dived again.

Eventually and with painstaiking caution I managed to get it to break the surface. At last a split second glimpse, long enough though for us to see that this was a good fish and for me to realise it would be the biggest I had ever caught. Suddenly I felt the pressure. What if I loose it? After all I had SEEN it now.

I continued to work the fish with an ever growing caution and confidence combined. It broke the surface so many times and then just disappeared down again. "Take your time, don't rush", my new friends said. At that point rush was not in my vocabulary. I was prepared to wait as long as it took to get the lake to give up my prize.

Finally, and for the umpteenth time I steered the head of the fish towards the mouth of the landing net. My assistant scooped it in. "You've done it fella, congratulations". They were both genuinely pleased for me and I was so grateful to them.

I held this magnificent fish and we put it in the sling to weigh it. Twelve and a half pounds of superbe mirror carp! Beats my best of eight and three quarters by a mile. (anything under ten pounds and the odd quarter is an essential inclusion").

Then I posed for the picture. Even now this creature from the deep was not going to give in easily and I could feel the power still in it as I wrestled with it for a photo. As I stretched it out I slipped my thumb in it's mouth, always guaranteed to calm the fish down. I could feel it nibbling my thumb as my wonderful carp lay still in my arms as I cradled with all the care and love usually reserved only for babies.

My fish was then lowered gently into the water and, after a minute or two, turned and swam back to the home I had lured it from for my pleasure.

My hands and body were shaking long after my carp went back. In fact I found catching it was quite an emotional experience. I don't think non fishing types can quite understand that feeling of joy and elation in landing such a beautiful creature.

After the excitement, we all settled down for the rest of the afternoon, back to staring at our silent alarms that only spoke out when we recast.

As I left at 8pm I said goodbye and thanks to my new friends, whose names I never even asked.

I walked along the bank, past all the anglers with their hundreds of pounds of gear, getting set for the night. "Hear you got the big one today". "Yes", I responded trying and failing to sound as nonchalant as possible. "Twelve and a half". The only other carp caught that day was ten and a half. Not only did I triumph over the fish, but I did it with my beginners kit.

Overall though, I am sure that catching my big fish was more down to luck than anything else.

When I arrived home I showed my very impressed wife the pictures, after which I pondered the day.

I had today the most wonderful experience. Joy and happiness as I had outsmarted a FISH!

In fact the basis of angling is to derive pleasure in outsmarting fish. I suppose that said true angling types must be outside the norm so I prescribe Reg's therapy. It involves sitting still for hours on end on a lake or riverbank for a fleeting moment of excitement. I can't wait for my next fishing trip. Come on let's get the rods and go. Non angling types need not apply.