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.

July Begins!!

Hi everyone, well it's been a good weekend for Reg E Mental and Reg Gibson. On Saturday 3 July Reg E Mental entertained at the Hartley Country Club on the occassion of their 75th Anniversary. Congratulations to them and a big thank you to all for looking after me. Sunday 4 July saw Reg Gibson entertaining at a private garden party in Charing. It was a brilliant day and thanks goes to Fred for arranging meals for me and Cheryl. Cheryl shot a short video of me working. It's a bit wobbly as she was being attacked by mozzies at the time!!! Hopefully a relaxing week is ahead with a day of fishing included somewhere. Have a good week everyone and as Dell would say, "bonjour"