It seems like only two minutes since I penned last year's review on the fabulous Chatsworth Angling Fair - how time flies when you're having fun!

This years' fair seemed a little quieter than the last event, perhaps the cup final on the Saturday kept some of the crowds at home? So navigating between all the stands on the Saturday was a little easier - and I managed to have a good 'nosey' at all the goodies on offer. I have to admit - I had a serious wallet attack, buying rods, reels, books and hooks at prices too good to miss, well you have to stock up don't you?

Again the weather was good and the rain kept at bay, making the day even more enjoyable - if that's possible. I met lots of old friends, learnt a lot of good tips from the experts and even managed to sit in on a cookery demonstration! OK - it was a trout that was being cooked - and it tasted absolutely lovely - thank you!

Famous names were the order of the day - Bob Nudd, Frank Warwick and John Wilson to name but a few... and all the celebs were in a relaxed, chatty mood, they all had time for photo's, autographs and a good chin wag.

John Wilson was in particularly good form... it's the most relaxed I've seen him. Well tanned and with a gold St Christopher around his neck - he looked the picture of a jet-setting have-rod-will-travel angler.

I met up with him in Chris Sanford's stand and John told me of his efforts to try and get angling on terrestrial TV, the BBC it seems, considers angling wouldn't bring in the viewers. Tell that to the Discovery Channel. I wonder how many anglers reading this also watch the angling programmes on Sky TV?

I met up with Wendy Gibson - of 'Flies by Wendy' - she's back on the road to recovery following her operation. Her army of fans were all pleased to see her - I managed to snap a few photo's before being swamped by her followers! We all wish her a speedy recovery.

It was interesting to see the celebs trying their hand at distance casting - John Wilson, Frank Warwick and Bob Nudd were competing to see who could cast the farthest... John seemed to have the edge, but the look on Bob Nudd's face promised stiff competition. With his steely grey eyes shaded under the traditional white flat cap, Bob was studying the casting techniques of the other anglers - the thought - 'Bob don't like to come second!' crossed my mind.

One day just wasn't enough - so I had to make the trip to Chatsworth on the Sunday as well, and the crowds turned out in their thousands, the caterers had a field day supplying the hoards of hungry anglers - you just can't beat a good bacon sandwich and a natter with fellow fishermen.

Everyone seemed to have a new rod in their hand or a white carrier bag full of goodies. If it was angling related - you could buy it, watch it or learn about it at Chatsworth.

With weary legs and a lighter wallet - I've got to say I enjoyed this years event - it was well organised, well laid out and all the events ran like clockwork - top marks to all concerned.

Good fishing to you all...

Kevin Miles

Anglers Tales Archive