The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

Smashing photo!!

Great photo.

Len Arbery wrote:Here is another line-up at the Walker Memorial 'Do' in 1988.

Left to right:

John MacLeod, Billy Walkden, Mike Wilson, Tom Mintram and Rex Elgood.

Note: A sherry glass looks like a pint pot in Little Billy's hand.

Besties,

Len.

Ps. Might have a another one-or-two if you'd like to see them? L.

Just a bit of an update. Steve Felton (Ron Felton's son) was around Billy Walkden's last night listening to more Redmire tales whilst delivering him his Christmas bottle. Billy is now 92. I will never forget the picture of 'The night of the Beer Barrels' at Redmire. The fish looked so big with Little Billy holding them. I met Billy in 1984 when I joined a syndicate ran by him and Ron Felton. I couldn't believe how tiny this well known carp angler was.

Here are a few words from a message from Steve that have lived with him forever. What a great memory to have of one of the earlier captures of 'The Old 38' later to be better known as 'The Bishop' (Chris Yates's record carp) from that great Redmire night... The night of the Beer Barrels.

I still remember standing in my dads dark room as a kid, as he developed the roll of film of Bills and John Mcloud's catch and was amazed as the images of the 4 carp which looked massive started showing the photographic paper in the developing solution. All those years ago and I can remember it as if it was yesterday.

P.S. Cracking picture Len.

Is Billy Walkden actually stood up in that picture?

He certainly is or if he isn't he stands at the same height.

wow, when I first looked I thought he was sitting down!

Shaun Harrison wrote:He certainly is or if he isn't he stands at the same height.

He must have been great at carp stalking..

But not in long grass!

I have just been speaking to Steve and I am hoping Billy comes along to the monthly British Carp Study Group meetings I hold. Steve is giving a talk in February which would be of interest to Billy. It will be lovely to catch up again. It has been so many years. I think I can let Billy into the meeting as 'guest of honour' for the night.

Another angler who kept very much below the radar and I would guess many would never have heard of him had it not been for the pictures in the Redmire Pool book.

Just in case anybody isn't familiar with, "The Night of the Beer Barrels", here's one of Bill Quinlan's pictures of that fabulous Redmire catch by John MacLeod and Billy Walkenden:



When is your meeting scheduled, Shaun, and where will it be held?

Besties,

Len.

Len Arbery wrote:Just in case anybody isn't familiar with, "The Night of the Beer Barrels", here's one of Bill Quinlan's pictures of that fabulous Redmire catch by John MacLeod and Billy Walkenden:



When is your meeting scheduled, Shaun, and where will it be held?

Besties,

Len.

It really is one of the most outstanding, iconic images...