The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

SussexMan wrote: ↑Sat Jul 29, 2023 1:37 pm One of the reasons BB's writing has an impact is its authenticity; he had a vast wealth of experience, often handed on to him by rural acquaintances. Very few modern countryside writers (John Lewis-Stempel comes close...) have BB's depth, but their dilemma is that large tracts of the British countryside are being filleted of their wildlife by increased footfall. This comes in many forms, including those who regard the countryside as merely an as yet 'unrealised marketing asset', ripe for corporate (eg Center Parcs) 'development' (another oxymoron, with the emphasis on the last 5 letters...).

Martin James wrote: ↑Fri Nov 24, 2023 9:55 am Yes Manka the Sky Gypsy is a great favourite, even more as I was an avid wildfowler like BB, I visited many of the places that BB to especially Scotland The fens and the Wash, even in the worst weather I would be out on the marsh, often getting a ducking, more than once I have had to swim a creek, it’s a sport that really grips one. Tides Ending and Dark Estuary are two great book with some wonderful pictures that capture the scene perfectly, I can certainly recommend these two book, in fact I have never read a bad book by BB D J Watkins- Pitchford MBE, F.R.S.A., A.R.C.A, A onetime art teacher at Rugby College. Its been a privileged that in my lifetime I have spent lots of special time with BB and his daughter Angela. You can often find a good selection of BB’s in your Public library.

Bob Brookes wrote: ↑Mon Dec 11, 2023 12:32 pm When I were but a lad, way back in the middle ages, 1954 precisely, I started at a Secondary Modern school aged 11. The form teacher was Mr Bill, who also had the job of teaching us English, with mixed success. One class every week he used to read from a book to the class in an attempt to encourage us to read ourselves. The first book he read from was Brendon Chase and I found it enthralling, to the extent that I read it all myself. 60 years later I could still remember extracts from it, not having seen a copy in the meantime. Thank you Mr Bill.

I came across a copy a few years ago and again I couldn't put it down. It was a true boys adventure book that to some degree mirrored my youth, fishing, bird nesting and about nature in general. I lent it to my grandson who was 12 at the time and said how good it was. I left it a month before I asked how he enjoyed it but he said it wasn't for him. He had hardly read any of it, I guess it was just appropriate to my era of kids. Such a shame.

As a postscript, Mr Bill was also a scout for Manchester United. I was in his class a few years later when the Munich air disaster occurred. That was the first time I had seen a man cry. Some teachers do leave an impression on you!

Polecat wrote: ↑Tue Dec 12, 2023 1:09 pm

Bob Brookes wrote: ↑Mon Dec 11, 2023 12:32 pm When I were but a lad, way back in the middle ages, 1954 precisely, I started at a Secondary Modern school aged 11. The form teacher was Mr Bill, who also had the job of teaching us English, with mixed success. One class every week he used to read from a book to the class in an attempt to encourage us to read ourselves. The first book he read from was Brendon Chase and I found it enthralling, to the extent that I read it all myself. 60 years later I could still remember extracts from it, not having seen a copy in the meantime. Thank you Mr Bill.

I came across a copy a few years ago and again I couldn't put it down. It was a true boys adventure book that to some degree mirrored my youth, fishing, bird nesting and about nature in general. I lent it to my grandson who was 12 at the time and said how good it was. I left it a month before I asked how he enjoyed it but he said it wasn't for him. He had hardly read any of it, I guess it was just appropriate to my era of kids. Such a shame.

As a postscript, Mr Bill was also a scout for Manchester United. I was in his class a few years later when the Munich air disaster occurred. That was the first time I had seen a man cry. Some teachers do leave an impression on you!

That is so so true. I remember a teacher at primary school reading a Roald Dahl book to us. It was about a lad who lived with his father (he was a mechanic I think) and they went poaching pheasants and the like. I can't remember the title of the book but it made a lasting impression on me and no doubt influenced many aspects of the direction my life has taken. I too worry about the current generation - my nephew who is now 12 hardly ever plays outdoors.

Bobthefloat wrote: ↑Tue Dec 12, 2023 6:18 pm

Polecat wrote: ↑Tue Dec 12, 2023 1:09 pm

Bob Brookes wrote: ↑Mon Dec 11, 2023 12:32 pm When I were but a lad, way back in the middle ages, 1954 precisely, I started at a Secondary Modern school aged 11. The form teacher was Mr Bill, who also had the job of teaching us English, with mixed success. One class every week he used to read from a book to the class in an attempt to encourage us to read ourselves. The first book he read from was Brendon Chase and I found it enthralling, to the extent that I read it all myself. 60 years later I could still remember extracts from it, not having seen a copy in the meantime. Thank you Mr Bill.

I came across a copy a few years ago and again I couldn't put it down. It was a true boys adventure book that to some degree mirrored my youth, fishing, bird nesting and about nature in general. I lent it to my grandson who was 12 at the time and said how good it was. I left it a month before I asked how he enjoyed it but he said it wasn't for him. He had hardly read any of it, I guess it was just appropriate to my era of kids. Such a shame.

As a postscript, Mr Bill was also a scout for Manchester United. I was in his class a few years later when the Munich air disaster occurred. That was the first time I had seen a man cry. Some teachers do leave an impression on you!

That is so so true. I remember a teacher at primary school reading a Roald Dahl book to us. It was about a lad who lived with his father (he was a mechanic I think) and they went poaching pheasants and the like. I can't remember the title of the book but it made a lasting impression on me and no doubt influenced many aspects of the direction my life has taken. I too worry about the current generation - my nephew who is now 12 hardly ever plays outdoors.

Danny the champion of the world!

I also grew up having Roald Dahl books read to me wonderful memories

RBTraditional wrote: ↑Tue Dec 12, 2023 6:44 pm What’s the best BB book to read?….the one which is in your hands…..